Church of Saint Mary's (New Trier, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Church of St Mary's--Catholic
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The Church of Saint Mary's from the south-southwest
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | New Trier, Minnesota |
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| Area | 3.7 acres (1.5 ha) |
| Architect | Ries, George J. |
| Architectural style | Beaux-Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001233 |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 1979 |
The Church of Saint Mary's is a beautiful and historic Catholic church located in New Trier, Minnesota. Built in 1909, this bright red building sits high on a hill, making it easy to spot from far away. It was designed in a special style called Beaux-Arts, which means it has a grand and formal look, often seen in important public buildings. The church is an important part of the history of New Trier, a town settled by German immigrants.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's History
The story of Saint Mary's Church began a long time ago, even before the current building was constructed.
Early Days and German Settlers
In 1854, many German immigrants started arriving in the area that would become New Trier. They were looking for a new home and a place to build their community. These settlers were very religious, and their faith was a big part of their lives.
Just a few years later, in 1857, the community built their very first church. It was a simple log cabin, but it was a special place where everyone could gather. As the town grew, so did the number of people attending church. In 1864, they built a larger church made of stone, also located on a hill above the town. This new stone church served the community for many years.
Building the Grand New Church
By 1909, the community had grown even more, and they needed an even bigger church. They decided to build the impressive red brick church we see today. The architect, George J. Ries from St. Paul, designed it in the Beaux-Arts style. This style was popular for important buildings and often included grand entrances, tall windows, and decorative details.
The new church was built with bright red bricks, making it stand out on the hilltop. You can see it from miles around! Inside, the church holds a piece of its past: a cornerstone from the old stone church is placed in the entrance area. Also, above the main entrance, there is a five-foot-tall statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that dates all the way back to 1862.
Why Saint Mary's Church is Special
The Church of Saint Mary's is more than just a building; it's a symbol of the German immigrants who settled this part of Dakota County.
Recognized as a Historic Place
Because of its strong connection to the German immigrants who made up almost all the people in southeastern Dakota County in the second half of the 19th century, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. Being on this list helps protect the church and recognize its value to the community and the state. It reminds us of the hard work and faith of the people who built New Trier.
See also
