As a child I would often visit my grandparents who lived in the small, central Minnesota town of Pierz. It was an idyllic place, every home and yard meticulously tended to. Norman Rockwell would have loved it. At the physical and spiritual center of the town stands one of the most magical churches I’ve ever seen. It’s just another example of this communities dedication to preserving the things that matter most to them.
The City of Pierz was established in 1869 under the namesake of Father Francis Xavier Pierz. Incorporated under the name of Rich Prairie in 1892, the 48 citizens voted unanimously to change the name of their city to Pierz in honor of Father Pierz, a Slovenian-born Indian missionary priest who established St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The cornerstone of the new building was laid in 1886. The church was dedicated on December 25, 1888 and continues to serve as a prominent feature and social gathering place in the center of town. The City of Pierz grew as German Catholics settled the area.
According to an article in the Morrison County Record… When the builders realized how big the church was going to be, they had to put in 16 pillars to hold it all up. The building of the church took about 25 years. In 1885, the original wood structure was built with about 300,000 feet of lumber. It was lumber made from trees in the area.
The foundation of the church was laid in 16 days by 11 men. It was made with stones that had been picked in the local fields and 207 loads were brought to the church site in wagons drawn by horses.
The brick on the outside of the wooden structure was laid in 1888. It wasn’t until 1902 that the steeple was added onto the building.
In 1909, an addition was added onto the east side of the church to make room for the new sacristy and sanctuary. The tall windows flanking the aisle and adorned with gorgeous stainless depictions of religious moments were also installed. The original church cost about $15,000 to make.
It remains a worthwhile place to visit, regardless of your religious affiliation!
