Church of Christ

In Detroit’s bustling heart, a quiet sanctuary stands. Christ Church Detroit has witnessed the city’s evolution since 1845. Originally founded by parishioners seeking more space from St. Paul’s Church, Christ Church Detroit found its home on Jefferson Avenue. This location, near the Detroit River, was chosen when Detroit was a much smaller city with only 13,000 residents. Among the founders were prominent figures like Henry N. Walker, editor of the Detroit Free Press, and Charles Christopher Trowbridge, a well-known banker and philanthropist. Their descendants, along with other families like the Sibleys, Brushes, and Campaus, still worship at Christ Church Detroit. The first service was held in a simple frame structure in 1846. By the 1860s, Jefferson Avenue became home to Detroit’s elite. The current stone structure, with its impressive bell tower, was completed in 1864. Christ Church Detroit has always been more than just a “top hat” church. It’s been a pillar of the community, dedicated to service, education, and the arts. In 1884, Christ Church House opened its doors to Syrian immigrants, offering English lessons, cultural guidance, and practical skills like cooking and sewing. This act of kindness led to the baptism of the first Syrians at Christ Church Detroit in 1914. Ledyard Hall, built in 1924, served as a gymnasium. Local legend even claims that young Joe Louis trained there. As Detroit’s landscape shifted and parishioners moved to the suburbs, Christ Church Detroit faced challenges. Expressways and suburban expansion led to declining membership in the mid-20th century. Discussions of relocating the church were serious. However, the Syrian community and residents of Indian Village rallied to keep Christ Church Detroit in its rightful place. The church continued to grow, welcoming diverse members, including African-Americans and members of the gay community. Rev. Samuel Shoemaker Johnston and Rev. Ervin A. Brown, III, led the church through periods of spiritual and numerical growth. In 1995, Christ Church Detroit marked its 150th anniversary. The church’s unique traditions, like the Syrian Hafli dinner-dance, blend with newer programs like Journey to Adulthood and Rite 13. In 2016, history came full circle when Christ Church Detroit sponsored a Syrian refugee family. Partnering with the Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit and Samaritas, they provided a home for the family. This partnership between an Episcopal parish and a Jewish congregation welcoming a Muslim family exemplifies the church’s spirit. Today, Christ Church Detroit stands as a testament to resilience and community, embracing its downtown location amidst the city’s revitalization.