St. Mark’s Catholic Church

“A cathedral built on the backs of oxen?” a skeptical voice might ask. Well, not quite. But St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis *did* have a rather unusual journey in its early days. St. Mark’s began humbly in 1858 as a small mission of Gethsemane Church in North Minneapolis. Its initial location was at Washington Avenue and 27th Avenue North, serving a growing community. However, the demographics shifted, and the congregation dwindled as immigrants sought churches reflecting their own traditions. The little mission church faced an uncertain future. That’s when a dramatic decision was made. In 1863, the entire wooden structure was placed on sleds and, pulled by thirty-three yoke of oxen, hauled across the city to its new home at 4th Street and Hennepin Avenue. This move placed St. Mark’s right in the heart of the developing city center, a bold statement of its intent to remain a vital presence. The church thrived in its new location, becoming officially incorporated as a parish in 1868. A new stone church was built on 6th Street between Hennepin and Nicollet Avenues in 1870, further solidifying its presence. St. Mark’s continued to grow, serving both its members and the surrounding community. By the early 1900s, the church found itself again at a crossroads. The bustling city center, once a boon, now posed challenges. The noise, traffic, and changing neighborhood demographics prompted another move. This time, under the visionary leadership of Bishop Samuel Cook Edsall, St. Mark’s embarked on its most ambitious transformation yet. The church sold its valuable downtown property and purchased land overlooking Loring Park. In 1910, the current St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, designed by parishioner Edwin Hawley Hewitt, opened its doors. The magnificent neo-Gothic structure, with its airy and light-filled interior, quickly became a landmark. The move to Loring Park and the construction of the grand cathedral proved to be pivotal moments in St. Mark’s history. In 1941, St. Mark’s was officially designated a cathedral. This marked not just a change in title but a reaffirmation of its role as a spiritual center for the diocese. St. Mark’s has been more than just a place of worship. It has been a host to historical events, including the first World Anglican Congress held outside the United Kingdom in 1954. The cathedral played a significant role in the 1976 General Convention, which saw the Episcopal Church officially accept the ordination of women as priests. St. Mark’s continues to serve the community through various outreach programs and its vibrant music ministry. From its humble beginnings as a small wooden mission to its current grandeur, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and a commitment to serving the community.