“A spiritual house built of living stones.” That’s how St. Philip’s Ev. Lutheran Church sees itself. St. Philip’s is a historic church. It is known as the 1st Black Lutheran Church in The State of Michigan. It was established in 1934.
St. Philip’s Ev. Lutheran Church focuses on winning souls. It converts souls to a life with God. The church reaches out with the Gospel in the spirit of Christ. They teach the word of God and the Holy Trinity. They believe the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit help everyone in their everyday walk. The Lutheran faith is based on Martin Luther’s teachings. His reformation of the Christian Church can be described as Grace alone. It is also based on Faith alone and Scripture alone.
Dr. Roosevelt Gray Jr. is a reverend. He believes people are being built into a spiritual house. They are a holy priesthood. They offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Gwen Anderson is the admin for St. Philip’s Ev. Lutheran Church. She also serves on the Altar Guild and Choir. She is also a duet songstress. Dr. Ingrid Draper is the church organist. She serves on the Worship and Stewardship Committee. She spearheads youth learning activities.
St. Philip’s Ev. Lutheran Church’s mission is reaching out in love. They reach out to each other and to the community. They use the Gospel and equip each person. The youth are equipped for the continuing ministry of the Church.
Another Lutheran Church in Detroit is Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran Church. It was established in 1911. Members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church decided to form a new congregation. They wanted to be on the east side of Detroit. Indian Village was selected as an ideal location. It was considered a first-class residential neighborhood. The name Christ Lutheran was chosen. They rented a temporary home. Later that year, a parsonage was built. It was at the corner of Iroquois and Waterloo. Rev. John A. Dietzer was installed as the first pastor. Iroquois Avenue was added to the name two years later. This distinguished it from other area churches.
Ground was broken for a permanent church in February 1913. The congregation moved into the partially built structure. The first worship service was held there in October 1913. The main church building was completed. It was dedicated to the glory of God in November 1913.
The parish house was added to the church in 1928. It was constructed on the site of the existing parsonage. The parsonage was moved one lot north. The cost for the parish house was almost $100000. The congregation numbered over a thousand souls. The parish house provided much-needed space.
Years of neglect took a toll on the church building. An extensive repair plan was launched in 2010. The sanctuary roof was completed in 2013. Plaster work and painting were completed in 2014.
In 1913, the church sanctuary was designed by member Louis Keil. He was best known as a designer of steamship interiors. Henry Malo supervised the construction of the original church building.
Keil had traveled throughout Europe. He sought to capture the feel of an old-world church. The windows and woodwork are inspired by gothic churches. The general structural design also shows the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement.
The church tower soars over the center of the transept. Clerestory windows in the tower allow light to enter the nave. The original church building cost $25000.
Most of the stained-glass windows are in the gothic revival style. The windows often have a pointed gothic arch. Faces and other details were painted on the glass. The large Good Shepherd window shows the influence of the Arts & Crafts movement.
The church’s first organ was a three-manual Roosevelt. In 1952, the Roosevelt was replaced by the four-manual Austin organ. The Austin organ was purchased from Detroit’s West Methodist Church.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Detroit was founded in 1882. It was founded by 51 men. Ten were members of Immanuel. Forty-one were mostly German immigrants. The parish is the outgrowth of a branch school organized in 1877 by Immanuel. Rev. Christian F. Schatz was installed as Zion’s first pastor. The dedication of the first church occurred in 1883.
With Lutherans moving away from downtown, Zion organized seven daughter congregations. At Zion’s peak, she had 3100 parishioners. The three bells of Zion were installed in 1890.
In 1933, the new church was dedicated. Stone used in the building was obtained from the demolished Post Office/Federal Building.
Zion is rich in Christian art and symbolism. Plaques in the roof trusses feature symbols of the twelve Apostles. The various windows in the Church were made by the Detroit Stained Glass Company in 1933. In the loft is the 2128 pipe organ.
Revelation Evangelical Lutheran Church stands as a testament to faith. Its story is interwoven with the history of Detroit. Each element tells a story of community and devotion.