Our Lady of Victory Church Renovations Underway, Expected to be Complete by Christmas

Parishioners at Northville's Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church are looking forward to enjoying Christmas mass this year with new sound, lighting and seating in the sanctuary.

These are just some of the upgrades that will come from a $2.1 million renovation currently underway at the church.

Fr. Denis Theroux, Pastor of OLV, said, “We believe these renovations will enhance the faith life of our parishioners through their ability to better participate at liturgies.  All parishioners and visitors, especially those with disabilities, will find that our new worship space addresses and accommodates their needs.”

The project began on July 1, and until it is complete, daily mass is celebrated in a room in the parish office, which has been set up and decorated as a chapel, and weekend masses are held in the school gym.  Weddings and funerals take place at neighboring parishes, such as St. Joseph in South Lyon, St. James and Holy Family of Novi, and St. Kenneth in Plymouth.

“Our parishioners and guests have been very complimentary in their comments about the temporary accommodations, and all are excited and anxiously awaiting the day we can enter into the renovated space,” said. Fr. Denis.

Since the parish purchased the property in 1922, changes have been made to the building, although talk of this current renovation began in 1999.

“In 1957, the original wood-frame church was demolished, and the present church and social hall combination building was constructed.  In 1961, additions were made to the school, and in 1966, a new rectory was built.  The first major renovation to the church building was in 1986/1987 when the gathering space and a daily mass chapel were added,” Fr. Denis said.

This time around, not only will improvements to the lighting and sound system be made, but enhancements to the heating and cooling systems will be included as well. 

“Using the natural elements that surround us in Northville, the floors will be of natural slate, and the pews crafted of red oak. The present stained glass windows installed in the 1986/1987 renovation will remain, while the gathering space area will increase in size by 300 square feet.  The ‘footprint’ of the church will remain as it is presently,” said Fr. Denis.

In order to complete this project, funds have been raised through several capital campaigns, including the parish’s Heritage Drive and the Archdiocesan-sponsored Changing Lives Together campaign.

“We are excited at the prospect of being able to join our prayers together in worship of loving God and Father in a space which reflects our faith.  In the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, we are ‘Creating something beautiful for God,’” Fr. Denis said.