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

St. Ignatius Loyola Church

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 3, 2024

1. St. Ignatius Loyola Church Marker

Inscription. The roots of the Catholic Church in the Portage Lake area are associated with Bishop Frederic Baraga, the "Snowshoe Priest," who dedicated the original St. Ignatius Loyola Church on July 31, 1859. Before the erection of that building, Catholics in Houghton worshipped in a boarding house and later a school. The present structure was completed in 1902, after four years of construction, under the direction of Father Anton Ivan Rezek. Father (later Monsignor) Rezek came as pastor in 1895 and remained in that position for fifty-one years. One of the most imposing edifices in Houghton, St. Ignatius Loyola Church features rockfaced sandstone facades. Beautiful stained glass windows and an elaborate Gothic altar adorn the breathtaking interior.

Erected 1979 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. Registered Local Site. (Marker Number 568.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is July 31, 1859.

Location. 47° 7.22′ N, 88° 33.903′ W. Marker is in Houghton, Michigan, in Houghton County. It is on East Houghton Avenue just east of Portage Street, on the right when traveling east. It is in an alcove to the left of the main doors and to the right

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of the steps up to the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 Portage St, Houghton MI 49931, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

and in Copper Country.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and on Lake Superior’s South Shore Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Grace Methodist Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Clubs and Associations (about 600 feet away); Hotels and Saloons (about 700 feet away); Historic Houghton (about 800 feet away); Municipal and Cultural Activities (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Historic Houghton (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Amphidrome / The Birth of Professional Hockey (approx. 0.2 miles away); Houghton County Courthouse / Houghton County (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houghton.

Also see . . . St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church - History. Excerpt:

One of Fr. Rezek's first projects was to begin planning for a new church. In view of unsettled economic conditions, the undertaking was a courageous one, but Fr. Rezek was, if anything, a man of courage and daring. He pushed ahead with the help of his parishioners. Excavation began on June 7, 1898 and by fall the basement walls were completed. Work went on for four years until August of 1902. On August 10 of that year, Bishop Eis dedicated the new parish church.

The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola was built according to plans furnished
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 3, 2024

2. St. Ignatius Loyola Church Marker
by F. Breilmaier and Sons of Milwaukee, WI. The windows were made by Gavin Art Glass Works, also of Milwaukee. The total cost of the church, windows and furnishings was $65,000.

In 1928 a portico was added to the front of the church to provide protection from the elements. In 1959, the parish's centennial year, and during the pastorate of Msgr. Thomas Drengacz, an east entrance was built with a level access to the parking lot, thus eliminating the need to use the formidable front stairs.

(Submitted on August 16, 2024.)

St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Houghton Michigan image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 3, 2024

3. St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Houghton Michigan

Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 280 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 16, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.