Beneath this serene facade lies a history far deeper than you might expect from Saint Anne’s Chapel. Saint Anne’s Church has a rich history and architectural significance. It offers a serene environment for reflection and prayer. It welcomes visitors from all walks of life. But let’s rewind to its earlier days when it wasn’t even called Saint Anne’s.
Originally, this parish was established in 1884 by French immigrants. They settled around 14th and Girard Avenue North. It was named St. Clothilde. St. Clothilde was the fifth oldest Catholic parish in Minneapolis. It was a division of the French parish of Notre Dame. Notre Dame is also known as Our Lady of Lourdes. It was intended to serve French Catholics on the west side of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.
Before they had their own church, the parish worshipped in the old Fourth Baptist Church. The Baptists had moved to a new church. This is a common story. A house of worship erected for one group finds new life with another. This became increasingly common as the city changed. St. Clothilde French Catholic Church was dedicated on December 30, 1887. It was located on the corner of Lyndale Avenue and 11th Street North. Bishop John Ireland spoke in French. The church was built of brick and stone. It measured 100 feet long by 50 feet wide. It could seat around 600 people. At the time, the parish had 300 families.
But tragedy struck. On July 20, 1894, an enormous fire destroyed the New Central Market. The Minneapolis Tribune covered the story. Buried at the end of the article was a brief notice saying, “St. Clothilde Church Burned.” The fire destroyed all of the church’s ritual objects and vestments. Only half of the loss was covered by insurance.
Four days later, another article announced the church would be rebuilt in wood. This was instead of brick and stone. Insurance would not cover all costs. Parishioners would have to make up the difference. Many were working men who were not wealthy. Four years later, the parish changed its name to St. Anne. It moved to 26th and Queen Avenue North. This was due to financial difficulties. The French families had moved to other parts of the city. Some French families still lived in the neighborhood. They went to St. Joseph’s. But they never quite fit in. They didn’t know how to prepare the traditional food.
Today, Saint Anne’s is accessible. It is centrally located near Highways 494, 62, and 52. You can stop by anytime. Sit and pray. Meditate. Or just breathe in the outdoor chapel. Enjoy the beautiful gardens. Saint Anne’s welcomes all.
Interestingly, Saint Anne’s can provide you space for remembering and burying your loved one. Using the beautiful liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer, we thank God for the life that is passed. We commend the dead to the never-failing love of God. This love reaches beyond this life and will never let us go. The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.
Consider Saint Anne’s not just as a building, but as a testament to resilience, community, and the evolving spiritual landscape of Minneapolis.