How about a story that intertwines a biker’s life with a reverend’s legacy right here at Hill Memorial Church? This church stands as a testament to faith community and activism. It is more than just bricks and mortar. Hill Memorial Church embodies Detroit’s vibrant history.
Let’s step back in time. The early 20th century saw Detroit’s African-American population explode. They migrated west seeking new opportunities. But there was a problem. Few African-American churches existed west of Woodward Avenue. Recognizing this need Rev. Edward Wendall Edwards established the First Institutional Baptist Church of Detroit in 1917. It became the first African-American religious institution in West Detroit.
In 1920 Edwards resigned for missionary work. Rev. Charles Andrew Hill stepped in. Soon after the church became Hartford Avenue Baptist Church. One of their early worship spaces was on Hartford Avenue. By 1924 they built a permanent church at Hartford and Milford. By 1945 the church had over 1000 members.
Rev. Hill was not just a pastor. He was a community leader and political advocate. He championed community development and political participation. His church became a platform for voices often silenced. Paul Robeson sang here. W.E.B. Dubois lectured here. These men were considered subversive at the time. Hill stood by them showing his commitment to justice. Hill also opened his church to union organizers from the Ford Rouge plant. He even led housing demonstrations.
In 1968 Hill retired. Charles Gilchrist Adams who grew up in the church became the new pastor. Adams was also a public leader. He had attended the University of Michigan and Harvard Divinity School. Before returning to Hartford he pastored a church in Boston. Under Adams’ leadership the congregation doubled.
In 1974 the church decided to move to the former Covenant Baptist Church. The relocation was completed in 1977. Membership tripled. By 1998 they had over 7000 members. In 1981 the church’s name changed to Hartford Memorial Baptist Church.
Adams was also president of the Detroit branch of the NAACP. He fought for equality. He even participated in boycotts against Dearborn merchants. Adams believed in economic empowerment. The church bought properties to bring jobs to the community. Under his guidance the church developed many community programs. These included a free legal and medical clinic a tutorial program and a job placement agency.
The church building itself has its own story. Merritt and Cole of Detroit designed it. It was built in 1945 and expanded in 1962. Bernard Graff designed the nave and chapel windows. Willet Stained Glass Studios of Philadelphia created them. The stained glass includes eleven windows in the sanctuary. There are ten windows in the Rev. Charles A. Hill Chapel.
Hill Memorial Church stands as a symbol of faith resilience and activism. It reminds us of the power of community. It also shows the importance of standing up for justice. The story of this church is deeply entwined with Detroit’s history. It continues to inspire today.