First Congregational Church (Detroit) facts for kids

The First Congregational Church is a historic church located in Midtown Detroit, Michigan. You can find it at 33 East Forest Avenue, right on the corner of Forest and Woodward Avenue. This beautiful building was recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

History of the Church

The First Congregational Church of Detroit started on December 25, 1844. Its first two church buildings were built close to the Detroit River. The third building, which is the one you see today, was finished in 1891. It was designed by the architect John Lyman Faxon.

Later, in 1921, a new part was added to the church. This addition is known as the Angel's Wing. It was designed by another famous architect, Albert Kahn. Gaius Glenn Atkins served as the church's minister twice in the early 1900s.

Church Architecture and Design

The church's design mixes two old styles: Romanesque and Byzantine. It is built using rough, warm red limestone. The side facing Woodward Avenue has a five-bay loggia, which is like a covered walkway with arches. Above this, there are rounded windows with fancy stone patterns called tracery.

The church also has a tall, 120-foot bell tower, called a campanile. This tower has many narrow arched openings. On top of the church, there is an 8-foot copper statue. It shows the Archangel Uriel, a special angel.

The church's design was inspired by churches found in cities like Venice and Ravenna in Italy. The main worship area, called the sanctuary, looks like the lower part of the St. Francis of Assisi church. It features carved wood, paintings on the ceiling, round rose windows, and rich, bright colors. The beautiful paintings inside were created by Lyle Durgin and finished in December 1891.

Living Museum and Tours

The First Congregational Church is also like a "living museum." It has exhibits that teach you about the church's history and its amazing architecture. You can learn about the different buildings and all the activities that have happened there over the years.

Visitors can take self-guided tours to explore the historic parts of the church. The church also hosts the Underground Railroad Living Museum. This museum offers a special storytelling experience. It helps people understand what it was like to be part of the original Underground Railroad.

Gallery

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  First Congregational Church, around 1899

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  First Congregational Church, around 1903

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  First Congregational Church in 2008

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  The angel Uriel on top of the First Congregational Church

See also

In Spanish: Primera Iglesia Congregacional (Detroit) para niños