St. Mary Help of Christians Church (St. Augusta, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Church of St. Mary Help of Christians–Catholic
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![]() St. Mary Help of Christians Church viewed from the southwest
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Location | 24588 County Road 7, St. Augusta, Minnesota |
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Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
Built | 1873 (church), 1890 (rectory) |
Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
MPS | Ethnic Hamlet Churches–Stearns County Catholic Settlement Churches TR |
NRHP reference No. | 82003049 |
Added to NRHP | April 15, 1982 |
St. Mary Help of Christians Church is an old and important Roman Catholic church located in St. Augusta, Minnesota. It belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Cloud. The church was built in 1873 by German immigrants who settled in this rural area. A building called a rectory, where the priest lives, was added in 1890. Both the church and the rectory are special because they were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means they are important for their architecture, how the area was settled, and their role in religion. These buildings show how Catholic immigrant groups created small communities, often centered around their church, in Stearns County, Minnesota.
Contents
Why Is This Church Important?
A Place for New Immigrants
When people from Germany came to America, they often settled together. They wanted to keep their traditions and faith. St. Mary Help of Christians Church became a central place for these German families. It was more than just a church; it was a community hub.
Building a Community Together
The church helped these new settlers feel at home. It was a place where they could speak their language and practice their religion. The church helped them build strong bonds and support each other in their new country. This was very important for their daily lives and their future.
The Church's Design and Style
Gothic Revival Architecture
The Church of St. Mary Help of Christians was built in the Gothic Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s. It looks back to the grand cathedrals of medieval Europe. You can often see tall, pointed arches and detailed stonework in this style.
What Makes It Special?
The church's design shows the care and effort put into its construction. It stands out in the rural landscape of St. Augusta. The rectory, built a few years later, also matches the church's historical look. Together, they tell a story of faith and community building.
See Also
- List of Catholic churches in the United States
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Stearns County, Minnesota