First Congregational Church | |
 First Congregational Church in 2019, photograph byCarol M. Highsmith. | |
| Location | 33 East Forest Avenue Detroit, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°21′19″N83°3′46″W / 42.35528°N 83.06278°W /42.35528; -83.06278 |
| Built | 1891; 1921 (addition) |
| Architect | John Lyman Faxon;Albert Kahn |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001173[1] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | June 4, 1979 |
| Designated MSHS | July 26, 1974[2] |
TheFirst Congregational Church is located at 33 East Forest Avenue (on the corner of Forest andWoodward Avenue) inMidtown Detroit, Michigan. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974[2] and listed on theNational Register of Historic Places in 1979.[1]
The First Congregational Church of Detroit was established on December 25, 1844. Two church buildings were built near theDetroit River. The third building was constructed at the present site in 1891, and was designed by architectJohn Lyman Faxon. An addition to the church, known as the Angel's Wing, was constructed in 1921 byAlbert Kahn.[3]
Gaius Glenn Atkins served twice as minister of the church in the early 20th century.
The church is designed in a blend of theRomanesque andByzantine styles,[4] using rough-hewn, warm red limestone. The Woodward facade has a five-bayloggia, with aparapeted front gable. Above that are rounded windows with tracery framed by a rounded arch. The church also features a 120-footcampanile with many narrow arcades. The church is topped by an 8-foot copper figure of theArchangel Uriel.[5]
The church is patterned after churches found inVenice andRavenna. Thesanctuary, which resembles the lower church ofSt. Francis of Assisi,[4] boasts carved wood, ceiling portraits, rose windows and sumptuous colors.[3] The interior murals were designed and executed byLyle Durgin,[6] completed in December, 1891.[7]
The church offers exhibits about the historical and architectural aspects of the church, its buildings and activities. Visitors can go on self-guided tours of the historic facilities and buildings.
The church also hosts theUnderground Railroad Living Museum, a storytelling simulation of the originalUnderground Railroad.
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