The building is characterized by its massive quality, its thick walls, round arches, large towers, and decorative arcading.

Because of financial difficulties, it took nearly seven years to finish the building, although it was complete enough to host its first services in 1881.

[4] In 1907 the tall steeple was struck by lightning, which started a fire that left the church gutted.

Architect Harry Wild Jones from Minneapolis was hired to design the restoration.

He was asked to make the new church resemble the original as much as possible, so both the interior and the exterior are his work.