Michigan’s rich history is deeply intertwined with its earliest European settlements, and at the heart of these communities were their places of worship. When seeking the “oldest church” in the state, the answer is a fascinating tale of two distinct and historic institutions: one with the oldest continuously operating parish and another that stands as the oldest surviving church building.
A Tale of Two Churches: Uncovering Michigan’s Oldest Sacred Places
The Oldest Congregation: Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit (Detroit)
The title of the oldest church congregation in Michigan belongs unequivocally to the Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit.
- A Historic Founding: This parish was founded on July 26, 1701, just two days after French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac landed and established Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit. The church was named in honor of Saint Anne, the patron saint of New France.
- Second Oldest in the Nation: The parish of Sainte Anne is recognized as the second oldest continuously operating Roman Catholic parish in the United States. Its records, which date back to 1704, are an invaluable source of history for the city of Detroit and the entire region.
- The Current Building: While the parish itself is over 300 years old, the stunning Gothic Revival church building that stands today at 1000 St. Anne Street was constructed much later, with its cornerstone laid in 1886. This beautiful basilica contains many relics from its previous church buildings, including the altar used by the famous Father Gabriel Richard.
The Oldest Church Building: Mission Church (Mackinac Island)…