Minnesota Prairie Roots

St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Elko New Market, Minnesota.

IT’S SELDOM THESE DAYS that I find a church door unlocked while on a leisurely, non-destination drive.

The stained glass window of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of this congregation, is situated in the balcony. I didn’t go into the balcony as a sign banned unapproved visitors per insurance rules.

A statue of Mary outside the front of the church.

Looking up at the tall tall steeple.

So when Randy and I stopped in Elko New Market and found the front doors of St. Nicholas Catholic Church open late on a recent Saturday morning, we were surprised. During our brief visit, not a soul appeared, except images of the saints patronized therein.

Statues like this one of Mary fill the church.

How lovely the stained glass.

Just look at that altar.

As a life-long Lutheran, I’ve always been fascinated by the ornateness of Catholic churches. Statues, flickering candles, detailed stained glass windows, grand arches and more contrast sharply with the plainness of most Lutheran churches. I often direct questions to Randy, Catholic raised and educated, but a Lutheran now for 35 years. Rituals and tradition are such integral parts of Catholic worship.

The stained glass at St. Nicholas is exceptional in its detail, design and workmanship.

Looking toward the balcony and back of the sanctuary.

More stunning stained glass.

Impressive woodworking on a confessional, one of two. The other is now a storage space.

I found art even on these cards on a rack inside the entry.

My appreciation for aged sanctuaries runs strong. I find in the art of stained glass and sculptures, in the architecture of a church, a certain reverence and peace that comforts and uplifts me. And that, I suppose, is why I am so drawn to churches like St. Nicholas, anchored atop a hill along Church Street in Elko New Market.

Art outside St. Nicholas.

TELL ME: Are you drawn to aged churches? Why?

© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling