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Caretakers of the past, stewards of the future.

Phoenix Church

The Phoenix church

St. Mary’s Church was built in 1858 to serve the Catholic residents in the nearby mining community of Cliff, scene of the area’s first major copper discovery in 1844. Services continued until 1899 when the church was dismantled and reassembled in Phoenix, where it was renamed The Church of the Assumption. Masses were held until 1957, when the last service marked a century of providing spiritual guidance to mining families and their descendants.

(Photo: The Blessing of the Pets is an annual event at the Phoenix Church.)

Mass at the Phoenix CHurchIn 1985 the Keweenaw County Historical Society took over the property and began extensive repair and restoration work. The church now appears much as it did when folks from another century knelt in prayer, a fitting memorial to one chapter of Keweenaw’s proud heritage.  Although now deconsecrated, the church is still used for weddings and memorial services. 

(Photo: A Memorial Mass is held at the church each September.)

Visiting the Phoenix Church

Season-
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. 2024 schedule TBD.

Hours & Admission-
Hours are 8 AM - 6 PM daily.  There is no admission charge for this museum, however a donation is appreciated.

Location- The church is located at 5581 US Highway 41, Phoenix, MI.  That's in Phoenix at the intersection of Hwy 41 and M-26 going to Eagle River. GPS: N 47 23.354 W 88 16.587, Decimal Degrees:47.389230, -88.27645

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NEWS

All sites are closed for the season


100 years ago-
The Samuel Mather was driven onto Gull Rock near Keweenaw Point during a snow storm and gale winds. The crew was safely removed from the badly exposed steamer by the Eagle Harbor Life Saving crew.

The ship was repaired and served a long life on The Great Lakes. When it was finally scrapped, its mast was acquired by Captain Richard Metz and donated to  KCHS where it is now displayed.

You can find a bounty of stories about Keweenaw shipwrecks in our triannual newsletter The Superior Signal  by becoming a member.

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