St. Paul the Apostle Church

Summer afternoon tours weekdays between noon and three explain the history of this magnificent Roman Catholic church, with its the beautiful stained glass windows, altar, and paintings. You can also see it by going to Mass. The church building now known as St. Paul's was built by Slovenian Catholics between 1903 and 1908. (Slovenia is the small, prosperous Slavic country just east of Venice.) Bishop Baraga, the famous "snowshoe priest" and tireless Upper Peninsula missionary, is probably the most famous Slovenian-American. Paul Newman was only half-Slovenian. Contributions from the Slovenian owner of Calumet's big Vertin Department Store helped make this church building what it is.
Today four Catholic congregations have joined together to worship here. Their benefit ethnic dinner in October is quite a treat. St. Paul's priest is responsible for four functioning parishes, so the Mass schedule here has been reduced.
In her monumental Buildings of Michigan, architectural historian Kathryn Eckert calls St. Paul's "a double-spired Richardsonian red sandstone extravaganza. . . . which rises authoritatively over the village like a cathedral of medieval Europe."

On 301 Eighth at Oak. Church office now at Sacred Heart, 56512 Rockland at U.S. 41. (906) 337-0810. During summer, parishioners serve as guides from noon to 3 p.m. Times for Mass: 9 a.m. Sun. Also 4 p.m. Sat on alternating summers. No charge for tours; donations much appreciated. Wheelchair-accessible: yes.

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CALUMET
POINTS OF INTEREST

Downtown Calumet. Bustling again, downtown was hopping 24 hours a day when the mining boom was at its zenith, from 1890 to 1913. Today it features Ste. Anne's ethnic museum, lavish historic taverns, plus outstanding shops and galleries: skis, bikes, copper books and gifts, minerals, jewelry, beads, art glass, Ojibwa pottery, beads, and more ... more

Swedetown Ski Trails. One of the most splendid cross-country ski spots in the Midwest has a beautiful setting with a variety of trails ... more

Vertin Gallery. An exceptionally pleasant gallery on the main floor of an old department store features juried works of 130 regional artists ... more

Copper World. One of the U.P.'s most successful gift/visitor/accessories shop has many items of copper and much more Keweenaw-themed things ... more

Coppertown Mining Museum and Gift Shop. Mining aficionados, woodworkers, and those interested in machines, foundries, and labor and Copper Country history won't want to miss this seasonal museum. ... more

Albion Station Glassworks. In an old streetcar station, a glassblower melts recycled bottles to make and sell vases, plates, bowls & carafes ... more

Calumet Theatre and Village Hall. One of the Kewenaw's glories, the elaborate 1899 opera house looks much as it did when touring stars played here in mining days. Authentically restored paintings and ornament. A memorable venue for concerts, films, plays. Tours available. ... more

Ed Gray Gallery. One of the U.P.'s top galleries shows the works of 70 artists ... more

Norwegian Lutheran Church. Norwegian Lutheran Church resembling Old Country architecture, once a wreck, being painstakingly restored. ... more

Calumet's North End. Cheap, often ornate historic storefronts have attracted several original shops: a bookshop/coffee bar, art gallery, dazzling antiques/gems/jewelry store, and the area's best frame shop. ... more

Site of the 1913 Italian Hall Disaster. 73 people, mostly children, died in the stampede that followed when someome yelled "Fire!" in the Italian social hall. It was the 1913 copper strike's defining event, memorialized in song by Woody Guthrie and others, and in story, photos, vivid websites, and a film. ... more

St. Paul the Apostle Church. A magnificentl Catholic church built by Slovenians between 1903 and 1908. Seasonal afternoon tours show off the splendid stained glass, paintings, and altar. ... more

Keweenaw History Center. Built by the wealthy Calumet & Hecla copper company as a community library, this unusual stone-faced building contains office and work areas of the Keweenaw National Historic Park. Some day it will house the Keweenaw History Center. ... more

Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau. Free tourism and history handouts and knowledgeable advice. Booklet and website include all Keweenaw parks and natural areas. A highly recommended stop for anyone spending time in the area. ... more

Shute's 1890 Bar. Legendary U.P. bar from the roaring copper mine boom times. Great interior, classic brick exterior, friendly place ... more

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