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St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Celebrates 175th Anniversary with Joyful Festival
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church marked its 175th anniversary with a grand festival, on September 15, 2024, drawing hundreds of parishioners and community members to celebrate the rich legacy of faith that continues to thrive in the parish.
Photos capturing the joy and fellowship of the event are available for viewing here, providing a lasting memory of this special celebration.
Bishop Lohse delivered an inspiring homily, emphasizing the many faith-filled individuals who have walked before us and those who walk alongside us today. A total of 477 people attended the anniversary Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Lohse and concelebrated by Father Dan Hyman, Father Siby George, Father Raul Gomez assisted by Deacon John Wielgos, and Deacon Al Sosinski. Later, Father Mark Vyverman, Father Bob Creagan, Father and Paul Redmond joined the festivities, adding to the spirit of community and togetherness.
The free picnic lunch that followed was a resounding success, serving over 600 attendees with smiles and joy. The celebration included games and bounce houses for children, while a cake walk provided many lucky participants with delicious cakes. Free door prizes were also distributed, adding to the fun for kids and adults alike.
As part of the day's events, two commemorative paintings were unveiled: one honoring the old stone church’s 75th anniversary and the other celebrating the present church’s 175th milestone. These works of art serve as a beautiful reminder of the parish's deep roots and ongoing legacy.
The celebration was made possible by the generous support and donations from the parish community, reflecting the spirit of togetherness that has been a hallmark of St. Charles Borromeo for generations. As the festival came to a close, parishioners were filled with gratitude and a renewed commitment to continue walking in faith together.
The 175th-anniversary celebration was more than just a reflection on the past; it was a vibrant demonstration of the community’s enduring spirit and faith as we look forward to the future.
175th Annniversary Photo Album
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Parish History
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
1849-1859
Exclusive of the native Indian tribes the first settlers in Michigan in the 1600’s were French and Catholic. A hundred years later from 1760-1796 the English occupied Michigan. Branch County was an unsettled wilderness. Then in 1831 came the westward movement of many nationalities along the Chicago trail.
But it wasn’t until the late eighteen forties that Catholic people began to settle in the Coldwater area. The first Catholic mission was established in 1849 by Rev. Father Aegidius Smulders, CSSR. with 11 families. The parishioners were mostly Irish. Prior to this date people had had to travel to Adrian or Hillsdale or Sturgis. In 1855 Father Kindekins took charge of the mission. In 1858 Father Ryckaert became the mission’s Priest.
In the beginning of the mission Mass was celebrated in private homes. Patrick Reynold’s home was the first to be honored. It stood near where the present Public Library is located. Later the O’Shaughnessy home at 76 Harrison Street, the Dawson home at 35 Race Street, the O’Neil home on Clay Street and the Sweeney home at the corner of Clay and Taylor were used.In 1854, the present site on Harrison Street was purchased from Edward and Bridget Quigleys, for the sum of $125.00 and a wooden frame church was built. The Church was small but plenty large enough for the little congregation.
Unfortunately, on June 6, 1857, hoodlums set six kegs of stolen gun powder and blew up the small church. The citizens of Coldwater were outraged and consequently contributed nine hundred dollars towards rebuilding a small brick church.
1860-1869
The next 10 years saw rapid growth in Coldwater and on Jan. 13, 1867, Father Korst was appointed the first resident Pastor of St. Charles Parish. Unfortunately, there was no rectory. He was forced to live in the sacristy. A small, simple home was built for him that same year at the cost of $660.00.
Father Korst was a model priest and his work, not alone in the parish of Coldwater, but in missions attached, attest to his zeal and untiring endeavor. Bronson, Burr Oak, Sturgis, White Pigeon, Mendon, Charlotte, Albion, and Union City at one time formed part of St. Charles Parish. Faith was kept alive in these places was due to his unfailing effort. For thirty-four years, in sunshine and in storms, in fair or foul weather, he ministered to the wants of the souls in his care.
On December 20, 1867, members of St. Charles held an Oyster Supper and Festival. The object of this entertainment was to procure funds to assist in completing their Church. This society, although poor, had only once before solicited in in this way. People responded liberally. The public was thanked profusely.
From the moment of his arrival in the Parish, Fr. Korst had felt the necessity of a parochial school. A small frame building, 18 X 20 was constructed at the rear of the church and in 1869 it was opened to pupils. Unfortunately, the teacher was not adequate, and the school failed.
During this period, most of the congregation were Irish and Germans who had crossed the ocean to this country their home, leaving behind dear relatives and friends. They had purchased a little spot and erected a house where they could come together, worship God and remember those dear friends so far off and it made them very happy.
1870-1879
St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph’s Day celebrations continued during the 1870’s. In 1870 the receipts for St. Patrick’s day were $194, and on St. Joseph’s day, $75. These proceeds helped to continue the redecorating and frescoing of the Church. The decoration debt was paid off. The total cost being $573.00.
In 1879 a petition was presented to the City Council praying the Council would convey to the Catholic Church a portion of the grounds owned by the city (from three to five acres) lying south of the Chicago Road, to be dedicated, improved, and used by the Church for the burial of dead. $230 was offered. The following month in February a committee of the Council was appointed to consider the petition of the Church.
1880-1889
The luxury of a furnace replaced the old coal burner in 1880. In 1882, a new roof was put on the Church. Father Korst continued making arrangements for enlarging the Church building in the summer of 1883. A handsome new front was added, and a tower was erected higher than any yet in the city, and a costly chime of bells was put in. It was noted that with these improvements that they will eclipse any interior city in the state with its beauty and stateliness of its religion’s edifices. In 1888, the St. Charles Society purchased the old Court House bell for $75.00 and erected at the rear of the Church. Up to this time a large dinner bell had sufficed to call the faithful together.
1890-1899
St. Charles Church suffered considerable damage during a terrific windstorm in 1890. The bell was destroyed. So, by 1894 and because of the wind damage Father Korst remodeled the church at a total cost of $918.75.
Repairs were made in the ongoing progress of improving the Church. In addition, the interior of St. Charles Church was frescoed, and papered and new stained-glass windows were put in. The Stations of the Cross were added. In 1895, midnight Mass was celebrated. This was the first time of its celebration in Coldwater. The handsome Church was well filled.
All through the 1870’s, 80’s and 90’s, First Communion and Confirmation were celebrated with Bishops officiating. On going celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day, Socials, Carnivals, festivals, mission services, receptions, 40-hour devotions, Children’s Day and high and low Masses were the fabric of St. Charles. The Rosary and Altar Society since 1849 continued cleaning the Church, leading the Rosary and helping with the celebrations.
1900-1909
The turn of the century brought sadness to the people of Coldwater, for their beloved Father Korst was forced through ill health to retire from active work and he handed over the care of his devoted flock into the capable hands of young Father Gore. One of his first tasks was to repair and redecorate the rectory. Polish, Italian and Irish families worked side by side to make improvements to the Church and Rectory.
The church had also become too small for the growing parish. The sanctuary, sacristy, and chapel (St. Stanislaus) were added to the rear. New lights, a combination of gas and electricity, were installed and the interior of the Church was entirely redecorated. The entrance and bell tower were extended at the front. Farmers with horses and wagons brought stones from their farms to be used in the building of the new additions and exterior walls to the church.
Reverand Gore performed wonders in the Church. He had one of the finest Churches in the state, and it was almost free from debt. He had built up the membership and had ministered physically and spiritually to the members of his charge in a way that has endeared him to them.
1910-1919
It wasn’t until 1911 under Father Hayes that a parish school would open under the care of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and thrive. In the cornerstone was placed a written account of the laying of it, a copy of the City Directory, a complete list of county and city officials, copies of three newspapers of the city and a Catholic directory, a bronze bust of Pope Pius X, a portrait of Bishop Foley and a list of the Catholic families of St. Charles Church. A Lincoln penny for the year 1910 is the only coin in the stone. With the completion of the school, a suitable convent was built for the Sisters. Father Hayes closed his building activities and did all he could to reduce the parish debt. When he was replaced by Father James Welsh in 1919, the debt had dwindled to a little over $13,000.
In the century and one-half of its existence our country has never had more loyal and true citizens than her Catholic subjects. Taught that loyalty to the flag is a virtue and that the nation has claims that bind in conscience, they are ever among the first to respond when danger threatens. St. Charles Parish has never been remiss when the test of patriotism was applied. Her sons, have proven their devotion and loyalty to the stars and strips during the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish and American War, and World War I.1920-1929
The year 1924 marked the 75th anniversary, the diamond jubilee of the founding of St. Charles Mission. As a fitting method of celebrating, Father Welsh made plans to pay off all the indebtedness. Improvement continued to be made to the church. A new altar and an organ were installed in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee. At the time a “subscription” was taken up and through the generous offerings of all the members of the Parish the entire debt of $13,000 was paid off. The mortgage was burned at a public celebration.
Change came again when Father Edward Stanton in 1926 became the Pastor. He labored untiringly for 20 years. He took an active interest in civic affairs,
without in the least interfering in his Priestly ministries.
The Church activities would be impossible without the help of every member of the parish. Many groups in the Parish helped.1930-1939
The spiritual life of a parish is of far greater importance, and the spiritual life of St. Charles was its proudest boast. From the days when Father Smulders gathered the first descendants of those pioneers to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of that initial gathering, the Faith has never weakened. An impressive twenty sons and daughters of the parish answered God's call to the religious life.
The Catholic atmosphere of the homes, the attendance at Holy Mass, the support of Catholic education and instruction, and the willingness to respond to every spiritual cause—above all, the great devotion of the people to Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist—are evidence of the parish's spiritual vitality.
St. Charles has been blessed with hardworking, conscientious pastors and devoted parishioners. However, the true secret of its success lies in the faith of its people—a faith that draws them to the means of sanctification, the Sacraments.1940-1949
Father Stanton’s health failed, so Father John Slowey came in 1946, Father Cletus Rose, came in 1947. Father Rose immediately set about to enlarge the Church, by extending the sanctuary and adding new sacristies. The beautiful liturgical altar, the new Hammond organ was an incentive to the choir members to contribute their best to the honor and glory their Eucharistic King.
In 1948, Father Rose was transferred, and Father George Higgins became the Pastor. Father Higgins was an inspiration to higher ideals in the spiritual, educational, and cultural endeavors of his flock. A new addition to the school was nearing completion.
In 1949, Father Higgins made plans for the celebration of the parish’s 100 anniversary. A centennial pageant was presented by the school children. The Mission Church of Our Lady of Fatima in Union City was established.1950-1959
Our Lady of Fatima Church was established in 1952 as a Mission for St. Charles Parish under Father Higgins. The Mission Church served Catholics of Union City, Athens, and Burlington. Approximately, seventy families found it convenient to have the Church centrally located. In the summer of 1961, the farmhouse and barn were cleared away to make room for parking facilities. The total cost of the property and building was $30.033.25.In 1954 a new gymnasium was added to St. Charles School. The gymnasium was enjoyed by the parishioners and local citizens.
In June 1956 Father Gilbert Gruss became the Pastor of St. Charles Catholic Church. Due to the increase in the school enrollment in the last four years, Father Gruss opened four additional classrooms, enlarged the school cafeteria, and purchased additional kitchen equipment and refrigerators.Answering God's call to the religious life, twenty-two young ladies from St. Charles chose to leave everything behind to follow Him. They sought to minister as He did on earth, devoting their lives to the service of God in classrooms and hospitals by joining various religious orders.
In 1955 an Inventory of Contents was compiled for a total value of $69,043.00. The Financial Report of St. Charles in 1959 listed the amount each family had contributed for Sunday Collections, Special Collections and Special School Collections. Additionally, the Diocesan Development Fund campaign collected $1500.00.1960-1969
The Sixties decade was very bittersweet for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Coldwater. America’s first Catholic President, John F. Kennedy was brutally slain by an assassin in Dallas on Friday, November 22, 1963. In response a proclamation was issued by President Lyndon B. Johnson declaring Monday, November 25th a National Day of Mourning. All schools of the city, including parochial and public, were closed for the day, as were local banks, city and county offices and postal services. St Charles held a requiem high Mass celebrated by Father Gilbert Gruss.
Thanksgiving prayers were said that no one was injured. Renovation and improvements came in 1966 and 1967. Although unfortunately a 50-year tradition ended as the high school was phased out because of the fire.
On Friday, September 16, 1966, St. Charles School was swept by flames. Fortunately, classes had been recessed for the weekend. Fire roared through the school causing heavy damage throughout the 55-year-old structure. The loss from flames, smoke and water was enormous. The fire wiped out eight of 14 classrooms for the over 400 students.But good things were on the horizon. In 1967 a new Church was built to accommodate the growing number of Parishioners. The general contract was awarded to Bonta-Brooks, of Lansing, with a bid of $279,700. The new Church was erected directly west of the Stone Church. The old Convent was torn down since a new Convent was built in 1966. The new Church, of modern design, had a setting capacity of over 700, more than double the old Church. The new sanctuary would seat 750 parishioners. The new seating was arranged in a semicircular pattern, so every worshipper would have an unobstructed view of the altar.
On August 31, 1967, Father Gilbert H. Gruss died. Parishioners mourned deeply. On January 26, 1968, Father Don Taylor became St. Charles Church’s new Pastor. He continued with the building of the new Church. The first Mass was conducted in the new Church on October 28, 1968. “Principal changes for the familiar traditional cruciform church are the open character of the arrangement; the free-standing altar; the accessible sanctuary; the location of organ and choir at the front of the assembly; the incorporation of the baptistry into the community of the church; the location of the tabernacle in a separate shrine; the different treatment of confessionals; the provision of robing areas at both ends of the church and the new arrangement of platforms and chairs for the president of the assembly, deacons, servers and commentator.”
1970-1979
Finally on April 15, 1970, the new Church was blessed by Bishop Alexander Zaleski.
While the Catholic School had been closed, the public schools continued education in the building. The Sisters remained as teachers. There had been a lot of talk in the community of Coldwater pertaining to the development of youth programs in the area. In the 70’s St. Charles Youth Center was organized by William Kotz. The youth of the Church had decided to organize their activities on a club level and dubbed the club “Charlie’s”. The Club counted among its assets a pool table, two ping pong tables and a juke box, as well as a completely furnished kitchen. They painted a Charlie’s room. The gym was turned into a roller-skating rink. Jim Morrison was the Director. In 1973 an Associated Membership was initiated at Charlie’s Youth Center to provide an opportunity for non-members of St. Charles Church to belong. Anyone in grades seven through twelve were eligible. One had only to go to Charlie’s between 3 and 5 pm and 7 and 9 pm on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.
With changes made by Vatican II, in 1974 for the first time, a Communal Anointing of the Sick and Handicapped parishioners was performed. Following the ceremony the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist were commissioned or recommissioned. During the following week an additional 20 parishioners in Maple Lawn medical Care Facility and Carriage Inn Nursing home were anointed during the celebration of the Liturgy of the Mass in these facilities. It was the aim at St. Charles to be fully concerned about all Parishioners who were sick, homebound, handicapped or for some reason were unable to participate in the life of the Parish.
In 1976 Father Don Taylor who had been St. Charles Pastor since 1968 was transferred. Father Leon Pohl became the Pastor for St. Charles.1980 - 1989
Christmas was always celebrated royally at St. Charles Church. In 1982 the altar was decorated with beautiful poinsettias. However, the Crucifix had been removed. The Manager was to the left of the altar. The figures are still used today in 2000’s.
In 1983 the bell was rededicated by the efforts of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Guild which was a part of the Altar and Rosary Society.Father James O’Leary was assigned to St. Charles Church in 1983 as Pastor of St. Charles Catholic Church and its Mission of Our Lady of Fatima in Union City. Father O’Leary’s enthusiasm ignited the Church. Since St. Charles was one of the largest parishes in the Diocese without a school of its own, Father put a great deal of effort into religious education.
Father O’Leary was impressed with the Coldwater Christian Service. It was brought into being in the early ‘70s as a “united effort to help poor people”. He was also very heavily involved in the Coldwater Hospice and the Shelter House.
1990-1999
Father O’Leary continued with his highest priority of service to the needy. He reached out to Catholics and non-Catholics. The Parish Mission statement was: We the people of St Charles Parish acknowledge the mission of Christ on earth and know that God is working through us. As a community we listen to his word and celebrate the Eucharist, so as to be strengthened to accept the responsibility to service, rather than be served, in our parish, community and beyond.
After ten years of service at St. Charles in 1993, Father O’Leary was assigned to a parish in Battle Creek. Taking his place was Father Robert Creagen.
In 1996, the old rectory was torn down, and St. Charles Parish acquired Fontanini figures of Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child just in time for Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, within days, the Holy Family figures were vandalized by two teenagers. This creche was particularly special as it had been signed by two members of the Fontanini family and was the same type displayed at the Vatican in Rome.
The following year, in 1997, with the support of both parishioners and community members, the Church ordered a second set of figures. At that time, Stefano Fontanini was in the United States, and arrangements were made for him to personally sign the new figures. Stefano and his brothers represent the fourth generation of the Fontanini family, who have been crafting Nativity figures in the same small village in Italy for over 100 years.
In the 1990s, St. Charles School experienced a significant chapter in its long history. After the school was signed over to Coldwater Community Schools in 1969, the parish community worked tirelessly to restore it. Their efforts culminated in September 1998, when students once again assembled at the Church for a special prayer service before marching proudly to the newly reopened St. Charles School. Father Creagan captured the excitement of the moment, saying, "The reopening of the school is a cause for rejoicing. It provides an educational opportunity for sharing faith with our young people." This momentous occasion was marked by the presence of Bishop Vigneron, Bishop Donovan, and Bishop Murry, who all celebrated the school’s return to its roots as a faith-based educational institution, continuing a legacy that began with its construction by Father Dennis Hayes in 1909 and the welcoming of its first students in 1911.
In July 1999, the parish community gathered for a farewell potluck to bid goodbye to Father Creagan. "We have a lot of fond memories of Father Bob," said Al Provot, Deacon of St. Charles. "It's been a wonderful six years. We have new computers in the church office and a well-stocked food pantry, thanks to Father Bob."
Father Brian Stanley succeeded Father Creagan and immediately began organizing the Sesquicentennial Celebration of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. The celebration kicked off with a Holy Hour and Mass on the feast of St. Charles Borromeo on November 4, 1999. A series of activities were planned to align with the Church’s Millennium celebration in 2000. These included various potluck dinners, dances, and the first-ever School-sponsored Mardi Gras party to mark the beginning of Lent. The annual parish picnic was held in July, and the St. Charles School Alumni Association hosted a homecoming Mass and dinner in late August. The year of festivities culminated in November with a solemn Mass and banquet, bringing the Sesquicentennial Celebration to a memorable close.
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Photo Archives
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St. Charles Pastors
1849 - 1854 Father Aegidius Smulders
1855 - 1857 Father Kindekins
1858 - 1866 Father Ryckaert
1867 - 1989 Father Korst *First Resident Pastor
1900 - 1925 Father Gore
1926 - 1946 Father Edward Stanton
1946 - 1947 Father John Slowery
1947 - 1948 Father Cletus Rose
1948 - 1956 Father George Higgins
1956 - 1967 Father Gilbert Gruss
1968 - 1976 Father Donn Taylor
1976 - 1983 Father Leon Pohl
1983 - 1993 Father James O’Leary
1993 - 1999 Father Robert F. Creagan
1999 - Fr. Brian Stanley
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