First Congregational Church 🇺🇸

Located at 33 East Forest Avenue in Midtown Detroit, the First Congregational Church offers a rich blend of history and stunning architecture. Established in 1844, this historic landmark—designated a Michigan State Historic Site and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—moved to its current location in 1891. Designed by architect John Lyman Faxon, the building boasts a unique mix of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, featuring warm red limestone, a five-bay loggia, rounded windows, and a striking 120-foot campanile topped with an eight-foot copper figure of the Archangel Uriel.

When you visit, you will step inside a sanctuary patterned after Italian churches in Venice and Ravenna, echoing the lower church of St. Francis of Assisi. You can admire sumptuous colors, carved wood, ceiling portraits, rose windows, and interior murals completed by Lyle Durgin.

Be sure to notice the 1921 addition designed by Albert Kahn, known as the Angel's Wing. Beyond its grand design, the church functions as a living museum where you can explore self-guided tours of the facilities or experience the Underground Railroad Living Museum, a powerful storytelling simulation detailing the historic flight to freedom.

What to see at First Congregational Church

• Marvel at the Romanesque-Byzantine architecture and 120-foot campanile with an 8-foot copper Archangel Uriel
• Explore the sanctuary featuring carved wood, rose windows, and 1891 murals by Lyle Durgin
• View the 1921 'Angel's Wing' addition designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn
• Experience the Underground Railroad Living Museum's storytelling simulation
• Take a self-guided tour of the historic facilities and educational exhibits

Visiting tips

Take advantage of the self-guided tours to explore both the architectural exhibits and the Underground Railroad storytelling simulation at your own pace.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

First Congregational Church is easy to reach on Detroit’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Detroit Institute of Arts and Mariners' Church. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Detroit travel guide.