The Early Years.
In 1949 the diocese purchased the property that IHM church would later be built. Previously on the site was the large Jessop house (which was better known as the Maple Hill Inn and Tavern), a cement block building, and small gas station.
We officially became a parish with the name, Immaculate Heart of Mary, on July 1, 1949, and starting with around 200 families. On July 19th, Fr. Joseph E. Wieber became the first pastor at IHM. Being a local from Lansing he fit right in with the parish. However, before his assignment at IHM he spent 4 1/2 years in the Navy during WWII.
Before the large church that we worship in now was built, parishioners celebrated Mass in the tavern that they helped to convert into a small church. With a tremendous amount of hard work and diligence IHM celebrated its first Mass on October 23, 1949. By 1955 the parish had grown to over 600 families and was in great need of a larger church. Fr. Wieber petitioned the Diocese for a fund raising drive for the new church which helped to build the church we use now. On June 30, 1956 IHM celebrated Mass in its new church (pictured above). Shortly after the completion, plans were formed to build a grade school, which opened in 1958.
We officially became a parish with the name, Immaculate Heart of Mary, on July 1, 1949, and starting with around 200 families. On July 19th, Fr. Joseph E. Wieber became the first pastor at IHM. Being a local from Lansing he fit right in with the parish. However, before his assignment at IHM he spent 4 1/2 years in the Navy during WWII.
Before the large church that we worship in now was built, parishioners celebrated Mass in the tavern that they helped to convert into a small church. With a tremendous amount of hard work and diligence IHM celebrated its first Mass on October 23, 1949. By 1955 the parish had grown to over 600 families and was in great need of a larger church. Fr. Wieber petitioned the Diocese for a fund raising drive for the new church which helped to build the church we use now. On June 30, 1956 IHM celebrated Mass in its new church (pictured above). Shortly after the completion, plans were formed to build a grade school, which opened in 1958.
A Living Church Must Grow.
By 1968 the IHM parish community had grown from 200 families to 1,200; and from 750 individuals to almost 5,000.
The parish continued to flourish over the years and saw an increase in celebrated sacraments as well.
Through the decades IHM has continued to remodel and add on to the original property to accommodate its ever
changing population. Including the much needed addition of a new gymnasium on December 19, 2019.
The parish continued to flourish over the years and saw an increase in celebrated sacraments as well.
Through the decades IHM has continued to remodel and add on to the original property to accommodate its ever
changing population. Including the much needed addition of a new gymnasium on December 19, 2019.
