Situated along Detroit’s Woodward Avenue, the Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church stands, a vivid architectural composition emanating from the early 20th century. Conceived by Sidney Badgley and completed in 1911, the building showcases the quintessential elements of Gothic Revival architecture.

For a period, the structure underwent a transformation of purpose and identity, serving as the Abyssinia Church of God in Christ. It wasn’t merely a space for worship; it became a crossroad of diverse spiritual paths and congregations. 

In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the building earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This listing not only preserved its cultural standing but also elevated the building to a realm beyond mere bricks and mortar—it became a symbol, a keeper of stories woven through the tapestry of Detroit’s history.

As the dawn of the 20th century broke, Detroit’s Presbyterian community keenly sensed an emerging spiritual need in the city’s evolving north Woodward area. In response to this, key stakeholders convened, ultimately leading to the official organization of a dedicated congregation by the presbytery on the date of March 17, 1908. Far from a fledgling endeavor, the new church already boasted a robust congregation, comprising 163 dedicated members. 

Reverend Sherman L. Divine assumed the mantle as the congregation’s inaugural minister, instigating an audacious construction endeavor. With a budget of approximately $100,000—a sum that would equate to over $3.2 million in 2023 currency—the vision for a sanctuary of grandeur was set into motion. Financial and physical support soon arrived, notably through the philanthropic contribution of a land parcel along Woodward by Tracy and Katherine McGregor. On January 1, 1910, the cornerstone was ceremoniously set, guided by the architectural prowess of Sidney Rose Badgley. Less than eighteen months later, the church was officially dedicated on June 23, 1911.

The congregation flourished over the following decade, boasting a staggering 2,200 members by 1921. However, the mid-20th century witnessed a demographic shift as congregants migrated to Detroit’s northern suburbs. By 1961, membership had dwindled to fewer than 1,000, slipping further to just 404 by 1971. 

In a bid for revitalization, the Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church merged with Covenant Church in 1981. Despite this merger, the combined congregations struggled to exceed 500 members. By 1991, a much lower count of 210 members remained. In an unforeseen twist, the congregation disassociated itself from the Presbyterian church in 1993, adopting a new identity as the Abyssinia Interdenominational Church.

However, the spiritual life of this historic building came to a close with the passing of its pastor in 2005. Since then, the Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church has sat empty, forsaken and succumbing to the relentless passage of time, its once-hallowed halls now echoing with the silence of neglect.

Ownership of the structure shifted between various hands, each falling short of the budget required to sustain such an expansive and historic structure. In a twist of fate, an information technology firm, having acquired a neighboring property, secured the building in a foreclosure sale. A subsequent 2018 television interview with the company’s executive illuminated ambitious visions for rejuvenating the structure as a community asset. 

By January of 2019, tangible progress had been made; a new roof shielded the structure from the elements, and ongoing efforts were aimed at internal clean-up and structural reinforcement. Yet, in an unexpected reversal of fortune, the technology firm faced legal reprimands. Prohibited from conducting business with the city until 2026, due to allegations of bribery involving a city official in exchange for lucrative contracts. 

As the decade turned its corner into 2020, the once-promising narrative of restoration had ground to an uncertain halt. The structure remained in a state of arrested decay, its future as unclear as the glass that once adorned its timeless windows.

Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church remains an important piece of English Gothic architecture, presenting a harmonious blend of textured rock façade contrasted with refined limestone accents. The building’s dimensions are impressive, stretching 184 feet in length and spanning a width of 104 feet. Dominating the Woodward Avenue elevation is a grand carved-stone portal, crowned by an intricately designed traceried stained glass window. Flanking this focal point, dual square towers rise, lending a sense of equilibrium and grandiosity to the structure.

Another beautiful piece of the architecture of this structure is the inclusion of a lantern dome, elevated above the building’s roofline. This artful element serves not just as an aesthetic pinnacle but as a functional luminaire, casting a soft glow that illuminates the auditorium within.