Guardian Angels Catholic Church, located in Chaska, has a lengthy history, dating as far back as 1842. Over the course of 150 years, the church congregation rebuilt their church several times, in different locations, and has experienced a wide variety of events. To this day, it is one of the most prominent churches and congregations in Carver County.
The history of Guardian Angels Church dates back to 1842, when French fur trader Jean-Baptiste Faribault encouraged Father Augustin Ravoux to construct a permanent log cabin mission in what is now Chaska, to deliver services to the local Dakota people. The mission was known as Little Prairie, and was one of the first Catholic communities to be established in the Minnesota territory. By 1845, the mission was under threat from local Dakota warriors, so it was dismantled by Saint Francis Xavier and moved to Wabasha, Minnesota. There, it was re-built and once again served as a place of Catholic worship.
In the 1850s, the Benedictine Fathers from Pennsylvania came to the Chaska area. Upon arriving, their first duties were to serve the mostly German immigrants of the area within their homes. In 1858, Father Bruno Riss was appointed to serve this area, and established a small congregation with a group of Catholic families. The congregation was initially too small to warrant the construction of a church, so they continued meeting within the homes of its members. The congregation members could not decide upon a name for their church, so they left it up to the 2 year old daughter of one of the families. The daughter (Little Margaret) was shown various saint pictures, and selected a colorful picture of a Guardian Angel.
In 1860, construction was complete on Guardian Angels Church, a simple brick building that stood near where St. John’s Lutheran Church now stands. By 1863, a wave of immigrants from Holland came to the area and joined the church congregation. The congregation was soon so large that the church had to be expanded. Father Magnus became the new pastor in 1865, and made the decision to expand the church in 1868. The congregation acquired land on both sides of 2nd Street and Cedar. On this site, construction began on the new, larger Guardian Angels Church. This larger one had an area of thirty by sixty feet. A small rectory was also built, which still serves as the core of the Old Friary, making it one of the oldest buildings in Minnesota.
In 1872, the Benedictine Fathers left Guardian Angels Church. That same year, Diocesan Priest Father William Lette was assigned to Guardian Angels, making him the congregation’s first Diocesan Priest. In 1876, the Franciscan Fathers and Brothers were assigned to Guardian Angels Parish, and Father Wendelin Grote, O.F.M., was the first Franciscan priest to serve at Guardian Angels. By 1885, the construction on the current church (which began in 1868) was completed. It featured a 162 foot steeple with a clock and bell tower.
On October 7, 1902, around 3:45 pm, Guardian Angels Church was hit by a devastating fire. Local citizens were able to save most of the church’s fine statues and alter fixings, but by 6 pm, the fire destroyed all of the church’s structures, except for its brick walls. Miraculously, the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, which had been blessed by Pope Pious IX, survived the fire and was found still hanging on the east wall inside the now ruined church. Reconstruction of the church began immediately. To help with construction, many of the congregation’s families volunteered, even giving up their Christmas gifts for the year to help pay for reconstruction. Exactly one year later, after a reconstruction that had cost $34,000, the restored Guardian Angels Church was rededicated. Five years later, in 1908, the church celebrated its Golden Anniversary in Chaska, and the reconstruction debt on the church was paid in full.
In 1914, a new Guardian Angels School building was dedicated. Seven years later, Reverend Benvenute Mueller was installed as pastor of Guardian Angels, and was a key figure in establishing the Guardian Angels High School. Major tornadoes hit Carver and Chaska in 1925, and badly damaged the Guardian Angels School building. Following this incident, as part of the rebuilding process, four large classrooms and indoor toilets were added to the rear of the school building.
As the 20th century progressed, Guardian Angels continued serving its congregation and its school continued teaching its students. Throughout the following decades, periodic events, changes and renovations came to both organizations. Major additions to the school building were made in 1956, which included a large modern gymnasium, stage, kitchen, and bathroom facilities. In 1958, the church celebrated its 100 years in Chaska, with a huge centennial celebration. In 1963, the Guardian Angels School hit an all-time enrollment record with 565 students. However, in 1976, Guardian Angels High School closed due to financial difficulties and declining enrollment. Between 1978 and 1982, parts of the church were renovated and overhauled. Examples include the pipe organ, which was repaired and installed with electronic controls; and the renovation of the church basement, which was renamed and dedicated “St. Francis Hall”. Another prominent part of the church is the stone wall that surrounds it and the church grounds. The mortar for this wall was composed of Chaska brick, a valued building material in the area.
In 1992, after serving for 115 years, the Sisters of Christian Charity departed from Guardian Angels. The sisters were assigned in 1877 to staff the struggling school. Three years later, due to a shortage of priests, the Franciscan Fathers left Guardian Angels after serving for 119 years. As they left, Father Timothy Rudolphi, a diocesan priest, was named the new pastor. Major interior renovations were made to the church in 2000. These included air-conditioning, lighting, and new paint. In the 21st century, Guardian Angels Church continues its services, and celebrated its 150th year in 2008.
Guardian Angels Catholic Church. Chaska, MN: Guardian Angels Parish, 2008.
Perkins, Sharon, “Docent notes on the Church and Friary Tour.” Tour notes, Guardian Angels Catholic Church. Chaska, MN, 2008.
http://www.mnbricks.com/guardian-angels-catholic-church
