How about a story of faith and resilience right here at Our Lady of Lourdes? Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church stands as Minneapolis’ oldest continuously used church building. Its history is deeply intertwined with the city’s growth.
Initially, this building wasn’t even a Catholic church. The First Universalist Society built it between 1854 and 1857. They envisioned a Greek temple made of native limestone. Back then, it was the finest church building in Minnesota costing over $15,000.
In 1877, French Canadian settler-colonists bought the building for $5,000. They desired a parish that offered religious instruction in French. Bishop Grace vowed to dedicate the next church in his diocese to Our Lady of Lourdes, showing gratitude. It became one of the first churches in the United States named in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. Rev. Pascal U. Brunel celebrated the first Mass on July 29th, 1877. He was the church’s first pastor.
By 1880, the congregation decided to renovate the original structure. These changes accommodated the growing number of French Canadian parishioners. Renovations included an addition and a pastor’s residence. They changed the roof by adding a transept and apse. The congregation also added a steeple. They purchased a 2000-pound bell too. The total cost was about $12,645.
The seating capacity doubled. Our Lady of Lourdes gained a large sanctuary. Its exterior became a narrower country-Gothic structure. It resembled a medieval temple. The parish became a source of ethnic pride for French immigrant families.
Our Lady of Lourdes School was acquired in 1888 for $4,000. It stood a few blocks from the church. The Grey Nuns of the Cross staffed the school from 1888 to 1906. Later, in 1906, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet took charge.
Between 1880 and 1900, the parish thrived. Registered families rose to 400. In 1917, the Marist Fathers took charge of Our Lady of Lourdes. Archbishop Ireland requested this change. In 1934, Our Lady of Lourdes became a U.S. Historic Landmark. This protected the church in the growing St. Anthony Falls area.
However, challenges arose. By 1968, the church faced closure due to its condition. Registered families had declined. The Minneapolis City Council intervened. They persuaded the Archbishop to keep Our Lady of Lourdes open. The area around it was slated for development.
A renovation completed in 1997 restored Our Lady of Lourdes’ beauty. The interior features statues of the Blessed Virgin appearing to St. Bernadette. It incorporates classical French designs.
By the twenty-first century, registered families grew to around 600 again. In 2017, Our Lady of Lourdes celebrated its 140th anniversary. It stands proud as the “Little French Church with a Big Heart!”
Today, Our Lady of Lourdes remains a testament to faith. It embodies the spirit of French Canadian immigrants. Its walls echo with stories of resilience and renewal. It is a landmark that has stood the test of time.