“Come Let Us Adore Christ the King Incarnate!” So reads the inscription above the main entrance. It declares the very message of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. This beacon of faith stands as one of the most beautiful Gothic Revival churches in North America.
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church’s story began in 1922. Archbishop Austin Dowling saw the need for a church in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood. He tasked Fr. Terrence Moore with establishing a new parish. The area was mostly farmland back then.
Fr. Moore chose the name Nativity of Our Lord. Just a year later, the first buildings were completed. These included the Nativity of Our Lord School and the Rectory. Mass was first celebrated in the school. In September 1923, the school opened with 311 students.
The parish grew rapidly. By 1927, enrollment neared 700 so a new wing was added to the school. A second wing followed in 1930. Finally, in 1937, ground was broken for the new church.
The new church structure was dedicated in April 1939. At that time, over 300 people were confirmed in the new facility. The parish included more than 1,200 families. The school had over 900 children.
During World War II, 669 parishioners served in the war. In 1945, Fr. Clarence Steiner became assistant pastor. He served Nativity for over 50 years. Fr. Moore died in 1948. Auxiliary Bishop James Byrnes then became pastor.
The 1950s saw continued growth. The convent building was completed in 1952. School enrollment rose during the “baby boom”.
Nativity undertook its first major capital campaign in 1958. They raised over $1 million. Most of the money went to a new school building fund.
Nativity expanded in the 1960s. Six lots were purchased. An addition to the school was built. Vatican II brought changes in 1965. Masses were said in English for the first time.
The parish celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1972. Nativity parishioners rallied behind right to life issues.
The Nativity County Fair began in 1975. It has raised funds for many years.
The church building was finally paid for in 1988. It was officially consecrated. The Nativity Early Learning Center opened in 1990.
Nativity renovated the lower church in 1993. They created Steiner Hall as a worship and social space. Females began serving as acolytes in 1994. The Nativity Parish Center opened in the former convent.
The parish launched its first website in 1999. Fr. Peter Christensen became the fifth pastor.
Nativity undertook a multi-million dollar capital campaign in 2000. It funded restoration of the church and upgrades to the school. Nativity County Fair celebrated its 25th year.
Nativity of Our Lord School was rededicated in 2008. This marked a new chapter in its history. A Nativity School Marker was installed. It was dedicated to Fr. Terence Moore.
Today, Nativity of Our Lord is a vibrant Catholic community. It helps each person answer the call of Jesus Christ. The parish continues to evolve. It prepares the way of Our Lord, celebrates “God With Us,” and shines with the Light of Christ.