Yesterday, we had the distinct pleasure of sitting and talking with two very different spiritual leaders whose churches are separated by the Comerica Park stadium parking lot in Detroit. Both churches, St. John's Episcopal, the oldest standing church on Woodward dating back to 1858, and Central United Methodist Church Detroit sit on a plot of land that once was an apple orchard.

Rev. Jill Hardt Zundel, along with historian Jim Bull, who was actually baptized at Central United Methodist Church a long time ago, together shared an in depth story of inspiration on how the spiritual teaching philosophy there has always been taken to the street. Central United Methodist has stood strong since its early years to ensure they are not only one of the most diverse congregations, but they stand with the people helping them navigate complicated social and humanitarian issues which can be seen artistically displayed on the stained glass windows.

Right up Woodward sits a true crown jewel of Detroit, St. John’s Episcopal Church. From about 1870 until the 1920s, this was the largest Episcopal congregation west of the Allegheny mountains with the average Sunday attendance of about 2,500 people with seven Sunday services, including two in American sign language. Currently, the church sits almost exactly halfway between home plate at Comerica Park and center ice at Little Caesars Arena!

We’re looking forward to sharing more about Central United Methodist and St. John’s Episcopal Church in our film, Detroit: The City of Churches.