PRECIOUS BLOOD CHURCH

Welcome to the
CHURCH of the PRECIOUS BLOOD
STEPHENSON, MICHIGAN - (UPPER PENINSULA)
S. 304 Bluff Street, Stephenson, MI 49887
Phone: 906-753-2562 - FAX: 906-753-2811 - Stephen son Michigan 49887

+++
EARLY HISTORY
OF OUR MARQUETTE DIOCESE - 1641 - 1668 - on

"As early as the 17th century, Jesuit missionaries from France traveled to the Upper Peninsula to evangelize the Native American population. The first Catholic Mass in the Upper Peninsula was celebrated in 1641 by St. Isaac Jogues, in the area that would later become Sault Ste. Marie.
+
The first resident pastor was noted missionary Jacques Marquette, who arrived in 1668. Marquette founded Michigan's first European settlement, Sault Ste. Marie, and later founded St. Ignace, Michigan. Other Jesuits would follow, and maintain a presence throughout the years." (for more information visit Wikipedia)
+
DIOCESE OF MARQUETTE MICHIGAN

+++
EARLY LOCAL CHURCHES 1871 - 1895
(in the Marquette Diocese - 1853)

"There were many Catholics among the lumberman and farmers in Stephenson in the late 19th century and they requested Mass be said here (in Stephenson) . The first Mass celebrated was in the little school house in September of 1878 by the priest from Spauding."
+
Regarding churches, not much below Spaulding and Menominee / Marinette. Stephenson was considered a mission. Mass was held in the local school. By 1878, a small church was built (on site of the church now - celebrated first Mass in 1895)
+
A Canadian Priest, Father Pernin was assigned to build St Mary's to the south of the Menominee / Marinette area in Peshtigo Wisconsin. St Marys, was destroyed in the massive Peshtigo Fire of 1871.

+++
ORIGINAL RECTORY AND CHURCH
CHURCH of the PRECIOUS BLOOD - 1879 - 1880
(STEPHENSON MICHIGAN)

(for full images, click icons above)

ABOVE: "In 1879 the first Precious Blood Church was built and was a mission to the Church in Spaulding for five years. The church was designated a parish in its own right in 1883. From then until 1895, 12 pastors would serve here."
+
(As a mission church, no records were kept from 1879 to 1895)
"Father Francis Xavier Barth was assigned to Precious Blood in 1895 and began plans for a new church building and rectory. The rectory was built in 1896. The church was built and dedicated in 1901 and still stands today.

+++
THE NEW
CHURCH of the PRECIOUS BLOOD
IN STEPHENSON - PRE RESTORATION PICTURES - 1880 - 1930s on ...

(for larger images, click icons above, may be blurred)

ABOVE: Church of the Precious Blood celebrated its centennial in 1980. Above are some ot the earlier images pre-restoration LEFT: Note the differences over time beginning with the original varnished altar before it was painted white: Also the altar rail in front, now removed. What else do you see? RIGHT: Exterior entry of original church and the Parish House to the right, which was moved a few blocks away behind the church. (the new house may be seen on the link at bottom of page (see (CENTENNIAL BOOKLET 1880 - 1980)

+++
PRECIOUS BLOOD GROTTO - 1939 - 1943

(for full image, click icon above)

ABOVE: The grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes was inspired and built on the grounds by Father Trelles south of the church. He transported rocks by car and trailer from farms in the area, one load at a time, in his overalls and with his parishioners. Completed in 1943. Many summer weddings and other special events were and still are celebrated here. And especially on August 15, the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, Mass and picnics follow.

+++
MOVING THE OLD RECTORY 1986

(for larger images, click icons above, may be blurred)

ABOVE: It was time to build a more serviceable rectory. pastors living quarters, office and a secretary's office. The lower level included a conference room and quarters for visiting guests,and a garage. In 1986, the old Victorian rectory was sold, moved and a new one was built.
+
PASTORS MEMORIAL ROOM - 1980
In 1979 - 80, a memorial room, dedicated to all the pastors who had served at Precious Blood. It was added between the front right entry of the church and the parish, giving a better entry from the parking lot into the church. It was used for small winter Masses to save on heat.

+++++
RESTORATION PICTURES,2014-15

ABOVE: Scaffolding in sacristy on altar showing blue paint being added around all th windows. 6 medalions were painted, 3 on either side of the center Eucharistic symbol above the altar.
+
The old lectern was purchased at a local antique store (from an old Baptist church). Originally dark varnished wood, was painted antique white and gold to match the altar and replacing the modern one. The dark wood Bishops chair was also restored in white and gold with new upholstery, all to bring visual unity to the restored altar.
+
The red carpet has was also replaced with a natural color to enrich thearea. Four Saint statues (St Anthony, St Francis, St Padre Pio and St Martin of Toures) were added to replace the original statues in the four altar niches ...
+
STATIONS

+
Stations below are original and date back to turn of century

+++
SIDE WINDOWS

ABOVE: Side windows showing the blue inner frame around each window with a traditional repeated design all enhance the stained glass windows and giving richness to the beautiful 14 stations of the cross that surround the interior of the church.
+
In the upper left image, behind the votive candles , the restored Piata rests in the window nich.

+++
SIDE ALTARS

ABOVE: The walls of the side altars have also been painted like stone blocks behind the main altar for a very warm finish. (see below). The columns now carry the look of subtle marble.

+++
COMPLETED ALTAR WITH STONES

ABOVE: Completion of the altar includes wall painted to look like stone blocks like the side altars behind the crucifuxion and Our Lady on the other side.
+
ANGELS
restored angels

stand on either side
The overall design of the hand carved wooden altar painted white is typical of churches seen in Bavaria (Germany) built at that time. Statues have again been replaced recently to honor the Gospel writers: Sts Matthew, Mark , Luke and John.

+
the statue of the
MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

+
For more current information please click on link below
CHURCH OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
will delete all information below on completion of site

COOL CATHOLIC YOUTH LINKS
updated 12/229/16
+

WORLD YOUTH DAY *Panama - 2019*	EWTN *Home of Life on the Rock*	LIFE ON THE ROCK *Join Fr Francis Mary and friends*
OFFICIAL MEDJUGORJE SITE *St James Church (in Medjugorje)*	RADIX *Visit 'The War Room"*	REAL LOVE *Mary Beth Bonacci*
FRANCISCAN UNIVERSITY *Steubenville*	DAILY CATHOLIC 2000 *great online magazine*	YOUTH 2000 NEW YORK *International Youth Group*
AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY *whats in your future?*	CATHOLIC DEFENSE *Information on your faith*	CATHOLIC PLANET *Check it out*
AMERICAN LIFE LEAGUE *Pro-Life Group - Stafford, VA.*	CATHOLIC ANSWERS *Questions? Great resource*	YOU MAGAZINE *Catholic Teen*
CATHOLIC CITY *cool catholic links*	ST MARY'S PRESS *books written by teens*	CATHOLIC ONLINE *Great research site on Saints*
THE HUNGER SITE *visit this site and feed the hungry*	INTERLINC-ONLINE *youth - ministry - music*	NATIONAL FEDERATION *Catholic Youth Ministry*
OREGON CATHOLIC PRESS *Catch up with Tom Booth and Steve*	VISIT THE LORD *bring your parents to Mass this Sunday*	GROUP MAGAZINE *What are you thinking?*
	GOOD GROUND PRESS *lectionary info - adult/youth*