St. Michael Church at 612 N. Walnut St., Plymouth, IN 46563 US - Our Parish History

The history of the congregation dates back to 1856 when Plymouth area Catholics purchased lots on the east side of Center Street between Madison and Monroe streets for $500.

Up until 1862 during the turbulent Civil War years, area Catholics held services in private homes, a lumber yard and a courthouse with traveling missionary fathers attending to their spiritual needs. As more Catholics emigrated to the area, a permanent and effective organization was brought into being in 1862 to be known as St. Michael's.

In 1863, a substantial frame structure was built with a 250-seat capacity. The church was dedicated in September 1863 by Bishop John Henry Luers and Rev. Gabriel Volkert was assigned to be its first pastor. The Saint Boniface Benevolent Society, the parish's first organization, was established during the tenure of Rev. Francis Siegelack (1866-69), reflecting the large number of parishioners of German heritage with devotion to their homeland's patron saint.

With the arrival of Rev. George Zurwellen in 1869, new impetus was placed in church activities and the parish grew spiritually and expanded its facilities. The first St. Michael's Academy was built for $12,000. A large bell was acquired for the belfry and four acres was purchased for a new cemetery. Rev. Zurwellen's forethought into the parish's growth, he precipitated the move to purchase three lots across the street where the current church is located, closing the deal on November 20, 1872. Rev. Louis A. Moench (1883-1898) oversaw the liquidation of the $5,000 debt, building a rectory next to the church, St. Joseph's Hall, restoration of the old church as well as establishment of the Altar Rosary Society. Many repairs and improvements were made to the church property by Rev. Simon Yenn (1901-1905) and, with the congregation growing significantly, it was imperative that preparations be made to build a new church.

When he left, the building fund had accumulated $9,000. However, it was during Rev. John Tremmel's 25-year pastorate (1905-1930) that the new church was built along with the new rectory, which faces Walnut Street. Ill health forced Rev. Tremmel to retire, but his tireless efforts and those of the parishioners of his day can be seen in their legacy.

During Rev. Lawrence Eberle's pastorate (1930-1953), the congregation grew to more than 400 families. He organized the Holy Name Society, the Catholic Young People's Club and the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary. Under Msgr. Adrian Brandehoff (1953-1956), the new St. Michael's School was built. It was dedicated in September, 1954.

When Rev. David Voors was pastor,the church underwent a $222,000 restoration funded by pledges from parishioners. The renovated church was rededicated on June 5,1994.

In 1999, under Rev. Anthony Gillespie's pastorate, an addition was added to St. Michael School which included a science/art room, two classrooms, a preschool classroom, a kindergarten classroom, and a gymnasium with a stage and storage area. The existing building was also renovated.

In 2000,Grade 6 was added and, in 2001, Grade 7 was added. For the school year 2002-2003, Grade 8 was added and, once again, St. Michael's offers a Catholic education for children from preschool through middle school.

Today, St. Michael Church has more 1,000 families and is served by Rev. William Kummer, pastor. St. Michael continues to grow spiritually with numerous organizations supporting ministries to both youths and adults.

Through ministry and service programs, St. Michael offers parishioners a sundry of activities to be involved in parish life and a deeper walk with God.

--Revised from St. Michael Rededication 1994 program.

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