Many of the settlers in the Sanborn area in the 1880's were of German descent from Canada and of the Catholic faith. Missionary priests by the names of Gannon and Hepperle from Duluth and Big Stone, Minnesota conducted Mass at irregular intervals in the Section House and the Blacksmith shop.
A stone church was built in Sanborn in 1884 and later faced with brick. In 1907 an addition was added to take care of the congregation growth, which numbered 250. Mission priests still served the church, among whom were Frs. Schmitz, Wilhelm, Heintz, Buckler and later Father
A large parish house was built in 1904. Father McGlough encouraged the establishment of a building fund and under Father G. O'Donoghew a new church was completed in 1957, utilizing the bell of the old church in its steeple. In 1965 a new parish residence was completed.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 301