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This Church was built in 1859 under the directive of Bishop Baraga,
the "Snow Shoe Priest". Built by Jean Baptiste Trotochard on land he donated. It was used by the Native Americans and early settlers. In 1884, the little church was named in honor of
St. Francis Solanus, who was a Francisican missionary that worked among the indians of South America.
Over the years, the elements took their toil on this building. It was restored in 1884,
1932, and 1959 and is in urgent need of restoration.
This Church is the oldest building in the Northern Lower Peninsula and is very important to the historical culture of the area. Some of
the local Native Americans have ancestors buried in this cemetary which surrounds the church.
A committee of northern Michigan residents, including Native Americans, has been formed to restor and
preserve the historical value of the building and cemetary for many years to come. The restoration process will be done in several phases:
1.)An Architectural study and plan of the site for restoration
2.)Archeological study of the site to locate graves
3.)Stabilization of the building
4.)Major restoration of exterior and interior
5.)Furnishing interior with period accoutrements
6.)Placement of a Michigan Historical Marker
7.)Establishment of a Preservation Foundation for the future.
8.)Compiling a book of historical pictures and facts
Please join the effort to help us restore and preserve the history of this cultural
landmark. Your donations are needed to make this happen. Checks may be make to: St. Francis Solanus Indian Mission Church Restoration. Mail to: St. Francis Xavier Church,
523 Howard Street, Petoskey, MI 49770.
All contributions are tax deductible.
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