Christ Church Detroit facts for kids

Christ Church Detroit is a historic church in Detroit, Michigan. It's an Episcopal church, which is a type of Christian church. People sometimes call it "Old Christ Church, Detroit."

This church is special because it's the oldest Protestant church in Michigan that is still in its original spot. It became a Michigan State Historic Site in 1970. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

How Christ Church Began

Before the church, brothers Robert and William Stead had a grocery business here until 1844. A group of Episcopalians started Christ Church Detroit in 1845. They felt their old church, St. Paul's Church, was too full.

The founders built a small wooden church first. Lieutenant Montgomery C. Meigs designed this original building. About 15 years later, they planned a new, bigger church on the same land. In 1861, a smaller chapel was built nearby. This chapel was used while the main church was being constructed. The church you see today was finished in 1864. It was designed by an architect named Gordon W. Lloyd.

What the Church Looks Like

The church is built in an American Gothic style. This style often features pointed arches and tall windows. It uses strong materials like limestone and sandstone. A large bell tower with a flat, square roof stands at the front.

Inside, the church has special sections called transepts with balconies. The roof is held up by large wooden beams called hammerbeam trusses. All the wood inside, except for the roof, is made from local butternut wood. The church also has beautiful stained-glass windows. Two of these windows were made by Tiffany, a very famous glass company. Other windows were created by companies like Franz Meyer and Company and J. Wippell and Co..

Christ Church Today

The Christ Church building has been used by an Episcopal congregation since it was built. The current leader of the church is Reverend Emily Williams Guffey. The people who attend the church describe themselves as a diverse group. They are from many different backgrounds and work to follow Christ's mission.

The building next door, called the Sibley House, is used for church offices.

Gallery

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  Christ Church in 1899

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  Christ Church in 1934

See also

In Spanish: Iglesia Episcopal de Cristo para niños