St. Theresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church

St. Theresa of Avila is a Roman Catholic church building located at 8666 Quincy Street in Detroit, distinguished by its dark red brick walls and Indiana limestone detailing. The structure features a five-arched portico entrance with twin towers that rise prominently above the facade, creating the church's recognizable silhouette.

The parish was established in 1924 to serve Detroit's growing Irish-American community during a period of economic expansion driven by the automotive industry. The church building itself became a landmark of Catholic faith as the city experienced rapid growth and development.

The church was named after Saint Teresa of Avila, a 16th-century Spanish mystic and religious reformer. The name reflects the parish's connection to Catholic spirituality and served as a spiritual focal point for the immigrant community it was built to serve.

The building has been closed to the public since 1989 and is not available for regular visits inside, though the exterior can be viewed and photographed. Visitors interested in the architecture should plan to appreciate the facade and twin towers from the street or nearby sidewalk areas.

The church complex comprises four distinct buildings: the main church, a rectory, an elementary school, and a convent constructed during the Great Depression with simplified decorative details. This multi-building arrangement reveals how religious institutions of that era created an integrated community hub serving spiritual, educational, and residential functions.

Location: Detroit

Inception: 1924

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

Address: 8666 Quincy Street

GPS coordinates: 42.36361,-83.11972

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:09