St. Elizabeth Parish, Tecumseh at 506 N Union Street, Tecumseh, MI 49286-1304 US - The History of St. Elizabeth's

St. Elizabeth's has come a long way. Its' history tells of courage and vision. It all began in the early 1800's, when Father Gabriel Richard of Detroit helped open up the area to settlers by lobbying to build a road to serve the Indians living near the Great Sauk Trail. Part of that road eventually travelled from Detroit to Chicago passing through Tecumseh. Many of the town's early settlers, including a Quaker Surveyor named, Musgrove Evans, moved with his family from New York. The village was founded in 1825. Catholics were ministered to by priests from parisehes from surrounding communities. Father Edwin Fisher became Pastor of St. Dominic's, in Clinton, in 1907-08, then moved to Manchester in 1909. From there he travelled by horseback from place to place and built two churches, one in Brooklyn and the other in Tecumseh. Both were built of field stone and were Mission Churches. A charles and Mary Deery, bought a home and the adjoining vacant lot on East Chicago Boulevard. This vacant lot became the location of St. Elizabeth Church and in 1913 the cornerstone was laid. This happy occasion was well attend by some 500-600 people. This little mission church held only 80 parishioners, but it was the nucleus that grew to be the present community of St. Elizabeth. The parish belonged to St. Mary Missions which contained six other parishes and the pastor was Rev. Father Joseph Pfeffer. Until 1924, Mass was said only once a month. Father Pfeffer had only one assistant, Father David Cunningham. The church thrived so well that soon the little church was too small and in 1950 the corner stone of the present church was laid. The formal Dedication of the Church came on May 4, 1952. The real estate consisted of 9 acres, 7 of which were suitable for development. The other 2 acres border on the creek at the south end of the property. The first pastor was Father Mike Collins. He was assigned to Tecumseh for only six years, but he did many things in that short span to time. He mapped out the future of his parish which grew from 80 families in 1947 to 600 in 1968. Today we have 750 families. He was a very busy man, but there was still time for the parish picnic, box socials at Wamplers Lake or the work sessions to fix up the stone church. In 1949, a Mass Choir was organized by Wallice Whiting and was recognized as the bes in the Archdiocese. In January, 1953, the old church was dismantled and used for religious classes under the Diminican Sisters. The building was renovated for Classes and other parish activities. Father Mike was to see the church finished and its dedication before he was sent to St. Peter's in Harper Woods. Father Thomas Collins was the successor of Father Mike. He came in 1953, just before the ground breaking of the new school. The school was completed and prospered, the convent and rectory were built. He also installed the stain glass windows with a 200 seat expansion and enlargement in 1964. He was pastor for 16 years and holds the record of any priest serving St. Elizabeth's on a continuous basis. The year 1954 was important. It had many firsts, the school opened, the Holy Name Society and the St. Vincent De Paul Society were organized, there was a boy's softball league and 800 attend the first Roast Beef Dinner. In 1955, two more classrooms were added to the building. Enrollment was at 205 with a waiting list. Children from other parishs were being accepted. In 1959, the Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe with 50 charter members was established. In 1960 it was necessary to establish a CCD program for those who could not attend our school. That year a Boy Scout Troop was also established. Father Tom encouraged activities for all the parishioners and children. Jack Osborn couched all the sports in the school since it opened. the Altar society was active and well attended. Parishioners also pitched in to clean up the area down by evans creek for picnicking. The Cursillo movement got underway in 1963. In 1964, the parish continued to grow with new families. English was introduced to the Mass. There were now 340 students enrolled in the school. In 1966, parish figures show tha there were 600 families being served and approximately 1,300 were attending Sunday Mass. 1968 brought a new pastor, Father Robert J. Handley, who was solemnly installed on January 21st. He told the parishioners on that day of investment, that he had three objectives, upgrading the CCD program, increasing the youth programs and adult education. In February, the school auditorium became the gym. Fish fries were held on Friday during Lent. The parking lot was expanded. In March of 1969, the school board voted to close the 7th and 8th grades with a caution that the school might have to close entirely. In October, the Saturday evening Mass was introduced. In May of 1970, the first elected representatives of St. elizabeth's took office as members of the board. Other elected members of the parish council were divided into four committees, Education, Building and Maintenance, Public Relations and Liturgy. On March 14, 1971, the parish board announced that after 17 years, St. Elizabeth's elementary school would close at the end of the year. In June, St. Elizabeth's said good-by to the Dominican Sisters who served the parish for so many years. In Decumber of 1972, St. Elizabeth, received a new pastor, Monsignor Vincent J. Howard. In May of 1978, the parish debt was completely paid off. The parish experienced both spiritual and physical growth during this time. Trips of Kentucky began bringing food and clothing to the Glenmary Mission, the parish experienced the Renew progrom, and the sharing program. Programs were developed for the youth of the parish along with various committees to aid in the growht of the parish community. These programs have been successful due to our many volunteers. In 1987, two members of our parish were ordained permanent deacons, Jim Nicholson and Ray Pizana. In 1988, Father Dan Wheeler was appointed pastor of St. Elizabeth upon Father Howard's retirement. Father Dan has been instrumental in the modernization of parish facilities to include a new sound system in the church and computerization of church records. the Stephen Ministry Program was also established. In 1992, under Fr.Dan's direction the church was renovated to include a new heathing system and handicap accessiblity. We are continuning to grow as a parish community, now to face the challenges set before us in the 90's. Our strong heritage serves as a guide in our service to God through others. As a parish we will always be grateful to our benefactors, the Sage family and the Herrick Foundation who are still very active in the well being of our parish community. We will never forget the many families who made pledges and through great personal sacrifice made our parish what it is today.

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