Oldest continuously used church
Minneapolis, MN 55414
+1 612 379 2259
http://www.ourladyoflourdes.com
Review © 2009, Wcities
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Oldest continuously used church |
1 Lourdes Place Minneapolis, MN 55414 +1 612 379 2259 http://www.ourladyoflourdes.com |
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church is the oldest continuously used church in Minneapolis. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the landmark church stands in the heart of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District. The original building was constructed for $15,000 in 1857 as a meeting hall for the First Universalist Society. In 1877 the French Canadian Catholic community purchased the native limestone structure and the parish became the first in the United States to be named Our Lady of Lourdes. The original 3,000 square foot structure was enlarged and redesigned. A bell tower, sacristy, vestibule and rectory were added. The structural changes altered the church's architectural style. The original rectangular building became a linear French provincial-type edifice with a V-frame beam truss. The circular portion of the nave was modeled after the Chapel Royale at Versailles and a Gothic steeple was added. But by 1917 the parish was losing its population. French no longer was the primary language spoken in the parish school and by 1945 the sermons were given only in English. Scheduled to be boarded up in 1968, the parish somehow survived and rode the crest of the development of the Riverplace area in the early 1980s. As redevelopment continues to thrive in the city's birthplace, the little church with the long history is being rediscovered. Visitors take guided tours, which are available to groups by appointment, and parishioners come from all over the Twin Cities to worship. Call for schedule of services or to arrange for a tour. Review © 2009, Wcities |
 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Photo: Nattapol Pornsalnuwa |
 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Photo: Nattapol Pornsalnuwa |
 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Photo: HodgsonGreg |
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