Blessed Sacrament Parish at 2233 Diamond NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 US - History

The Veterans Facility was home to the first Blessed Sacrament Mass, on February 17^th 1946.  Father John Collins helped to contract with the Roxy Theater on Plainfield Ave. near Eleanor, (the same block as Kay Pharmacy) for space to hold weekend services. 

Original parishioners came early to clean up popcorn before Mass began.  There began the tradition of “can-do” attitude that has stayed with the parish ever since. By April of 1946, the parish purchased the theatre for $33,000 dollars, fondly dubbing the building “Saint Roxy’s”.  The building was refitted and served it’s congregation until 1952, while construction was underway on the Diamond Ave. site.

In 1949, the cornerstone of the new building was laid in the old school/church building.  By 1950, the school was complete enough to hold classes and the initial Mass was held in the auditorium/gym, where Masses were held until the formal church was built.   The “St. Roxy” building, no longer needed as a church was rented out as a roller-rink and was finally sold in 1960.  The proceeds funded continuing construction at the new site.    

The early 60’s saw changes in the Mass from Vatican II.   The first Mass given in English occurred in 1964.  A few years later, communion rails came down and the altar was moved forward. 

Finally, in 1988, ground was broken for the formal church which was finished in the summer of 1989.   High, vaulted ceilings and pews, surrounding the altar in a “half-round” design, emphasize openness and inclusion.  The design focuses attention on the altar table, but Stations of the Cross, votives, and the Sanctuary are easy to view, to the sides and back of the church.  Several leaded glass features include two sets of four windows showing the four sacraments:  one depicted by wheat and the other by grape vines.

Even with the building completed, our church, like our faith, is still growing as we continue to celebrate the journey!