Detroit, Michigan Mar 27, 2024 (Issuewire.com) - St. Joseph Catholic Church was established in 1849 and is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Downriver area. Since its inception, the parish has evolved from a group of staunch settlers, to a strong community equally resolute in maintaining its presence in the Trenton community. After establishing a station in 1849, Reverend Charles DePrieter began celebrating Mass on a monthly basis. In 1873, John and Fannie Keith deeded the property to the Diocese of Detroit. Father Debever built a church, allowing the status of the community to be elevated to that of a Mission. In 1895, Rev. James Cahalan was appointed as the first resident pastor and the Trenton Mission became St. Joseph Parish. When the early 1900 church building built by Father Command showed many signs of major construction problems, newly appointed pastor Father Bourke reluctantly set aside his plans for a parish community center, razed the board and batten structure, and constructed a Gothic church in 1931.
Appropriately, the long-dreamed-of school was dedicated on the Feast Day of St. Joseph, March 19, 1947. In February 1948, St. Joseph Catholic School was opened and continues to educate students in grades first through eighth still today. Since that time, thousands of community members have graduated from the school, and over 1000 parish families keep the multi-generational Catholic faith vibrant.
The 175th anniversary gives the parish community an opportunity to gratefully reflect on all of the blessings God has given to them, while looking forward with hope in the future to confidently live out their mission within their Family of Parishes as Downriver Missionaries for Christ.
Media Contact
St. Joseph Parish scalvin@stjosephtrenton.com (734) 676-9082 2565 Third Street http://stjosephtrenton.com
