Aug. 4, 2006

Mackinac Island, Mich. — On July 19, Father Jim Williams, pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church in St. Ignace and Immaculate Conception in Moran, was named the newest member of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission (MISPC) by Governor Jennifer Granholm. Two days later, he attended his first commission meeting and was officially welcomed by his colleagues.

Fr. Williams is a resident of Mackinaw City and will represent that community on the commission. He also has a long association with Mackinac Island, shepherding the congregation of Ste. Anne Catholic Church from 1990 to 2005.

Of his new appointment, Fr. Williams said, “I have a great love for the area and its people and hope to make a great contribution. I look forward to being with [the Commission] for the next six years.” His term expires April 12, 2012. He replaces Audrey Jaggi, who had served on the commission since 1997.

The Mackinac Island State Park Commission consists of seven members appointed by the governor of Michigan and confirmed by the Michigan Senate.

Dennis O. Cawthorne has served as MISPC chairman since 1991. Its other members include Karen Karam (vice chair), Frank J. Kelley, Richard A. Manoogian, Joan L. Porteous, and Laurie A.Stupak (secretary). The commission was formed in 1895 and is responsible for all aspects of managing Mackinac State Historic Parks.

Mackinac State Historic Parks, a family of living history museums and parks in northern Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac, is an agency within the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Its sites include Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island State Park and Historic Downtown on Mackinac Island, and Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City. MSHP sites are accredited by the American Association of Museums. Visitor information may be obtained by phone at (231) 436-4100 or on the Web at www.MackinacParks.com.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).