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St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church named to State Historical Register.
The large Victorian Gothic Catholic Church located on County Trunk Y in the village LeRoy has received this recognition from the State of Wisconsin for it is Architecturally significant, and for its Gothic Revival style, and its elements of high artistic value. The building is a good example of Gothic Revival architecture, common in churches at the turn of the twentieth century. As a rural church it is larger than most churches in the surrounding area. The church features elaborate gothic details with its highly decorative interior design St. Andrew's church was built by master architect, Anton Dohmen, an immigrant from Germany, during the pastorate of Father John Blum in 1900. On September 25, 1901 the church was consecrated by Archbishop Frederick X. Katzer.
Historical records reveal that Casper and Regina Sterr donated 10 acres of prime farm land to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on April 23, 1849. Hence the founding of St. Andrew's. St. Andrew's history covers the building of the first log church about 1850 by German immigrants. As immigration continued to expand, a second church was built in 1868. In the later years of the nineteen century, St. Andrew's was a well established congregation with ever increasing membership. Once again, a larger church needed to be built in 1900. The third church, now 109 years in existence stands proud for its spiritual and structural integrity and worshiping faithful are humbled within its massive walls. The church was built with more than four-hundred thousand cream colored bricks, symbolizes the faith and determination of our forefathers and the following generations who preserved and maintained its legacy.
Stained Glass Windows
Artistic arrangements of thirty nine stained glass windows are featured throughout the church. The windows were manufactured by the Emil Frie Company of St. Louis and were done in "Munich Style," a style popular for gothic churches during the early twentieth century of which Emil Frie was a master. All stained glass windows were installed in 1912, and were donated by parish families, school children and parish societies. The largest four windows (the Nativity, the Ascension, the Rose window, and St. Andrew's) were refurbished at the turn of the twenty-first century by the Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc.
Compiled historic data was presented to Historic Preservation Consultant, Carol Lohry Cartwright, for preparation in the nomination process. The 38 page Cartwright report describes the church in architectural detail in addition, the high level if integrity of stained glass art and its historic legacy.
Former pastor, Father Anthony Gundrum coined the phrase "Cathedral of the Marsh". Truly a fitting title for this outstanding historic building.
The State Register of Historic Places is the official list of the States cultural resources worthy of preservation. St. Andrew's community will continue to build on its legacy.
Father Tom Biersack is presently serving the parishes of St. Andrew's and St. Mary's, Mayville.
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