St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Detroit

The Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, located on Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit, serves as the cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. Founded in 1824 as the first Episcopal and Protestant congregation in the Michigan Territory, the church has a long and significant history. Its current building, a masterpiece of Late Gothic Revival architecture designed by Ralph Adams Cram, was constructed in 1907 and stands adjacent to the campus of Wayne State University. The cathedral was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Saint Paul's Cathedral exemplifies the Late Gothic Revival style, showcasing soaring pointed arches, intricate tracery, and expansive stained glass windows. Notably, the structure was built using medieval construction techniques, with no steel superstructure, and is constructed of limestone. The interior features a significant installation of Pewabic Pottery, adding to its artistic and historical value. While the cathedral remains unfinished-the bell tower was never completed-it stands as a testament to the vision of its architect, who believed in evolving Gothic architecture rather than merely replicating Medieval designs.

The parish's origins trace back to the early 19th century when it was founded by Rev. Richard Fish Cadle. Its congregation initially gathered on Woodward Avenue, later moving to Congress at Shelby in 1851. Saint Paul's Cathedral also played a prominent role in Detroit's history, hosting the funeral of Henry Ford in 1947, an event that drew national attention and saw 20,000 mourners braving the rain outside the cathedral.

Today, the cathedral, under the leadership of the Very Reverend S. Scott Hunter, coordinates programming with the Detroit Cultural Center, emphasizing its role as a spiritual and cultural hub in the city. Its rich history, architectural grandeur, and ongoing community engagement make it a cornerstone of Detroit’s religious and cultural landscape.