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 |
The St. John's Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is an important church building in Detroit, Michigan. It was first built as the North Woodward Congregational Church. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Later, in 1998, it was named a Michigan State Historic Site.
Contents
History of the Church Building
The North Woodward Congregational Church was built in different stages. The first part, a small chapel, was designed by the company Malcomson and Higginbotham. It was built as early as 1907 on the same spot where the church stands today.
Building the Main Church
Construction of the main part of the church, called the sanctuary, started in 1911. It was finished in 1912. More sections were added over time. The newest part, known as the church house, was completed in 1929.
New Owners and a New Name
By the 1950s, many members of the original church had moved out of 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. A special marker from the State of Michigan remembers this church's history.
The official name of the church group changed in 1954. The word "Colored" was changed to "Christian." St. John's Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was the very first C.M.E. church in Michigan. As of 2009, it was still the largest and most well-known Christian Methodist church in the state.
Church Leaders Over Time
Several pastors have led the church. The Reverend Dr. Joseph B. Gordon, who grew up in Detroit, became the pastor in 2008. In August 2014, Rev. Dr. Claude Bass took over as the church's pastor. Later, in August 2018, Rev. A Richard Doss became the pastor.
About the Church Building
The architect who designed the church for the Congregationalists was Hugh Clement. He created a building in the Gothic style. It is made of red brick with special limestone decorations. The design also shows influences from the Prairie and Arts & Crafts styles.
Unique Design Features
This church looks a bit different from many other Gothic churches. It is lower because it does not have a tall bell tower or a lantern structure on its roof. The historic area around the church also includes nine row houses. These houses are located along Gladstone Avenue.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia Congregacional de North Woodward para niños
