“Conscience of a City.” That’s the nickname etched on the historical marker outside Central United Methodist Church. Welcome.
The Central United Methodist Church stands as a testament to Detroit’s enduring spirit. It is a beacon of faith and social justice. Its story began in 1810. Seven believers formed The First Methodist Society of Michigan. This was the first Protestant congregation in the Michigan Territory.
Early days were tough. One circuit rider, Rev. Nathan Bangs, even left Detroit. He shook the dust off his feet in protest due to some unruly youths. But the congregation persevered. They first met in the government council house. By 1818, they built a log church on the Rouge River in Dearborn.
In 1826, the congregation built its first building in Detroit. It was at the corner of Gratiot and Farmer. A new building followed in 1833. It was at Woodward Avenue and Congress Street. They built another in 1849 at Woodward and State. When the Congress Street Society Church burned down in 1863, they decided to merge. They constructed a new church at Woodward and Adams. It was then named Central Methodist Church.
The cornerstone of Central Church’s sanctuary was laid on July 3, 1866. The church was dedicated the following year. Architect George W. Lloyd designed the Gothic Revival building.
Central has a rich history of activism. In 1830, Sheriff Thomas S. Knapp resigned. He was a member of Central. He refused to carry out a hanging outside the church. This act reflected the church’s strong stance against capital punishment. Michigan became the first English-speaking territory to abolish it.
In 1936, Woodward Avenue was widened. This required a significant reconfiguration of Central United Methodist Church. The nave was shortened. The west wall and steeple were moved eastward. This was a remarkable feat of engineering.
Inside, the sanctuary boasts stunning artwork. A mural of the 12 Apostles surrounds the altar. Detroit artists Elliott and David Skinner painted it. Thomas Di Lorenzo painted the ceiling. It features 230 panels of Christian symbols. These symbols are from the Temple of Heaven, the Mosque of Omar, and the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. Stained glass windows were installed in 1956.
Central has long been a “Peace and Justice” church. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached here many times. The last time was just two weeks before his death. The church has been active in movements against war and for civil rights. It became a Reconciling Congregation in 2001. Central welcomes LGBT people.
Central is cosponsor of The NOAH Project. It aids the homeless. The church also houses Swords Into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery. It provides space for various social justice organizations.
Today, Central United Methodist Church continues its mission. It is a beacon of hope and activism in Detroit. Its architecture tells a story. Its history inspires action. Its spirit embodies the conscience of a city. The tower clock chimes. It serves as a reminder of Central’s enduring presence. The clock measures seven feet in diameter. It chimes every hour and half hour.