Eight families emigrated from Grisons, Switzerland, in 1852 to settle the Big Woods and
built a log chapel in Le Sueur County, naming it in honor of their beloved Bavarian Saint.
They spoke Romansch, a Latinate language with French and German influences; St. Henry is
believed to be the first Romansch settlement in the United States. A parish was founded and
the first Mass was celebrated in 1859. The present wood frame church was erected in 1870, a
steeple was added in 1876, and the first resident pastor moved into the rectory in 1882. A social
hall was built in 1924 and a ball field added in 1975, both still used by the community.
Several early pastors are buried in the church cemetery, and St. Henry now shares its priests with
three other local parishes. In 1974, the church was remodeled, air conditioning was installed,
and it now is lovingly cared for by local residents who treasure the simple rural life. Many of
the parish’s current 60 families are descended from the original settlers.
The year 2024 marked the centennial anniversary of the parish hall and 165th of the parish.
