Parish TimelineThis timeline of our parish history has its origin in the work of St. Michael's Archives Committee. Without the committee's work, this would not be possible. Please e-mail any additional dates or information to jtollafield@costm.org.
The first recorded baptism is on January 9, 1853. The first child to be baptized is Margaret Burns.
St. Joseph Convent, a home for the Sisters of St. Joseph who served the parish, is also completed during this year.
The parish becomes the proud owner of the first set of chimes in this part of the country. The 10 bells are dedicated in a July 1883 ceremony in which they were individually "baptized," complete with sponsors.
The bells were then installed in the north tower. Each contributor to the bell fund was allowed to strike the large bell once with a wooden hammer. The bell rang continuously for five hours. The bells would be heard in the valley until 1963, when they would fall silent in disrepair.
A new pipe organ is installed in the south end of the church balcony. Contributors made donations of around $5 or $10 to the organ fund. The organ remains in use until 1983, when it was replaced.
Corcoran inherits a parish that is barely available to maintain its school. In October 1891, Corcoran enters an agreement with the Stillwater school board in which the school district leases the school for $1 per year. The school is operated as a public school, with the nuns retained as teachers and religion taught after school hours. The arrangement, also in place at Faribault, becomes known as the "Faribault-Stillwater School Plan."
The arrangement immediately draws criticism from Protestants and conservative Catholics alike. Protestants across the country fear that Catholics are trying to take over the public school system. Catholics fear that John Ireland, Archbishop of St. Paul, is abandoning the parochial schools. The conflict stirs intense debate among Catholics in this country and across Europe. Finally, Ireland is called to testify before the pope and a gathering of cardinals in Rome. The cardinals return a verdict of "tolerari potest" ("it can be tolerated") in April 1892.
Meanwhile, the program has crumbled in Stillwater. Under increased pressure from the community, the Stillwater school district does not renew the agreement, nor does the parish request to renew it. The school returns to a private status the following year.
In September 1937, the altar is consecrated by Archbishop Murray and 50 visiting priests. They process around the exterior of the church three times before blessing the interior of the church and the altar. Deacon of Honor was Msgr. James C. Byrne, who participated in the cornerstone-laying ceremonies in 1873.
The sacristy is also enlarged in 1936.
Fr. Miller's enduring legacy at St. Michael's, however, is the building projects he oversees in the next few years.
Fr. Francis Miller dies. He becomes, at the request of the inmates, the first person to lie in state at the Minnesota Prison, in recognition of his 40 years of service as chaplain.
The bells of the St. Michael's tower are restored due to the efforts of long time chimer Ray Stieger. They are now controlled and played electronically. A Mass of rededication is held January 29, 1970.
The church receives a new roof and new carpeting. A restroom and office are constructed in the arcade.
Fr. Fitzgerald leaves the parish and is replaced by Fr. Leo Huber as interim pastor for six months. In November, Fr. Robert Patterson is named pastor. During his time at St. Michael's, the church is tuckpointed, and historical renovation is initiated.
Fr. John Szarke becomes the 10th pastor, with Fr. Charles Lachowitzer serving as associate. Fr. Szarke is credited for much of the effort that went into the historical renovation of the church. Also under him, a parish mission statement was formulated.
The original sacristy becomes a cry room for parents with young children. The sacristy is moved to the office in the arcade.
The church is rededicated by Archbishop John Roach on September 29, 1991.
Fr. Szarke leaves the parish.
