Solvay Church of God in Christ

“A fire ravaged this very spot,” I began, gesturing towards Solvay Church of God in Christ. “A fire that threatened to erase not just a building, but a piece of Detroit’s vibrant tapestry.” Solvay Church of God in Christ stands as a testament to resilience. It has weathered storms, both literal and metaphorical, and continues to serve as a beacon of faith in the community. The story of Solvay Church of God in Christ is intertwined with the story of Detroit itself, reflecting the city’s changing fortunes and unwavering spirit. Before it became a place of worship, this building housed a restaurant owned by the Kloian family in the 1920s. Samuel and Simon Kloian, a restaurant owner and a cook, are listed at this address in the 1921 city directory. Later, Abraham Kloian, a laborer, joined them. This suggests a bustling family enterprise, perhaps even a home attached to the restaurant. Imagine the aromas of simmering spices and the clatter of dishes, a stark contrast to the hymns and prayers that would later fill the space. Decades passed with little record of activity at this location. Then, in the 1990s, the building underwent a transformation, becoming the home of the West Fort Street Baptist Church under Reverend Gus Mack Sparks. The congregation moved from their original location on West Fort Street to this very building. By the early 2000s, Reverend Eddie Cockrell had taken the helm. For over a decade, this building served as a spiritual sanctuary, a place of solace and fellowship. The West Fort Street Baptist Church thrived here until around 2012. After the church vacated the premises, the building was briefly resurrected as a clubhouse for the Soul Devils MC Downriver Chapter. They painted the building black, adding a touch of rebellious flair to its history. Sadly, this new chapter was short-lived. In December 2021, a fire engulfed the building, quickly extinguished by the local fire department. The building has since sat vacant, awaiting its next chapter. The building’s story continues, however, as it has found new life as Solvay Church of God in Christ.