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Upon this Rock... |
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 St. Rose has stood proudly as an historic landmark in Cherry Grove Township for the past 133 years. Those of you who farm in this area know that deep beneath this rich dark top soil lies limestone. In fact, all throughout southeastern Minnesota you will find limestone ledges as you travel into valleys.
The Irish who immigrated to this area in the 1800’s chose to settle in Cherry Grove Township for its diversity and selected a high point in the township to build St. Rose. This church was a true testament to their faith in this new land of opportunity. St. Rose is located at an elevation of 1,210 feet. Many of you may have noticed that the land surrounding St. Rose gently slopes down hill in every direction. The elevation of Rochester is 989 feet above sea level and if you look far beyond the parking area youcan actually see the wind turbines located 17 miles due south between Dodge Center and Hayfield. It seems most fitting that we recently rediscovered the following scripture passage on the south wall of the sanctuary while restoring the trompe l’oeil imagery; “Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church.” ... |
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In Stillness Waits |
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St. Rose has stood as a graceful symbol of our past amid a changing world for 132 years. After months of quiet anticipation, prisms of colored light illuminated every surface once again as all eight stained glass windows were returned to St. Rose completely restored.
Several restoration goals were achieved during 2009 thanks to the generosity of dozens of supporters and volunteer help. We shared these milestones and our future aspirations with a full church during our 7th Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony held on December 20, 2009. A beautiful winter wedding was held at St. Rose the day before the Candle Lighting and a picturesque wedding was celebrated on the first day of spring. An upcoming wedding is scheduled for this fall.
The response to the stained glass window restoration was overwhelming as multiple families and individuals became sponsors. The names of each of these sponsors and their specified memorials will be inscribed on a small plaque at each window. The marine plywood covers that had protected the stained glass windows for over forty years were replaced with new white storm window covers that are much easier for one person to remove and later re-install for events.
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Another Summer of Progress |
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 Summer is in full bloom and so are the many rose bushes recently planted around the perimeter of St. Rose. Many people have graciously donated a wide variety of rose bushes enhancing the grounds that surround this limestone structure. The pink roses shown here are the only original roses remaining that continue to grace the Sacristy stairway on the south side of St. Rose. A complementary variety of colorful and fragrant roses planted by volunteers has only added to the beauty of the grounds.
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Eyes on the Windows! |
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 | With summer in full swing, it’s time to take measure of our recent progress. The past year has been simply amazing – the ceiling and storm window restoration, new wiring, light fixtures, insulation, and the restoration of the St. Rose entrance stained glass window were all a part of a long list of accomplishments in 2008. None of this would have happened without the continued dedication of our many volunteers and the generous financial support of so many contributors. Thank you to all those who helped bring St. Rose another step closer to full restoration this past year. |
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Page 4 of 5 |
Marv Bronner has spent several hours over the years cleaning out debris and making structural repairs inside the bell tower. Last summer, he was surprised to find the original shipping tags still in tact that accompanied the bell over 100 years ago. It's amazing that these two paper tags survived the elements inside this tower that has always been exposed to the elements. The bell was made in 1896 and came from the Meneely Bell Company of Troy, New York . It weighs just under 3,000 pounds including the mountings, clapper, tolling hammer, and swinging bell wheel. The bell was transported by boat all the way from New York around the southeastern United States and up the Mississippi River to be received in Red Wing. This magnificent bell resides in the St. Rose cemetery and photos of the shipping tags are found in the photo gallery when you 'Read more'...