Hillsdale in Hillsdale County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

St. Anthony's Catholic Church

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 14, 2023

1. St. Anthony's Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. The origins of Catholicism in Hillsdale County date to the 1840s when Irishmen who worked for the Southern Railroad settled here. In 1853 the Reverend Joseph Kindekens of Adrian and eighty-five people organized St. Anthony's parish. The former Presbyterian church, which was located on this site, became the first house of worship. In 1858 the Reverend Charles Ryckaert became the first pastor and built a rectory. After the Reverend Peter Slane arrived in 1878, the old church was razed to make way for the present one. On June 15, 1884, Bishop Casper Borgess dedicated this spired Gothic Revival church. St. Anthony's Church remains the only Catholic parish in Hillsdale County.

Erected 1991 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1645.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1951.

Location. 41° 55.231′ N, 84° 37.845′ W. Marker is in Hillsdale, Michigan, in Hillsdale County. Marker is on North Broad Street (State Highway 99), on the left when traveling south. St. Anthony's Catholic Church is across the street from the Hillsdale County Courthouse.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 North Broad Street, Hillsdale MI 49242, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Saint Peter's Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Hillsdale County Heritage (within shouting distance of this marker); Hillsdale County World War II & Korean Conflict Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sultana (about 300 feet away); D.A.V.-V.F.W. Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); Hillsdale County Desert Storm Memorial (about 300 feet away); American Legion World War I Memorial Tree (about 300 feet away); American Legion Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hillsdale.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 10, 2010

2. St. Anthony's Catholic Church Marker

St. Anthony's Catholic Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 10, 2010

3. St. Anthony's Catholic Church and Marker

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 11, 2022

4. St. Anthony's Catholic Church and Marker

St. Anthony's Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 14, 2023

5. St. Anthony's Catholic Church

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 885 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 5, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4. submitted on May 13, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 5. submitted on May 5, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.