Brief History of St. Michael Catholic Church
The history of St. Michael's congregation dates back to 1856; up until 1862, during the turbulent Civil War years, area Catholics held services in private homes, a lumber yard and courthouse with traveling missionary fathers attending to their spiritual needs. In 1856 Plymouth area Catholics purchased lots on the east side of Center Street between Madison and Monroe for $500. As more Catholics emigrated to the area, a permanent and effective organization was brought into being in 1862 to be known as St. Michael's. A substantial frame structure was built in 1863 by Bishop John Henry Luers and Rev. Gabriel Volkert was assigned to be its first pastor. In order to meet the needs of the growing number of Catholics, the first St. Michael's Academy was built for $12, 000 Three additional lots across the street from the current church were purchased in 1872.
The existing church and rectory, which faces Walnut St., were built in 1910. The Academy was replaced with a modern school building in 1954 and an addition was added in 2000.
Drawing upon their predominantly German descent. the new church was made in a Romanesque style with Byzantine influence. The church is built in the shape of a cross and the two towers are of different heights giving the building added scale and perspective to its facade. The domes toping the towers add a Byzantine influence topped off with small cupolas and crosses.
As in most Catholic churches, the center of attention is on the main altar where Mass is celebrated and the main tabernacle where the Eucharist (Body of Christ) is housed.
There was a restoration of the church in 1994 at a cost of $252,000.
Highlights of the Interior of St. Michael Church
Upon entering the main outside doors, you are in the vestibule. Immediately to the left of the doors in front of you is a small statue of the Infant of Prague. Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague began in the 17th century following miracles attributed to it. Further to your left is the Reconciliation room used for the Sacrament of Penance. Directly above is a light more than 100 years old that was used in the now closed St. Augustine's Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois. To the right in the vestibule is a statue donated by the Poor Handmaid sisters at Ancilla Domini, Donaldson of the Blessed Virgin holding the infant Jesus.
As you enter through the interior door, you step into the main area of the church referred to as the nave. Immediately one is drawn to the main altar straight ahead in the sanctuary where the principle prayer of the Catholic Church, the Mass, is celebrated. Inside the church are a number of statues depicting Jesus, the Holy Family or other saints. Catholics do not pray to the statues rather they help call to mind the lives led by Our Savior and the Saints. To the right is a statue of St. Francis of Assisi. He is known as a lover of animals and the poor, he lived a life devoted to Jesus. St. Francis was a stigmatist, bearing the wounds of Christ's crucifixion on his hands, feet and side. To the left, is a statue of St. Therese the Little Flower. She was a Carmelite nun who was known for her humility and wholeheartedness to God. The bowl before you contains Holy Water. This is water that has been blessed by the priest. People dip their finger into the water and make the sign of the cross on their body. The is a reminder of their baptism and also a purification as they enter the church.
As you near the sanctuary you will see votive candles. The candles are lit petitioning Our Lord to hear and answer our prayers. The statues near the sanctuary are the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus showing His Sacred Heart, St. Michael the Archangel (our parish patron), and St. Joseph and the infant Jesus.
In the sanctuary is the main altar (against the back wall), Eucharistic altar, tabernacle, ambo (lectern) and seating for the clergy and assistants at Mass. The Eucharistic altar was originally part of the main altar.
The room to the left of the altar is the priest's sacristy where the priest prepares for Mass. The room to the right is the server's sacristy where the altar servers prepare for Mass.
Stained Glass Windows
Stained glass windows were used to educate the faithful, many of whom were illiterate. Many windows incorporate whole stories. The windows at St. Michael were crafted by Munich Studios in Chicago at a cost of $500 for each of the two transept windows and $250 each for the smaller named windows in the seating area. The windows today are valued over a million dollars.
Left side starting at the main door
Jesus hands the keys of the kingdom of heaven to Peter; St. Patrick, established Christianity in Ireland; St. Bonface, brings Christianity to the German people; Sacred Heart scene, Jesus' Sacred Heart encompasses His infinite love and mercy for His people; The Ascension window in the south transept portrays Christ's victory over sin, death and the forces of evil. Above the Ascension window is a rose window. The center of the rose window in the south transept depicts the Papal insignia; the crown, two crossed keys and a purple ribbon. The eight outer windows in both the south and north transepts, are merely decorative.
Right side starting by the piano
The Nativity window depicts Mary, Joseph and the Infant Jesus surrounded by shepherds and the Three Wise Men presenting gifts. Above the Nativity is another rose window displaying a stork in the center medallion. The stork is an ancient symbol of Christ. All of the windows on the north side of the church illustrate biblical accounts of the early life of Jesus; Annunciation, Gabriel bringing the good news to the Virgin Mary that she will bear God's Son; Visitation, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth who is also with child (John the Baptist); Holy Family; Finding in the temple, Joseph and Mary are shown approaching in the background looking for Jesus.
Between the nave windows are the 14 Stations of the Cross. The Stations depict the Passion and Burial of Jesus Christ. Devotions are held during Lent remembering Jesus' journey to the cross.
In the choir loft are four windows containing symbols and names pertaining to the four main Gospel writers. Rising Eagle (St. John the Apostle), Winged Bull (St. Luke, martyr), Winged Lion (St. Mark, Martyr), and Angel (St. Matthew, Apostle and martyr). Other stained glass is just decorative.
The history of St. Michael's congregation dates back to 1856; up until 1862, during the turbulent Civil War years, area Catholics held services in private homes, a lumber yard and courthouse with traveling missionary fathers attending to their spiritual needs. In 1856 Plymouth area Catholics purchased lots on the east side of Center Street between Madison and Monroe for $500. As more Catholics emigrated to the area, a permanent and effective organization was brought into being in 1862 to be known as St. Michael's. A substantial frame structure was built in 1863 by Bishop John Henry Luers and Rev. Gabriel Volkert was assigned to be its first pastor. In order to meet the needs of the growing number of Catholics, the first St. Michael's Academy was built for $12, 000 Three additional lots across the street from the current church were purchased in 1872.
The existing church and rectory, which faces Walnut St., were built in 1910. The Academy was replaced with a modern school building in 1954 and an addition was added in 2000.
Drawing upon their predominantly German descent. the new church was made in a Romanesque style with Byzantine influence. The church is built in the shape of a cross and the two towers are of different heights giving the building added scale and perspective to its facade. The domes toping the towers add a Byzantine influence topped off with small cupolas and crosses.
As in most Catholic churches, the center of attention is on the main altar where Mass is celebrated and the main tabernacle where the Eucharist (Body of Christ) is housed.
There was a restoration of the church in 1994 at a cost of $252,000.
Highlights of the Interior of St. Michael Church
Upon entering the main outside doors, you are in the vestibule. Immediately to the left of the doors in front of you is a small statue of the Infant of Prague. Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague began in the 17th century following miracles attributed to it. Further to your left is the Reconciliation room used for the Sacrament of Penance. Directly above is a light more than 100 years old that was used in the now closed St. Augustine's Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois. To the right in the vestibule is a statue donated by the Poor Handmaid sisters at Ancilla Domini, Donaldson of the Blessed Virgin holding the infant Jesus.
As you enter through the interior door, you step into the main area of the church referred to as the nave. Immediately one is drawn to the main altar straight ahead in the sanctuary where the principle prayer of the Catholic Church, the Mass, is celebrated. Inside the church are a number of statues depicting Jesus, the Holy Family or other saints. Catholics do not pray to the statues rather they help call to mind the lives led by Our Savior and the Saints. To the right is a statue of St. Francis of Assisi. He is known as a lover of animals and the poor, he lived a life devoted to Jesus. St. Francis was a stigmatist, bearing the wounds of Christ's crucifixion on his hands, feet and side. To the left, is a statue of St. Therese the Little Flower. She was a Carmelite nun who was known for her humility and wholeheartedness to God. The bowl before you contains Holy Water. This is water that has been blessed by the priest. People dip their finger into the water and make the sign of the cross on their body. The is a reminder of their baptism and also a purification as they enter the church.
As you near the sanctuary you will see votive candles. The candles are lit petitioning Our Lord to hear and answer our prayers. The statues near the sanctuary are the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus showing His Sacred Heart, St. Michael the Archangel (our parish patron), and St. Joseph and the infant Jesus.
In the sanctuary is the main altar (against the back wall), Eucharistic altar, tabernacle, ambo (lectern) and seating for the clergy and assistants at Mass. The Eucharistic altar was originally part of the main altar.
The room to the left of the altar is the priest's sacristy where the priest prepares for Mass. The room to the right is the server's sacristy where the altar servers prepare for Mass.
Stained Glass Windows
Stained glass windows were used to educate the faithful, many of whom were illiterate. Many windows incorporate whole stories. The windows at St. Michael were crafted by Munich Studios in Chicago at a cost of $500 for each of the two transept windows and $250 each for the smaller named windows in the seating area. The windows today are valued over a million dollars.
Left side starting at the main door
Jesus hands the keys of the kingdom of heaven to Peter; St. Patrick, established Christianity in Ireland; St. Bonface, brings Christianity to the German people; Sacred Heart scene, Jesus' Sacred Heart encompasses His infinite love and mercy for His people; The Ascension window in the south transept portrays Christ's victory over sin, death and the forces of evil. Above the Ascension window is a rose window. The center of the rose window in the south transept depicts the Papal insignia; the crown, two crossed keys and a purple ribbon. The eight outer windows in both the south and north transepts, are merely decorative.
Right side starting by the piano
The Nativity window depicts Mary, Joseph and the Infant Jesus surrounded by shepherds and the Three Wise Men presenting gifts. Above the Nativity is another rose window displaying a stork in the center medallion. The stork is an ancient symbol of Christ. All of the windows on the north side of the church illustrate biblical accounts of the early life of Jesus; Annunciation, Gabriel bringing the good news to the Virgin Mary that she will bear God's Son; Visitation, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth who is also with child (John the Baptist); Holy Family; Finding in the temple, Joseph and Mary are shown approaching in the background looking for Jesus.
Between the nave windows are the 14 Stations of the Cross. The Stations depict the Passion and Burial of Jesus Christ. Devotions are held during Lent remembering Jesus' journey to the cross.
In the choir loft are four windows containing symbols and names pertaining to the four main Gospel writers. Rising Eagle (St. John the Apostle), Winged Bull (St. Luke, martyr), Winged Lion (St. Mark, Martyr), and Angel (St. Matthew, Apostle and martyr). Other stained glass is just decorative.