Immaculate Conception Church (Iron Mountain, Michigan) facts for kids
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Immaculate Conception Church
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 Location in Michigan
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| Location | 500 E. Blaine St., Iron Mountain, Michigan |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1902 |
| Architect | Fr. Giovanni Sinopoli di Giunta |
| Architectural style | Renaissance Revival architecture |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000562 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 05, 1990 |
The Immaculate Conception Church is a beautiful Catholic church in Iron Mountain, Michigan. It was built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. This means it looks like buildings from the Renaissance period in Italy. The church is located at 500 E. Blaine Street. It became a Michigan State Historic Site in 1979. Later, in 1990, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. People also know it as Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church.
Contents
The Story of Immaculate Conception Church
In the late 1800s, many Italian families moved to Iron Mountain. They came to work in the local iron mines. These Catholic families first went to St. Joseph's church. But, in 1890, those living on the north side of the city decided to start their own "Italian Church." They received permission to create their own parish. That same year, they built a wooden church near where the current church stands. A priest was then assigned to lead the new parish.
Sadly, the first wooden church burned down in 1893. However, work quickly began on building a replacement.
Father Sinopoli's Vision
In April 1902, Father Giovanni Sinopoli di Giunta arrived in Iron Mountain. He came to serve as the new parish priest. Father Sinopoli was a former count from Sicily. He gave up his title to help Italian immigrants in the United States.
The new priest quickly formed a committee to raise money for a new church. He even drew up the building plans himself! A fundraising drive quickly collected almost US$4,000. In June 1902, Father Sinopoli started digging the foundation himself.
Building the New Church
In July, the cornerstone for the new church was laid. Construction on the church moved very quickly. Father Sinopoli acted as the engineer, architect, and building foreman. Many men from the parish volunteered their time and hard work.
The superintendent of the local Pewabic Mine also helped. He donated timber and sent workers to assist in construction. He even paid their salaries out of his own pocket. The church was finished in December 1902. On January 1, 1903, it was dedicated to Mary Immaculate of Lourdes.
Growth and Education
Father Sinopoli stayed with the parish for only one year. But, he left behind an organized church with a brand new building. More improvements and additions were made over the years. In 1923, a rectory (a house for the priest) was built for the church.
In 1942, catechism classes were started. These classes grew into year-round education programs. In 1955, the parish opened a school. It eventually taught children from first through eighth grades. Famous sports figures like Tom Izzo and Steve Mariucci both attended the Immaculate Conception school in first grade.
In 1971, the school joined with other nearby Catholic schools. The Immaculate Conception school then housed first through third grades. By 1990, the schools combined even more. All classes were taught downtown. The former Immaculate Conception school building was then rented to the Iron Mountain school district.
Later Upgrades and Recognition
Significant upgrades were made to the church in the 1960s. The outside of the church was repaired in the 1980s. The church was named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1979. It was then listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
What the Church Looks Like
This church looks similar to Renaissance parish churches in Italy. It reminds us of the architectural traditions of the Italian immigrants who built it. It is a rectangular church with a central nave (the main part of the church). It is built from sandstone.
The main church has a pointed roof. There is a two-story section with a hipped roof at the back. A striking octagonal bell tower is also at the back. It looks like a campanile (a type of Italian bell tower) and has a pierced belfry at the top.
Inside, unusual timber trusses support a wooden barrel-vaulted ceiling. Stained glass windows let light into the nave. At least three of these beautiful windows were made by the Menominee Stained Glass Works. They are set in bricked arched window wells.
The front of the church has two decorative arches. These are framed by pilasters (flat, column-like decorations). They frame the main entrance. Shorter sections on each side connect to the main front with curved walls. These walls hide the pointed roof. Two special spots hold statues of saints.
