Church of Our Lady Celebrating 150 Anniversary

The Church of Our Lady in Manannah is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, and many special events are planned at the church this weekend. There will be self-guided tours and displays starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, a mass with Bishop Chad Zielinski at 4 p.m., followed by a meal Saturday evening, and there will also be an open house on Sunday from 1-to-4 p.m.

Member Barb Laabs says the Church of Our Lady was officially established in 1876 with the church built in its present location in Section 31 of Manannah Township. She says the church was enlarged in 1900 and the high altar with its gold tabernacle – depicting the Last Supper – and columned niches with various statues were installed around 1915. Barb says the Church of Our Lady is well-known for the various community meals it hosts, and for Saturday’s dinner, the meal will be catered – and no RSVP is necessary.

Parishioner Sue Carlson says they plan to ring the church bell 150 times on Saturday in recognition of the special anniversary, and there is a painting of Our Mother of Perpetual Help that has been in the church since the 1800s and will return from being refurbished in the Twin Cities in time for the celebration. She says they will have self-guided tours and many items will be on display Saturday afternoon.

Carlson says there will be an open house at the Church of Our Lady on Sunday from 1-to-4 p.m. and they will have items on display at that time for people to see. She says the church is easy to find at the intersection of Meeker County State Aid Highways 3 and 30. There will be no mass at the Church of Our Lady this Sunday, August 16th as they will have the special mass at 4 p.m. on Saturday.