St. Michael's

St. Michael's Church

Saint Michael's Roman Catholic Church was constructed in 1867. The present structure replaced the small wooden church originally built in 1852, after the founding of the parish born out of a split with parishioners from nearby St. Louis. The parish was responsible for starting Canisius College, which was originally located near the church. Facing Washington St., with Ellicot St. to the rear of the property, the church was flanked by the Washington Market a/k/a Chippewa Market. The large open air market was a centerpiece of commerce in the city for many years. Today, sadly, it is a very large parking lot that takes up a city block. That being said, it is a fine looking parking lot. The interior of St. Michael's was completely rebuilt after a fire in the early sixties, giving it a more minimalist feel in comparison to its more ornate contemporaries.