St. Francis Xavier Church: A Historic Landmark of Old Bohemia
Standing as a testament to early American resilience and faith, the St. Francis Xavier Church site preserves a unique architectural legacy. With roots stretching back to the period immediately following the American Revolutionary War, this site offers a glimpse into the early 19th-century community life of the region.
Key Facts
- Established: Dedicated in 1797, with original construction beginning in 1792.
- Recognition: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
- Preservation: Maintained by the Old Bohemia Historical Society since 1954.
- Core Estate: The society manages 120 acres of the property.
- Resilience: The church was rebuilt within its original walls after a devastating fire in 1912.
Architectural Composition
The site is defined by its historic brick structures, most notably the church and the accompanying rectory. The church is a brick structure measuring four bays deep by three bays wide. While the main body was established early on, a three-story brick tower was later added to the southwest facade.
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Connected to the church by a one-story hyphen—a small connecting passage used to link two larger buildings—is the early-19th-century brick rectory. This residence is a 2.5-story building spanning five bays in length. It features a two-bay-long hyphen on one end and a two-bay-long kitchen on the other, reflecting the functional layout of the era.
Additional Site Features
Beyond the primary religious buildings, the property encompasses several other significant elements:
- A public graveyard serving the local community.
- A relatively modern farmhouse.
- A relatively modern barn.
A History of Resilience and Restoration
The journey of St. Francis Xavier Church has been marked by both tragedy and revival. In 1912, a fire gutted the interior of the church; however, the structural integrity of the exterior remained, allowing the interior to be rebuilt within the original brick walls.
While regular religious services ceased during the 1920s, they have since resumed in modern times. The preservation of the site was secured in 1954 when the Old Bohemia Historical Society was formed. In a notable display of ecumenical cooperation, the society was founded by a Catholic, a Quaker, and a Methodist, who together purchased the core 120 acres to ensure the site's survival.
| Structure/Feature | Description | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Church | Brick structure with 3-story tower | Dedicated 1797; rebuilt after 1912 fire |
| Rectory | 2.5-story brick building | Includes hyphen and kitchen wings |
| Land | 120-acre core property | Managed by Old Bohemia Historical Society |
| Other Features | Graveyard, barn, and farmhouse | Mix of historic and modern elements |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the St. Francis Xavier Church dedicated?
The church was dedicated in 1797, shortly after its original construction began in 1792.
What happened to the church in 1912?
A fire gutted the interior of the church in 1912, but the building was subsequently rebuilt within its original brick walls.
Who manages the property today?
The Old Bohemia Historical Society, founded in 1954 by a Catholic, a Quaker, and a Methodist, maintains the 120-acre core of the property.
Is the church officially recognized as a historic site?
Yes, the St. Francis Xavier Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Are services still held at the church?
Although regular services were discontinued in the 1920s, they have resumed in modern times.