Church of the Assumption (Saint Paul, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Church of the Assumption--Catholic
|
|
The Church of the Assumption from the southwest
|
|
 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 51 9th Street West Saint Paul, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Built | 1869-1874 |
| Architect | Joseph Reidl (Reidel), Erd Schlick, and Bahnholzer |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001008 |
| Added to NRHP | February 10, 1975 |
The Church of the Assumption Catholic Church is a very old and important church in Saint Paul. It was officially opened in 1874 and is the oldest church still standing in the city. You can find it in downtown Saint Paul. This special building is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized for its historical importance.
Contents
A Church for New Arrivals
The church's community, called a parish, started in 1856. Bishop Joseph Crétin helped create it. At that time, many people were moving to Saint Paul from Germany. The city's main Catholic church mostly served people from France and Ireland. Services were in Latin, and sermons were in French or Irish languages.
The first church building was a simple stone structure. It had a wooden steeple and was located on West Ninth Street. The first leader of the church was Father George Keller. After Father Keller moved in 1858, priests and brothers from St. John's Abbey helped lead the parish.
Building the New Church
By 1869, the first small church was too crowded. A new, larger building was greatly needed. Archbishop John Ireland ordered the construction of a new church. He wanted the growing number of German Catholic immigrants in the city to have their own parish.
The church was built between 1869 and 1874. It was designed in a Romanesque style. This style often features round arches and strong, thick walls. The building uses Lake Superior limestone. Many people believe its design was inspired by the Ludwigskirche in Munich, Germany. The main architect, Joseph Reidel, was a court architect for the royal Wittelsbach family in Bavaria, Germany.
Inside the Church
The inside of the Church of the Assumption looks much like it did in the late 1800s. The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the high altar came from the very first church building.
You can also find special areas called shrines inside. There are shrines dedicated to Thérèse of Lisieux and Maria-Hilf. There are also altars for the Blessed Mother, Saint John the Baptist, Saint Joseph, and Saint Lawrence. The church also has beautiful tapestries showing stories like the Good Samaritan.
Growing the Community
As the Church of the Assumption parish grew, it helped start five other churches. These new churches are sometimes called "daughter churches." They include Sacred Heart, St. Francis de Sales, St. Matthew's, the Church of St. Agnes, and the Church of St. Bernard.
Staff
- Pastor: Father Paul Treacy
