Location: Detroit's Corktown neighborhood, near the old Tiger Stadium site
Parish Founded/Church Built: 1834/1855
Date Visited: 6/20/10 11:00AM (Father's Day)
Corktown is one of the most vibrant Detroit neighborhoods. Boasting the title of the oldest neighborhood in the city, it's home to Slow's BBQ, the abandoned Michigan Central Station, the St. Patrick's Day parade, Irish, Mexicans, and anyone looking for history and character in a place to live. Also in Corktown is Most Holy Trinity church. It's a bit hidden from Michigan Avenue, but you can't miss it coming south on the Lodge, right before the Howard exit.
The church has a large active parish, with weekday and weekend masses offered in English and Bilingual English and Spanish. They offer free legal and medical assistance to anyone who is in need. They also have one of only eight (last I checked) Catholic elementary schools in the city operating.
On my visit, Father Russ Kohler (who baptised my oldest brother in 1973) was in fine form. It was father's day and he took the time to lambast absent fathers (and mothers). The reason for all of society's problems, he said, is the break down in good parenting and spiritual guidance. All the fathers present went up to get a pin and much needed appreciation. He also highlighted the stories of St. Brigid of Ireland and St. Patrick.
The inside of the building holds artifacts, like an old carriage, and a museum of the hospital that once served the 1830s population. One thing this 1855 building lacks is a bathroom. I had been hydrating myself too much before I realized this. In their bulletin it said Catholics used to fast for 12 hours before mass and it wasn't a problem, but finally 155 years later plans to install a bathroom in the church are underway, but they'll have to remove the hospital museum.
According to Fr. Kohler, "if this is the only thing I'm remembered for, so be it!"
Going to mass at Most Holy Trinity was a wonderful experience. The parishioners were friendly, the service solemn but not too stiff, the sermon relevant. The building has a great energy that comes from the many people who worship there and work to serve the community.
Corktown is one of the most vibrant Detroit neighborhoods. Boasting the title of the oldest neighborhood in the city, it's home to Slow's BBQ, the abandoned Michigan Central Station, the St. Patrick's Day parade, Irish, Mexicans, and anyone looking for history and character in a place to live. Also in Corktown is Most Holy Trinity church. It's a bit hidden from Michigan Avenue, but you can't miss it coming south on the Lodge, right before the Howard exit.
The church has a large active parish, with weekday and weekend masses offered in English and Bilingual English and Spanish. They offer free legal and medical assistance to anyone who is in need. They also have one of only eight (last I checked) Catholic elementary schools in the city operating.
On my visit, Father Russ Kohler (who baptised my oldest brother in 1973) was in fine form. It was father's day and he took the time to lambast absent fathers (and mothers). The reason for all of society's problems, he said, is the break down in good parenting and spiritual guidance. All the fathers present went up to get a pin and much needed appreciation. He also highlighted the stories of St. Brigid of Ireland and St. Patrick.
The inside of the building holds artifacts, like an old carriage, and a museum of the hospital that once served the 1830s population. One thing this 1855 building lacks is a bathroom. I had been hydrating myself too much before I realized this. In their bulletin it said Catholics used to fast for 12 hours before mass and it wasn't a problem, but finally 155 years later plans to install a bathroom in the church are underway, but they'll have to remove the hospital museum.
According to Fr. Kohler, "if this is the only thing I'm remembered for, so be it!"
Going to mass at Most Holy Trinity was a wonderful experience. The parishioners were friendly, the service solemn but not too stiff, the sermon relevant. The building has a great energy that comes from the many people who worship there and work to serve the community.
No comments:
Post a Comment