The year is 1954 , and in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, the then sole Catholic Parish, St. Mary of the Lake, was having difficulty accomodating the influx of a growing population of new homeowners.  Thus, St. Pius X came into existence as White Bear Lake's second Catholic Church.  

Ken Bacchus, who built many of the homes in the area, donated the entire tract of land which today houses The Church of St. Pius X.  Mr. Bacchus talked with Father Finn, who was at that time the pastor of St. Mary's of the Lake, regarding the need for forming an additional Catholic parish in White Bear Lake.  They took their concern to Archbishop Murray, who ultimately chose the site for St. Pius X from three prospective sites offered by Mr. Bacchus.

The parish legally incorporated on June 25, 1954.  Less than a month earlier in Rome, Pope Pius X (original name Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto) was canonized on May 29, 1954.  This newly canonized Saint thus became the patron of this new community of faith! 

The first Mass was celebrated in Gall School's auditorium on June 20, 1954.  About 100 people were in attendence.  

The parish grew rapidly and, by 1956, there were five times as many parishioners as when the parish started.  Soon the parish started a custom, which is still folllowed today at the parish whereby at the conclusion of every Mass, people kneel and pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the next person in the parish to die.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PATRON, PIUS X