Church of St. Stephen (St. Stephen, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Church of St. Stephen–Catholic
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The Church of St. Stephen viewed from the northeast
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 103 Central Avenue S., St. Stephen, Minnesota |
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| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Built | 1890 (rectory), 1903 (church) |
| Architect | John Jager |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| MPS | Ethnic Hamlet Churches–Stearns County Catholic Settlement Churches TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 82003059 |
| Added to NRHP | April 15, 1982 |
The Church of St. Stephen is a historic Catholic church located in St. Stephen, Minnesota. It belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Cloud. This church was built in 1903 in a small town settled by people who came from Slovenia. A building called a rectory, where the priest lives, was built nearby in 1890. Both buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. They are important because they show how immigrant groups, especially Catholics, settled in rural Stearns County. These groups often formed small communities, or "hamlets," where the church was the main gathering place.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
The Church of St. Stephen was built by Slovene immigrants. These families came to America seeking new opportunities. They brought their faith and traditions with them. Building a church was a very important step for them. It helped create a strong community. The church became the center of their lives. It was a place for worship, celebrations, and important life events.
Who Designed This Church?
The church was designed by an architect named John Jager. He created the building in a style called Romanesque Revival. This style often uses round arches, thick walls, and strong, simple shapes. It makes buildings look grand and solid. The Church of St. Stephen shows many features of this architectural style.
The Rectory Building
Behind the main church building stands the rectory. This is the house where the parish priest lives. It was built earlier, in 1890. This shows that the community was growing even before the main church was completed. The rectory is also part of the historic site. It helps tell the story of the early settlers and their religious life.
Why Is This Church So Important?
The Church of St. Stephen is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a special place in American history. It's important for a few reasons:
- Architecture: It's a great example of Romanesque Revival design.
- Settlement: It shows how immigrant groups settled in Minnesota.
- Religion: It highlights the role of faith in building new communities.
The church represents how Catholic immigrant groups created "ethnic hamlets." These were small villages where people from the same background lived close together. The church was often the most important building in these hamlets. It served as a spiritual home and a community hub.
See also
- List of Catholic churches in the United States
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Stearns County, Minnesota
