The Watertown area saw its first white settlers in 1856, when it was known
as the “Big Woods.” Notably, three years later, Fr. John Ireland, who would
eventually serve as the Archbishop of Saint Paul, began visiting the area to conduct
Holy Mass in the homes of local Catholic families. By 1861, the Catholic community
had burgeoned to include 70 families and was ministered to by Benedictine priests
from Shakopee.
In 1863, the community saw the completion of its first church, a log structure.
Subsequently, the name of the community transitioned from St. Patrick to
Immaculate Conception. The second church was completed in 1876. In 1900, the
parish welcomed Fr. Thomas Rehill as pastor, a role that he fulfilled until 1957.
The present church was completed in 1961. Cherished items from the old church
were carefully repurposed; including the old church bell, which was relocated to the
new bell tower, and the redesign of the old church stained glass windows to create the
gothic rose window that adorns the current altar. The parish constructed the religious
education building in 1975, dedicated as Fatima Hall by Archbishop John Roach. The
sanctuary was renovated in 2024 by Fr. Peter Hughes.