Doesn’t it beckon, this Westminster Church of Detroit? It stands here at Outer Drive and Hubbell. This is more than just a building. Westminster Church of Detroit is a family. It is a safe place. The church does its mission of righteousness, joy, and peace from here.
Westminster Church of Detroit first gathered on October 6, 1857. Rev. Henry Neill was its first pastor. They met in rented space at Lafayette and Wayne. This was in the United Presbyterian Church.
The members wanted their own place. They dedicated their first church in January 1861. It was on Washington Boulevard. It sat between State and Grand River.
The church grew with the city. It moved north. There were two Presbyterian churches downtown. They were just blocks apart. So, in November 1872, Westminster acquired land at Woodward and Parsons.
Services moved to Harper Hospital Chapel. This lasted from March 1873 to May 1874. Then, a new chapel was dedicated. Seven years later, the Church Sanctuary was finished. The church almost closed during those years. But members stayed loyal and generous. They kept Westminster active for 44 years. This lasted until 1918.
Detroit wanted a cultural center. City leaders asked the church to move. This made room for the new Orchestra Hall. Westminster relocated to army barracks. These were at Collingwood and Hamilton. Services were held there for over two years.
In November 1920, the church dedicated a building. It was at Hamilton and Glynn Court. This was Westminster’s home for 34 years. Leaders dreamed of a beautiful Sanctuary there. But those plans never happened. This was a crisis for Westminster.
The neighborhood changed. The facilities became inadequate. So, Westminster decided to move northwest. This was to follow the population.
In 1947, the congregation received substantial gifts. This allowed a new venture. It was on eight and a half acres. This land was at Outer Drive and Hubbell. A New Church Committee formed. They built the Chapel. It was dedicated in November 1949.
Activities grew quickly. The Chapel soon became too small. Another addition was dedicated in January 1951. Plans developed for a complete church plant. It would efficiently carry on Christian programs.
Fellowship Hall, the Christian Education Unit, and the offices were built next. In October 1953, they laid the cornerstone of the new Sanctuary. Dedication Week was from September 26 to October 3, 1954. Minister Dr. John Arthur Visser led the celebration. Assistant Ministers Rev. Allan J. Weenink and Rev. Richard W. Mitchell joined him. So did Christian Education Director Miss Marguerite R. Bowden. Also Director of Music, George F. Thomas. The congregation of 2,074 members rejoiced. The Church School of 1,350 also celebrated. They dedicated the new Westminster Church.
The Centennial of Westminster Church was celebrated on October 6, 1957. Today, Westminster continues its traditions. It trusts in God.
Westminster Church of Detroit welcomes everyone. Its building has symbolism. This imagery points to God’s love. The church is more than a building.