Detroit Remember When: Houses of Worship
Detroit and its surrounding communities are home to some of the most historic and architecturally significant religious buildings in the country. As immigrants from around the world swelled Detroit’s population, they brought their faith and cultural traditions with them and reflected those traditions in the churches, synagogues, and mosques they erected.
Detroit Public Television will take viewers on a one-hour tour of eight of the area’s most revered religious facilities representing a range of faiths and traditions. In many cases, images of the current and earlier structures will help tell these transformative stories. This new special marks the fifth part of the station’s popular Detroit Remember When historical series.
The program is made possible by the Marjorie and Maxwell Jospey Foundation, Lois J. Ryan, and the members of Detroit Public TV.
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DPTV Specials
Featured Houses of Worship
Old St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church (1885)
Nestled in the Greektown area, Old St. Mary’s was built in 1885 by Detroit architect and parishioner, Peter Dederichs. Combining Pisan Romanesque and Venetian Renaissance, Old...
People’s Community Church (1910)
Originally built for North Baptist Church in 1910, People’s Community Church repurposed the Gothic structure in 1957. Formal and restrained on the exterior, interior highlights ...
Historic Trinity Lutheran Church (1931)
Dedicated in 1931, Historic Trinity Lutheran extols the virtues of fine craftsmanship. The limestone exterior portrays over 300 religious figures, and the interior is rich with...
Temple Beth El (1973)
In 1973, Detroit architect Minoru Yamasaki designed Temple Beth El’s Modern-style synagogue, symbolic of the Tent of Meeting. Temple Beth El member and Detroit architect Albert...
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (1868)
The second oldest Episcopal parish in Michigan, St. Andrew’s Episcopal’s vibrant memorial stained glass windows commemorate faith, parishioners, and music. Detroiter Gordon Llo...
Islamic Center of America (2005)
The Islamic Center of America opened its mahogany doors to its mosque in 2005, with a modern design that is rich in Islamic symbolism and history. Residing between several chur...
First Congregational Church (1891)
Built in 1891, First Congregational Church was inspired by Architect John Faxton’s travels through Italy. Believing that “art and religion go hand in hand,” Faxton blended Roma...
Fort Street Presbyterian Church (1855)
Fort Street Presbyterian, with its soaring Gothic Revival steeple and towers, has been a Detroit landmark since 1855. Adorned with finials, crockets and stained glass, Fort Str...
