First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor

The First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, located across from a University of Michigan building, stands as a lasting symbol of community effort and architectural adaptation. Built in 1880, this English Gothic Revival structure is the third home of a congregation that began in 1828 in a farmhouse west of town. Over the years, the church migrated closer to the city center and its growing student population, eventually settling in its current location. Members of the congregation played an active role in the construction, hand-selecting square-cut fieldstones for visual harmony. Notably, parishioner John Nowland contributed black walnut wood from his farm for the interior, while Edward Olney, a prominent mathematics professor at the university, mortgaged his home to help fund the project.

The building reflects a unique blend of Gothic design and Baptist traditions. While the hammer beam roof structure and cruciform layout evoke medieval English churches, the interior was intentionally adapted to reflect Baptist preferences, favoring proximity to the pulpit and a communal arrangement. Balconies curve toward the altar, creating a space that feels both reverent and inclusive. The seating plan and dramatic architectural features work together to draw focus to the altar while maintaining a sense of openness.

Though its steeple and altar have been modified over the years, the church remains largely unchanged. Shaded by oak trees and topped with a "Cross and Crown" ornament, the church continues to reflect the values and dedication of its original builders. Its architectural integrity and historical continuity offer visitors a glimpse into Ann Arbor’s 19th-century religious and civic life.