On the walk to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island we encountered the most charming church you could hope to see in a quaint island community.

The official name is Union Congregational Church but everyone calls it the Little Stone Church, a fitting name if I’ve ever heard one.

The faithful were beginning to gather in their Sunday best as we walked by and I made a mental note to stop after our visit to the hotel.

We were in luck! Not only was the service over, the doors were open and the pastor was inside. I got to admire this pretty 1904 church made of local fieldstone.

The minister said that his congregation consists of only a few local residents and that many attendees are visitors each week.

Since winters are harsh and most people leave the island before the weather takes hold, they hold services beginning in May through early October.

The stained glass and woodwork are gorgeous and the light in here is calming. We didn’t linger here but I enjoyed each breath I drew in this beautiful old church.

If you visit Mackinac, it’s just down the hill from the hotel. They welcome guests!