University of Michigan-Flint

Name of the collection: Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church (Flint, Mich.)
Inclusive years: 1973-1996
Quantity: 4 inches
Acquisition: This collection was donated or lent for copying by donor no. 259 in August, 1997.
Access: There are no restrictions.
Photographs: Copies of photographs are in the collection.
Processed by: Paul Gifford, September 1997.
 

HISTORY

Although a Lebanese community had existed in Flint since early in the 20th century, the first Maronite parish was not organized until 1973. In that year, Our Lady of Lebanon parish was organized. Msgr. Elias El-Hayek acted as priest for the first year, until Fr. Ronald Beshara was appointed in 1974. Services were held in various locations until the new building was dedicated in 1976. Subsequent pastors were: Fr. David George, 1978-1982; Fr. Anthony Salim, 1982-1988; Fr. Anthony Spinosa, 1988- .

The parish began sponsoring an annual Mid-Eastern festival in 1976, which, with one exception, has been held every year since.
 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

This is a small collection consisting both of original materials and photocopies held by the parish. There are programs of the church's dedication in 1976, of anniversary services, and liturgies. Weekly bulletins exist mostly for 1974. Newspaper clippings concerning church activities comprise another file. Finally, a 1981 directory and synodical convention programs are also included in the collection. Photographs, mainly of church activities, exist in copied form, as photocopies and as scanned .tif files.
 

FOLDER LIST

Dedication program, 1976
Chronology, 1973-1993
Bulletins, 1973-1982
Newspaper clippings, 1974-1995
Mayoral proclamations, Senate resolution, 1975-1986
Special liturgical programs, etc.
Convention programs, etc., 1978, 1993
Directory, 1981
Copies of photographs