We went to check out a new (to me) thrift store in New Prague, Minnesota. It is housed in the warehouse of an old flour milling site, and it’s called the Urban Flea Market. It’s fairly large, and had some “flea market items” along with antiques. There were several people browsing and finding bargains.
After the flea market we walked along New Prague’s historic main street. We passed different shops and bars and businesses…and several vacant store fronts. The booming businesses seem to be on the east side of town, before entering the downtown area.
However, the magnificent cathedral is a looming structure on main street, right downtown. St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church is beautiful. Its cornerstone is dated 1906, but the congregation was established in 1857. We’ve driven past the church many times but have never been inside. When we walked up the steps we were surprised the doors were unlocked, so we went in.
Once inside, we could see the lovely stain-glass windows and the many organ pipes and a lot of evidence of a vibrant church community. I’ve learned there are public concerts and events held in this great space.
We learned Saint Wenceslaus is the patron saint of Czech people. The New Prague area prides itself in its Czech heritage, affiliations and community.
On a plaque about St. Wenceslaus, it explained he ruled Bohemia from 924 to 929 AD, therefore called a King. I remembered an unfamiliar Christmas Carol with the title “Good King Wenceslaus” in my old piano book, but I didn’t know who King Wenceslaus was.
Also on the plaque, I found it interesting to read, “Raised a Christian and educated by grandmother Ludmila, he ruled strictly but justly.”
Exploring this church was a highlight of our time in New Prague.