Immaculate Conception Church is a Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. We are located at 645 S. Douglas Avenue in Three Rivers Michigan.  Our Pastor is Father Antony Rajesh, MSFS.

Immaculate Conception Parish history starts with Father Copper of Niles saying the first mass in a small store building in 1885. Ten years later, Three Rivers became a mission of Mendon. During those years, 4 different priests were assigned to our parish family.

In 1904, the first church was constructed on South Main Street under the leadership of Fr. Kaufmann. The first church was somewhat small, built in the old-world style, with much dark wood, a choir loft and large and beautiful stained glass windows. The bell tower reached high into the sky, a landmark in the community. It was named Immaculate Conception, an independent, and permanent, parish.

Even though there was a permanent church building, our first resident pastor, Fr. Angelo Leva, was not appointed until 1933. In 1947, a parishioner who was also a prominent builder in the area, N.J. Wagner, was instrumental, along with Fr. Leva, in accomplishing the construction of the first school building next door to the church. It was the vision of these forward-thinking men to provide quality education to further the Christian education started in the home. By 1949, the school was functional with grades 1 through 8 and was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph, a teaching order. They remained as the primary teaching staff until 1966. The Oblate Sisters of Providence then took over teaching duties until 1978, at which time the Sisters of St. Joseph returned to Immaculate Conception.

In 1959, under the leadership of Fr. John Fackler, a new larger church was built at its current location on S. Douglas Ave. The school remained on South Main St.

Fr. William Limbert began the construction of the rectory next to the new church on S. Douglas Ave. The rectory was completed under Fr. Leroy White in 1967 when he was assigned as the new pastor in January of that year.

Also in 1967, a board of Advisors was elected by the parish to give parishioners a more active part in the work of the parish. This board soon evolved into a Parish Council taking on greater responsibilities in the administration of the parish and involving more people in the work of the parish.

In 1989, under the direction of Fr. Mike Hazzard, a new Parish School was constructed next to the church on S. Douglas Ave. The goal was to once again have the church and the school located at one location. Today, the school is staffed by certified lay teachers and provides quality education to preschoolers to grade 5.

In 2005, under the direction of Fr. Mathew Illikattil, the parish underwent a major renovation to update the worship space and provide accessibility to all. A multi-purpose building was also built to serve the church and school. This project was titled A House of Prayer for all People.

Although much of the major renovation work had been completed in 2006, there were still major projects to be addressed to maintain the current buildings and grounds. With the arrival of Fr. Mark Vyverman in September 2006, the parish began the task of identifying projects to be addressed and to lay the foundation to accomplish these needs. A second capital campaign Building a Faithful Foundation was started in March 2007. It continues today for any improvements that we need in the church and on the grounds.

Fr. Mark Vyverman was transferred on September 1, 2011 to St. Joseph in Battle Creek, and Fr. Robert Johansen was brought in as an Administrator at that time. Fr. Mathew Manalel was named Pastor in August 2013.

In 2015 Fr. Mathew Manalel was transferred to St. Augustine in Kalamazoo. Fr. Antony Rajesh, MSFS was assigned as Pastor in July 2015. This is Father Antony’s first assignment as Pastor.

The changes and continued growth of our parish has been and is only possible through the continued support of its parishioners through their gifts of time, talents, and treasures.