“Glory to God in the Highest”. That’s what the largest of three bells once proclaimed from the steeple of Saint John and Saint Luke United Church of Christ. Sadly the bells are gone.
Saint John and Saint Luke United Church of Christ stands as a testament to Detroit’s rich history. It embodies faith and community. Let’s step back in time. We will uncover the fascinating story of this historic church.
Saint John’s is the oldest German Protestant church in Detroit. It was founded in 1833. Rev. Friedrich Schmid established it. He was sent by the Evangelical Mission Society of Basel Switzerland. The first service took place in John Hais’ carpenter shop. About 25 people gathered there.
As the congregation grew they moved to a Presbyterian church. By 1836 they bought land. A wood church was built. A school followed where lessons were in German.
By 1853 a larger brick church was built. Disaster struck when a fire destroyed the interior. But the congregation persevered.
By the 1870s the congregation had grown. A branch church was founded. In 1874 Saint John’s dedicated its present site. The German school was to the rear.
By 1870 many German-born people lived in Detroit. The area now known as Greektown was once a German community.
Around 1900 Saint John’s was a strong church with many members including millionaires. Renovations were made to the church. A state-of-the-art lighting system was installed. The painted bricks were covered with rock-faced ashlar.
During World War I anti-German sentiments rose. The climate was disastrous for Saint John’s. Attendance and membership plummeted.
After World War II St. John’s branched into new areas. In 1969 St. Luke’s Church merged with St. John’s. This created Saint John and Saint Luke.
The neighborhood changed. Lafayette Park brought new residents to the area. Eastern Market became a unique shopping destination. Saint John and Saint Luke remained a vital part of the neighborhood.
Saint John and Saint Luke was a center of the Abolitionist movement. It was a station on the Underground Railroad. The church has a casket used to carry slaves to Canada in mock funerals.
Julius Hess designed the Gothic Revival building in 1874. It seated 1500 people. The exterior bricks were covered in 1914.
In 1947 the Judaeo-Christian Memorial Window was dedicated. It features the Star of David and figures of Matthew Mark Luke and John. It won a national citation.
The Detroit Stained Glass Works installed the windows. They presented a plaque honoring Rev. Schmid.
Saint John and Saint Luke United Church of Christ has a rich history. It has survived fires wars and changing demographics. It stands as a beacon of faith. The church continues to serve its community. It adapts to the needs of a changing world. The story of Saint John and Saint Luke is a testament to resilience. It also shows the enduring power of faith and community in Detroit.