15 Most Beautiful Churches in Detroit

First Christian Church Detroit-by Renelibrary-Wikimedia Commons

15 Most Beautiful Churches in Detroit

One of the many reasons why I appreciate Detroit is how open it is. There is lots of space between buildings so that you never feel claustrophobic and you can really appreciate their style, with the exception of a small group of skyscrapers in the downtown area.

More than 250 Detroit structures, including more than 20 of the city’s larger religious institutions, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These significant structures, with their different designs and profiles, maintain Detroit’s beauty since they were made to last (regardless of whether they currently have thriving populations).

Many of us enjoy traveling, so whenever we visit a new location, we automatically search for the places that are in high demand. Prepare to see some of Detroit’s top attractions, including Fort Street Presbyterian Church, Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sweetest Heart of Mary Church, and more.

When we drive through the churches in the Detroit area, we can’t help but stop and gaze at their magnificent and enticing architecture. Each of these 15 gorgeous churches has a rich history that should be enjoyed, whether or not you are a member.

Most Beautiful Catholic Churches in Detroit

Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit

Ste Anne de Detroit-by Andrew Jameson-Wikimedia Commons

The second-oldest continuously running Roman Catholic parish in the United States is the Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit (Sainte-Anne-de-Détroit), which was established on July 26, 1701, by French colonists in New France. The current church, a Gothic Revival cathedral, was constructed in 1886.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Ste. Anne de Detroit Catholic Church, constructed in the late 1800s, is reminiscent of the majestic old buildings in Europe. Tall arches, breathtakingly lovely stained glass windows, an amazing pipe organ—everything one might anticipate from one of the Church’s treasures, even vintage confessionals.

In addition to the main altar, there are two smaller side altars. Before or after Mass, guests are welcome to have a personal “tour” of the area. In the entryway, a highly contemporary vending machine produces big votive candles that can be lit and left in the church or taken home, adding one last example of 21st-century technology.

practical information

address:1000 St Anne St, Detroit, MI 48216, United States

opening hours: Mon-Sun;9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

phone:+1 313-496-1701

website

Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church

St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church-by Unknown author-Wikimedia Commons

Old St Mary’s is the third-oldest Roman Catholic parish in Detroit, which was established in 1834 to cater to German-speaking immigrants. The previous church was constructed in 1841. The first of the existing complex’s new constructions was the school, which was constructed in 1868.

The remaining structures were the rectory (1876), new church (1884–1885), and convent, finished in 1922. The convent was destroyed in the early 2000s and replaced with a community center modeled after the 1841 church structure. It was listed as a Michigan Historic Site in 1979.

It is frequently referred to as “Old St. Mary’s Church” to distinguish it from other St. Mary’s parishes, whether they are in the Detroit area of Redford or in close-by Royal Oak, Monroe, or Wayne. If you have an interest in either religion or architecture, you should go here. 

The church’s stunning combination of Pisan Romanesque and Venetian Renaissance architecture is made of limestone and red brick. Its twin towers with striped steeples that surround a huge rose window on the west façade remain a significant component of the Detroit skyline.

The rectory and previous convent were both built in the Romanesque-Venetian style. The ten polished granite columns that separate the main aisle from the side aisles are a prominent aspect of the church’s interior.

Each column is carved from a single granite block. Originally, they were meant for the Lansing, Michigan, state capitol building that was being constructed at the time. 

practical information

address:646 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States

opening hours:Mon-Fri;9am-5pm/sat;5:30-6:30pm/sun;8:30-9:30am,10-11am,12-1pm

phone:+1 313-961-8711

website

Our Lady of the Rosary Student Parish

This magnificent Romanesque Revival church complex was constructed between 1893 and 1896 as St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church. On August 3, 1982, it was included in the National Register of Historic Places.

The chapel, which was dedicated in 1884, quickly proved to be too small, so a larger church was built facing Woodward in 1896. There is a magnificent statue of Our Lady atop this church.

It is a sizable sandstone Romanesque Revival building with a cross-gable roof that was constructed between 1893 and 1896. A tall, square, pyramid-roofed tower to the south and a round, conical-roofed tower to the north stand on either side of the gabled façade. There is a one-story vestibule with a big rose window over it where you enter between the towers.

practical information

address:5930 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, United States

opening hours:mon-thur;9am-9pm/Fri;9am-3pm/sat;8:30-10am/sun;5-8pm

phone:+1 313-875-6011

website

Sweetest Heart of Mary Church

Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church (Detroit, MI) – nave-by Nheyob-Wikimedia Commons

The largest Roman Catholic church in the City of Detroit is the Gothic Revival cathedral-styled Sweetest Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church. In 1974 it was named a Michigan State Historic Site, and in 1978, it was entered on the National Register of Historic Places.

One of the biggest and possibly the most stunning Gothic Revival churches in the Midwest is Sweetest Heart of Mary. It’s crucial to respect the local culture because it has highly distinctive architectural features and is worthwhile for a calm visit. The cruciform church is made of red brick and has a cross-gabled roof.

The Russell facade features a triple portal, a pointed arch structure, a rusticated stone lower level, and a stone balustrade on top of it all. The entryway is flanked by two towers that have identical spires that are topped with buttresses and have cross details.

The church features a number of remarkable stained glass windows made by Detroit Stained Glass Works, the company that took over for Friederichs and Staffin, a well-known stained glass company. The Holy Family is depicted in Saint Joseph’s workshop in the main transept window. 

practical information

address:4440 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207, United States

opening hours: Tue-Fri;9am-3pm/sat;3-6pm/sun;9am-1:30pm

phone: +1 313-831-6659

website

St. Joseph Shrine

St. Joseph Shrine, originally known as St. Joseph Oratory and St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, is a historic German Catholic church that dates back to 1855. The building’s stained glass was considered to be “of national importance” when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The rectory, convent, and Wermers House were three auxiliary structures that were included in the listing in 1992. The edifice, which is regarded as one of the Midwest’s outstanding examples of Victorian Gothic architecture, was created by Ottweiler (Germany) native Francis G. Himpler and is still standing today.

Decorative woodwork adorns every inch of St. Joseph’s shrine, enhancing its beauty and majesty. A beautiful motif is made up of various sizes of spires and pinnacles, carved flowers, embellishments, and filigrees.

This exquisite carpentry craftsmanship made from oak, walnut, and chestnut is all over the chapel. The stained glass in the structure stands out for its unique designs and extensive use. The interior woodwork, statues, and original high altar are also noteworthy.

practical information

address:1828 Jay St, Detroit, MI 48207, United States

opening Hours: Mon-sun; 7 am-7 pm

phone: +1 313-784-9152

website

St. Albertus Detroit

St Albertus Catholic Church Detroit Interior-by Scott Calleja-Wikimedia Commons

St. Albertus is a Gothic Revival and Polish Cathedral architectural style church located in Detroit, Michigan’s Forest Park area. In 1974, it was named a Michigan State Historic Site, and in 1978, it was entered on the National Register of Historic Places. The stained glass windows, exquisitely painted ceilings, and other interior features make the trip worthwhile.

With a spire that was originally 280 feet (85 meters) tall, St. Albertus is a brick structure that is 200 feet (61 meters) long and 70 feet (21 meters) wide. 

The interior of St. Albertus has an elaborate Medieval flair in contrast to the exterior’s simple masonry. Terra-cotta with intricate patterns is used to create the altars, baptismal font, and wainscot. A lavish painting covers the ceiling.

The interior of the church is decorated with 63 pieces of painted plaster sculpture, and the windows have stained glass in the style of the Middle Ages.

practical information

address:4231 St Aubin St, Detroit, MI 48207, United States

phone:+1 313-831-9727

website

St. Josaphat Catholic Church

StJosephats-by Andrew Jameson-Wikimedia Commons

St. Josaphat Roman Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic church located at 715 East Canfield Street in Detroit. In addition to being named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1985, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

 It has been one of the two churches that make up Mother of Divine Mercy Parish since 2013. This cathedral-like church, which was constructed in the late 19th century, features lovely Victorian Romanesque Revival and Gothic architecture. Its red and orange brick facade has a substantial Bedford Indiana buff limestone trim.

The Detroit Stained Glass Works created the stained glass windows that show Mary and Joseph as well as the twelve apostles. There are five altars in the church’s interior. A painting of St. Josaphat wearing the robes of an eastern rite bishop can be found over the main altar.

Saints Anthony of Padua and Francis of Assisi have altars in the church’s transept, and the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph have side altars. The church’s woodwork is made of white oak, and the walls are covered with a sizable number of murals.

practical information

address:715 E Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

phone:+1 313-831-3352

website

Most Beautiful Protestant Churches in Detroit

Fort Street Presbyterian

FortStreetPresbyterianChurch-by Andrew Jameson-Wikimedia Commons

The Fort Street Presbyterian Church was built in 1855 and entirely renovated in 1876. In 1971, the church received the designation of Michigan State Historic Site and was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the highest churches in the United States thanks to its 265 ft (81 m) steeple.

The Fort Street Presbyterian Church is a lavishly ornamented Gothic Revival building made of Malden, Ontario limestone ashlar. The sanctuary is lit by a large stained glass window in the middle.

The church’s seven bays on the side have towering windows, delicate masonry, flying buttresses, and crocketed finials to create the illusion of lightness. The sanctuary’s interior includes a three-aisle nave and a horseshoe balcony with almost 1,000 seats. Along the side of the church, there are bays with flying buttresses, delicate brickwork, and towering windows.

practical information

address:631 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States

opening hours: Mon -thur;10am-2pm/sun;10am-1pm

phone: +1 313-961-4533

website

St. John’s Episcopal Church

Built-in 1859, St. John’s Episcopal Church is a structure from the antebellum era. It is the oldest church still surviving on Woodward Avenue, which was formerly known as Piety Hill due to the abundance of religious structures there.

The church was recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1987 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. With dimensions of 170 feet by 65 feet, St. John’s is a prime example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.

The belfry, which is 105 feet tall, is the highest point of the structure. Rubble limestone makes up the majority of the exterior, and Kelly Island sandstone is used for the trim. Buttresses and hammer beam trusses support the side walls and roof.

The roof line and hood moldings over the windows and doorways are decorated with decorative gargoyles. The altar was built out of white Caen stone and put in place in 1873 as a tribute to the mother of the rector at the time, George Worthington.

practical information

address:2326 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

opening hours:Mon-Fri;10am-5pm/sun;7am-1pm

phone:+1 313-962-7358

website

Christ Church Detroit

Christ Church Detroit 1899-by Silas Farmer-Wikimedia Commons

Episcopal Christ Church Detroit is a place of worship in Detroit, Michigan, at 960 East Jefferson Avenue. It is also known as Old Christ Church, Detroit. It was recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1970 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

It is the oldest Protestant church in Michigan that is still standing in its original location. The church was constructed using sandstone and limestone in the American Gothic style, and its front facade is dominated by a massive bell tower with a squared-off Germanic roof.

The interior features hammerbeam trusses supporting the roof and transepts with galleries. Local butternut was used to make all interior woodwork, excluding the roof. Two Tiffany windows can be found in the church, along with additional windows made by renowned glass manufacturers Franz Meyer & Company and J. Wippell and Co.

practical information

address:960 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207, United States

opening hours:9am-4:30 pm

phone:+1 313-259-6688

website

Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church

The Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church was built in 1911 in the Gothic Revival structure by architect Sidney Badgley. It served as the Abyssinia Church of God in Christ for a while. In 1982, the structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The 184 feet long by 104 feet wide church is an English Gothic-style building with a rough rock façade and contrasting limestone trim. The large octagonal lantern that rises from the center of the roof, flanked by two low towers, frames the church’s gabled entry and is its most distinctive feature.

Two square towers flank the middle entry, which is framed by a large carved-stone portal with a traceried stained-glass window above. The main church building is bordered by a two-story educational wing that was also constructed in the same period. 

practical information

address:44 W Philadelphia St, Detroit, MI 48202, United States

Historic Trinity Lutheran Church

Historic Trinity Exterior-by Revdski3-Wikimedia Commons

Since 1850, Historic Trinity has been spreading the love of Jesus throughout downtown Detroit. Its worship services, gorgeous sanctuary, and distinctive downtown location all set it apart as a destination church. In 1983, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places after being named a Michigan State Historic Site.

In the adoration of the Almighty God, art also finds its highest application here. Materials like glass, wood, metal, and stone are used to represent his plan of salvation for the entire human race.

In the more than a century that the Mother Lutheran Congregation of Missouri Synod churches has existed in Detroit, this lovely stone building is the third church building. Slate roof and floor, oak woodwork, stained glass, and multicolored granite and Indiana limestone are used in the building’s construction.

It has a triforium gallery resembling those found in cathedrals from the Old World and is designed in the 16th-century Pier-and-Clerestory Gothic style. Luther is shown as one of the 300 people in a stone figure on a turret along the building’s west facade. 

practical information

address:1345 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207, United States

phone:+1 313-567-3100

website

The Cathedral Church of St. Paul

Cathedral Church of Saint Paul-by Andrew Jameson-Wikimedia Commons

The Episcopal Diocese of Michigan’s cathedral church is the Cathedral Church of St. Paul. As the first Episcopal and first Protestant church in the Michigan Territory, its congregation was founded in 1824.

Highlights of a trip to St. Paul’s Cathedral include ascending the dome’s 528 steps for a panoramic view of London, experiencing the Whispering Gallery’s exceptional acoustics, and exploring the numerous crypts and chapels.

Visitation with friends is highly recommended. In addition, there is a little park behind St. Paul’s Cathedral. With no supporting steel superstructure, the church is constructed entirely of limestone utilizing medieval construction methods.

The structure is an excellent example of Gothic architecture, with its soaring, pointed arches, expansive areas of stained glass, and intricate tracery. It features a huge Pewabic Pottery architectural installation. It was recognized as the diocese’s cathedral in 1912.

practical information

address:4800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

opening hours:Mon-Fri;9am-5pm/sun;7am-2pm

phone:+1 313-831-5000

website

First Congregational Church

Historic First Congregational Church of Detroit was established on December 25, 1844. In 1974, it received the status of Michigan State Historic Site, and in 1979, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

With warm red limestone that has been rough-hewn, Romanesque and Byzantine architectural elements have been combined to create the church. The church’s stunning porch and 120-foot tower, which is modeled after early Christian and Romanesque bell towers, stand out against the sandstone exterior’s rounded arches.

An eight-foot-tall bronze statue of the Archangel Uriel stands atop the tower. The massive canvas murals of the four evangelists created in the Beaux Arts style by the artist Lyle Durgin, who had studied in Paris, are certainly the Sanctuary’s most eye-catching feature. Greek crosses are used to embellish the low, half-domed chancel.

practical information

address:33 E Forest Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

opening hours:mon;12-1pm/tue-Fri;9am-5pm/sat;11am-2pm/sun;9:45am-1pm

phone:+1 313-831-4080

website

Most Beautiful Orthodox Church in Detroit

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

Warsaw Orthodox Church Postcard LOC 1-by Unknown author-Wikimedia Commons

Holy Trinity is an Orthodox Christian Parish in Detroit. It was established in 1915 by Russian immigrants. In 1989, it was included in the National Register and was constructed in the Gothic Revival style.

Here, exterior modifications were typically limited to the addition of onion domes, which were almost always wildly inappropriate. A curious transition from a typical Protestant exterior to a fairly familiar Orthodox interior was frequently created by the majority of the work done in the interior space where iconostases, panikadila, and other Orthodox interior decorations and appointments were added.

The Orthodox cross is located above the spire. This is a must-go place when in Detroit since it is incredibly well-maintained, spotless, light, and pleasant while still retaining the lovely old-world character. Without a doubt, it is a jewel of Detroit. Whatever religion you practice, coming here simply expands your heart.

practical information

address:20500 Anglin St, Detroit, MI 48234, United States

phone:+1 313-366-0677

website