Madison in Jefferson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael Catholic Church from 1839-1993
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 24, 2022
1. St. Michael the Archangel Marker
• It is the second oldest structure built as a Catholic church in the state.
• Fr. Michael Shawe was sent to Madison to establish a Catholic parish. He raised the needed funds and oversaw construction. He celebrated the first mass in St. Michael's December 22, 1839. It was in continual use as a church until the Archdiocese of Indianapolis closed it in 1993, during parish consolidation. It was then donated to Historic Madison, Inc.
• Francis Costigan, architect and master builder, was a member of the church and may have influenced its design. A rare design feature is the placement of the steeple at the rear of the building.
The Convent (c. 1906) The brick building to the right of the church was built as the residence for the sisters who taught in St. Michael School. It is now a private residence.
The Rectory (c. 1860) The stone building to the left of the bell tower was built as the priests' residence. Built of stuccoed rubble stone, it has a brick cornice and a fully exposed basement on the south. The former rectory has been rehabilitated and is now a private residence.
The School (1905-1979) The school was located where the parking lot is to the west of the church and rectory. The first
this page online
Caption: St. Michael the Archangel c. 1870
Erected by Historic Madison, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 38° 44.255′ N, 85° 22.389′ W. Marker is in Madison, Indiana, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of East 3rd Street and St. Michaels Avenue, on the left when traveling east on East 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 509 E 3rd St, Madison IN 47250, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Settling of Madison (a few steps from this marker); Little Jimmy (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); This Shell Fired into Vicksburg (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jefferson County (Indiana ) Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Samuel Woodfill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jefferson County Courthouse / Madison's Commercial District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Replica of The Statue of Liberty (approx. ¼ mile away); Jefferson County Honor Roll (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Also see . . . St. Michael the Archangel Church, Madison. Wikipedia entry contains a brief history
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 24, 2022
2. St. Michael the Archangel Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
