Church of the Transfiguration
Standing at the spiritual center of this Benedictine monastic community, the Church of the Transfiguration serves as a principal place of worship, and as a visible sign of God’s presence in the midst of a living fellowship. The name of the Church also reflects an essential part of the hopeful message of the gospel, that in Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is possible for our lives to be transformed more and more into the likeness of Christ. As a permanent testimony to the love and faithfulness of God, the Church visually proclaims the message that all earthly life has heavenly meaning, and in all things, God may be glorified.
Constructed of Minnesota limestone, the Church is a contemporary expression of an ancient fourth century style of architecture, featuring a long rectangular nave, a rounded apse at the east end, narrow side aisles, a peaked timber roof, and interior columns and arches along the side aisles. The art in the church incorporates stone, wood, bronze, glass, mosaic and fresco to visually proclaim the story of salvation from Genesis to Revelation. The St. Cecilia Organ, gives surround-sound voice to the church, with expansive pipework meticulously restored from twelve organs built by the E.M. Skinner Organ Company in the early twentieth century. The 100-foot bell tower is home to a set of 10 change-ringing bells, calling the faithful to worship, and sounding forth the praises of God.
