Closing its doors in May of 2000, the question of what would happen to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, remained up in the air for over 10 years. Recently, however, it was announced that the Arcadia Area Historical Society had purchased the edifice and had planned on relocating its museum to the building. With the signature of Bishop Callahan of the Diocese of La Crosse, the Arcadia Area Historical Society took possession of the former OLPH Church complex, said Carol Berklund, who serves as the treasurer of the Historical Society Board and curator of the museum. A new location with more space will allow the historical society to display much more artifacts and memorabilia than at the downtown locationArcadia News Leader
Our immediate focus is to expand our historical society museum, which will include an art center and community hall, said Arcadia Area Historical Society Board director Darlene Boberg. Elaborating, Berklund said the main floor of the former church will serve multiple purposes. The main floor will house the museum, the genealogical research library and will have a large open area that will serve as an arts center, Berklund said.
In an effort to maintain order, several committees have been formed to focus on refurbishing different areas and aspects of the building. One committee is working on renovating the clock tower and chimes, Berklund said. The clock, which was installed in 1903, was once relied on to deliver the official time for the City of Arcadia. There are three bells, one which came from St, Josephs Catholic Church in Glencoe. All were cast in St. Louis, Mo., and have a Westminster chime, Berklund said. Another committee has been tasked with refurbishing the downstairs, where many a fish fry has been held. One committee is renovating the kitchen, Berklund noted, explaining that it will remain a kitchen once renovation is complete. Berklund said updating the heating and cooling systems was also a necessity.
Like most buildings, the utilities were outdated, she explained. So, new furnaces and air conditioning are being installed in the hall. St. Anns Hall, which was named after St. Anns Society, which originally contributed the funding to build the hall, will be completely refurbished, as well. Our goal is to not change the structure, Berklund said.
And while Catholic parishioners now attend services at the Holy Family Catholic Parish, a part of their legacy will remain attached to the former church. There will be a fitting memorial to the present and former Catholic faith community, said Historical Society Board director Bob Gamoke, explaining that it will be located in the front by the sanctuary. While this process will take time, Berklund said that some items have already been moved to the former OLPH church. Though it is anticipated that the main hall will be open this winter, the rest of the transition may take a while. More developments will be made as time and money permits, Gamoke said.
According to research conducted by the Historical Society, the St. Aloysius school was the first parochial school in Arcadia and the OLPH Church was the first church within the city limits. Services began on Jan. 1, 1885, at that particular church. However, in 1902, another church was built to replace it and that place of worship would soon became a landmark site in the City of Arcadia. Its always been a hub of community gatherings, Berklund said. Thus, when items from the church were auctioned off, it made perfect sense that the Historical Society would secure some of that history and have it on display at the museum. Fittingly, that museum will now be located in one of the most historical buildings in the city. We would love to invite new members to join us and help us in the quest for the future of the museum, Gamoke said.
To learn more about the Arcadia Area Historical Society or to find out how to become a member of the society, visit its website, www.arcadiawihistory.org.
I think this is the best option possible for a church in disuse. Clearly those involved made sure this building found a good home.
5 comments:
"In an effort to maintain order, several committees have been formed..."
I think my head just exploded.
Thanks, Matt. It was a sad thing for me. I truly enjoyed offering Mass in that church. However, with fewer folks faithfully attending Mass or supporting the work of the Church, it was impossible for the parish to foot the bill for keeping up a plant for which we had no use. Insurance alone was $10,000.00 per year! I'm very pleased and grateful that the historical society is taking over the building with an eye towards eventual restoration of the interior.
Yes Father, it's a painful reality that there's no perfect solution for. Especially since the historical society plans to restore the building, I can think of no better way to unload a church. This is a really good move with no way to financially support the building. Hopefully we don't have to hear from any nutjobs in the Winona paper any time soon. :)
In Viroqua, the Vernon County Historical Society took over the old St. Mary Church and turned it into a museum; the historical society has several other units. On the other hand, when English Lutheran Church in La Crosse built their church, another church took over the old church at 16th&Cass Streets then they moved elsewhere. The Old English Lutheran Church at 16&Cass got turned into condos. I have mixed feelings on that one. I do agree with Fr. Michael about the Arcadia church. But I am not sure about turning them into condos.
That's why it took so long to bring this to completion. I had two other people who wanted to take over the property but they couldn't guarantee that the church would be put to the use they were presenting, and further that it would remain that way. I've seen churches turned into condos, banks, and even an adult book store. This is the best outcome. I grew up a member of St. Mary's - Viroqua and drove by old St. Mary's every time I went to church. So, it was kind of an inspiration for me regarding what to do. The windows and the liturgical/devotional fixtures still belong to the parish but they are on permenant loan to the historical society. Also, there will be a permenant display detailing the history of the Catholic Church in Arcadia.
Post a Comment