Curious to know where Episcopalians first gathered in Detroit Lakes? Right here stands Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church a testament to faith and community. Let me tell you its story.
Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church’s story begins long before this building existed. In 1872 Bishop Whipple held the first Episcopal service in Detroit. He was on his way to consecrate a church in White Earth. Reverend J. A. Gilfillan later held another service in the Peake Hotel. This laid the groundwork for establishing a church in Detroit.
Whipple’s interest in Detroit stemmed from its railway access to the Ojibway Indian Mission. The mission was opened at White Earth. Travel was difficult before the railroad. It took days by horseback and canoe. The railway shortened the trip considerably.
Detroit in 1872 was primitive. There were few buildings. The railway station some stores and the Tyler Hotel were among them. There were no paved streets.
In 1882 Reverend Reginald M. Johnson and others convinced Bishop Whipple to build a church. Money was raised and construction began. In the spring of 1883 a bell was hung in the tower. Reverend Johnson led the first service.
But there was a problem. The building lacked a furnace. Reverend Johnson left for Wadena. No services were held until the following spring.
Ebenezer Steele Peake was a key figure in Saint Luke’s growth. He had previously founded churches along the Minnesota River. He was a close associate of Bishop Whipple. Peake expanded his services to include many towns.
In 1884 Peake returned to Detroit. With the help of the women of the church the heating problem was solved. On September 16 1885 Bishop Whipple consecrated Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church. There was an active women’s group. An energetic Sunday school program was also running.
Saint Luke’s was built in accordance with Upjohn plans. These plans had been adapted to accommodate rural resources. The narrow nave separated chancel board and batten siding were all elements consistent with Upjohn’s ideas.
By 1891 it was clear that Detroit’s future lay south of the tracks. Saint Luke’s raised money to move their structure to Lake Street.
In 1926 Detroit became Detroit Lakes.
After World War II Saint Luke’s experienced a period of growth in the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1966 Saint Luke’s moved to its current location on Corbett Road.
The bell from the old church became controversial. After the Lake Avenue property had been purchased by First Lutheran Margaret Burritt and George Lambert enlisted the help of the sheriff to retrieve the bell.
For almost 130 years Saint Luke’s bell has signaled the start of worship. It is one of only three church bells still ringing in Detroit Lakes.
Between 1967 and 1976 membership grew.
In 2003 Saint Luke’s adopted the Total Ministry approach. This model empowers all baptized members in ministry.
Today Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church continues to be a beacon of faith. It serves the community through worship outreach and fellowship. Remember the dedication of those early members. Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church stands as a testament to their enduring spirit.