Encyclopedia Of Detroit
St. Francis D'Assisi Catholic Church
The Polish population in Detroit was growing rapidly in the late 1800s. As a result, several members of St. Casimir parish petitioned the Diocese of Detroit for a new parish around Buchanan and Campbell Streets. In June 1890, the cornerstone of St. Francis D’Assissi was blessed and construction began. The first Mass was celebrated in the church on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1890.
The parish continued to grow and a drive for a new, larger church building was conducted. The new building, designed by Kastler and Hunter in the Italian Renaissance style, opened in June of 1905.
The church is made of Malvern brick with carved Bedford trim. Three unique carvings are found on the front facade: Michael the Archangel, the Knight of Lithuania, and the White Eagle of Poland.
The interior features stained glass windows made at the Detroit Stained Glass Works, depicting scenes from the life of Mary. Throughout the church there are images of angels, including on the lighting fixtures. St. Francis, the Four Evangelists, and Michael the Archangel are depicted around the main altar. There are two separate altars to the left and right, representing Mary and Jesus.
St. Francis D’Assisi and St. Hedwig merged on July 1, 2013 to form St. Francis and St. Hedwig Parish, Detroit.
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