St. Joseph's Church (Pierz, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Joseph's Church--Catholic
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St. Joseph's Church from the west
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St., Pierz, Minnesota |
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| Area | 3.3 acres (1.3 ha) |
| Built | 1886–88 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001998 |
| Added to NRHP | September 5, 1985 |
St. Joseph's Church-Catholic is a very old and special church located on Main Street in Pierz, Minnesota, United States. This beautiful building was constructed between 1886 and 1888. It is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it's recognized as a significant historical site in the country.
Contents
A Church with a Long History
The story of St. Joseph's Church goes back a long way, even before the current building was constructed. It started in 1865, when a priest named Reverend Francis Xavier Pierz began helping the people in an area then known as Rich Prairie. He worked with other helpers like Joseph F. Busch, Ignatius Tomazin, and James Trobec.
Early Days and Founding
In the fall of 1869, the community built a simple church out of logs. More and more Catholic families were moving into the area, so they needed a place to worship. Reverend Pierz became the main pastor of the church in 1871. He stayed there until 1873, when he decided to retire and move back to his home country, Slovenia. Later, the town was renamed Pierz to honor Reverend Pierz and his important work.
Building the New Church
In 1884, Reverend Paneratins Maebren became the new pastor of the church. He was in charge when the first stone of the new, bigger church building was laid in 1886. This special stone is called a "cornerstone" and is often placed at the beginning of a building's construction. The new St. Joseph's Church was finally finished and officially opened on December 25, 1888. It has been a central part of the community ever since.
External Links
- St. Joseph's Church Website
