Beneath the Minnesota sky stands St Augustine Catholic Church. Its story began with humble origins.
In 1857 scattered Catholic families lived around Austin. They lacked a formal parish organization. Father Michael Prendergast from Winona visited these settlers. He offered Mass at Thomas Gibson’s home on November 2. He repeated this visit in May of the following year. Then again in November 1860.
The vast territory Fr. Prendergast oversaw made regular visits difficult. In 1861 Austin and settlements south to Iowa fell under Faribault’s pastor. Father George Keller made regular visits to Austin. He helped organize the community. Construction of the first church in Austin began in 1863.
St. Augustine’s Parish was officially established in 1866. The first church building was completed then. Father John McDermott arrived in June 1867 as the first resident pastor. In June 1868 Bishop Thomas Grace visited the parish. He dedicated the new church initially known as St. Austin’s. He also administered Confirmation.
The present Church of St Augustine was nearly completed under Father Daniel O’Sullivan. Bishop Joseph Cotter laid the cornerstone on April 24 1894. Father O’Sullivan passed away on June 21 1896. Father Edward Devlin completed the church. It was dedicated on November 26 1896. The church is built with red pressed brick. It features red sandstone trim from Bayfield Wisconsin.
In 1933 Msgr. John Peschges became pastor. St. Augustine’s grew rapidly. Bishop Francis Kelly established a second parish in Austin. It was named Queen of Angels Church.
Lightning struck St Augustine Church in 1976. The fire destroyed the 140-foot steeple. Firefighters contained the blaze. Damages were estimated at $500000.
The church underwent a major interior renovation in 2018.
St Augustine is paired with St Edwards. Father James Steffes leads this two-congregation cluster.
St Augustine’s parish school opened in 1872. The Sisters of St. Dominic of Sinsinawa Wisconsin ran it. Enrollment reached 120 students by 1890. The school closed in 1893. This was due to the financial strain of building the new church.
In 1909 Columbus School was built. The Sisters of St. Francis of Rochester staffed it. In the 1920s St. Augustine High School was added. It expanded in 1951 and became Pacelli High School in 1957. Columbus School was demolished in 1957. St. Augustine’s Elementary School was built there. Today the K-12 school operates as Pacelli Catholic Schools.
The photo of St. Augustine Church became an album cover. It featured on John Maus’s Love Letters From Hell and Addendum albums.
Since 1866 St Augustine Catholic Church has been a spiritual beacon. It continues to serve its community. Its history is rich with faith community and architectural beauty.