A majestic red brick building stands before you. This is the Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army Temple. It wasn’t always known by this name.
Originally built in 1911 it served as the Amity Lodge No 335 Temple. This was a meeting place for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A significant addition doubled its size in 1920. For decades other fraternal orders shared this space. The Knights of Columbus were among them using the building until 1960.
Then came a significant shift. The Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army a predominantly African American denomination purchased the building. This church had roots in Alabama. Founded around 1912 it moved to Detroit around 1923. This coincided with the Great Migration. The Detroit congregation officially incorporated in 1938. They initially had a building on Hastings Street. This street was sadly lost to the construction of I-75 in the late 1950s. The Amity Lodge building became their new home a place where they remain today.
The architecture itself is a testament to time. It’s a massive rectangular four-story structure. Limestone trims the red brick. The facade displays its history. The right half built in 1911 differs slightly from the left half constructed in 1920. Many of the original windows have been filled in. However you can still see the grandeur of the original design.
The Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army Temple isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of a community. It’s a place of worship a historic landmark and a vital part of Detroit’s rich cultural tapestry. Step inside and feel the weight of its history. The stories held within these walls are truly remarkable.