First Congregational Church

First Congregational Church is a Romanesque Revival structure in Midtown Detroit built from red limestone with a 120-foot campanile and a five-bay loggia on the Woodward side. The 1891 building features rounded windows with decorative tracery and currently operates as both a history museum and active church.

The congregation was established in 1844 and its earlier buildings near the Detroit River were central to Underground Railroad operations helping people escape to freedom. The current Romanesque Revival building was completed in 1891 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The interior displays Italian influences through detailed carvings, ceiling portraits, rose windows, and painted walls created by local artist Lyle Durgin. These artistic elements give the space a distinctive character that visitors notice as they walk through.

The building sits in Midtown Detroit and is accessible by public transit or car, with parking available nearby on the street or in lots. Visitors should check opening hours beforehand, as access to tours and the Underground Railroad Living Museum may vary depending on the time of visit.

Completed in 1891, the building crowns its 120-foot campanile with an 8-foot copper figure of Archangel Uriel, an uncommon decorative choice that makes the tower distinctive from street level. This copper statue has become one of the most recognizable details of Detroit's skyline.

Location: Detroit

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

Operator: First Congregational Church

Website: http://friendsoffirst.com

GPS coordinates: 42.35515,-83.06268

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:45