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

Holy Ascension Orthodox Church

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

1. Holy Ascension Orthodox Church Marker

Inscription. In 1904 the Albion Malleable Iron Company began recruiting workers for its foundry. The arrival of six Russians from New York City marked the beginning of Albion's "Foreign Colony." By 1915 the Foreign Colony had grown to around 600 people of several Eastern European nationalities, most of whom were Orthodox Christians. Initially, a visiting priest from Detroit conducted Albion's Orthodox services, but by 1915 permission to build an Orthodox church had been granted. A fund drive within the city raised $5,000. The cornerstone was laid on April 30, 1916, and the church was consecrated on Thanksgiving Day of that year. Holy Ascension Church was the only non-Greek Orthodox parish in south-central Michigan until the late 1950s.

Erected 1982 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L0966.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 42° 15.299′ N, 84° 45.959′ W. Marker is in Albion, Michigan, in Calhoun County. Marker is at the intersection of State Street and Austin Avenue (State Route 199), on the right

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when traveling north on State Street. Located on the Northwest exterior wall of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 810 Austin Ave, Albion MI 49224, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Gale House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Homestead Savings & Loan Association, F.A. (approx. 1.1 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); Mother's Day In Albion / Mother's Day (approx. 1.1 miles away); Gardner House Museum (approx. 1.1 miles away); The First Home (approx. 1.2 miles away); Albion College (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Observatory (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albion.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

2. Holy Ascension Orthodox Church Marker

Holy Ascension Orthodox Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

3. Holy Ascension Orthodox Church

View of church from the front facing Austin Avenue

Photographed By John Ridley, July 10, 2023

4. Holy Ascension Orthodox Church

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

5. Holy Ascension Orthodox Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 147 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 12, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on August 22, 2023, by John Ridley of Chelsea, Michigan. 5. submitted on July 12, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.