“Rapid growth spurred its creation.” That’s a phrase that echoes through the history of the Church of the Incarnation.
Hello everyone. Welcome to the Church of the Incarnation. This Catholic church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It earned this honor because of its stunning architecture.
Let’s step back in time to the early 20th century. Minneapolis was booming. Its population exploded between 1900 and 1920. The area south of Lake Street needed a new parish. Archbishop John Ireland authorized its construction in 1909. It became the first Catholic parish south of Lake Street.
Initially the congregation worshiped at the Ark Lodge Masonic Temple. The first pastor Father James Matthew Cleary was very popular. The Masonic Temple was always filled to its 500-person capacity for both Sunday masses.
A school was planned first. It would temporarily serve as a worship space. Later local architects designed a rectory that was built in 1913.
As the parish grew a permanent church building was needed. John Ireland hired Emmanuel Louis Masqueray to design it. Masqueray also designed the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. He was a renowned architect.
Masqueray blended Colonial Revival Romanesque Revival and Italian Renaissance Revival styles. This created a unique and beautiful design for the Church of the Incarnation. Construction was completed in 1918. The H. N. Leighton Company built the church. Raidt F. H. built the rectory.
In 1923 a convent for Incarnation Catholic Church was built. It was located at Pleasant Ave and 38th in South Minneapolis’ Kingfield neighborhood. After the convent closed it served as a women’s shelter. In 1995 artist Jackie Hayes bought the building to create an arts center.
The Church of the Incarnation stands as a testament to Minneapolis’ growth. It also shows the enduring power of faith and architectural beauty. Its blend of styles and its role in the community make it a special place. It was added to the National Register in 2022. The Church of the Incarnation remains a vibrant part of Minneapolis. It serves as a reminder of the city’s past and a beacon for its future.