Annunciation

History of the Church

Annunciation traces its roots to the Irish Catholic pioneers who settled Webster Township after the 1851 Indian treaties and the construction of the Dodd Military Road (1853–54). The first Mass was celebrated in James McCabe's log home in 1858. The first church was built in 1862, expanded in 1874, and given a bell tower in 1884; a major remodel in 1903 replaced the original pews and wooden altar. In July 1913 a lightning strike burned the church to the ground — only the bell survived — and the present Craftsman-style chapel was completed the following year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

• 1855 — first half-dozen settlers arrive in Webster Township
• 1858 — first Mass in James McCabe's log home
• 1862 — first church built; first burial (Margaret Gleason) in cemetery
• 1874 — church expanded
• 1884 — bell tower constructed
• 1903 — pews and altar replaced; church remodeled
• July 1913 — lightning destroys the church; bell survives
• 1914 — present church completed with new bell tower
• 1982 — added to the National Register of Historic Places

Architecture & Historic Designation

The 1913–14 church was designed by St. Paul architect John Wheeler and built by Joseph Kump of Northfield in the American Craftsman style with Shingle Style influences. Its hilltop setting, clapboard-and-shingle cladding, exposed rafter tails, round arches, and ornamental southeast bell tower with octagonal roof make it a recognized local landmark — visible from Interstate 35 and a notable departure from the traditional masonry Catholic churches of the region. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 6, 1982 (NRHP reference No. 82003033).

• Architect: John Wheeler of St. Paul
• Builder: Joseph Kump of Northfield
• Style: American Craftsman (with Shingle Style elements)
• NRHP listing: April 6, 1982 (No. 82003033)
• Distinctive features: ornamental corner bell tower, large circular west stained-glass window, semi-circular arched stained-glass windows on north and south bays

Annunciation Cemetery

The parish cemetery adjoins the church and has been in continuous use since 1862, when Margaret Gleason was the first person buried there. It remains an active cemetery with its upkeep supported through the Men's Club's seasonal clean-up days. Inquiries about the cemetery should be directed through the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

• First burial: Margaret Gleason, 1862
• In continuous use since 1862
• Maintenance coordinated by the parish Men's Club

Parish Staff

The parish is currently led by a Parochial Administrator who also serves St. Dominic Parish in Northfield. To reach a priest, parishioners are asked to call the St. Dominic Parish office at 507-645-8816. The parish office is staffed by an Office Coordinator who also serves as Safe Environment Coordinator.

• Fr. Justus Musinguzi — Parochial Administrator ([email protected])
• Jennifer Malecha — Office Coordinator and Safe Environment Coordinator
• To reach a priest: St. Dominic Parish office, 507-645-8816

Parish Life & Ministries

Guided by the motto 'Seek God, Create Community, Reach Out,' Annunciation is an active, multigenerational parish in which 'many hands make light work' and 'faith in action' is the daily practice. Lay life centers on the Altar and Rosary Society, the Men's Club, a quilting group, and a parish festival committee that prepares the grounds each year for the annual Parish Festival. The parish also looks to new evangelization efforts inspired by the Archdiocesan Synod's small-group meetings.

Sacraments & Devotions

Mass is celebrated four times a week in English — Saturday evening (anticipatory), Sunday morning, Tuesday at noon, and Thursday evening — with non-perpetual Eucharistic Adoration offered during the week. Reconciliation is available by appointment, and the parish bulletin lists Mass times for Holy Days. Rosary is recited at the Tuesday noon Mass, and parish life reflects the Marian devotion inscribed on the historic bell: 'For the Glory of God and His Blessed Mother.'

• Baptism — contact parish office
• First Communion and Confirmation (gifts provided by the Altar and Rosary Society)
• Marriage — contact parish office
• Reconciliation — by appointment
• Anointing of the Sick — by appointment
• Eucharistic Adoration — non-perpetual, scheduled during the week

Faith Formation

Annunciation teaches that 'faith formation is a vital element of our Catholic life and it is not reserved for youth alone.' Faith is understood as growth in knowledge and understanding of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that deepens one's relationship with Jesus Christ and extends to family, friends, neighbors, the parish, and the wider community. New evangelization efforts rooted in the Archdiocesan Synod small-group meetings are an active part of the parish's current life.