Church of St. Francis Xavier (Benson, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Church of St. Francis Xavier
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The Church of St. Francis Xavier from the west
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 508 13th Street North, Benson, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1917 |
| Built by | Wilber Fallis and John Engstrom |
| Architect | Emmanuel Louis Masqueray |
| Architectural style | Renaissance Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001753 |
| Designated | August 15, 1985 |
The Church of St. Francis Xavier, often called St. Francis, is a beautiful Roman Catholic church located in Benson, Minnesota, in the United States. A Roman Catholic church is a place where people of the Catholic faith gather to worship. The church community, known as a parish, started in 1881.
The building you see today was designed by a famous architect named Emmanuel Louis Masqueray. It was finished in 1917. This church is very special because it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it is an important historical building.
Why St. Francis Xavier is Special
The Church of St. Francis Xavier is important for a few reasons. It stands out as one of the most detailed and well-designed churches in west-central Minnesota. Its unique look comes from a style called Renaissance Revival architecture. This style brings back ideas from the Renaissance period, which was a time of great art and learning.
The church also has a strong connection to the early Catholic settlers in Swift County. These settlers moved to the area in the late 1800s and built their community around their faith. The church was a central part of their lives.
Part of a Larger Community
Today, the Church of St. Francis Xavier is part of a bigger group of churches called the St. Isidore the Farmer Area Faith Community. This community includes several other churches in nearby towns.
These churches are:
- St. John in Appleton
- St. Malachy in Clontarf
- St. Bridget in De Graff
- Sacred Heart in Murdock
- Visitation Oratory in Danvers
They all work together to serve their local communities.
Images for kids
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The Church of St. Francis Xavier from the west
