Detroit's oldest church celebrates 175th anniversary
The City of Detroit is well-known for many things such as the Renaissance Center, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Fisher Building, among other things.
The city also is home to the oldest-standing church in the area, which soon will be celebrating its 175th anniversary.
How old is Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church?
Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church was consecrated as a Catholic Cathedral in 1848 and was eventually entrusted to the Jesuit order in 1877, according to a news release.
Fr. Gary Wright, parish pastor, said he’s enjoyed learning about the history of the church and looks forward to what’s in store moving forward following their 175th anniversary.
“Sharing the story of Ss. Peter and Paul’s past has made me more in awe than ever of the great people on whose shoulders we stand, and the great legacy we’ve inherited,” Fr. Wright said. “But perhaps even more awesome is the potential we have now as a young and growing presence in downtown Detroit.”
The parish is dedicated to serving various ministries and communities in the City of Detroit. Ss. Peter and Paul are dedicated to local educational institutions, pastoral ministries, and social services.
Where is the church located?
The church is on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and St. Antoine Street.
How is the 175th anniversary being celebrated?
The main celebration is scheduled to take place on June 25 at the church. A musical prelude will begin at 10:30 a.m. Liturgy will be held at 11 a.m.
On July 18, another 175th celebration will be held as Jamon Jordan, the City of Detroit historian, presents the evolution of the church and downtown over the years.
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The event, beginning at 6:30 p.m., will be followed by a wine and cheese reception.
'Ss. Peter & Paul Jesuit: Detroit's Oldest Church,' by Patricia Montemurri
Patricia Montemurri, an award-winning former Free Press reporter, wrote a book that delves into the church's long history: "Ss. Peter & Paul Jesuit: Detroit's Oldest Church."
"It's the mother church of all things run by the Jesuit priests Midwest Jesuits in the Detroit area," Montemurri said. "It's where the University of Detroit Mercy and University of Detroit Jesuit High started. Among its parishioners during its early decades were Detroit politicians and philanthropists, Civil War Union Army heroes, and survivors of the Titanic."
The book is currently available for purchase on the church's website ssppjesuit.org, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and other platforms.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit's oldest church celebrates 175th anniversary
