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Church of St. Francis Xavier (Benson, Minnesota) facts for kids

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Church of St. Francis Xavier
2012-0828-Swift-StFrancisXavier.jpg
The Church of St. Francis Xavier from the west
Church of St. Francis Xavier (Benson, Minnesota) is located in Minnesota
Church of St. Francis Xavier (Benson, Minnesota)
Location in Minnesota
Church of St. Francis Xavier (Benson, Minnesota) is located in the United States
Church of St. Francis Xavier (Benson, Minnesota)
Location in the United States
Location 508 13th Street North, Benson, Minnesota
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 Roman Catholic church located in Benson, Minnesota, United States. This church is a special historical building. It was built in 1917 and designed by a famous architect named Emmanuel Louis Masqueray.

The church is important because of its amazing architecture and its connection to the early European settlers in the area. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it's recognized as a significant historical place in the United States.

History of St. Francis Church

The St. Francis parish began in 1881. A parish is a community of people who belong to a specific church. The current church building was finished in 1917. It was designed by Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, who also designed other important buildings.

Why is the Church Special?

The Church of St. Francis Xavier stands out in west-central Minnesota. It has a beautiful design called Renaissance Revival. This style brings back ideas from the Renaissance period, which was a time of great art and learning in Europe.

The church is also important for its link to the history of Swift County. Many Catholic families settled here in the late 1800s. The church became a central part of their community.

St. Isidore the Farmer Area Faith Community

Today, the St. Francis Xavier parish is part of a larger group. This group is called the St. Isidore the Farmer Area Faith Community. It includes several other churches in nearby towns.

This community helps these churches work together. They share resources and support each other.

See also

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