I was trying to find some info out about the history and found a link at www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/8466.htm with some information including the following...

St. Joseph's was constructed in 1884 by Bohemian settlers in Cleveland Township, Leelanau County and is significant as the only church associated with a Bohemian community known as the Bohemian Settlement. Additionally, it is one of only a few surviving Catholic mission churches associated with Father Ignatius Mrak, an early Catholic missionary. Finally, the church was and still is the only church building in the relatively unpopulated, rural township. St. Joseph served its Bohemian Catholic congregation until 1970 when the parish was merged with a neighboring one and regular services in this building discontinued.

Here's a few photos that, for the most part, turned out...

Mass on May 7th at 7:00 PM

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

Still looking good!

The Beautiful Altar

A closer look at the Altar

Mass with Bishop Hebda and Father Libby

View from the Balcony

After Mass

Historical Marker

Thanks for viewing! As a bonus picture one of the men who helps take care of St. Joseph's took the picture below after Mass of Bishop Hebda, Father Libby, and the altar servers (my son is in the front on the left). A special thank you to him for taking this picture!

Bishop Hebda, Father Libby, and the Altar Servers after Mass

Come visit our Gothic style Church, established as the first Catholic Parish in Alpena by Bishop Frederick Baraga. The current Church structure constructed in 1884 is newly renovated and provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere to worship. We invite you to join us.

People were praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament during my visit. That was great to see. I didn't want to disturb anyone, so I was only able to take a couple of pictures.

St. Bernard Catholic Parish in Alpena, Michigan

Registered Historic Site in Michigan

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

The Sanctuary

St. Patrick

Love the steps!

Thanks for viewing my photos. I hope to add more parishes from the Diocese of Gaylord as time and travel permits. I have some great old parishes to visit right in Leelanau County which will probably be next.

A couple of weeks ago we went on a quick two-night trip to the other side of the state for our spring break (one of the perks of homeschooling!). We enjoyed lots of pool time at the Holiday Inn Holidome. The kids loved that our room opened right to the pool area. We had the hotel to ourselves the entire time.

We also visited the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which was alot of fun. The kids loved walking on the life-size replica of a 19th-century schooner "Western Hope of Alpena".

I wanted to stop by and see a couple of the parishes and St. Anne was first on our list. I became Catholic as an adult and so I am fascinated by the history and tradition of the Catholic Church and especially love visiting and admiring the beauty of older parishes. I didn't take many pictures and it was dark so I only ended up with a couple of pictures. Click on the photos for larger versions!

The kids loved the Angels

We were greeted by Our Lady

Beautiful Window

12th Station of the Cross, Jesus Dies on the Cross

My attempt at a picture of the Choir Loft and Organ

St. Anne Catholic Parish

St. Anne Catholic Parish (no kids in front)

I wasn't able to get a good picture of the sanctuary and the altar, but maybe I'll make it there again sometime. I'll try to add other parishes in our Diocese as time and travel permits.

View Bishop Bernard Hebda's Ordination 12-1-09 at Picasa

View Slideshow: Bishop Hebda Ordination and Installation at Gaylord Herald Times