Midtown in Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
First Unitarian Universalist Church
Photographed By Joel S., June 5, 2015
1. First Unitarian Universalist Church Marker
Perry W. McAdow and his wife Clara built this elaborate mansion in 1891. The McAdows, who had earned their fortune in the gold mines of Montana, lived here from 1891 to 1897. The house continued as a private residence until 1913, when it was sold to the Universalists congregation. It was used as a temporary church until 1916, when the congregation completed a new church in the former garden to the north. This structure then became the parish house. In 1934 the Universalists and Unitarian congregations merged acquiring the name, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit. The group uses this structure as a place of meetings and worship for religious liberals. The house, with its notable frescos, paneling, plasterwork and stained glass was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Erected 1986 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L497.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission, and the Unitarian Universalism (UUism) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 42° 21.189′ N, 83° 3.914′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mackenzie House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hilberry Theatre (about 500 feet away); Thompson Home (about 600 feet away); Wayne State University (approx. 0.2 miles away); West Canfield Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); David Whitney, Jr. Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Congregational Church of Detroit (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cathedral Church of St. Paul / Interfaith Emergency Center (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.
Also see . . . First Unitarian-Universalist Church of Detroit. Church website homepage (Submitted on June 23, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel S., June 5, 2015
2. First Unitarian Universalist Church
This is the old building and is only part of the church complex.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 350 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 23, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
