This photo shows St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hague, North Dakota, an impressive brick structure built in 1930. The church features twin towers—one tall and slender with a cross-topped spire, the other shorter but also capped with a pointed roof. The façade is richly detailed with arched windows, stone trim, and religious statuary above the main entrance. Wide steps lead to double doors framed by ornate carvings, giving the building a grand and monumental presence. Its Romanesque and Gothic-inspired design reflects the deep faith and heritage of the German-Russian Catholic community that built it.

Welcome to the church of St. Mary's in Hague North Dakota. St. Mary's is the oldest continuous German-Russian Catholic Parish in the State of North Dakota. It was about 1885 that the first German Russians began to settle in this territory. Initially mass was held in the private home of the settlers, when a nearby priest would be available. In 1890 a small wooden church was built in the settlement of Alasys, about a mile west of what is now the town of Hague.

By 1906 the parish was large enough to build its first brick church in the community of Hague. On completion of the brick church, the original church was sold at public auction. Now the church was elaborately furnished. The dome above the main alter was studded with gold pieces in the shape of a star. On the main alter was a life size statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There were two side alters. Lighting was provided by two large chandeliers with candles that had to be lowered for lighting and then raised back up to provide that light. The church contained three steeple bells. Many of the furnishings were imported from Germany, France, and Belgium. On Ash Wednesday February 13th, 1929 a disastrous fire burned the church leaving only a few pillars and some bricks. Many courageous efforts were made by people to save the church and in particular the holy eucharist in the tabernacle. All efforts failed because there was no fire truck or enough water. The entrance of the 1906 structure remains as our Marian grotto to the north of the Church.

The beautiful church we have here today is due to the efforts of our past and present parishioners. Despite the great depression of the time, parishioners raised funds to build a new church similar to the impressive 1906 structure. The new cornerstone was laid August 4th, 1929, and the church was dedicated on June 19th, 1930. Much of the labor was supplied by local church members. The church basement was excavated by hand and with the assistance of horses. The cost of the new church--$80,000.

The 13 Roman Roman-arched stained glass windows portrays various saints. The stations are statue sized with lighting. Oil paintings, scenes from the life of Mary, adorn the ceiling. There are over 100 statues and paintings of angels in the church. A large angel holding the sanctuary lamp kneels at the main alter. The lamp burns to remind visitors of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, reserved in the tabernacle. Two other angels near the front entrance hold the holy water fonts. The church's most outstanding feature is the high altar, with its large statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, wearing a lighted crown.

We're happy that you have come to visit us, and we hope your visit will bring you many blessings of God's love and peace.