Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church

Did the year 1925 hold a premonition of growth for Detroit? The Michigan District of the LCMS certainly felt it. They saw the burgeoning Grand River District, specifically Strathmoor, as ripe for spiritual cultivation. This led them to Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church. They called upon Reverend Walter E. Kutch to explore this new mission field. He broke ground on a humble bungalow chapel on November 25, 1925. Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church officially came into being just a few months later, on March 28, 1926. The small bungalow chapel served its purpose for a time. But the growing congregation soon needed more space. On September 7, 1930, ground was broken for a proper church building. The cornerstone was laid a month later, on October 12, 1930. The new Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church was dedicated on February 1, 1931. It became a beacon of faith in the community. They even established a school to nurture young minds. But the story of Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church doesn’t end there. In 1949, they broke ground yet again for an even larger church. This expansion reflected the continued growth of the congregation and their commitment to their faith. A new school building followed. Groundbreaking took place in 1957, with the dedication in 1959. Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church remained a vital part of the community for many years. The church meticulously recorded its history. Baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and burials from 1926 to 2014 are all documented. Meeting minutes and other important records also survive. These documents offer a glimpse into the lives of those who worshipped at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church. The church served its community under the leadership of several dedicated pastors. Rev. Armin W. Born served the longest tenure, from 1940 to 1977. After over 80 years of service, Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church closed its doors on March 8, 2015. Though the building may no longer be active, its legacy lives on in the memories of those it served.