First Bethany United Church of Christ

In 1953 a momentous event unfolded. Two Detroit churches First Evangelical Reformed and Bethany Evangelical merged. This union birthed First-Bethany Evangelical Reformed Church. The new congregation faced a crucial decision. They needed a building. Both churches were put up for sale. The first to be sold wouldn’t house First-Bethany. First Evangelical Reformed sold first. First-Bethany therefore settled in Bethany’s former location in Indian Village. The merger also involved plans for a suburban branch. St Clair Shores was chosen. A 2 1/2 acre plot was bought on Harmon Street near East 9 Mile Road. Rev Dr Emil N Krafft and later Rev Dr Edwin J A Koch led the Indian Village congregation. It continued until its closure in 1969. Rev Arnold Lambarth oversaw the St Clair Shores branch’s formation. The St Clair Shores congregation initially used South Lake High School’s gymnasium. A new building was needed. Groundbreaking occurred on February 13 1955. The cornerstone was laid on June 12 1955. The new building saw its first service on April 1 1956. In 1957 a significant event reshaped the religious landscape. The Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches merged. This resulted in the creation of the United Church of Christ. First-Bethany’s name consequently changed to First-Bethany United Church of Christ. The Detroit location’s closure in 1969 left St Clair Shores as the sole First-Bethany congregation. Membership declined. This led to a proposed merger with Faith-Trinity UCC in Warren around 2006. Many First-Bethany members started attending services at Faith-Trinity. The St Clair Shores building was sold in 2009 to Everlasting Word Church of God in Christ. The Detroit Metropolitan Association of the UCC formally dissolved First-Bethany UCC on April 25 2009. Many former members of First-Bethany now worship at Hope UCC in Fraser. The story of First-Bethany United Church of Christ reflects a rich history of mergers transitions and community. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and adaptation within the Detroit area. Its legacy continues through those who found fellowship and strength within its walls.