Holy Redeemer Church (Eagle Harbor, Michigan) facts for kids
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Holy Redeemer Church
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | West end of Center Street, Eagle Harbor, Michigan |
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| Built | 1854 |
| Architectural style | Carpenter Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000629 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1972 |
Holy Redeemer Church is a historic Roman Catholic church in Eagle Harbor, Michigan. It is famous for its unique wooden design, known as the Carpenter Gothic style. Because of its age and importance, the church is listed as a Michigan State Historic Site and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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History of the Church
The Holy Redeemer Church was built in 1854, during a time when copper mining was a big industry in the area. Many people attended the church when it first opened.
However, as the 19th century ended, the copper industry slowed down. Fewer people lived in Eagle Harbor, and the church was not used as much. For many years, the building was empty.
Later, in the late 20th century, people worked to restore the church. Today, it has been refurbished and is used for church services during the summer.
Why is This Church Important?
Holy Redeemer is the oldest Roman Catholic church still standing in the Marquette Diocese. A diocese is a large area of churches managed by a bishop.
The church's construction was led by Reverend Henry L. Thiele, who was the first priest officially appointed in the diocese. The church is also dedicated to Bishop Frederic Baraga, an important religious leader in the region's history.
What Does the Church Look Like?
Holy Redeemer Church is a one-story wooden building. It was built in the Carpenter Gothic style, which means carpenters used wood to create designs that look like the fancy stone churches of Europe.
Exterior Features
The entrance to the church is a pointed arch, which is a classic feature of Gothic architecture. Above the entrance is a square bell tower, called a belfry. The belfry has openings shaped like Gothic arches and is topped with an eight-sided steeple and an iron cross.
Interior Design
Inside, the church has a simple and clean design. The focus is on the space for worship rather than on complex decorations.
