What if these walls could talk? They would tell tales of faith. They would tell of community and transformation within Saint Paul Lutheran Church.
Saint Paul Lutheran Church stands as a testament to Detroit’s rich history. It reflects its ever evolving cultural landscape. Dedicated in 1873 as St. Paul’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church, it was designed by architect Carl Schmidt. Schmidt chose the German Gothic style.
The church emerged from the Monroe Avenue Church. It was officially incorporated in November 1872. At that time it had only 24 members. However, the small group possessed great ambition and financial resources. Schmidt’s design accommodated over 700 people. The construction cost about $18000. That is equivalent to roughly $450000 in today’s money.
Originally the interior of Saint Paul Lutheran Church featured three naves. Each nave was separated by a row of columns. The center nave spanned 20 feet. The middle naves were 10 feet each.
The steeple garnered media attention in the 19th century. The Detroit Free Press described a tower ascending 51 feet. Its form changed to an octagon. It rose 49 feet to the base of the crucifix. The crucifix added another five feet. The total height reached 105 feet from the roof. Gothic arches and ornaments adorned the transition. They relieved any potential clumsiness.
Around the church, a 4135 square foot school was constructed. A 3260 square foot rectory also appeared. These buildings defied the fate of many Detroit churches. They also survived the neighborhood changes.
In 1952, the church campus was sold to the House of Israel. In 1982, La Iglesia de Jesus Christo acquired only the church building. Later in 1999, the Grace to Grace Christian Fellowship Church purchased it. They held services there until 2009. The House of Israel retained ownership of the rectory and school. These buildings remained vacant for decades.
In March 2015, Grace to Grace sold Saint Paul Lutheran Church to Assemble Sound. Assemble Sound transformed the vacant space. It became a recording studio and collaborative hub. It served Detroit’s music scene. This initiative aimed to cultivate Detroit’s musical talent. It offered free daily access to resident artists. They also retained rights to their work.
Despite challenges like rain and bird droppings, Assemble Sound persisted. They received a $100000 grant from Detroit’s Motor City Match program. The church evolved into a 21st-century version of Motown’s Hitsville, U.S.A. Studios occupied every corner. Writing rooms filled the bell tower and closets. The pastor’s office became Assemble’s “Studio A.”
Hundreds of musicians passed through Saint Paul Lutheran Church. They came to play rather than pray. At its peak, Assemble hosted 20 musicians daily. Detroit talents like Tunde Olaniran and Griz graced the former church.
In the summer of 2018, Assemble acquired the adjacent school and rectory. For the first time in 36 years, all three buildings united as a single campus. Renovations began. The organization relocated temporarily. Atlantic Records partnered with Assemble in December 2021.
However, challenges arose. The COVID pandemic and rising costs impacted renovations. The city cited the steeple as a public safety threat. Renovating Saint Paul Lutheran Church became financially impossible. In August 2022, Assemble listed the church and adjacent buildings for sale. In July 2023, an unidentified buyer purchased the Assemble properties.
Saint Paul Lutheran Church has evolved. It began as a place of worship. It transformed into a haven for musical innovation. It stands as a symbol of Detroit’s resilience. It shows its ability to adapt and reinvent itself. The story of Saint Paul is not just about a building. It is about the people who shaped it. It reflects their faith, creativity and determination.