Churches in Hubbardston Michigan
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church has been the spiritual heart of Hubbardston since 1857. The current Gothic Revival structure, built 1868-69, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hubbardston's religious life centers on St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, organized in 1855 to serve seven Irish immigrant families. The first church was built on John Cowman's farm in 1857. The current Gothic Revival wood-frame structure, built 1868-69 entirely by Irish immigrant labor, seats approximately 700 and is the largest church in Ionia County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, the church is now clustered with St. Mary Parish in Carson City. Father Eugene R. Fox served as pastor for nearly 50 years (1938-1986).
Articles
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
The spiritual heart of Hubbardston since 1855 — from a converted sheep-shed to a Gothic Revival landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
Irish Immigration to Hubbardston
How Irish immigrants fleeing the Great Famine found a new home in the Michigan wilderness and built one of the state's most enduring Irish communities.
The Irish Catholic Faith in Hubbardston
How Catholicism became the foundation of community life in Hubbardston, Michigan — from a converted sheep-shed to a National Register church, faith has been the thread that holds this Irish village together.
People
John Cowman
First Irish Settler
Thomas Welch
Early Irish Settler & Church Trustee
Fr. George Goditz
First Visiting Priest
Fr. Eugene R. Fox
Longest-Serving Pastor
John Cahalan
Original Church Trustee
Nicholas Roach
Original Church Trustee & Pioneer
John Hogan
Original Church Trustee
John Cummings
Early Irish Settler