Throughout the summer of 1946, plans for the grounds and the new church were presented, requesting the State Park land. "In May of 1948, the Commission granted them the land for the price of $1.00 and a box of candy for the secretary." The original church was built in a "long house" style and designed by Alden B. Dow, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, to look upon the wooded area that surrounded it. It was completed by Memorial Day weekend of 1949. Today, this area houses the gift shop, main office and the nun doll museum in the lower level.