St. Augustine's Church in Austin, Minnesota, stands as a beacon of faith, history, and architectural beauty in the heart of the city. Completed in 1896, this Roman Catholic church is a testament to the enduring spirit of its parishioners and the rich heritage of the Diocese of Winona. With its Gothic Revival architecture, the church not only serves as a place of worship but also as a historical landmark, drawing visitors from near and far.
The story of St. Augustine's Church begins in the mid-19th century when a handful of Catholic families settled in the Austin area. On November 2, 1857, Father Michael Prendergast from Winona visited these settlers and celebrated Mass at the home of Thomas Gibson. This marked the beginning of a spiritual journey that would eventually lead to the establishment of St. Augustine's Parish.
In 1861, Austin came under the jurisdiction of the pastor of Faribault, and Fr. George Keller began regular visits to the area. Under his guidance, the construction of the first church building started in 1863. Officially established in 1866, the parish saw its first resident pastor, Fr. John McDermott, arrive in June 1867. A year later, Bishop Thomas Grace of St. Paul dedicated the new church, initially known as St. Austin's, and administered the sacrament of Confirmation to a group of children and adults.
The St. Augustine's Church we see today was built under the supervision of Fr. Daniel O'Sullivan. The cornerstone was laid on April 24, 1894, with Bishop Joseph Cotter officiating the ceremony. Tragically, Fr. O'Sullivan passed away on June 21, 1896, before the church was completed. His successor, Fr. Edward Devlin, oversaw the final stages of construction, and the church was dedicated on November 26, 1896.
The church is constructed from red pressed brick with red sandstone trim quarried from Bayfield, Wisconsin. Its Gothic Revival style is characterized by pointed arches, intricate stained glass windows, and towering spires, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring presence.
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By 1933, the congregation of St. Augustine's Church had grown significantly, prompting Bishop Francis Kelly to establish a second parish in Austin, known as the Queen of Angels Church. Later, in 1960, a third Catholic church, St. Edward's, was established in the city.
In 1935, the pastor and some members of the congregation founded the Mower County Catholic Parishes Credit Union, demonstrating the church's commitment to supporting its community. However, the church faced a significant challenge in 1976 when lightning struck, causing a fire that destroyed the 140-foot steeple. Fortunately, firemen were able to extinguish the blaze before it spread to the rest of the building, but the damages were estimated at $500,000.
In 2018, St. Augustine's Church underwent a major interior renovation and restoration project. These efforts ensured that the church's historical and architectural integrity were preserved while modernizing its facilities for future generations. Today, St. Augustine's is paired with St. Edward's as part of a two-congregation cluster, led by Fr. James Steffes.
The parish school at Austin was opened by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, in 1872, under the pastorate of Fr. Genis. Despite its initial success, the school closed in 1893 due to the financial burden of constructing the new church. However, in 1909, during Fr. Devlin's pastorate, the Columbus School was erected to meet the needs of the congregation and was staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis of Rochester.
In the 1920s, St. Augustine High School was added to the parish, expanding further in 1951 and being renamed Pacelli High School in 1957 in honor of Pope Pius XII, Eugenio Pacelli. That same year, the Columbus School was torn down, and St. Augustine's Elementary School was constructed in its place. Today, the K-12 school operates as Pacelli Catholic Schools, continuing the tradition of providing quality education to the community's youth.
Visitors to St. Augustine's Church are greeted by its impressive façade, featuring twin spires that reach towards the heavens. The interior is equally breathtaking, with its vaulted ceilings, intricate woodwork, and beautiful stained glass windows that depict various religious scenes. The sanctuary, capable of accommodating more than 600 people, offers a serene and contemplative space for worship and reflection.
St. Augustine's Church is not just a place of worship; it is a living monument to the faith, dedication, and resilience of its parishioners. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a moment of peace, a visit to St. Augustine's Church in Austin, Minnesota, is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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