Was it really that weird? The story of the Church of Saint Austin in Minneapolis is a tale of architectural ambition and community evolution.
In the late 1930s, a unique church began to emerge in north Minneapolis. This was no ordinary building. The Church of Saint Austin defied familiar styles like Gothic or Romanesque. Instead, it was a “cosmopolitan composite” a mix of Gaudi, German Expressionism, and Streamline Moderne.
Reverend James Troy, St. Austin’s first pastor, envisioned this unusual design. He drew inspiration from a building he’d seen in the Czech Republic, a vaulted hall featuring parabolic arches. Troy believed this ultramodern style would be less costly than traditional designs.
The architects, Bard and Vanderbilt, brought Troy’s vision to life. The church featured white stucco walls and steep parabolic arches. An asymmetric bell tower and a parish house with curving walls added to its uniqueness.
Inside, blue horizontal stripes ran along the arched interior. Narrow lancet windows provided daylight. The church could seat 500 people. It must have felt like a compressed chamber set apart from everyday life. A statue of Archbishop Austin Dowling stood on the grounds. The parish and the street were named after him.
Completed in 1938, the Church of Saint Austin stood at 3800 Washburn Avenue North. It drew attention for its odd design. Some found it startling. Others may not have appreciated its architectural innovation.
Sadly, the church was demolished in 1963. It stood for only 25 years. Cost constraints led to its cheap construction with stucco walls and wooden trusses. A new church was built a few blocks away. In 2012, St. Austin was merged into St. Bridget parish.
Today, the site of Troy’s remarkable church is occupied by ordinary ramblers. Yet, its memory lingers as a glimpse into new architectural worlds.
Before the merger, in 1937, Archbishop John Gregory Murray established the Church of Saint Austin. Reverend James Troy selected a site on Dowling and Washburn Avenues. The church was named after Archbishop Austin Dowling.
Saint Austin School opened in 1950. The Sisters of the Humility of Mary taught 290 children in its first year. By the mid-60s, the school accommodated 640 students. However, Saint Austin School closed its doors in 1993. It later collaborated with other schools to form Saint Elizabeth Seton School.
In 2010, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced that St. Austin would be absorbed by St. Bridget. The Vatican denied their appeal a year later. The merger of the two churches occurred gradually. Masses were celebrated alternately at both locations.
In January 2012, the Church of Saint Austin officially merged with the Church of Saint Bridget.