Hidden within Detroit’s bustling streets lies the Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army. This unassuming building holds a story richer than its simple facade suggests. The Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army, originally the Amity Lodge No. 335 Temple, began its life in 1911 as a meeting place for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Odd Fellows, along with other fraternal organizations like the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Scottish Clans, filled its halls with their rituals and camaraderie until the 1960s. Then, a new chapter began. The Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army, a predominantly African American denomination, acquired the building.
This congregation’s roots trace back to Alabama around 1912, eventually migrating to Detroit in the 1920s during the Great Migration. The church found its first Detroit home on Hastings Street in the vibrant Black Bottom neighborhood. However, the construction of I-75 in the late 1950s led to the neighborhood’s demolition, displacing the church. The former Amity Lodge building on Amity Street became their sanctuary in 1960. They transformed the space, once resonant with fraternal chants, into a place of worship. The Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army was formally incorporated in Michigan in 1938, under the leadership of Bishop William D. Dixon. Before settling on Amity Street, they held services at locations on Canfield Street and Farmsworth Street, steadily growing their congregation. The church’s history involves compelling figures like Bishop Fred Derrick Fields, considered the first King of Israel in this generation, and Mother Annie B. Sanders, revered as the Mother of all Israel.
Today, the Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army continues to thrive in its adopted home, a testament to the resilience and faith of its members. This building, once a symbol of fraternal brotherhood, now stands as a beacon of spiritual community. The Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army has not just occupied this space; they have infused it with a new spirit, a new purpose. The echoes of Odd Fellows meetings have faded, replaced by the vibrant hymns and prayers of a different kind of fellowship. The Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army’s journey reflects a larger narrative of migration, adaptation, and the enduring power of faith in the face of change. As you stand before this building, remember, it is not just brick and mortar. It is a living testament to the rich tapestry of Detroit’s history and the enduring spirit of its people.