St. Martins of Tours on W Avenue at dusk. Photos by Audrey Seilheimer.
In the early part of the 20th century, Polish workers who had emigrated and were recruited from booming cities like Detroit and Chicago wanted a Catholic church in the Village of Vicksburg where they had found work, but it wasn’t a factor for the hiring employer in any offering, at first.
However, the workers were not going to give up their Catholic faith or the ritual of the Mass. Fast forward to 2026 and the Catholic Church established in Vicksburg which they helped to prompt and establish is now located on W Avenue and celebrating its 120th year of prayer, service and fellowship to the Vicksburg community.
The journey to building the church, originally located on Prairie Street in the village, is a fascinating story uniquely linked to their lifetime neighboring parish in Mendon, Michigan: St. Edward the Confessor.
Vicksburg Historical Society Director and Curator Leah Milowe said she is excited to partner with parish leaders and the pastor, Monsignor Thomas Martin, in a historic conversation on June 19, 2026 at 6 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours to further detail the local story of the Church’s origins. Established and consecrated at the turn of the century, in 1906 through the advocacy and desire of the Catholic families employed by the region’s paper mill, the church grew on Prairie Street and for its first 60 years it had no “official” name!
“Our church history was fueled by the villagers of Vicksburg who made this their home, and our local history is a unique exploration to learn how generations built up and grew in community and service to the church and each other,” said Patricia Cline. A member of the Anniversary Committee, and a Vicksburg resident since the 1960’s, Cline was raised in the village with her eleven siblings as part of the Boyle Family. Community members like Patricia have worked on all aspects of the church generationally toward it continuing to thrive for its members.
“As we plan and build up to our 125th Parish Anniversary in 2031, we are so grateful to the Vicksburg Historical Society, Leah Milowe, and long-time staff and parishioners like Sue and Dave Maneikis, Lisa Irwin, Mary Shearer-Nguyen, Mary Evelyn Willis, Kathryn Lovell, and Monsignor Martin. The Diocese of Kalamazoo archivist, Father Bob Creagan, also helped us to learn more, document and share the origin story of our historic Catholic Church in Vicksburg!” Patricia added.
Learn more about the history, building and grounds of the current church campus built in 2002 and located at 5855 W Avenue. The public is welcome to attend.
The presentation will begin at 6 p.m. at Monsignor Martin Parish Hall (with parking located in front of building.) Optional tours of portions of the Church highlighted in the presentation will be available following the discussion. Savory snacks and refreshments will be provided. RSVP to St. Martin of Tours at 269-649-1929 to attend.
