Drayton Avenue Presbyterian Church of Ferndale

In 1924, the Drayton Avenue Presbyterian Church of Ferndale first opened its doors. It quickly became a cornerstone of the community. Initially, the church boasted a modest 137 members. By 1944, this number had swelled to 535, with an additional 600 children attending Sunday school. The Drayton Avenue Presbyterian Church of Ferndale even reached a peak membership of 2050 in the 1960s, with 1100 children in Sunday school. The church underwent significant expansions throughout its history. In 1950, a renovation and addition project, costing $180,000, transformed the chapel sanctuary. The church’s rich history is interwoven with notable architectural features. The magnificent Rose Window, crafted by the renowned Willett Stained Glass Studios of Philadelphia in 1958, is a testament to the church’s enduring beauty. Willett Studios also created the captivating stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes, installed gradually as funds allowed. These 16 panes showcase iconic stories such as the Sermon on the Mount and the Parables of the Wheat and Tares and the Good Samaritan. Tucked away in a small memorial area off the main sanctuary, a mural titled “Christ Teaching,” painted by Duane Perrigo of Chicago, adds another layer of artistic significance to the Drayton Avenue Presbyterian Church of Ferndale. Beyond its congregation, the church also housed various community groups, including the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), the Drayton Avenue Co-op Preschool, and the Detroit Together Men’s Chorus. By 2004, when the church celebrated its 80th anniversary, membership had declined to 232. In December 2017, faced with dwindling membership and financial constraints, the Drayton Avenue Presbyterian Church of Ferndale congregation made the difficult decision to relocate to Berkley. The church, however, continues its legacy of service through partnerships with other congregations and ongoing support for community initiatives.