America’s wonderful mixture of people and cultures has had a major impact on all aspects of society. It can be seen in everything from diverse neighborhoods to different types of foods, as well as the huge diversity in places of worship. Highland Park is a great example for that, as the many historic churches and their special architecture attract locals and tourists alike. Here are some of the most representative ones.
First United Methodist Church
Located on Woodward Avenue, its history began back in 1868, where a chapel that could host services for different faiths was built where the current building now stands. After years of declining numbers of worshipers, it became an Episcopal Chapel in 1885 and finally a Methodist one in 1892. It was only in 1916 that the present building, an impressive Gothic-style church similar to those in Central and Western Europe, was built. The original chapel from the 19th century was demolished in 1956 and the building that took its place now hosts the Soul Harvest Ministries.
Its architecture is as spectacular on the inside as it is on the outside, with an imposing wood-carved altar, oak woodwork, and an organ. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan’s list since 1982 and it is a great place to visit, no matter the nature or intensity of your faith. Visitors can stop by anytime to admire the building’s exterior, or visit on a Sunday to attend one of several services.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Also given the status as a historic place in 1982, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church was built in 1929. Initially a mission from west Detroit, the Evangelical Lutheran Church built a Victorian Gothic chapel one block away from the current site to be used by the Highland Park Presbyterian congregation. The current building was used by the Lutherans for half a century, until 1979, when an Apostolic African-American congregation took over.
The building is now called the Prayer Temple of Love Cathedral. It is small, but impressive nonetheless, with its Neo-Gothic style quickly catching the eye of anyone passing by. The site includes the church, the original Victorian Gothic chapel, and a brick parsonage. Services take place on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings.
Saint Florian Parish
Saint Florian was built in the late 1920s with the help of the many Polish immigrants that worked in Michigan’s booming automotive plants. It is located in the Hamtramck area, next to Highland Park, and it is an impressive eight-story building reminiscent of classic European churches. The entire property is one square block containing the church, a school, and a rectory. Its magnificent Gothic architecture shows in the massive arch entrance, intricate brickwork, and the stained glass windows, having won the American Architect Award one year after its inauguration, in 1929.
St. Florian’s Church will always be a reminder of the many immigrants of Polish descent that came to Michigan in search of a better life. However, nowadays it also hosts Albanians, Asians, and many more Americans with diverse ethnic backgrounds. Aside from its masses and vigils, it also hosts different events related to the church, the community, or Poland. Stop by for Mass on Friday evening or Sunday morning.
Image via Flickr by JackPeasePhotography used under CC By 2.0
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