The vision of christ the King took root when a young, black priest was assigned to organize a mission in the city of Flint. With a head full of dreams and heart full of determination, Fr. DuKette began to lay the groundwork for the formation of  Christ the King. Coincidentaly, the first mass for this new mission was celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King. St. Joseph Church in Flint hosted the mass with Fr. DuKette as celebrant and two prospective members. When this tiny membership increased to five, mass was moved to the basement of one of the parishioners.

Struggle, hard work, prayer and determination opened the way in 1937. Property and a house was purchased on Clifford St. With sacrifice, Fr. and his flock met the payments along with the help of others.

In 1946 another building was purchased and moved to the Clifford St. site. The building was renovated into a church and hall. For the next twenty years, Fr. DuKette and his people struggled, grew, worshiped and thanked the Lord.

In 1969, Fr.'s faith was tested as he learned that Christ the King must be torn down for the new I-475 expressway being planned. Another blow came from the Diocese. The Diocese thought it in the best interest of the people to join the existing churches. Not wanting to lose the identity of Christ the King, the idea of dispersing was rejected. Finally, getting permission from the Diocese to rebuiild, property found on Seymour Ave. was purchased. In October of 1971 Fr. DuKette retired, relinquishing his reign to Fr. Michael Matarazzo, under whom the site was completed. Fr. DuKette stayed on as long as his health would allow him as pastor emeritus. He continued to say mass daily, growing weak of body, but remaining strong and steadfast in faith.

In 1980, Fr. DuKette died during Holy Week after giving 51 years of himself to Christ the King and its people. It was so befitting that he lay in state at the church he loved so dearly and enter eternal life with the risen Lord, Easter Sunday.

Adapted from A Brief History of Fr. DuKette and Christ the King Church, Anniv. Book 1929-1979