St. Patrick's Parish Complex facts for kids
|
St. Patrick's Parish Complex
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Northfield Church and Whitmore Lake Rds., Ann Arbor, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Area | 5.5 acres (2.2 ha) |
| Built | 1878 |
| Architectural style | Gothic revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002889 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | April 23, 1982 |
The St. Patrick's Parish Complex is a really old church, along with its rectory (where the priest lives) and a cemetery. You can find it in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at Northfield Church and Whitmore Lake Roads. This special place was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It was also named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1976.
The complex is important for two main reasons. First, it shows the history of early Irish Catholics who settled in this area. Second, the church building itself is a great example of Gothic revival architecture.
Contents
History of St. Patrick's Parish
In the early 1800s, many Irish Catholics started moving to this part of Michigan. In 1829, a priest named Father Patrick O'Kelly came from Kilkenny, Ireland. He was sent to help the growing Catholic community.
The land where the church stands today was bought in 1831. A simple log building was built there first. This was the very first church for the parish. It was originally called "St. Brigid." This parish is the oldest English-speaking Catholic parish in Michigan.
Work on the current church building began in 1875. It was finished three years later, in 1878. At that time, the parish was renamed "St. Patrick's." A rectory, which is the house for the priest, was added between 1889 and 1890.
In 1917, a strong tornado caused a lot of damage. Both the church and the rectory were badly hit. But don't worry, both buildings were rebuilt after the storm. The church is still used for services every week today.
What the Complex Looks Like
The St. Patrick's Parish complex includes the church, a cemetery, and the rectory.
The Church Building
The church is made of red brick. It is built in the Gothic revival style. This style often features pointed arches and tall windows. The church sits on a strong foundation made of rough stone.
The front of the church looks balanced and even. It has a square tower in the middle. On top of the tower is an eight-sided spire. You enter the church through a special section at the bottom of the tower. This section has a pointed roof, like a gable. Tall, narrow windows, called lancet windows, are on the tower. Similar windows also line the sides of the church building.
The Rectory
The rectory is the house near the church. It has two stories and is also made of brick. The main entrance is in the center of the building.
