Picture this a vibrant mural behind the altar of Saint Mary Magdalen Church. It’s a masterpiece painted in 1955 by Chicago artist Melville Philip Steinfels. Our Lord is at the center holding grapes and wheat. He’s surrounded by the Blessed Virgin Mary Saint Joseph Saint John the Baptist and the Apostles.
Welcome to Saint Mary Magdalen Church in Melvindale Michigan. This isn’t just any church. It’s a place with a rich history spanning almost a century. It all began in 1927 when Father Alfred Saylor became pastor. Two years later he oversaw the construction of a remarkable building. It served as both a church and a parish school. Imagine eight grades all in four classrooms upstairs while Mass was celebrated downstairs. The first Mass was held on October 2 1929.
As the parish grew so did the need for space. A new church was built across the street. The first Mass in the current building was in November 1955. Interestingly the tabernacle from the old church still remains in use today a tangible link to the past.
In 1966 a child parish Saint Conrad was established. It was less than two miles away. But times change. Saint Conrad closed in 2008 merging with Saint Mary Magdalen. Relics from both churches now grace the Daily Mass chapel. Even the main altar comes from Saint Conrad. Saint Mary Magdalen continued to adapt. In 2011 the parish clustered with Ss Andrew & Benedict Parish in Detroit. Father Edward Zaorski became pastor of both churches. Both remain open today a testament to the enduring faith of the community.
Saint Mary Magdalen School celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2004. Sadly low enrollment led to its closure shortly after. But the spirit of this church endures. Its bright colorful geometric windows shine. The clerestory windows are green orange pink and yellow. Various shades of blue dominate the front facade.
In the narthex you’ll find the Descent of the Holy Spirit. An image of Our Lady of Guadalupe patroness of the Americas stands proudly. She is surrounded by saints from North and South America including Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Saint Kateri Tekakwitha and others.
The parish namesake Mary Magdalen stands near the sanctuary. The baptismal font is on the north side. To the right of the altar is the Sacred Heart of Jesus pictured with two children along with Mary Undoer of Knots. Stations of the Cross line the walls of both transepts.
This isn’t just a place of worship. It is a living testament to faith resilience and community. A place where history whispers and faith thrives. Enjoy your visit to Saint Mary Magdalen Church.