Encyclopedia Of Detroit
St. Jude Catholic Church
St. Jude Catholic Church was founded on July 8, 1941. For the first year, the parish worshipped in the auditorium of Denby High School in Detroit. The first official Sunday Mass was held there on July 13, 1941 with 500 people in attendance. Denby’s auditorium was utilized until June 14, 1942, when a combination church and four room parochial school buildings were officially established for use. On September 14, 1942, the school opened its doors to 160 children enrolled in grades 1-8, taught by the Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic.
A goal of $250,000 was set in 1952 to finance a permanent church and rectory. The cornerstone for the current church was laid in 1955. St. Jude has two levels: the lower level hosted its first Mass on Easter Sunday of 1956. On May 12, 1957, the upper church was used for the first time for first Communion celebrations.
Architect Arthur DesRosiers designed the “late 1950s interpretation of Romanesque” building. A statue, presumably of Saint Jude, is in the niche above the entrance. Vibrant stained-glass windows are found throughout the church, featuring depictions of the gospels and images of saints. To the left of the main altar is the small St. Jude Chapel, and the bell tower is located is located a short distance from the nave.
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