Fund Announcement: Charles E. Ryan Jr. Memorial Fund

“Digger” and family outside of Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church.

The Charles E. Ryan Jr. Memorial Fund provides yearly financial support for the 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.

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.

Donations to this fund are welcomed. Help support Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church for generations to come by donating online or sending a check to the Keweenaw Area Community Foundation at PO Box 265, Hancock, MI 49930.