First Mass

1701

Documentation

• Archdiocese of Detroit — History of the Archdiocese

Notes

The Archdiocese of Detroit's history page confirms that 'Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac leads French traders and priests to the banks of Detroit River, where they founded Ste. Anne, Detroit's first Catholic Church' in 1701. However, Per Gilbert J. Garraghan, S.J. ('Catholic First Things in the United States,' Mid-America, 1939), the extant Detroit church records do not begin until 1704, with the first recorded baptism performed by 'Friar Constantine Delhalle, Recollect,' on February 2, 1704. Garraghan does not document a Mass at Detroit in 1701. The founding of the physical church and the earliest recorded sacramental activity are thus separated by three years. Allowing 1701 as the founding date for now, though the sacramental record begins 1704. No priest name or order listed. Further sources: Gilbert J. Garraghan, S.J., "Catholic First Things in the United States," Mid-America: An Historical Review, vol. 21 (1939) — https://archive.org/details/midamericahistor21unse/