“Did you know that this isn’t just any church?” I ask. This is the Basilica of Saint Mary. It holds a special place in American religious history. It was the first basilica in the United States.
The Basilica of Saint Mary stands proudly on Hennepin Avenue. It occupies its own city block. This architectural landmark has been a downtown Minneapolis fixture for nearly a century.
Its story began with a humble church. The Church of the Immaculate Conception stood at 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue North. As the warehouse district expanded, Archbishop John Ireland envisioned a grander church. In 1903, he announced plans for a new Church of the Immaculate Conception. Lawrence S. Donaldson donated land on Hennepin Avenue in 1905.
Emmanuel Louis Masqueray designed the Basilica of Saint Mary. He was also the architect of the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Masqueray chose a Beaux-Arts style. Groundbreaking occurred in 1907. The cornerstone was laid in 1908. The ceremony was huge. It included 300 priests and seminarians plus 500 cadets.
American Architect magazine praised Masqueray’s genius. The magazine predicted the Basilica of Saint Mary and the Cathedral of Saint Paul would be noteworthy achievements. They would surpass anything attempted in ecclesiastical work in the United States.
Civic dedication took place in 1913. The Basilica of Saint Mary informally opened in 1914. It was initially called the Pro-Cathedral. The parish officially became the Church of the Immaculate Conception until 1921. Then it was formally named the Procathedral of Saint Mary.
World War I delayed the interior’s completion. Decoration, windows, and plaster work finished in 1925. Pope Pius XI established it as a minor basilica in 1926.
In 1941, Archbishop Dennis Dougherty consecrated the Basilica of Saint Mary. This event was part of the Ninth National Eucharistic Congress.
The National Register of Historic Places added it in 1975. It earned its significance for three reasons. Its excellent architecture and engineering design, as an expression of Baroque influence in church architecture. Also its place as the first basilica in the United States.
Rockville granite forms the foundation. White Vermont granite builds the walls. They rise 70 feet high. The main entrance features a colonnaded portico. Two 116-foot spires flank each side. Five large arched stained-glass windows light the nave.
The nave’s barrel vault reaches 82 feet. This exceeds St. Peter’s Basilica by two feet. A grand dome tops the sanctuary. It rises 138 feet above the floor. A flesche or lantern sits above the dome. A bronze cross tops it off. The total height reaches 200 feet. A marble altar rests beneath a 50-foot-high marble-columned baldacchino.
The Basilica of Saint Mary’s old copper roof was replaced in 1991. This stopped water leaks and damage. In 2011, it received a $100000 preservation grant. The funds helped restore the narthex and sacristy.
Even in 2020, the Basilica of Saint Mary faced challenges. Minor fire damage occurred during the George Floyd protests.
Today the Basilica of Saint Mary continues to inspire. Its beauty and history resonate with all who visit. The Basilica Cathedral Choir provides music for services. The Schola Cantorum offers music for special events. The Basilica organ enhances the worship experience.
Since 1995, the Basilica Block Party has enlivened the site. This music festival raises money for the Basilica of Saint Mary’s restoration.
The Basilica of Saint Mary stands as a testament to faith, art, and community. It welcomes all to experience its grandeur.