Forgotten by time, Holy Cross Hungarian Roman Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It is located in Detroit’s Delray neighborhood. Today we will explore its history.
Holy Cross Hungarian Church emerged from the dreams of Hungarian immigrants in the early 1900s. These immigrants wanted a place to worship. By 1905, disagreements arose about the location. Despite the setbacks, their determination prevailed. In 1906, the first Holy Cross church was established. It was a simple frame building.
As Delray’s Hungarian population grew, the community needed a larger space. Construction began on a new church. The cornerstone was laid on November 26, 1924. Finally, in 1925, the new Holy Cross Hungarian Catholic Church opened its doors.
Hungarian-born Henri Kohner was the architect. He designed a brick church with twin towers. Kohner also designed movie houses and the Seward Hotel in Detroit. He even lived in the neighborhood.
Inside Holy Cross Church, light streams through the stained glass windows. Detroit Stained Glass Works created these windows. They depict Jesus Christ, Saint Peter, Paul the Apostle, and Hungarian saints. Ludwig von Gerichten designed “The Assumption of the Virgin” window.
Andras Daubner created large hand-painted murals. These murals were made between 1948 and 1949. They added to the church’s beauty.
The construction of Interstate 75 in the mid-1960s changed Delray forever. It divided the community. Many Hungarians moved away. Holy Cross parish school closed.
Despite these challenges, the Holy Cross Hungarian Church persevered. In 2000, the parish celebrated its 75th anniversary. Renovations and polishing prepared the church for the celebration.
Father Barnabas, a Franciscan, noted the changing demographics. The church became more diverse. Original parishioner George Lajtos, aged 99, remained in the neighborhood.
Full-time builders worked during the day. Parishioners volunteered their time at night and on weekends. This do-it-yourself approach kept costs down. Bishop Michael Gallagher dedicated the Holy Cross Church on September 20, 1925.
Frescoes depicting the mysteries of the Holy Rosary decorate the walls. Stained glass windows, some from Detroit and others from Columbus, Ohio, add color. They depict Hungarian saints like St. Stephen and St. Emery.
Today, Holy Cross Hungarian Church stands as a reminder of faith. It is a testament to the Hungarian community. The church welcomes all.