Editors note: As part of Historical Preservation Month, this is the 1906 report on the dedication of Catholic Church in Brookings from the Brookings County Press.
NEW CHURCH IS DEDICATED
Catholics Consecrate Their New House of Worship
Brookings County Press November 1, 1906
The new St. Thomas Catholic church in this city was formally dedicated Tuesday, appropriate services being held in the morning and evening. The dedicatory exercises proper were conducted by Rt. Rev. Thomas OGorman, bishop of Sioux Falls, assisted by eighteen visiting priests. The weather during the day was fine, it being one of the nicest days we have had in several weeks, and a large crowd was in attendance at each service.
The property upon which the church now stands was purchased in 1904, and church has been held in the house since that time. In June of this year the house was moved to the west side of the property, and on July 7th ground was broken for the new church. The contract was let to Wold & Johnson of this city.
The new church stands at the northwest corner of Medary Avenue and Williams Street (now Fourth Street), six blocks from Main Street. The exterior presents a very handsome appearance, the foundation being of concrete blocks and the walls veneered with dark red pressed brick. The main entrance to the building is on the north, but there are also entrances on the east and west sides. The northeast corner is ornamented by a square tower, 12x12x41, in which a bell will be placed later. The dimensions of the church are 62×36, and it is expected that the cost will be something over $7,000 when it is completed. A broad flight of concrete steps leads to the main entrance on the north.
This entrance leads to a hall, 12×12, from which doors lead to the main auditorium of the church to the choir loft. The woodwork of the interior of the church is of white birch, finished in oil, and the floors are of white pine. The pews, which have not yet been placed in position, are of solid oak, and have a seating capacity of 350. At the rear of the church is the choir loft and gallery, which can accommodate 50 more. The interior walls are not as yet completed, and they will be kalsomined and tinted. The altar is located at the south end of the church, and on either side are the sacristies, 9×12.
The building is especially well lighted. In the main auditorium there are ten windows of stained glass, which were donated by members of the congregation, and which are inscribed with the names of the donors. The gallery is well lighted, with a large circular window, and three smaller ones. The electric lighting is also well arranged. In the center of the church is a seven globe cluster of lights and three light clusters are arranged along the sides. In the arch over the altar are twelve small lights, which throw their rays directly upon the altar, giving a beautiful effect at night. In the basement will be located the furnace for heating the building and part of the basement will be furnished for use as a lecture room.
There yet remains considerable work to do around the church. The furnace and pews have not yet arrived, but are expected in a few days. The interior walls will be finished off in colors, and when everything is completed the Catholic congregation will have a very neat, little church, and one that will meet all their needs for years to come.
Numerous donations have been made in the furnishings of the edifice among which are:
- The large statue of Jesus, by Rev. Fr. Flynn of Estelline.
- The altar by Rev. Fr. Nolan of Sioux Falls.
- Statue of St. Thomas by Thomas Shean of Boston, father of the pastor.
- The large sanctuary lamp by Rev. Fr. OMara of Watertown.
- The memorial windows by different members of the congregation.
- As stated in these columns last week the bell, which is a present from Rev. Fr. Sheehan of Elkton, is on the way.
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