Old St. Vincent's - A labor of community love

Twenty-five years ago, the future of the historic edifice that had housed St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church for 125 years was cloudy. The years had taken their toll, and the building overlooking the Mississippi River was in need of major repairs. A new parish church was dedicated several blocks from downtown. It would have been an easy decision to lock the doors of the old building and walk away.

The following year, the old church -- now fondly known as Old St. Vincent's -- was designated a religious cultural center. And a small band of loyal parishioners decided the building was not just a religious structure, but a community treasure.

And so, with the blessings of the bishop, the effort began not just to keep the building usable, but to turn it into a magnificent example of a style of architecture that is rarely constructed these days. More than that, the acoustics and seating of Old St. Vincent's are excellent for small-group music performances.

For a quarter of a century, faithful Catholics interested in the preservation and renovation of Old St. Vincent's have devoted countless hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars to the church. They have been joined by a huge number of community supporters who admire the church for its beauty and history and who want to see it saved for future generations.

The project has been an enormous undertaking. Old newspaper photos show how the interior was virtually gutted so that it could be restored properly. A wooden screen covering the large, beautiful stained-glass windows behind the altar was removed, and the windows themselves were transformed to look like the originals. The exterior work, including a new roof, made the church able to withstand the four seasons -- not an easy task given the wear and tear of more than a century.

Now, one of the crowning aspects of the restoration project is becoming a reality. A 19-rank pipe organ with nearly 1,200 pipes has been specially constructed for Old St. Vincent's and is being installed. The congregation plans a recital next month to introduce the new instrument to the community.

Meanwhile, attendance at Old St. Vincent's has steadily grown. The 10 a.m. Mass each Sunday finds the pews filled with worshippers.

Many area residents who know the church best for the many recitals held there each year have come to admire the sweeping, dignified grace of the interior.

This labor of love has relied on the generous contributions of so many people, and anyone wanting to make a donation would certainly be welcomed.

Of the many treasures to be found in our community, count Old St. Vincent's as one of the jewels in the crown.