The Upper Peninsula has some of the most beautiful churches we have ever seen. St. Ignatius Loyala in Houghton is in that group. The parish was founded in 1859 and construction began in 1898 on this church, the fifth for the parish which was finished in 1902. We went to Mass there yesterday.
St. Ignatius Loyola Church is an imposing Neo-Gothic structure located on the hillside above downtown Houghton. Hillside is right, there are a lot of steps from the street using this entrance. Here is a better shot of the exterior from the Copper County Explorer.
It is constructed of red Jacobsville sandstone with a symmetrical gabled facade centering on a square topped with a spire. The tower belfry contains a single brass bell, cast in 1860 by the Jones and Hitchcock Company of Troy New York. Stained glass windows, created by Gavin Art Glass Works of Milwaukee Wisconsin were installed in the church in 1907. An elaborate Gothic altar adorns the nave. Here the view facing the altar.
The main altars
A closeup of the Gothic altar
Towards the choir loft
The side altars
Some of the stained glass.
Some of the statues
We have been in different churches across this great country and this is one of the most beautiful.
We were surprised yesterday when our friends Bob and Carol stopped by for a brief visit. We originally met Bob and Carol here at the City of Houghton RV Park and they were at The Soo when we were there this year. We had a pleasant chat sitting outside and then they had to head out.
Till next time,
Bob and Jo
I love visiting churches. This one is a beauty for sure.
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