Menu
Log in

KCHS logo

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

Hours & Admission-  The Phoenix Church is open from mid-June to early October.  The 2023 opening date is Sunday, June 18th.  Hours are  8 AM - 6 PM daily.  There is no admission charge for this museum, however a donation is appreciated.

2023 Events- Blessing of the Animals- Sunday, July  23, 1:30 to 3:30 pm EDT                                              Open House-Sunday, August 20, 1 to 4 pm EDT                                                                 Annual Mass-Sunday, September 3, 1:30 pm EDT

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

Related Links-

NEWS
All sites are closed for the season, but 2023 opening dates have been determined. Please visit our
Sites and Museum Schedule

5/29/23
The Memorial Garden at Central Mine has an immediate need for regular watering and light weeding. If you are interested in volunteering for this position, CONTACT US

5/15/23
KCHS awarded grant to enhance Eagle Harbor Light Station Museum Exhibits.
LEARN MORE

3/24/23
KCHS awarded grant to renovate Eagle Harbor Lighthouse
Learn More
-
michigan.gov release
USA Today Story


Now is a good time to start researching and reserving the popular amenities the Keweenaw has to offer.

Keweenaw County Tourism Links:

• Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce

• Keweenaw Tourism Council

Did you know KCHS members can rent historic on-site dwellings?

Learn More
Become a member


EVENTS


MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Eagle Harbor Inn
Grampa's Barn
Keweenaw Power and Lite
Pasty.NET


COVID POLICY
The Keweenaw County Historical Society’s Board of Directors will follow the COVID-19 Epidemic Orders issued by the State of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services.  These public health orders are updated as needed, so KCHS may need to change access to buildings and events.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software