Saint Anthony Catholic Church

The Catholic congregation in Ely was founded in 1888 as an affiliate of St. Martin's in Tower, MN with sacramental records dating back to that year. The first religious services in Ely were held in the lumber office and then in the Frank Lozar home. The first church was built on the site of the current rectory and administration building and was dedicated in 1890. It was sold in 1956 and moved a block west to make room for the new church and rectory. Ground was broken in 1956 with Rev Frank Mihelcic as Pastor.  

The new church and rectory were planned with attention to detail, completed and dedicated in 1958. 

The church is filled with beautiful and unique features of interest. 

Please notice:

• the cross on top of the bell tower;
• the clock which faces the 4 sides of the tower;
• the Belgium-designed antique glass imported from Czechoslovakia in the sanctuary stained glass windows;
• polished marble on the altar tops;
• casino rose marble on the baptistery font; 
• pews of red oak with a fruitwood stain;
• ceramic mosaic columns with gold glass inserts imported from Italy;
• confessionals with soundproof construction and ventilating ducts;
• terrazzo floors; 
• tinted cathedral glass; 
• the pipe organ with 800 pipes and 2 manuals 
• a miniature model of the old original church on display down in the basement social hall.

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