Christ Church Detroit facts for kids
|
Christ Church Detroit
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 960 East Jefferson Avenue Detroit, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Built | 1860-1863 |
| Architect | Gordon W. Lloyd |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000423 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | March 11, 1971 |
Christ Church Detroit is a very old and important church in Detroit, Michigan. It's an Episcopal church, which is a type of Christian church. You can find it at 960 East Jefferson Avenue. This church is special because it's the oldest Protestant church in Michigan that is still in its original spot! It was recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1970 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Story
The land where Christ Church stands today was once used by brothers Robert and William Stead for their grocery business until 1844. Christ Church Detroit was started by a group of Episcopalians in 1845. They felt that their old church, St. Paul's Church, was too full.
Their first church building was a small wooden one, designed by Lieutenant Montgomery C. Meigs. About fifteen years later, they decided to build a bigger church on the same land. In 1861, a smaller chapel was built nearby so they could still have services while the main church was being constructed. The church you see today was designed by Gordon W. Lloyd and finished in 1864.
Building Style and Features
The church is built in an American Gothic style. This means it looks like old European churches, with pointed arches and tall windows. It's made from strong materials like limestone and sandstone.
A large bell tower, called a belfry, stands tall at the front of the church. Inside, you'll find special sections called transepts with balconies. The roof is supported by unique wooden beams called hammerbeam trusses. All the wood inside the church, except for the roof, is made from local butternut wood. The church also has two beautiful Tiffany windows. Other famous companies like Franz Meyer and Company and J. Wippell and Co. also designed windows for the church.
How the Church is Used Today
Christ Church has been used continuously by an Episcopalian congregation since it was built. The current leader of the church is the Reverend Emily Williams Guffey. The people who go to this church describe themselves as a "contemporary, well-educated, multi-racial, multi-ethnic congregation." They work to carry out Christ's mission in the world. The building next door, called the Sibley House, is used for church offices.
Gallery
-
Christ Church in 1899
-
Christ Church in 1934
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia Episcopal de Cristo para niños
