Did you know that the Evangelical Baptist Church in Detroit has a rich history? We stand before a place that has witnessed generations of faith. It started in 1916. Several families from McKeesport arrived in Detroit. They desired to begin a mission. Their first meeting took place in Edward Sundell’s home. Only eight people attended.
The Evangelical Baptist Church wasn’t always here. It started as the First Swedish Church of Detroit. Meetings moved around. They held services in other churches. Eventually they settled at Bellevue and Gratiot. Growth led to the purchase of property on Appoline. A building was moved to the new site. An auditorium was built in the basement. This could hold 200 people. Sunday school rooms were added upstairs.
The congregation kept growing. They paid off their mortgage in 1944. Victory over Japan Day was a great celebration. Sixteen blue stars represented members serving their country. Only one had turned gold. A Wurlitzer organ arrived in 1945. The Detroit Bible Institute used the building temporarily. A Sunday school bus was purchased in 1950. Missions were very important. The church supported missionaries in Japan and Ethiopia. They also supported someone working with Native Americans.
The church needed more space again. Another mission Sunday school started. This eventually became the Curtis Baptist Chapel. They moved again to a new location. This is on Lahser and Vassar in northwest Detroit. The new building was dedicated on July 11 1954. Almost a century later the Evangelical Baptist Church continues. It still preaches and teaches the word of God. It’s a testament to enduring faith. It’s a landmark in the Detroit landscape. This modest building reflects a community’s enduring spirit.