A few years later, in 1905, another subscription drive was begun, but this time for a new church. In this venture, Father Hallissey met with some opposition, for his parishioners had long been content with the old structure. Gradually, however, they became infected with this new pastor's enthusiasm, and were convinced of the need. Plans were made for a new church and rectory on Market Street.

    The following excerpt from the Post Gazette gives a good description of the important part the people played in the construction of their new church.

    Catholic farmers left their crops for a day whenever the chance presented itself, and taking their teams, drove to town with a load of stone which they gathered on their farms. Then they stayed all day, and men and horses worked on the excavations for the buildings.

   And they worked early arid late. In an incredibly short time there were the basements and foundation trenches all completed, and the huge pile of stones was being rapidly added to, in preparation for the masons and carpenters. Then every man who could handle a stone hammer or a trowel or a saw and hammer, went to work at building.

A perfect day on Wednesday, June 28, 1905, was very favorable to the exercises of laying the cornerstone of the new Catholic Church, and as nature smiled on the ceremonies, so the people did all in their power to make the occasion one which would long be remembered. In the afternoon business was suspended, and a majority wended their way to the site of the edifice, whose walls had already assumed sufficient proportions to make necessary the laying of the cornerstone.

There was a goodly sprinkling of out of town guests, many of whom were former residents here, and had not lost their interest in the city and the Catholic Church. And from the country for miles around there were delegations, all of whom joined the throng.

When the procession was enroute, it was easy to see wherein lies the strength of the Catholic Church, for in the ranks were the members of the different societies, from children to gray hared men, all of whom seemed equally interested in whatever pertained to the church. When the child is taught to venerate and believe in religion, there will never be danger of retrogression, but the church must, and will, grow stronger as generation after generation remains true to its teachings.

The scene at the new church was a patriotic one. The canopies under which the exercises were held were in the national colors, arid over the cornerstone were spread the stars and stripes.

And when the exercises were over, and the audience was dismissed, those who had witnessed the ceremonies and listened to the earnest words of Bishop Foley, in which he not only talked of Catholicism, but also patriotically referred to the flag and the loyalty of this people to the American government, the hearts of his audience went out to the speaker and the church of which he is an illustrious representative.

About a dozen priests were in attendance, and assisted in the ceremonies. Among them was Father Nacy, who, as a former priest of the parish, was greatly beloved, and who met with a hearty greeting from members of the church and citizens.

The cornerstone was laid with impressive ceremonies.

The Rt. Reverend John S. Foley, Bishop of the Diocese of Detroit, arrived in Hudson on the 9:25 train, and was driven directly to Sacred Heart rectory.

At 10:00 he administered the sacrament of Confirmation to a class of 90 boys and girls and adults, preached an appropriate sermon on the meaning of Confirmation, and told those who received the sacrament to be always loyal to the teachings and principles of Christ and thus earn for themselves an immortal crown. He urged them to be fearless in their love for their country - the best on earth - obedient to her laws and devoted to her institutions.

After solemn benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, dinner was served to visiting clergymen by Father Hallissey at the rectory.

The ladies of the Confraternity served dinner to a large number of people at the old Weaver building. It is needless to say that there was an abundant supply of good things to tempt the appetite, as the ladies of Sacred Heart Church are noted for their banquets and suppers.

The dinner was under the direction of Mrs. William Cosgrove, president of the Confraternity, assisted by various committees, who worked hard to make the affair the success it was. A neat sum was realized.

    Promptly at 1:00, the procession was formed at the old Sacred Heart Church, John O'Reilly, Jr., as the chief marshal) of the day, led the procession, riding his favorite black saddle horse. Followed by the Morenci band of eighteen pieces, the procession marched through Spring Street to Main, then through Main Street to Market, to the church.

    Those in line were the church committee, the girls of the parish dressed in white with flowing veils and wreaths, then the boys bearing United States flags. The men of the parish followed, with the C.M.B.A., under the direction of President Darragh, and the Holy Name Society, with President Louis G. Brennan, each society bearing suitable banners and flags.

    Then came the Bishop's carriage, with the visiting clergy following in a carriage nicely decorated.

    On reaching the platform, a choir of thirty voices, under the leadership of Miss Eleanor Kelley, supervisor of music in the Webster City (Iowa) schools, whose home was in this city, burst forth in the grand anthem, written by Farmer, "Glory to God in the Highest". The music was of the best, and much credit is due Miss Kelley for her work in this line.

The ceremony proper then began.

    Bishop Foley, assisted by a number of priests, blessed the stone, signing it with the sign of the cross, and dedicating it and the church to the glory and honor of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of Mankind. A silver trowel used by the Bishop was presented to the one contributing the largest amount in the collection that was taken up on this occasion.

Bishop Foley was obliged to leave on the afternoon train going east, and hence preached only a short sermon on the foundation of the Catholic Church and her work in the world.

     The ceremony closed by the choir singing in an inspiring manner, "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name", the entire audience joining with them.

    Thus closed the very interesting and impressive ceremony of the laying the cornerstone of one of the handsomest churches which will be erected in Southern Michigan.

    The families of the day included - Monahan, O'Reilly, Steger, Brennan, Haley, and Marry.

    The building will be constructed of field stone, with cut stone trimmings, and will have two towers each 86 feet high, surmounted by copper domes and tipped by gold crosses. The length will be 135 feet, and 50 feet wide at the entrance and 72 feet in the transepts. It will have a sacristy and chapel, with a basement which will be used as a hall.

    The style of architecture is of the French Renaissance, with a combination of the Romanesque and Byzantine. It will have a seating capacity of over 500. Stained art glass will be used in the windows, and these will he gifts of the parish, and will be what is called memorial windows. The roof is to be of slate, carried by steel trusses.

    The building will have steam heat and electric lights. The interior will he finished in oak, with large oak doors and hard-wood floors. The sanctuary will be of Mosaic tile with a marble altar, the gift of the Holy Name Society.

    The pews will he carved oak and highly polished. The organ of the old church will be rebuilt and placed in the gallery over the main entrance.

    This structure will be a great monument to our city, and one that all may be proud of, irrespective of creed.

    The stained glass windows were imported from Munich, Germany. in 1905. The altar is of the finest Carrara marble and was made in Carrara, Italy. Tradition has it that Father Hallissey went to Rome, by boat, to purchase this altar. The communion railing, also, is of marble. The stations of the cross and the side altars are remarkably fine work.

    The Dedication of the new church of the Sacred Heart on October 30, 1906. was an event, not only for the Catholics of Hudson, but also for the community at large, for the erection of one of the finest edifices in Southern Michigan is an improvement of much importance to the city, and is a credit to Fr. Hallissey and the enterprising members of the congregation. The estimated cost was $60,000.

    As the appointed time approached, the procession formed at the old church, the streets filled with people and all eyes turner) to the east. The procession was as follows: Mounted horses, Ginnivan-Mills Co. Band, Cross bearer and attendants, church committee, Children of Mary, The C.M.B.A., Holy Name Society, under the direction of President Brennan, Visiting bishops and priests incarriages.

    It was an imposing spectacle. The Bishops, with their glittering gold and purple robes of their office, and the priests with their white and black gowns, who with solemn chants and prayers, consecrated this building to the honor and worship of God.

    The ceremonies of dedication were performed by the Rt. Rev. John Foley, Bishop of Detroit.

    The exterior of the building was blessed first, the Bishop and attendants passing around the church reciting the Psalms of David, proper for such an occasion.

    No one was allowed to enter the church that morning until the officiating clergy passed through.    At the main entrance, the Bishop , with Crosier in hand, which signifies that he is the shepherd of the flock, struck the door three times, saying, "Lift up your gates, 0, ye Princes, and be ye lifted up, 0, eternal gates, and the King of Glory shall enter in". The attendants ask: "Who is the King of Glory?" The Bishop answers: "The Lord of Hosts: He is the King of Glory". Then the doors opened, and the clergy entered, chanting that beautiful canticle of Zachary; "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because he has visited and wrought the redemption of His people. To enlighten them that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace".

    After circling the interior of the building, reciting suitable prayers, asking God to accept this gift of the people for His own special dwelling place, at a given signal, all who could were admitted, while the ministers were chanting the 122 nd psalm.

    The people entered in a perfect stream, soon filling every available space. The joy depicted on the faces of the members of Sacred Heart spoke eloquently of their feelings, and many an eye was dimmed with tears as they saw at last the beautiful edifice, erected by their self-sacrifices, dedicated to God.

    After the people were admitted, all knelt in reverent manner, while the bishop and clergy chanted the litanies and the following prayer was offered:

    "Almighty and eternal God, we beseech Thee graciously to enter Thy house and build for Thyself an everlasting abode in the hearts of Thy faithful; and grant that this house, which is hallowed by this dedication to Thee, may be made glorious by Thine indwelling ---through Christ, our Lord".

    When the ceremony of dedication was finished, a Pontifical High Mass was offered by the Rt. Rev. Camillus P. Maes, Bishop of Covington, Ky., a personal friend of Fr. Hallissey, who put himself to much inconvenience to be present to show his regard for the esteemed pastor of Sacred Heart Church.

    The choir rendered in a very creditable manner the music for the occasion, under the direction of Miss E. Kelly. We would especially note the singing of "Holy God We Praise Thy Name", by the entire congregation at the end of Mass. Walter H. Eddy presided at the organ in a very efficient manner.

Bishop Foley preached the sermon, he explained, the divinity of the Catholic Church as the one true church founded by Christ. He described the reverence due to the church after all the sacred ceremonies they had witnessed. "Here the afflicted and heavily laden may come and pour out their supplications to the kind, tender Jesus, who so loved the world as to give His life for it. Here the child will be brought to receive the cleansing water of regeneration. Here, too, will come those burdened with sin, and receive the pardon they desire, and when two hearts, loving each other, wish to pledge that love for life, they will kneel here and receive the blessing of God to be faithful to all their grave responsibilities until death shall part them. Finally, here will be brought your dead, that the last sad rites of the Holy Church may be performed over them, and that those who are bereft, may feel assured that the glorious resurrection promised by Christ, will be given them".

The Bishop thanked the citizens for their kindness and the respect shown upon this great day to their fellow Catholic citizens, and invoked God's blessings upon all no matter what their religious convictions were.

Too much praise could not be given to Fr. Hallissey, through whose efforts this church had been erected. He was a man of indefatigable zeal and energy. Fr. Hallissey was loved and highly respected not only by the members of Sacred Heart Parish, but also by all the citizens of Hudson. The members may well be proud of what they had accomplished and the sacrifices they had made, in erecting this monument.

    About fifty priests were present. An elaborate dinner was served to the Bishop and visiting guests at Sacred Heart Rectory.

    Unlike Father Van Erp, who was transferred from Sacred Heart the same year the first church was built, Father Hallissey was destined to stay in Hudson for many years after the completion of this one. He was a shepherd who led in such a convincing way that people followed, in spite of themselves. His parish grew from 170 to almost 278 families during his twenty three years as Pastor,

    This picture is of the Catholic Study Club, during Fr. Hallissey pastorate. Back row: Mary Cavanaugh, Maude Maloney, Libbey Clemons, Maggie Hackett, Lulu Barrett, Lillian Steger, F. Dillon, Tib Harlan. Dunnigan, Julia Cosgrove, Eliz. Lynch, Grace Dillon, Theresa Brennan. Middle row: Florence Dwyer, Pauline Steger, Marvel Obrien, Catherine Carmichael. Fr. Hallissey, Eloise McCue, Marie Dillon, Margaret Kelly. Front row: Margenie Cosgrove, Arlene Cosgrove, Eloise Barrett, Mrs. Ken Barrett, Alice Votski, Anne Russell, Maude Mulvenna

    Several months after the church was finished, the rectory, too, received the final touches. It was an imposing two-story house, the lower half of which was of fieldstone and the upper of pressed brick.

    Desiring a new location for the Catholic cemetery, Father Hallissey purchased some land west of U.S. Highway 127. The exact date is not recorded, but it is certain that as early as 1912, bodies were being transferred there from the old Catholic cemetery and from the one on Catholic Hill. Calvary Cemetery, as the new one was called, is still being used at the present time.