The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1919-12-27
HISTORY OF ST. STEPHENS
CHURCH, ANOkA, MIMI.

CHURCH, ANONR, MilNN.
brief review of the history of
St Stephens Church will prove Of in
terest to many. The history of this
church has been a history OF good,
teaching the principles of temperance,
honesty and good citizenship. NO 9th
err church organization has done more
for the general prosperity if this COM
munitv than has the Catholic Church.
st, Stephens Church edifce stands
out in bold relief, handsome monu-
ment of rare material advancement,
manifesting the noble zeal and living
faith of those who worship beneath its
sacred roof. 1t is styled "Anoka's
Pride" because it is one of the finest
buildings in the city.
Father Earth celebrated the first
Mass at the residence of Peter Don
nelly. August Is, 1856. He was the
first priest in charge OF this mission,
and by his ardent zeal and untiring
efforts. in the face of the many diff
culties which beset his path during
those days of early pioneer life, soWed
the seed that has developed so mag
nificently. .......
At that early period there were
only a few Catholics in what was
then the village of Anoka, and the
faithful priest met many discourage
ment in his efforts to organize par
ish here. Trusting in the aid OF Dl-
vine Providence he continued to ceIe-
brate Mass at stated intervals during
the following two years, and for many
years afterward it was mission field,
visited at times by neighboring priests.
From 1858 until 1873 it was in charge
of Father GEMS, a pious and faithful
priest of the early days. During this
period Father McDermott also, at
stated intervals, visited this field of
future hope. Father McDermOtt read
in its prospective brightness signs OF
future prosperity, and he finally To-
Gated here, becoming our first resi-
dent priest.
In 1876 the Congregational society
sold us their church and from that
time on St. Stephens Church has
has prospered in Anoka.
Father McDermott was succeeded
by Fathers Bruton, McGolrick, Con-
nelly Hayes, Brennan, Russell, and
the present rector, Father Duane. All
these priests labored zealously and
we'll to uphold the faith and secure
the prosperity of the church. AL
though all did not meet with equal
success, each, at sundry times and
in divers manners, assisted in build
ing up the material prosperity that
the church now enjoys. Special men,
ton should be made of Father Bren-
nan, under whose supervision the
present church was built. Father
Brennan came to Anoka in September,
1888. and proved faithful pastor Of
his church and an exemplary citizen.
After taking charge of the church, he
decided that better and a larger
church was an actual necessity, and
like a careful business man he be-
gan to consider ways and means to
meet the urgent needs of his people.
Having at heart the interests of his
people, he did not rush in percipitate-
ly and build the church, but he went
TO work earnestly and carefully, con
sulting the wishes of the members OF
his flock. A start was made and the
Catholic portion of this community
was quick to respond most literally
Little by little the funds were col
lected, until a sufficient amount was
raised to guarantee the success of the
enterprise, and Father Brennan had
plans prepared for the handsome edi
flee that is now credit to our city
1t is by far the finest church edifce
in this city, costing about $4,000.
The present church occupies the
site of the old one. 1t is 124x50 feet
with wing for a sacristy 32x24 feet
The body of the church is 100x50
containing four rows of pews of TWEEN
ty-five each, or one hundred in all
having seating capacity of 800. The
gallery is 2Ox5O feet, and will accom-
modate 100, persons. There is still
some room in the rear for more pews
that will increase the seating capac