St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Ann Arbor

Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church stands as both a spiritual hub and an architectural treasure. Constructed between 1897 and 1899 under the guidance of Father Edward D. Kelly, the church was designed by the Detroit firm Spier & Rohns in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Using local granite and Bailey bluestone, the builders created a striking cruciform structure crowned by a 125-foot bell tower-the tallest in the city until 1936. Inside, the vast nave seats about 1,000 people, balancing grandeur with a sense of community.

The church was officially established as a parish in 1868, but its roots go back to the 1830s when Irish and German immigrants began gathering for worship. After two earlier church buildings, the current structure-dedicated in 1899 and completed in 1905-became the parish’s third and most enduring home. Distinct architectural features include ashlar stonework, multiple turrets, rose windows, a three-arched entryway, and a Latin-cross layout. In 1974, the building was added to the State Register of Historic Places, and it underwent significant restoration in 1995.

Beyond its architectural appeal, Saint Thomas has played a central role in Ann Arbor’s Catholic community. The parish has supported a school since 1868, founded a hospital, and later helped establish Father Gabriel Richard High School. Today, it remains an active parish, offering Masses in traditional, contemporary, and Latin forms. One highlight is the restored mural of Christ’s Ascension, which adds to the church’s visual and spiritual presence.

Saint Thomas is more than a place of worship-it’s a destination that blends historical depth with architectural character. Whether attending a service or simply admiring its Romanesque design and peaceful atmosphere, visitors often leave with a deeper appreciation for this enduring piece of Ann Arbor’s heritage.