Charles E. Ryan jr. Memorial Fund
Charles “Digger” Ryan, Jr. with family, outside of Our Lady of the Pines church in Copper Harbor, MI.
Supporting Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in Copper Harbor, Michigan
This endowment fund was established in 2022 in memory of Charles E. Ryan, Jr., a lifelong resident of the Keweenaw, by his family. Charles (or "Digger" as he was known to many) was involved with building Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in Copper Harbor while he was a student at Sacred Heart High School under the supervision of Father Jordan Telles, O.F.M. Charles was proud to have played a role in its completion, and Our Lady of the Pines was a special place to Charles and his family over the years. Though he would not have sought recognition, his family wanted to honor his contribution and memory by establishing an endowment in his name to provide perpetual support to the church.
Charles, a Calumet native, was a lover of the Keweenaw and served his community in many ways throughout his life. Most remember him as the Postmaster of the Ahmeek Post Office, where cookies and coffee were never in short supply and where he proudly displayed the local school kids’ pictures on the wall of “Ahmeek’s Best.”
Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church is the northernmost Catholic Church in Michigan. The Finnish log cabin construction was started in 1951 and completed in 1953. Many local individuals and organizations supported the building process with their time and talent. Local timber, rock and copper were utilized to create this special place. To learn more, please visit The Keweenaw Catholic Community website.
“We appreciate this annual contribution to benefit Our Lady of the Pines Church. As you may know, new windows, log restoration and some smaller projects are planned for this summer. The donations you have made help this project take place.” - Fr. Gracious Pilimoottil, MCBS, Pastor
Interior of Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church. Photo courtesy of pasty.com
The Charles E. Ryan Jr. Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to Our Lady of the Pines Church, located in historic Copper Harbor, Michigan. Part of the Keweenaw Catholic Community, Our Lady of the Pines holds Mass during the summer months, for locals and visitors alike.
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By supporting the Charles E. Ryan Jr. Memorial Fund you help provide financial assistance to Our Lady of the Pines Church.
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