The early beginnings of the church go back to 1902, when a log church and a small house to accommodate the priest was built on a donated tract of land in the Town of Platte in eastern Morrison County. Prior to this, Catholics of this area attended services in either Pierz or Little Falls. The parish was taken care of as a mission by Royalton, Flensberg, and St. Cloud at that time. The church was officially incorporated as the Church of the Holy Cross in 1904. The first resident pastor was Father R. Wawrzynski. On New Year’s Day, 1917, the log church burned down. For almost a year, services were held in the parish house.

A new church was constructed two miles east in what is now known as the village of Harding. The parish was once again a mission. This time under the guidance of the Catholic Parish in St. Anna, MN. A full-time pastor was designated in July, 1923. The parish house was constructed that same year.

In the late 1950’s, the parishioners once again determined that a new church was needed for the parish community. A new church was constructed immediately to the north of the existing church. The copper bell tower and granite facade make Holy Cross a landmark for miles around. The church was paid for with individual donations and with the proceeds from the annual parish bazaar held each year on the Sunday before Labor Day.

In the year 2000, Holy Cross again took on a building project – this time to address handicapped accessibility and other space to update the well maintained building. The project was completed in September, 2001. The new construction added a four-stop elevator, a gathering space, an adoration chapel, handicapped confessional and bathroom facilities.

Holy Cross celebrated its 100th year in August, 2004. We are privileged to have witnessed the true Holy Cross spirit for over a century. The parish continues to show faith and resiliency in their ability to adapt to change and maintain a vital parish community. We look forward to the future with anticipation.