Gaylord in Otsego County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Photographed By Joel S., July 8, 2010
1. St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker
St. Mary's Church began as a mission of the Catholic diocese of Grand Rapids. The first church was built around 1884. The parish grew to become a predominantly Polish congregation while under the pastorate of Father Casimir Skory (1892-1905). In 1893 Father Skory founded St. Mary's School, which was served by the Dominican Sisters. Father Skory was instrumental in the planning and construction of this church in 1900.
Side B
The Neo-Gothic St. Mary's Catholic Church has been a Gaylord landmark since it was dedicated on September 15, 1900. When the Diocese of Gaylord was established in 1972, the church became the cathedral. The diocese built a new cathedral in 1976 and closed St. Mary's. In 1985 a local group, fearing the building would be razed, purchased it for use as a performing arts center, which they named the Mount Carmel Centre.
Erected 2005 by Michigan Historical Commission-Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number 2149.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. 45° 1.747′ N, 84° 40.638′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hogan's Jewelers (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Charles Merry Cigar Factory (about 600 feet away); Kramer's Busy Big Store (about 700 feet away); Otsego County (about 700 feet away); Five Rivers Fountain (about 700 feet away); A.B.C. Comstock Hardware (about 700 feet away); Elk, Oil and the Environment (about 700 feet away); Gaylord, Michigan (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gaylord.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 2, 2022
2. St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker
Side B
Photographed By Joel S., July 8, 2010
3. St. Mary's Catholic Church and Marker - from the southeast
Photographed By Joel S., July 8, 2010
4. St. Mary's Catholic Church - from the northeast
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 898 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 21, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2. submitted on July 5, 2022, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3, 4. submitted on July 21, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
