Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church (third) - Photos Exterior
Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church (third)
Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church was formally organized on February 8, 1854.
The congregation of Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church reflected the growing industrial success of Detroit. JAPC offered religious services and instruction, as well as a wide range of opportunities for community activities. Originally Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church was located on the north side of Jefferson Avenue between Russell and Rivard.
The new church at East Jefferson and Burns was constructed over four years at a total cost of more than $1,250,000. The first service was held on Palm Sunday, 1926 for the workmen who built the church and their families.
The church has two distinct parts, a Sanctuary (seating 850 people) and the Dodge Parish House (built in part with a donation by Mrs. Horace E. Dodge in memory of her husband, who had died in 1920).
The new church building was designed in the American Gothic Style by Architect Wirt C. Rowland of the Detroit firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls.
The Sanctuary is 125 ft. long, 54 ft. wide, 90 ft. high and seats 850 people. The architect's contract specified the use of concrete, reinforced steel, gray granite with a bush-hammered finish, and limestone for the structure and walls.
