Kirk in the Hills, Presbyterian church in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, United States
Kirk in the Hills is a Presbyterian church in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, built in the Gothic Revival style and modeled after Melrose Abbey in Scotland. The building stands on a large lakeside property and features stone walls, pointed arches, and a tall tower that make it a notable example of Gothic architecture in the region.
The church was made possible by a gift from Colonel Edwin S. George, who established a foundation in 1933 to build a church in the area. Construction began in the early 1950s, and after a fire damaged the roof, the first service in the sanctuary was held in 1958.
The name "Kirk" comes from the Scots word for church, a nod to the Scottish inspiration behind the design. Inside, the sanctuary is used for regular worship and music events, and the surrounding gardens offer a place for reflection and community gatherings.
The church is best reached by car, and parking is available on the grounds. Visitors can walk around the exterior and gardens during daylight hours, but should check the church website for times when the sanctuary is open for prayer or visits.
The remains of Colonel George are interred beneath the narthex of the sanctuary, a detail many visitors miss. The church's design was initially sketched by architect Wirt Rowland, who died before the project was completed, and was finished by George D. Mason.
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