[2] The purpose of the society was to assist new Polish immigrants to Grand Rapids in finding housing and employment.

It purchased two lots at the corner of Fourth Street and Davis Avenue, NW in 1880, and in June 1881 began construction of a small wooden church.

Pope John Paul II elevated St. Adalbert Church to the status of a minor basilica on 22 August 1979.

The basilica's stained glass windows were designed by A. Artmaier and created by craftsmen from Munich, Germany.

The pews were crafted by the American Seating Company of Grand Rapids, a nod to the city's large furniture industry.