Ready to explore a cornerstone of faith and community? St. John’s Episcopal Church stands before you. It is more than just a building. It is a living testament to Detroit’s history and spirit.
St. John’s Episcopal Church’s story began in 1858. Mr. Henry Porter Baldwin gathered twenty-one neighbors. They met in his Woodward Avenue home to discuss forming a new parish. Baldwin saw the need for a church in this growing area.
Baldwin purchased an apple orchard across Woodward Avenue. He offered it as the site for a church, chapel, and rectory. He pledged funds towards the chapel. He also offered to build a brick rectory at his own expense.
The initial meeting led to quick action. A subscription committee raised $7,600 in pledges just one week later. Articles of Agreement were signed. St. John’s was officially organized. The first parish meeting was held on St. John’s Day in December 1858. A vestry was elected.
The chapel, seating 125, was completed in November 1859. It quickly proved too small. The vestry voted to raise money for a larger church. The new building, seating 1300, opened for worship twenty months later. Jordan and Anderson designed both buildings.
In the 1880s, a three-story brick Parish Hall was built. It served the parish until 1971. The current Burton Ministry Center is a 2016 renovation. It provides classroom and assembly space. It also has a library and parish offices.
In 1936, the church and chapel were moved sixty feet east. This accommodated the widening of Woodward Avenue. Architect Wirt Rowland oversaw updates. Seating was reduced to 800 people.
St. John’s design is Victorian Gothic. The exterior is rubble limestone. It was quarried downriver and brought upstream by barge. The trim is Kelly Island sandstone. Buttresses and hammer beam trusses support the walls and roof. The tower and belfry rise 105 feet. The building is 170 feet long and 65 feet wide.
Gargoyles decorate the roof lines. They also adorn the base of the window and door hood moldings. These gargoyles are purely decorative. Some are severe. Some are impish. All are a source of interest.
Memorial stained glass windows were installed from 1880 to 1954. They show changing styles in stained glass art. The upper parts of the windows are original grisaille and colored glass. The “Triumphant Christ” window is above the west gallery. It was dedicated in 1963.
St. John’s Episcopal Church is more than architecture and history. It is a beacon of hope. The church actively gives back to the community. It supports programs like the HIGH Program at Wayne State. It also supports various community programs. These include Crossroads, Salvation Army, and Mariner’s Inn.
The St. Catherine’s Guild is dedicated to serving God. It serves St. John’s parish and the neighboring community. The Guild raises funds for community programs. Their projects include Christmas Cookie Walk, Warm & Fuzzy Tree, and toiletry bags for people in need.
As you stand here, remember the countless stories within these walls. St. John’s Episcopal Church has stood strong. It has served Detroit for over 160 years. It is a testament to faith, community, and the enduring spirit of the city.