History

St. Thomas Aquinas Milestones - 1884-2007

Our Roots

The St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic community traces its roots to the year 1884, when a mission church was established in Langdon Township, six miles north of Hastings. The mission, called St. Patrick, was ministered by priests from Guardian angels Church in Oakdale and Blessed Sacrament Church in St. Paul until it was closed in 1900. The sacraments were celebrated in several buildings in St. Paul Park for the next two years.

With the approval of Archbishop John Ireland, the old Langdon mission was moved to the corner of Summit and Broadway Avenues in St. Paul Park. On January 27, 1903, the faith community of St. Thomas Aquinas was incorporated. The basic church structure still stands at that location (700 Broadway). Priests from the Cathedral of St. Paul served the community until 1915, when Father Patrick J. Hart (pastor form 1915-1934) was assigned as the first resident pastor. During Father Hart's pastorate, the church was enlarged and a rectory was built next door.