The Polish population of Detroit grew rapidly in the 1880s. Thousands of new jobs in manufacturing were available as Detroit became a leading industrial metropolis. And, the lack of jobs in Poland helped to propel this migration. St. Albertus—just down East Canfield from St. Josaphat was the parish designated for Poles by the Detroit bishop. And Sweetest Heart of Mary—also in the same neighborhood—was the “independent” or “renegade” Polish parish founded by priests and the faithful who did not recognize the authority of the Detroit bishop.
St. Josaphat was founded in 1889 by the bishop to serve Poles who were filling St. Albertus and, perhaps, to compete with Sweetest Heart of Mary. Father Razadkowski was the leader of this parish in its first decade and raised the funds for this massive and beautiful church with its twin Polish-style spires. This building illustrates a pleasant and effective use of both red and orange brick with extensive trim in Bedford limestone. If you commute on I-75, you will see this richly colored—cream and red—church twice every day. This church was erected in the early days of using electric lights, so it was designed for both gas lighting and electricity. Note that the electrical lights were used in a fashion very different from what we expect today.
There was once also a high school building here, reminding us of the interest that Catholics had in parochial schooling for their children. As the Polish population moved toward the suburbs, enrollment declined and the school was closed in the early 1960s. It was razed to make a parking lot for parishioners who drive from considerable distances to attend Sunday services here.
St. Josaphat, a priest who was appointed archbishop of Polotsk, Poland in 1617, worked to unify the Byzantine and Roman church. He was martyred in 1623 but not canonized until 1867. This implies that this is one of the first churches to bear his name.
Architects: Joseph G. Kastler and William E. N.
Hunter
Architectural Style: Late Victorian Romanesque
Carpentry including the elaborate interior: Harcus and Lang
Stained Glass: Detroit Stained Glass Work
Website: www.gbjann.com/stjosaphat/
Date of Construction of the Church: 1901
Local Historic District: Established December 16, 1983
State of Michigan Registry of Historic Sites: Listed: November 26, 1985
State of Michigan Historical Marker: Erected April 28, 1987. Visible on East
Canfield
National Registry of Historic Sites: #82000555, Listed December 8, 1982
Use in 2004: Catholic Church
Photo: Ren Farley; March, 2004
Michigan P 4504, Listed November 26, 1985, Local District:
December 7, 1983.
National Register of Historic Sites: December 8, 1982
This local historic district includes four buildings: the church, a rectory,
a residence for nuns and boiler house located at 715 East Canfield.