Ecumenical Theological Seminary facts for kids

The Ecumenical Theological Seminary is a special school in Detroit, Michigan. It's a private seminary, which means it's a school where people study religion. It started in 1980 and was first called the Ecumenical Theological Center. This school helps students earn advanced degrees and special certificates in religious studies.

The seminary is located in a beautiful old building. This building was first built in 1889 for the First Presbyterian Church. The seminary started using the building in 1992. Then, in 2002, the church gave the building, its land, and money to the seminary.

History of the Seminary

The Ecumenical Theological Seminary has a long history. Its beginnings go back to 1957. That year, a group called the Institute for Advanced Pastoral Studies was created. This institute helped Christian ministers continue their education.

In 1980, this institute joined with the Ecumenical Theological Center. Later, in 1994, the center changed its name. It became the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. At this time, the seminary also started offering a special program. It was called the "Diploma in Christian Ministry." Today, it's known as the "Urban Ministry Diploma Program."

A few years later, in 1997, the seminary began working to get official accreditation. This means getting approval from a group called the Association of Theological Schools. This approval shows that the school meets high standards. In 2002, the Presbytery of Detroit made a big gift. They gave the seminary the old church building, its land, and money. The seminary had been leasing the building for ten years before this generous gift.

What Students Study

The Ecumenical Theological Seminary offers different types of degrees. Students can earn Master's degrees or Doctoral degrees. These degrees are in religious studies and ministry. A master's degree is usually earned after a bachelor's degree. A doctoral degree is the highest degree you can get.

The seminary also offers special certificates. These are like shorter programs that focus on specific skills. The school is officially approved by the Association of Theological Schools. This means its programs are recognized and respected.

The Seminary's Campus Building

First Presbyterian Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
First Presbyterian Church seen from across Woodward
Location	2930 Woodward Avenue Detroit, Michigan
Built	1889
Architect	George D. Mason & Zachariah Rice
Architectural style	Richardsonian Romanesque
NRHP reference No.	79001174
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	December 19, 1979

The Ecumenical Theological Seminary is located in a historic building. This building was originally the First Presbyterian Church. It was built way back in 1889. Today, the seminary owns both the building and the land around it.

This building is very important. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special place that is protected because of its history. It's also a designated Michigan State Historic Site. Plus, it's part of the Brush Park Historic District.

Building Style and Features

The First Presbyterian Church was designed by two architects. Their names were George D. Mason and Zachariah Rice. They designed the church to look like another famous church. This was Trinity Church in Boston.

The church is built in a style called Richardsonian Romanesque. This style uses rough-cut red sandstone. The building's shape is like a Greek cross when you look at it from above. A tall red sandstone tower stands in the middle. It has a slate roof and small turrets at each corner. The church also has amazing stained glass windows. Many of these windows are made from special Tiffany glass.

In 1936, a street called Woodward was made wider. Because of this, the church's fancy entrance porch had to be moved. It was moved from the front of the building to the side. A special historical marker was placed at the site in 1980. This marker tells visitors about the building's history.

Gallery

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  First Presbyterian Church, around 1899

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  The church in 2004. Notice how the front of the building was changed.

See also

• First Presbyterian Church (Detroit, Michigan), the historical building and lands occupied by the seminary