Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church (Third) - Photos
Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church (third)
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Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church was formally organized on February 8, 1854.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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The new church building was designed in the American Gothic Style by Architect Wirt C. Rowland of the Detroit firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls.
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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.