Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
St. John's Presbyterian Church
By Joel Seewald, July 23, 2017
1. St. John's Presbyterian Church Marker
On April 27, 1919, thirty-nine people met in the First Presbyterian Church on Woodward Avenue and organized St. John's Presbyterian Church. Reverend John W. Lee, a field missionary, led the formation of the church to serve Detroit's growing black population. St. John's was the first African-American Presbyterian congregation in Michigan. The first place of worship was located at Madison and Dubois streets. In 1936 churchwoman Anne Lewis led the establishment of the St. John's child care center. In 1940 the congregation moved to a church at Clinton and Joseph Campau streets. In the 1960s government-sponsored "urban renewal" projects forced the congregation to move to a new location. The first service in the present church was held on Christmas Day 1966.Erected 1991 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1781.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 27, 1919.
Location. 42° 20.391′
By Joel Seewald, July 23, 2017
2. St. John's Presbyterian Church and Marker
View looking to the west along East Lafayette Street.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Black Bottom (approx. ¼ mile away); First Michigan Colored Regiment (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mies van der Rohe Townhouses (approx. half a mile away); Fannie Richards Homesite (approx. half a mile away); Glimpses of Detroit's Riverfront History (approx. half a mile away); The Black Presence in Detroit (approx. half a mile away); Chapman Abraham / Jewish Soldiers in the Civil War (approx. half a mile away); St. Joseph's Parish (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.
By Joel Seewald, July 23, 2017
3. St. John's Presbyterian Church
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 164 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 1, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
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