In 1849, Adolph Kolping founded a Catholic journeymen's association, the forerunner of what today is known as the Kolping Society. The society promotes member's development through education and activities. In 1926, Father Joseph Wuest, a former bricklayer, established a chapter of the society in Detroit. The local chapter acquired the land that is now Kolping Park in 1929. The society cleared the land, planted trees, and constructed some buildings. In 1932, Wuest designed and constructed the chapel on this site. The property is still owned by the Detroit branch of the Kolping Society of America.
