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 in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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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 |
The St. Mary Help of Christians Church is a very old and important Roman Catholic church building. It is located in St. Augusta, Minnesota, in the United States. This church is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Cloud.
The church was built in 1873. It was made for a small community of German immigrants who settled in this rural area. Next to the church, there is a rectory, which is a house for the priest. This rectory was built later, in 1890.
Both the church and the rectory are special. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means they are important for their history in architecture, how the area was settled, and religion. These buildings show how Catholic immigrant groups settled in rural Stearns County. They often lived in small villages, called "ethnic hamlets," where the church was the most important building.
Contents
What Makes St. Mary's Church Special?
The Church of St. Mary Help of Christians is a great example of a Gothic Revival building. This style was popular in the 1800s. It often includes tall spires, pointed arches, and stained-glass windows. These features make the church look grand and inspiring.
Why Was This Church Built?
In the 1800s, many people moved to America from Europe. Many German families came to Minnesota to find new homes. They often settled together in small communities. Their faith was very important to them. So, building a church was one of the first things they did. It became the heart of their community.
How Did Immigrants Shape the Area?
The German immigrants who built this church helped shape Stearns County. They created small villages where their culture and traditions could thrive. The church was not just a place for worship. It was also a meeting place, a school, and a center for social life. It helped new families feel at home in a new country.
A Look at the Rectory
The rectory, built in 1890, is also a historic building. It is where the priest lived and worked. Having a rectory close to the church showed how important the priest was to the community. It also made it easy for people to visit the priest for guidance or help.
Why Is It on the National Register?
Being on the National Register of Historic Places means a building is important to the history of the United States. St. Mary Help of Christians Church and its rectory are special because they tell a story. They show how immigrant groups settled in rural areas. They also show how their faith helped them build strong communities. The buildings are also good examples of the architecture from that time.
Images for kids
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St. Mary Help of Christians Church viewed from the southwest
See also
- List of Catholic churches in the United States
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Stearns County, Minnesota
