The parish was the first Catholic church founded in Washtenaw County.
The present church building was constructed using locally sourced stone and red brick.
St. Thomas School, located on the same grounds, has operated continuously since 1868.
The churchyard contains graves dating back to the mid-19th century, marking the site as one of the oldest burial grounds in the city.
St. Thomas the Apostle Church is a historic Roman Catholic parish in Ann Arbor, established in 1845 to serve the region's growing Irish immigrant population. The current Gothic Revival structure, completed in 1899, replaced an earlier 1840s building to accommodate the expanding congregation. The church is situated on a hill overlooking downtown Ann Arbor, featuring tall twin spires that remain a prominent part of the local skyline. The interior retains traditional ecclesiastical design elements, including stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. It remains an active parish with a dedicated parochial school on the campus. The site is listed as a significant historic property within the city's Old Fourth Ward neighborhood.
From the corner of Elizabeth and Kingsley Streets to capture the full scale of the dual spires.
Explore the surrounding Old Fourth Ward neighborhood to see preserved 19th-century residential architecture.
Visit during the daylight hours to better view the intricate details of the stained glass windows.
Be mindful of the school's active campus hours if visiting on a weekday.
Do not attempt to enter private school buildings or designated administrative areas during school hours.
The church remains open for services throughout the year, though access to the interior for tourism may be restricted during private ceremonies or masses.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor; modest dress is expected as it is an active place of worship.
