Sunday, July 21st, 2024 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm Doors open at 1:45 pm

Sweetest Heart Of Mary Church, 4440 Russell Street, Detroit MI, 48207.

Steeples and Stories is an ongoing program presented by The Detroit History Club; It pairs a historic house of worship tour with a presentation about an aspect of history related to the house of worship, the neighborhood, or the community it serves.

When discussing churches in Detroit, certain names are frequently mentioned, among which Sweetest Heart of Mary stands out for good reason. This Detroit gem boasts some of the most impressive—and recently restored—stained glass in the country. It is also the oldest Polish Parish in Detroit still in operation today, having celebrated its first mass on Christmas Eve 1893. However, beyond the beauty of this sacred space lies a controversy that ignited a civil war within Detroit’s Polish community, lingering in the memories and hearts of many for years and straining the fabric of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Join the Detroit History Club at Sweetest Heart of Mary for a 75-minute tour and discussion in one of Detroit's true living pieces of art. Learn about a maverick priest, a resilient immigrant community, and their struggle to find their place in a new country. Discover the church that emerged from that struggle and witness this Midwest marvel in all its glory.

Ample time will be made available for personal photography, and cameras are welcome.

Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear and respectful casual attire. The church does not have a dress code but kindly asks guests to be mindful of the space in choosing their outfits. 

The ticket price includes parking, access to the church, tour, and presentation. A donation to the church is also included in each ticket sale. 

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

• Sweetest Heart of Mary is located on Russell and Warren in Detroit, with parking next to, and behind the church in clearly marked lots. The church address is 4440 Russell Street, Detroit MI, 48207.

• Parking is available both behind the church and on the street.

• Video recording is prohibited. 

• Personal still photography is welcome. 

• Professional photography must be approved at least 10 business days in advance by contacting office@detroithistorytours.com. 

• The church is ADA compatible, however please be prepared to walk, stand, and traverse stairs to best enjoy this event.

• We are delighted to welcome guests who require wheelchairs or other mobility assistance and will work hard to ensure the best possible experience. For specific mobility questions please email Office@detroithistorytours.com.

• All guests must be 18 years of age or older

• All guests must be a member of The Detroit History Club, in good standing, to attend this event.

• Buy or renew your Detroit History Club membership

• If you are not yet a member, you can still buy tickets to an event: Simply use member number “000” when you add the event tickets to your cart. Then add the corresponding number of Detroit History Club memberships before check out. Our team will match your new membership number(s) to your event ticket(s) once it’s been assigned.

• Membership to The Detroit History Club is $5.00 per person per calendar year.

• Your order confirmation email will serve as your only ticket- nothing will ship to your address. Please save your email and be prepared to show it on your phone or printed to enter the event. The ticketed guests name(s) will also be on a check in sheet when you arrive. (We do this to avoid the ticketing fees that come along with ticketing systems. The price of your ticket will remain the same throughout checkout with no added fees or service charges.)

• All tickets and events are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.