1850’s – Early Church community is formed in the area known as Dennison, a small logging settlement. The settlers were served in their home on occasion by visits from mission priests on horseback.  

1882 – Construction of the first church began on land that was acquired from Martin Culligan.

 

1888 – St. Michael’s wood frame structure was dedicated. The church was named for the patron saint of the first mission priest from Grand Haven who was overseeing the congregation, Father Michael Dalton.

 

1895 – A horse barn was built for those traveling to Mass on horseback or carriage.

 

1901 – Leo Hall was built, named in honor of Pope Leo XIII. Leo Hall was used for church meetings, coffee and other events until it was removed in 1987 to make way for the present church.

 

1902 – 1928 the new interurban electric railroad made hourly runs along a route extending from GR to Muskegon and Grand Haven. The tracks were just south of Saint Michael’s and brought people to church.

 

1924 – St. Michael’s became a mission of St. Mary’s, Marne. Fathers Caldwell, O’Conner, Maus, Hyland, O’Connell, McDonald, Sweeney, Nugents and Drew were among the other mission priests who followed at St. Michaels.

 

1950 – St. Michael’s was formally raised to the status of parish on Jun 15, 1950 and Rev. Charles A. Salatka was assigned as first pastor of St. Michael’s.

 

1959 – Father Salatka received the title of Monsignor.

 

1960’s – St. Michael’s Cemetery was developed adjacent to the home that still serves as the rectory.

 

1961 – A fundraising campaign began for construction of a convent and a four classroom school with an all purpose area to be used as a church which seated 340 people. The convent housed the Sisters of St. Francis who were to staff the new school.

 

1962 - Saint Michael's School opens it's doors to 140 students on September 6.

 

1962 – Monsignor Salatka becomes the Auxiliary Bishop of the Grand Rapids Diocese and leaves Saint Michael’s.

 

1962 – Father Albert Bernott is assigned as pastor of Saint Michael’s. He served during very eventful times of Vatican II when there were many changes to the Mass.

 

1965 – Father Bernott is stricken with Tuberculosis and Father Martin and Father Zerfas assisted the parish in his absences.

 

1971 – Fathers Pattok becomes pastor. After he left for health reasons Father Thomas Vesbit filled in.

 

1974 – Father Watson served as pastor for two years.

 

1976 – Father Don Downer followed as pastor. There was much emphasis on social justice and meaningful liturgies. 

 

1983 – Father Downer left the priesthood and Father Dennis Wagner, Patrick Cawley and Bishop Joseph McKinney follows as pastor, but each served for only a few months.

 

1984 – Fr. William Langlois becomes pastor and is known for his energy, enthusiasm and friendliness. Under his directions, there was a tremendous amount of growth and development. 

 

1987 – A ground breaking ceremony for a new church takes place.

 

1988 – New (current) Church was dedicated and the multipurpose area that was serving as the church became the Salatka Family Center and Gym.  

 

1996 – Fr. Mark Bauer became pastor. He spent much time in Italy before becoming a priest. With his Vatican background, he would often give enlightening explanations on traditions and practices of the church.

 

2000 – Fr. John F. Vallier becomes pastor during our year long Jubilee observance. 

 

2005 – Fr. Tony Pelak becomes pastor of Saint Michael’s. This is his first parish assignment as pastor.

2009 to current - Finishing a renovation project.  Currently without a full time pastor. 

 

 

Most of the information above is taken from The Story of Saint Michael’s: A History of a Coopersville, Michigan Parish As It Celebrates a Jubilee Anniversary, By Lillian & James Budzynski

 

The history book can be purchased at the Parish Office for $10.