Imagine a Gothic masterpiece. It stands solid. This is the former First Baptist Church of Detroit. It later became the Peoples Community Church. Now let’s explore its history.
The First Baptist Church of Detroit has a long history. The congregation was founded on October 20 1827. Baptists from New York and New England started it. Reverend Henry Davis led them.
Their first church was small. It was a frame structure built in 1831. It stood at the corner of Fort and Griswold Streets. In 1835 the congregation replaced it. They built a spacious brick church. They needed even larger buildings later. So they built more in 1859-63 and 1871-75.
Members moved from downtown Detroit. The First Baptist Church followed. In 1909 they hired an architect. Guy J. Vinton designed their new church on Woodward Avenue. Vinton was a known Detroit builder. The church was completed in 1910.
After World War II membership declined. In 1957 the congregation sold the building. The Peoples Community Church bought it. The First Baptist congregation moved to Southfield. They built a new church in 1965.
The former First Baptist Church stands at 8601 Woodward Avenue. It measures 120 feet long and 110 feet wide. This Gothic style church is made of limestone. Its front has a massive arched window. A square tower balances the window. The entryway is inside the tower. An educational wing is next to the tower. It looks similar to the main church. The church lacks carved decorations. It relies on size and details for its visual impact.
Inside the First Baptist Church follows the Akron plan. The central auditorium is large and square. It has a barrel vaulted ceiling. Wooden pews form a semi circle. A balcony curves around the auditorium. Above the sanctuary the balcony holds the choir loft. Organ pipes are displayed there too. Transepts serve as classrooms. Partitions can open them for more seating. A skylight sits in the ceiling’s center.
The First Baptist Church now Peoples Community Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 3 1982.
The First Baptist Church is more than a building. It represents faith community and change. Its story continues to evolve inspiring all who pass through its doors.