St. Albertus Roman Catholic Church, Detroit

Saint Albertus Roman Catholic Church, located on Saint Aubin Street in Detroit, is a historic landmark with deep roots in the city's Polish-American community. Established in 1871, it was Detroit's first Polish Roman Catholic parish, founded to serve the growing number of Polish immigrants settling in the area during the 19th century.

The original wooden church, constructed in 1872, was soon outgrown by the burgeoning congregation. Under the leadership of Father Dominic Hippolytus Kolasinski, a new, larger church was commissioned. Designed by architect Henry Engelbert in the Gothic Revival style, the current brick structure was completed and dedicated on July 4, 1885. At the time, it was the largest Catholic church in Michigan and the first in Detroit to feature steam heat and electrical lighting.

The church's exterior is characterized by its impressive brick façade and originally featured a 280-foot spire, which was later shortened after being damaged in a 1913 windstorm. Inside, the church boasts an ornate interior with a richly painted ceiling, patterned terra-cotta altars, a baptismal font, and wainscoting. The sanctuary houses 63 painted plaster sculptures, and the windows are adorned with medieval-style stained glass, contributing to its elaborate aesthetic.

Throughout its history, Saint Albertus played a pivotal role in Detroit's Polish community, serving as the mother church for over 30 Polish Catholic parishes in the area. However, due to demographic shifts and declining membership, the Archdiocese of Detroit closed the parish in 1990. In response, the Polish American Historic Site Association (PAHSA) was formed in 1991 to preserve and maintain the church. Today, Saint Albertus hosts monthly Masses in Polish, English, and Latin, and is available for tours and weddings, continuing to celebrate its rich heritage.