“A lasting work of destiny” This is how the Church of the Assumption has been described. Today, we stand before this monumental church in downtown St. Paul. It is a testament to the dreams and determination of German emigrants. They sought a new life and a place to worship.
The Church of the Assumption’s story began in 1856. Bishop Joseph Cretin founded the parish. It served the growing German immigrant population. A small church was built north of our current location. By 1871, the parish had outgrown this first building. The community needed a grander space.
The new Church of the Assumption was modeled after the Ludwigskirche in Munich. Joseph Reidel, a Munich architect, designed it. He was the court architect to Bavaria’s ruling Wittelsbach family. The design reflects Romanesque Revival style. Twin spires and rounded arches define this style.
Construction began in 1871. The cornerstone was laid. The church was consecrated on October 18, 1874. Three thousand people attended the consecration. They walked the interior before the pews were even installed.
Look up at the towers. They reach 210 feet into the sky. The east tower holds four bells. These bells can be heard throughout downtown St. Paul. The Angelus Bell was even installed in the first church. Before 1975, these bells were rung by pulling 200-foot ropes. Imagine the effort required.
The exterior of the Church of the Assumption is made of local gray limestone. The foundation is Lake Superior quarried stone. Notice the absence of a transept. The basilica-style showcases three aisles. These aisles lead to the altars. The vaulted ceilings soar above us. They rest on massive stone pillars. Sunlight streams through arched stained-glass windows.
Inside the Church of the Assumption, much remains unchanged since the late 1800s. The statue of Mary in the center of the high altar came from the first church. The high altar is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the American Midwest. In 1883 statues of saints were added to the main altar. These statues were provided by parish societies in honor of their patrons.
The magnificent image of the Assumption of Our Lady was painted by Felix Falkenbach. He was a world-renowned artist from Munich. It covers the upper part of the apse.
The Church of the Assumption has always been a landmark. Its twin towers are visible across the city. The church also has a history of service. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the church ran an orphanage. It was known as St. Joseph’s Home for Children. Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis was born here.
The Church of the Assumption stands as a testament to faith and community. It connects us to the past and inspires us today. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and history. Think of those German immigrants. They built this magnificent church. Their legacy lives on.