Brooklyn, Michigan: St. Joseph's Shrine - Fake Wood Sculptures
Next to a historic stone church are 14 outdoor Stations of the Cross built by two Mexican artists from 1932-1936. Wet cement was sculpted into fake wood and stone along the walkways.
St. Joseph's Church
- Address:
- 8743 US Hwy 12, Brooklyn, MI
- Directions:
- St. Joseph's Church. North side on US Hwy 12 just west of Springville Hwy, look for stone church and cemetery.
- Admission:
- Free.
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Lots of stairs to climb. Take the set to the east (right) to view the stations in order. Bug spray would be a good thing too as the trail is next to a lake. Why not kill a few bugs when celebrating a death.
It's also located next to a cemetery.
[Bruce-e, 05/31/2015]
The Stations of the Cross are set within a beautiful, multi-leveled, lakeside setting!! The newly renovated St Joseph's church and the old cemetery may also be of interest to some. Unfortunately the area is not as well maintained as it could be, cobwebs are taking over the artwork.
Also, be aware that there are multiple stairs to climb as well as a sloped incline, so not really doable for anyone with ambulatory issues. Accessible from the same parking area is an interesting memorial called The Great Hunger Memorial, dedicated to those lost due to the famine in Ireland.
[Kay Sarti, 06/08/2014]This grotto is down the street from the now closed Western Town in the Irish Hills. I stop here every year several times. The 14 outdoor Stations of the Cross are very cool, built in the 1930s by two Mexican artisans, Dionicio Rodriguez and Ralph Corona.
The stone church is fantastic!
[Jenny GK, 02/27/2011]Nearby Offbeat Places
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Constructed from 1932 to 1936, the shrine draws part of its inspiration from the Lourdes grotto in France. The arches, walkway railings and steps are cement made to look like wood and stone. Dionicio Rodriguez also created the fake woodwork at Arkansas's Old Mill Park, and Tennessee's Crystal Shrine Grotto.