Restore Hancock's Historic Suomi Church

Nestled at 501 Reservation St in the heart of the Hancock MI, stands as a beacon of faith and history. This church, a cornerstone of the community for over a century, is embarking on a vital restoration project to preserve its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and expand its role as a vibrant hub for worship, outreach, and community connection. We need your help to bring this vision to life.

A Legacy Worth Saving

Built in 1889, this Church is a testament to the Keweenaw’s rich history. Its towering façade, intricate stained-glass windows crafted by artisans in the early 20th century, and wooden pews tell the story of a community that poured its heart into creating a sacred space. The church has weathered harsh Upper Michigan winters and stood as a gathering place for generations, hosting weddings, baptisms, and community events that have shaped the fabric of Keweenaw life.

Yet, time has taken its toll. The roof leaks, threatening the vibrant stained glass and historic interior. The foundation needs reinforcement to preserve the iconic bell tower, and we need to restore the bell so that it can chime with hymns that echo across the peninsula. Without repairs, this architectural gem risks further deterioration, and the community risks losing a vital piece of its heritage.

Our Mission: Restoring the Keweenaw, One Heart at a Time

At Christ the King Church, our mission is rooted in the reformed Christian faith: to share the love of Christ, foster community, and serve those in need. The restoration of our historic building is more than a construction project—it’s a commitment to revitalizing the Keweenaw Peninsula. We envision a restored church that not only preserves its historic beauty but also expands its outreach through community programs, youth activities, and partnerships with local nonprofits.

Inspired by successful campaigns like All Saints Old Buckenham, which raised funds to save its rare thatched roof through a community-driven “Raise the Roof” campaign, we’re rallying our community and beyond to preserve our sacred space. Like St. John the Evangelist’s Church in Ryhall, where one local hero raised $2,000 by walking 100 laps of her village, we believe every contribution—big or small—can make a difference.

The Beauty of this old Finnish Church

Walking into the Church is like stepping into a storybook. The soaring vaulted ceilings draw the eye upward, while sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the sanctuary. The bell tower, a Keweenaw landmark, housed a historic bell that had rung out hope for over 120 years. The exterior, with its brick facade, reflects the rugged beauty of the Upper Peninsula, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape of Lake Superior’s shores.

Our restoration plan includes:

Roof Replacement: A new, durable roof to protect the interior and stained glass.

Foundation Repairs: Stabilizing the bell tower and ensuring structural integrity.

Stained-Glass Conservation: Restoring the intricate windows to their original brilliance.

Community Space Upgrades: Creating accessible facilities, including a kitchen and meeting rooms, to host youth programs, food drives, and community events.

Creating accessible spaces: Creating a ramp into the building and access for those in the community to share in its beauty.

This vision aligns with the National Fund for Sacred Places, which has supported historic churches like Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian by funding repairs that ensure they remain community anchors. Our project will not only preserve the church’s beauty but also make it a welcoming space for all.

Why Your Support Matters

Restoring this Church is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about people. It’s about the young couple who will say their vows under the stained-glass windows, the child who finds hope in our youth programs, and the neighbor who finds warmth at our community dinners. As the National Trust for Historic Preservation notes, every dollar invested in historic church restoration can leverage three dollars in community impact. Your contribution will ripple outward, strengthening the Keweenaw for generations.

Your donation will help us write the next chapter of this Church’s story—a story of faith, resilience, and community.

How You Can Help

We’re aiming to raise $500,000 to complete the our restoration. Here’s how your gift can make an impact:

$15000: Get's new heating systems installed so that the building can be used year round.

$15000: Renovates the bathrooms so that they are usable and functional once again

$50000: Repairs the roof with similar cedar structure and shingles

Even just $300 would allow us to repair sections of broken Stained glass.

Every donation counts, and we’re grateful for your support. Share our campaign with friends, family, and your networks to help us reach our goal. Together, we can ensure this Church remains a beacon of hope and history in the Keweenaw.

Join Us in This Sacred Work

As we embark on this journey, we’re reminded of the words of Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” With your help, we’re not just restoring a building—we’re building a future for our community. Join us in preserving the beauty and legacy of the old Finnish Church at 501 Reservation St. Donate today, and be part of something eternal.

Thank you,

The Christ the King Church Restoration Team