St. James Episcopal Church

St. James Episcopal Church is a Carpenter Gothic structure in Grosse Ile Township, Michigan, with vertical wooden walls, pointed arches, and steeply pitched roofs. The original building from 1867 stands adjacent to a larger church structure built in 1958 on the same site.

The church was completed in 1868 and was funded by a bequest from a formerly enslaved woman. The building was constructed on land that holds significance for the history of the African American community in Michigan.

The church was founded by an African American community and remains an important gathering place for the neighborhood. The building itself reflects the strong roots of this community in the area.

The building is located along East River Road and is easily visible from outside, though it sits on private property. Visitors should respect the location and admire it from the road without entering the private grounds.

The red wooden doors at the entrance serve as a memorial to the woman whose bequest made the church's construction possible. This distinctive coloring sets the historic structure apart from other buildings in the area.

Location: Grosse Ile Township

Architects: Gordon W. Lloyd

Architectural style: Carpenter Gothic

GPS coordinates: 42.12472,-83.14250

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:04