On the Prairie, a High-Tech Collection of Medieval Manuscripts


The road to Saint John's University winds past prairie and marsh, the flatness of the land interrupted only by the occasional silo. The bell tower of Saint John's Abbey Church seems to appear out of nowhere: It's a massive, flat concrete structure that rises 112 feet above the ground, with openings for a cross and bells, that almost completely conceals the Modern church that lies behind it. Picture a concrete banner unfurled in front of the church, and you get the idea.

The abbey

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Already have an account? Log In Now.