Saint Anthony Main in Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, April 29, 2011
1. The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Marker
Near this spot in 1630 Father Louis Hennepin first sighted and named the Falls of Saint Anthony.
This is the oldest standing church in the city of Minneapolis. The front rectangular nave, built of native limestone, was opened by the First Universalist Society in 1857.
In 1877 the French - Canadian Catholic community of Minneapolis purchased the original structure. Adding the transepts, sacristy, and bell tower, this community has worshipped here for 100 years.
The building was designated a U.S. historical landmark in 1934.
It is the first parish in the United States named in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. Notre Dame de Lourdes, Priez Pour Nous.
'Every tradition is sealed beneath a monument.' V. Hugo.
Dedicated this 11 day of September, 1977, in the presence of the Bishop of St. Paul - Minneapolis, National, State, community leaders and the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes. Rev. Alan Moss, Pastor.
Erected 1977.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Unitarian Universalism (UUism) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1977.
Location. Marker has been reported missing.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. In commemoration of the courageous French explorers (here, next to this marker); Eliza Winston (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richard Chute Square (about 500 feet away); Symbols on the Skyline (about 500 feet away); The Ard Godfrey House (about 600 feet away); Stepping Stone Between East and West (about 700 feet away); The Whirlpool (about 800 feet away); Joseph N. Nicollet (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minneapolis.
Photographed By McGhiever, September 8, 2023
2. Former location of The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, April 29, 2011
3. The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, April 29, 2011
4. The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and Marker
Postcard by the Rotograph Company, circa 1908
5. Notre Dame de Loudres, Minneapolis, Minn.
Note the simpler entrance to the church in comparison with the later photos. The Historic American Buildings Survey record for the church indicates that the brick entrance and statuary were added in 1914.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 730 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on December 22, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photos: 1. submitted on December 28, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on December 22, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 3, 4. submitted on December 28, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 5. submitted on November 16, 2016. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
