Jessenland Historical & Cultural Center

In 1852, Thomas, Walter, and Dennis Doheny staked claims in this area about five miles northeast of Henderson, MN.  Within a few years, they were joined by scores of other families forming Minnesota's oldest Irish farming community. The parish of St. Thomas the Apostle was established in 1855 as the focal point of the newly formed Jessenland Township, becoming one of the oldest parishes in the state and the oldest parish in the Diocese of New Ulm.

In May of 1870, the cornerstone of the current building was placed under the supervision of Fr. Theodore Venn, who may have designed it.  The new building, measuring 36’x85’, is built in the style reminiscent of Greek Revival, with a pediment gable roof and Georgian stylistic overtones found in the slender round tower and spire that rise above the structure. The building was completed in time to hold an All Saints Day Mass that same year and counted about 100 families as members of the parish.  By 1881 parish membership had grown to 130 families. The building is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

No longer affiliated with the Diocese of New Ulm or the Roman Catholic Church, the Friends of Jessenland, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, now own and operates the building with the mission of opening the Jessenland Historical & Cultural Center to preserve the building and the rich history of the area.