A story of pioneer optimism, abiding faith and people who longed for the kind of community they had left behind in Europe. At the turn of the century, Benedictine missionaries and homesteading immigrants still living in earthen dwellings collaborated to build awe-inspiring churches of stone and stained glass. Churches at Mandan, Devils Lake, Richardton, and Strasburg, ND and Hoven, SD are presented in detail. More than one hundred color photographs capture the magnificence of these five churches.Outstanding color photography richly illustrates the churches old-world style. The writing features the history and architectural characteristics of each church, including information that until now has been confined in vaults or in the memories of parishioners.This book outlines the North Dakota settlement period, the influence of individuals like Father Vincent Wehrle and Milwaukee architect Anton Dohmen, and the aspirations of people who came to the Dakotas to begin new lives. In addressing what role the churches they built may play in today"s society, the book concludes with a lively discussion of historic preservation