St. Wenceslaus
by Bonfire Photography
Title
St. Wenceslaus
Artist
Bonfire Photography
Medium
Photograph - Photographic Prints
Description
St. Wenceslaus - In 1856 some of the Czechs had joined with the Germans to build the brick St. Clement church just south of Spillville. With a capacity of about 80 persons it soon became too small for the quickly growing population.
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2017 Bonfire Photography
In 1860, the St. Wenceslaus church was designed and built of rock on rock in traditional Czech fashion. The Bohemian immigrants built only the center part at this time. In 1869 the church building was enlarged to its present size; adding two wings, the sanctuary and church tower. The 1876 Pfeffer pipe organ, played regularly by Antonin Dvorak during the summer of 1893, is restored and still in use.
In 1893, three small outdoor chapels were built in the corners of the church property for use during the annual Corpus Christi commemoration/procession, a practice that has survived through present times. In 1907, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes was built adjoining the church. The unique cemetery, east of the church, features metal grave markers molded in Spillville by Charles Andera.
Fifteen years after their arrival, the Spillville Czechs had their own parochial school in 1870. Standing and restored today, it is the oldest Czech parochial school in America. It is located next to St. Wenceslaus School and is used by the St. Wenceslaus Heritage Society which is preserving the structure.
Uploaded
February 12th, 2017
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