“A majestic brownstone church. That’s the first thing you notice about the Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church. Its imposing presence dominates the Detroit streetscape.
This isn’t just any church. The Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church is a significant piece of Detroit’s history a stunning example of late Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by the renowned Canadian architect Sidney Badgley the church was completed in 1911. Badgley also designed other iconic Gothic Revival structures across North America.
Imagine the dedication ceremony in 1911. A grand affair for a congregation that had already grown to 742 members by then. It was a testament to the faith and the community’s need for a spiritual center in the northern area of Woodward Avenue. The church’s impressive size was no accident. It was built to accommodate the growing congregation that would eventually reach over 2200 members.
The interior was as magnificent as the exterior. Think rich woodwork cream-colored walls adorned with artwork resembling Byzantine mosaics. Large windows and eight magnificent chandeliers bathed the space in light. It must have been a breathtaking sight to witness.
The church flourished for decades. However by the 1950s many families began moving to the suburbs. This exodus coupled with the 1967 Detroit riots significantly decreased the congregation. By 1971 membership dwindled to just 404.
The Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church struggled to survive. In the 1980s Reverend Gary M Douglas Jr became its first African-American minister. His tenure was marked by conflict and financial difficulties ultimately leading to the church’s acquisition by him. It was then transformed into the Abyssinia Interdenominational Church.
Even after its transformation the Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church’s legacy continues. Its unique architectural style and its past are undeniable. Its addition to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 is a testament to its enduring significance. Today sadly neglected it stands as a reminder of Detroit’s rich and complex history. A history of faith growth decline and enduring architectural beauty.”