Contemplate this. What if these walls of the First Presbyterian Church could talk? Dedicated in 1891 as the First Presbyterian Church, this building is one of Detroit’s most renowned landmarks.
The church’s story begins well before this impressive structure. The First Presbyterian Church’s history stretches back to 1816. It was then that the First Protestant Society of Detroit was organized. Reverend John Monteith, a prominent figure in Detroit’s early days, founded the society. Monteith’s influence extended far beyond the church. He helped found what is now the University of Michigan in 1817 and even became its first president. The congregation also established Harper Hospital in Detroit in 1861, showcasing their commitment to the community’s well-being.
Mason and Rice, the church’s architects, drew inspiration from Henry Hobson Richardson’s Trinity Church in Boston. Look closely at the stained glass windows. They are the work of Tiffany and Co. and Nicola d’Ascenzo Studios of Philadelphia. One window, called “Flames of Fire,” is particularly striking.
The cornerstone of the First Presbyterian Church was laid on October 7, 1889. The event included speeches from city officials. The adjacent church house was completed in 1911.
However, the expansion of Woodward Avenue in 1935-36 significantly altered the building’s exterior. The widening stripped the church of its original design and some of its splendor.
Despite these changes, the First Presbyterian Church’s importance remained. In 1979, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. A Michigan state historical marker followed in 1980.
As Detroit’s population shifted, the number of Presbyterians in the city declined. In 1992, the First Presbyterian Church was leased. It became the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. Ten years later, the Presbytery gave the building to the seminary.
Today, the building continues to serve the community as the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. The legacy of the First Presbyterian Church lives on. Its commitment to education and community service remains. Though its name and function have evolved, its historical significance endures. It stands as a testament to Detroit’s rich past. It is also a beacon of hope for the future. Take a moment to appreciate the history. Consider the countless lives touched by this place. The First Presbyterian Church’s story is a reminder of faith. It reminds us of community and change. It is a story etched in the very stones of this remarkable building.