Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Saints Peter and Paul Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places

Church in 2008
Location	629 East Jefferson Avenue Detroit, Michigan
Built	1848
Architect	Francis Letouneau, Peter Kindenkins
Architectural style	Romanesque Revival
NRHP reference No.	71000431
Added to NRHP	September 03, 1971

Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church is an old Catholic church in Detroit, Michigan. You can find it at 629 East Jefferson Avenue. It's the oldest church still standing in Detroit! This church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. It was also named a Michigan State Historic Site that same year.

History of the Church
What the Church Looks Like
- Outside the Church
- Inside the Church
Gallery
See also

History of the Church

Building the First Cathedral

In 1844, a church leader named Bishop Peter Paul Lefevere started building Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. The first stone was laid on June 29, 1844. Francis Letourneau created the designs for the church. Peter Kindenkens was in charge of making sure the building was constructed correctly.

The church took four years to build. Bishop Lefevere paid for each part of the construction with cash. The church was officially opened on June 29, 1848. It became the main church, or "cathedral," for the Detroit area. Most of the first people who went to this church were from Ireland. Some French families also attended.

Becoming a Jesuit Church

After Bishop Lefevere passed away, Caspar Borgess became the new Bishop of Detroit. The church stayed a cathedral until 1877. Then, Bishop Borgess gave the church building to the Jesuit Order. The Jesuits are a group of Catholic priests. He wanted them to start Detroit's first Catholic college.

After this, the church became known as SS. Peter & Paul Jesuit Church. The college started by the Jesuits later grew into the University of Detroit-Mercy. Today, the law school for the University of Detroit-Mercy is still in a building next to the church.

Changes Over Time

The church has been changed and updated several times. It was altered in 1879 and again in 1882. In 1892, the church was completely made new inside. It was remodeled once more in 1911. A small chapel was added to the back of the building in 1918.

Even with all these changes, the church's original design has mostly stayed the same. The church is still used today. It holds Sunday services and some services during the week.

What the Church Looks Like

Outside the Church

Saints Peter and Paul Church has three main sections inside, called "aisles." It is built from common Detroit brick. The front of the church has a pointed roof, called a gable. On top of the roof is a short, square bell tower. The builders originally planned for a tall, pointed spire on the tower, but it was never built.

In the middle of the front, there is a main entrance. This entrance is between arched windows. There are also tall, thin columns called Ionic pilasters. These columns continue along the sides of the church. They divide the side walls into seven sections. Each section has tall, rounded arch windows. A thick decorative band sits above the walls.

Inside the Church

The inside of the church is very beautiful. It has oak wood confessionals that were carved by hand. The ceiling is shaped like a barrel. It is painted with pictures of the apostles, who were followers of Jesus.

One special feature is the amazing Carrara marble altar. This altar was designed by Gustav Adolph Mueller. It has a carving of the crucifixion by Joseph Sibbel. These beautiful details were added during later updates to the church. The only part that is still original from when the church was first built is the organ case.