Parish History

1936
Parish founded by Bishop Gallagher in November. Fr. Leo J. Trese was named first pastor. The first Mass was celebrated on November 22. The first Baptism took place on November 29.

1937
In February of 1937, the Old Morton School building was purchased for $500 and at a cost of $1500 was moved by log rollers to the parish grounds on Michigan Avenue. Renovation of the building began. The eventual cost of this project was $6000. On February 9, the first marriage celebrated between Ida Prevost and Robert McKenzie. Forty (40) children made up the First Holy Communion class. On June 27 the first Mass in the renovated building was celebrated.

1938
February 28 of this year saw the burial of Israel J. Prevost. This was the first funeral Mass performed at our church.

1939
In April, property was purchased for a new rectory. Ninety-six children from St. Christopher's were confirmed on April 30 by the Most Rev. Stepen S. Woznicki. Three Sisters of St. Joseph came from their Motherhouse in Nazareth on August 27. They were here to prepare for the 80 students who started St. Christopher's school on September 7.

1941
Fr. Raymond Buhl was named pastor on November 21.

1945
Fr. Frederick E. George was named pastor in September.

1950
In June, the ground was broken for a new church/school building.

1951
In May we moved into the new school building. We had 291 students in eight grades. In Sept. the first Mass was celebrated in the new church.

1953
Fr. Thomas Curran was named pastor June 26.

1958
Ground was broken for a new convent on July 14 Fr. Paul C. Zelaff was named pastor in September.

1959
The Sisters moved into the new convent on January 23. Fr. James Fitzgerald became Administrator of the church. Fr. Joseph McElgunn was named pastor on April 7.

1961
St. Christopher's celebrated its Silver Jubilee. The Parish now had a membership of 400 families.

1962
A new addition was made to the convent to house the Sisters from the High School.

1971
A new four car garage was built in November.

1972
The original school was demolished.

1982
Fr. Joseph Gagnon was named pastor in October.

1984
The building of the new church was started. The convent was converted into the Rectory/Office center.

1986
The new church was dedicated in December of 1986. The Parish now had a membership of 700 families.

1988
Fr. H. Thomas Johnson was named pastor in July.

1993
St. Christopher School closed in June because of insufficient enrollment and consequent escalating costs. Children were recommended to attend neighboring Catholic schools.

1994
The Parish now has a membership of 1006 families.

1996
Fr. Arthur Baranowski was named Pastor.

Pastors Serving at St. Christopher

1936-1941
Fr. Leo J. Trese

1944-1945
Fr. Raymond F. Buhl

1945-1953
Fr. Frederick E. George

1953-1958
Fr. Thomas A. Curran

1958-1959
Fr. Paul C. Zelaff

1959-1982
Fr. Joseph P. McElgunn

1982-1988
Fr. Joseph A. Gagnon

1988-1995
Fr. H. Thomas Johnson

1996-
Fr. Arthur Baranowski