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Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
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| Location: | N. Ash St. at 2nd Ave., Crookston, Minnesota |
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| Area: | less than one acre |
| Built: | 1912 |
| Architect: | Keck, Bert |
| Architectural style: | Late Gothic Revival |
| Governing body: | Private |
| NRHP Reference#: |
98001219 [1] |
| Added to NRHP: | October 01, 1998 |
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is an historic building located in Crookston, Minnesota listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the former cathedral church of the Catholic Diocese of Crookston.
The building is unusual for having three spires on its Neo-Gothic facade, whereas most Neo-Gothic churches have two spires. Architect Bert Keck designed this church, along with one in Duluth, Minnesota and another in Terrebonne, Minnesota which also have three spires. These buildings are no longer in service as churches.[2] Keck's design included two balconies, on the north and the south side of the church, for antiphonal choir performances. It also has a large balcony in the back for the choir and the organ, giving the church a capacity of over 1000, which made it one of the largest cathedrals in the United States. Bishop Timothy J. Corbett organized the construction of the cathedral.[3]
The cathedral moved to a new building at 702 Summit Avenue in 1990.[4][3] The Roman Catholic Diocese of Crookston transferred ownership of the structure to a homeless shelter which used the rectory for more space. The stained glass windows were removed and either given to parish families, or sold to support the homeless shelter. In 2001, a windstorm caused severe damage to the remaining storm glass, causing air and rain to leak into the building. The north sacristy became home to a flock of pigeons, which covered the floor in droppings so badly that it had to be boarded up. The Prairie Skyline Foundation has drafted plans to restore the cathedral and turn it into a performing arts space.[3]
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