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 and prepare to become religious leaders. It was started in 1980 and offers different kinds of degrees and certificates in religious studies. The school is located in a beautiful old building that used to be a church.

History of the Seminary

How the Seminary Started

The Ecumenical Theological Seminary began in 1980. It was formed when an older school, the Institute for Advanced Pastoral Studies, joined with the Ecumenical Theological Center. The Institute had been helping Christian ministers learn more since 1957.

In 1994, the school changed its name to the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. It also started offering a special program called the "Urban Ministry Diploma Program." This program helps people prepare for religious work in cities.

Becoming an Accredited School

A few years later, in 1997, the seminary began working to get official approval. This approval is called "accreditation." It means a school meets high standards for its teaching and programs. The Association of Theological Schools gave the seminary its accreditation.

In 2002, something very important happened. The seminary had been renting an old church building for ten years. The church group that owned it, the Presbytery of Detroit, then gave the building, its land, and money to the seminary. This helped the seminary grow even more.

What Students Study

Degrees and Programs Offered

The Ecumenical Theological Seminary offers different types of learning programs. Students can earn Master's degrees and Doctoral degrees in religious studies and ministry. These are advanced degrees for people who want to study religion deeply.

The seminary also offers certificates. These are shorter programs that focus on specific skills or areas of religious work. All the programs are officially approved by the Association of Theological Schools.

The Seminary Campus

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 seminary is located in a very old and 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.

A Historic Building

The building is very special because it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site in the United States. It's also a Michigan State Historic Site and part of the Brush Park Historic District.

Building Design and Features

The church building was designed by architects George D. Mason and Zachariah Rice. They based their design on a famous church in Boston called Trinity Church. The building is made from rough, red sandstone. It's built in a style called Richardsonian Romanesque, which uses strong, rounded arches and heavy stone.

The building has a red sandstone tower with a slate roof. There are small towers, called turrets, at each corner. Inside, the church has amazing stained glass windows. Many of these windows are made from special Tiffany glass, known for its beautiful colors and designs.

In 1936, the street outside, Woodward Avenue, was made wider. Because of this, the fancy entrance porch of the church had to be moved. It was carefully taken from the front and placed on the side of the building. A special historical marker was put at the site in 1980 to remember its importance.

Gallery

• 

  First Presbyterian Church, around 1899

• 

  The church in 2004. Notice how the front has changed.

See also

In Spanish: Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana (Detroit) para niños

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