A Franciscan Parish in Terre Haute is going strong after 145 Years

St. Benedict Church in Terre Haute, Indiana

In the long history of St. Benedict Church in Terre Haute, Indiana, the power of faith has kept the parish thriving for 145 years. Founded by German immigrants at the end of the Civil War, the church quickly attracted many new parishioners. In 1872, the Franciscans took over as caretakers of the church from the Benedictines. Very quickly they realized that the current church building was too small for the growing congregation.

Parishioners at St. Benedict Church

Taking a proactive approach, the people of St. Benedict set up a building committee, which recruited the architect Adolph Druiding to design the Romanesque style structure we see today. On October 4, 1896, construction of the new cruciform church building began. It took 18 months after which the interior of the building had to be furnished and appropriately decorated. This second process was one of great creativity. A variety of frescoes, paintings, and statues created an atmosphere of celebrating faith.

Finally on June 18, 1899, the new St. Benedict Church building had a Solemn Pontifical Mass, which involved the consecration of the high altar. From then on the new building began to serve as home to the St. Benedict congregation. An increase in attendance over the coming years kept the parish very upbeat. This positive energy became very useful on July 30th, 1930. At about midday the church burst into flames near its dome where some painters were working. The fire department’s water pumps did not have enough pressure for the water to reach the source of the flames. At the end, only the church walls remained. The fire had completely gutted the interior.

The St. Benedict Choir

Buildings, however, can be rebuilt. Even though the Great Depression was battering the world at the time, St. Benedict parishioners mobilized themselves and rebuilt the church within 17 months. The building was not as greatly decorated as before, but the faith of the people was strong; and it endures until this very day.