North Woodward Congregational Church facts for kids
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North Woodward Congregational Church
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| Location | 8715 Woodward Avenue Detroit, Michigan |
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| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | Hugh B. Clement |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| MPS | Religious Structures of Woodward Avenue TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002905 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 3, 1982 |
This church, known today as St. John's Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, is a special building in Detroit, Michigan. It was first built as the North Woodward Congregational Church. This historic church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It was also named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1998, recognizing its importance.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
How the Church Was Built
The North Woodward Congregational Church was built over several years. A small chapel was first constructed around 1907. This chapel was designed by the company Malcomson and Higginbotham. The main part of the church, called the sanctuary, started being built in 1911. It was finished in 1912. More sections were added later, with the newest part, the church house, completed in 1929.
New Owners and a New Name
By the 1950s, many members of the original church had moved away from Detroit. So, the building was sold to the St. John's Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. This group had started on July 8, 1917. At first, it was called St. John's Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1954, the church's official name changed to "Christian" instead of "Colored."
A Special Place in Michigan
St. John's Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was the very first C.M.E. church in Michigan. It is still the largest and most recognized Christian Methodist church in the state. A special marker from the State of Michigan celebrates this church's history. Several pastors have led the church over the years. Reverend Dr. Joseph B. Gordon became pastor in 2008. In August 2014, Rev. Dr. Claude Bass took over. Most recently, in August 2018, Rev. A Richard Doss became the church's pastor.
The Church's Design and Look
What Does the Building Look Like?
The architect who designed the church for the Congregationalists was Hugh Clement. He created a beautiful church using red brick and light-colored limestone. The style is called Gothic, but it also has touches of Prairie and Arts & Crafts designs.
Unique Features of the Building
Unlike many Gothic churches, this one is not super tall. It does not have a bell tower or a lantern on top. The historic area around the church also includes nine row houses. These houses are located along Gladstone Avenue, near the church.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia Congregacional de North Woodward para niños
