Church of St. John the Baptist (Virginia, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Church of St. John the Baptist (Catholic)
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The Church of St. John the Baptist from the southwest
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 309 S. 3rd Avenue, Virginia, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1924 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 80004362 |
| Added to NRHP | August 27, 1980 |
The Church of St. John the Baptist was a special old church building in Virginia, Minnesota, United States. It was built in 1924 by a group of Polish American people who were Roman Catholics. This church was very important to the Polish community in Virginia.
In 1980, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important places in the United States that should be protected. The church was recognized for its role in the religious and social life of Polish Americans in the area. It was a central place for them to gather and connect.
The church's community moved to a new building nearby in the 1970s. This new church is called Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The old Church of St. John the Baptist was not used much after that. It was taken down in December 2018. This made space for a playground and more parking for the school next door.
What Did the Church Look Like?
The Church of St. John the Baptist was made of red bricks. It had a style called Gothic Revival. This means it looked a bit like old European cathedrals.
There were six tall, arched windows on each side of the church. The main entrance also had arched windows on either side. Above the main entrance, there was a steeple. This tall tower had a special design called Jacobean styling.
A Special Place for Polish Americans
The church was built in 1924. It quickly became the heart of religious and social life for Polish immigrants in Virginia. It was a place where they could practice their faith and feel connected to their heritage.
A very important person, Paul Peter Rhode, consecrated the church. He was the first Polish bishop in the United States. The church was also used by other Polish groups, like the Polish National Alliance. These groups helped Polish Americans stay connected to their culture.
Want to Learn More?
- List of Catholic churches in the United States
- National Register of Historic Places listings in St. Louis County, Minnesota
