Little Falls in Morrison County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Holy Family Parish

Little Falls Historic Landmark

— Belle Prairie • Founded 1852 —

Holy Family Parish Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 11, 2014

1. Holy Family Parish Marker

Inscription. The First Parish In The Diocese Of St. Cloud
Addition & Remodeling
Dedication - June 2000
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Built c.1877
This property recognized by
Heritage Preservation Commission
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1852-1877 • 1877-1916 • 1916-1999
In 1853 Fr. Francis Xavier Pierz, missionary to the Indians, established the oldest permanent parish in the Diocese of St. Cloud at Belle Prairie. St. Andrews Church was built on land purchased from the Bisson family. In 1857 the land deed was granted to Bishop Cretin. In 1872 the name of the French speaking Parish of St. Andrews was change to Holy Family Parish.

In 1877 under the direction of Father Buh, parish volunteers started building Holy Family Church. Farmers hauled the stone needed for the construction from the rapids of the nearby Mississippi River. On October 10, 1880 the stone and concrete church was dedicated by Bishop Seidenbusch. A succession of 13 priests served the parish through 1920.

From 1916 to 1949 while Fr. Pellet was pastor, many immigrants settled in the area. Masses and records were now done in English. The French church became known as the Church on the Prairie. From 1949 to 1956, pastor Father Smith said masses in Latin and

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English. During this time the basement was dug out and the beams reinforced. From 1937 to 1973 a number of priests served this parish. Father Harold Kost served Holy Family Parish as its spiritual and inspirational leader from 1973 until his death in 2000.

The construction of Project 2000 began in 1999 by parish volunteers. A gathering room at the entrance, a meeting room on the west end and an elevator were added making more room for funerals, weddings and fellowship. This new addition was dedicated to Father Kost by Bishop John Kinney on June 3, 2000.

Erected by Holy Family Parish and Little Falls Heritage Preservation Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota, Little Falls Heritage Preservation Walking/Driving Tour series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 2000.

Location. 46° 2.034′ N, 94° 20.304′ W. Marker is in Little Falls, Minnesota, in Morrison County. Marker is on Riverwood Drive, 0.1 miles west of Minnesota Highway 75, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18777 Riverwood Drive, Little Falls MN 56345, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (here, next to this marker); The Bell

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 11, 2014

2. Holy Family Parish Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); The Way of the Cross (within shouting distance of this marker); Log Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Foundation of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (within shouting distance of this marker); Belle Prairie Church and Log Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); The Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Interesting Names (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Little Falls.

Also see . . . Holy Family Church. Haven of Mercy website entry (Submitted on March 17, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 11, 2014

3. Holy Family Parish Marker

Holy Family Parish image. Click for more information.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 11, 2014

4. Holy Family Parish

Little Falls Self-Guided Historic Walking or Driving Tour
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Credits. This page was last revised on March 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 536 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 31, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.