“A church made of wood?” you might ask, eyebrows raised at the thought. Indeed, the Church of the New Jerusalem in Detroit once stood as a testament to this unusual building material. A charming wooden structure, it graced the corner of Cass and George Streets. Jex Bardwell, a photographer of some note, captured its unique presence in a goldenrod-mounted photograph. The image, now preserved in the Detroit Public Library’s digital archives, shows the church in its original glory. The Church of the New Jerusalem, while no longer a wooden edifice, continues its spiritual mission in Detroit. This specific Church of the New Jerusalem is not to be confused with others bearing a similar name. The history we’re focusing on is rooted here in Detroit, at 92 East Forest Avenue.
Silent Assembly of God
Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Detroit’s faith communities, stands the Silent Assembly of God. This unique church, located on Lahser