Minnesota City Churches

Many of the buildings that have served the congregations in this community and some of its original clergymen have had a colorful history. One building was a saloon. Another building served as the city's opera house. Three of these buildings still do exist. The first clergymen in this small town were not actively involved in the establishment of any congregation. On May 1, 1852, the steamboat Dr. Franklin arrived bringing among others the Rev. William Sweet. On May 4, 1852 a number of settlers disembarked from the steamer Nominee. Included in this group was the Rev. Edward Ely, who had come from La Crosse. The first sermon delivered to the settlers of the Rollingstone Colony was by the Rev. Mr. Reynolds, a missionary of the Congregational church. He kept regular services and preached through out the summer in Minnesota City. MCHA archive

Historic First Baptist Church 140 Mill Street 

The First Baptist Church was the first congregation established in the city and in Winona County. The first service was held on July 11, 1852 and was conducted by the Rev. T.R. Cressey. The current structure was built in 1875. The congregation discontinued regular services in Minnesota City and now worships in Winona. Occasionally services, hosted by the Baptist Ladies group, are still held in the church and are open to the public. An annual Tree Lighting and Caroling event is scheduled every December. It is a new tradition that the Baptist Ladies and Minnesota City Historical Association started from an older tradition of the community of Minnesota City. There is the lighting of the Christmas tree, a horse drawn wagon, favorite old carols, lighting of gas lamps, carrying in of the yule log, hot beverages and cookies. MCHA archive

First Evangelical Lutheran Church 141 Mill Street

Celebrating 133 Years 1890 to 2023. First Lutheran was officially incorporated in 1890 even though the congregation had already been meeting in the city in the 1870's with the Rev. Philipp von Rohr of Winona conducting the services. The first house of worship was a converted saloon which was moved to the site in the summer of 1890. The building was used until the members built their current house of worship next to it in 1965. The older structure was removed and is now a private residence located on State Highway 248. In 2015 First Lutheran observed its 125th Anniversary as a congregation and the 50th Anniversary of its current house of worship. The congregation is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. MCHA archive

St. Paul's Catholic Parish 132 Anderson Street

The parish started as a mission of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish of Rollingstone in 1925. Until 1957 the parishoners met in a framed building that had previously been the City Opera House and over the years had served as a dance hall, a store, and a creamery. That building is located at 153 Mill Street. The present sanctuary was constructed in 1957 and 1958. The older building still exists and is currently a private residence.  MCHA archive

The Methodist Episcopal Church  Minnesota Street

Little is known about this group since the records are scarce. The group was established in March of 1872 and is still referred to in 1904. The group disbanded some time after that date. There are only a few pictures in which the church building can be seen and at that only in the distance. The March 23, 1889 Winona Daily Republican Newspaper noted that bids were opened to build the church, including a bid from the architect C.G. Maybury who also built the Minnesota City school. The newspaper later noted that Maybury had drawn up plans for the church which included the following: "The building is to be 26 by 40 feet with a vestibule in front, a neat belfry, and capacity for seating 200 people". It was an apparently an active church in the years after, however, it was eventually closed. The Jan. 9, 1907 Winona Republican Herald newspaper noted that " Negotiations are now pending for the sale of the Methodist Church at Minnesota City to the Lutherans of that place. Since the church was erected practically all the Methodists that resided at Minnesota City have moved away. The Lutherans are desirous of securing the church, and it is probable the sale will be made." It later years it became the Woodman's Hall in Minnesota City. The building no longer exists. If anyone has information on or pictures of this Church, we would ask that you would contact the Minnesota City Historical Association. The one posted below dates from 1889 MCHA archive, photo: Library of Congress.