The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel is a Minor Basilica of the Catholic Church located in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is also a parish church of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. St. Michael's parish was founded by the Rev. Demetrius Gallitzin and it was named for the patron saint of Michael McGuire, who was the first settler in the area i…The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel is a Minor Basilica of the Catholic Church located in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is also a parish church of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. St. Michael's parish was founded by the Rev. Demetrius Gallitzin and it was named for the patron saint of Michael McGuire, who was the first settler in the area in 1788. The parish has had four different church buildings in its history. The first church was built of white pine logs in 1799. The second church was a frame structure built in 1817. The first and second church buildings were located in the same location on the western edge of the cemetery. The outline of the stone foundation of the second church can still be seen there. The third church was built of brick in 1854 where the present church is located.
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