| About St. Anthony of Padua Parish |
| Our
History The origins of Catholicism in Hillsdale County date to the 1840's when Irishmen who worked for the Southern Railroad settled here. In 1853 Rev. Joseph Kindekens of Adrian and 85 people organized St. Anthony's Parish. The former Presbyterian church, which was located on the church's current site, became the first house of worship. In 1858 the Rev. Charles Ryckaert became the first pastor and built a rectory. After Rev. Peter Slane arrived in 1878, the old chuch was razed to make room for the present one. On June 15, 1884 Bishop Casper Borgess dedicated this spired Gothic Revival church. St. Anthony's remains the only Catholic parish in Hillsdale County. Today Part of the Diocese of Lansing, St. anthony serves more than 800 families, not only in Hillsdale but in the surrounding communities of Allen, Jerome, Jonesville, Litchfield, Moscow, Mosherville, North Adams, Osseo, Pittsford, Reading, Quincy, Waldron, and numerous smaller communities throughout this rural Michigan county. In addition, the parish offers a spiritual home to hundreds of seasonal visitors and summer residents who enjoy Hillsdale County's many lakes during the warm months. Parish facilities include the historic church with a community center, religious education facilities, offices and a rectory, all brought together in one modern, architecturally unified complex. The focal point of the parish center-and a landmark of the Hillsdale community- is a unique sculpture entitled "Holy Mary, Mother of God," by nationally renwned sculptor Anthony Frudakis. The bronze work, dedicated in 1996 (pictured on the St. Anthony home page)and nationally recognized, was donated to the parish by the artist and his family. The sculpture is located at the front entrance to the complex in a beautifully landscaped meditation garden. St. Anthony boasts a wide variety of active organizations including: Mens Club, Council of Catholic Women (C.C.W.), Knights of Columbus, Mother's Circle, St. Anthony Order of Widows, Prayer Group, Catholic Student Council at Hillsdale College, and Bible Studies groups. |