Significance
The structures in this TR are diverse in age and architectural style. Broken into age and style, there are:
- three High Victorian Gothic churches (1859-1887)
- two Richardson Romanesque structures (with two others already on the Register) (1889-1896)
- two neo-classical synagogues (1902-1922)
- five Gothic style, central-plan churches (1909-1926)
- seven neo-Gothic churches (1908-1930)
However, the structures are unified in that all are of stone (or brick with stone strim) construction. Most structures occupy corner lots, and most contain, in addition to the main church, a parich house, rectory, and/or smaller chapel. All structures sit well back from the streetline, save for those affected by the 1935-36 widening of Woodward.
These structures represent significant work by notable architects. Albert Kahn, who was best known for his concrete-reinforced industrial buildings, designed both of the Temples Beth-El (he was a congregant), as well as a portion of the First Congregational Church. Sidney Rose Badgley designed the Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church as well as the Highland Park Presbyterian Church. The former is an excellent example of Badgley's trademark auditorium church style with steel-framed octagonal lantern dome atop. Ralph A. Cram designed the St. Paul Cathedral, and it is a major work early in the architect's career. Gordon W. Lloyd, who designed the Central United Methodist Church, was one of Michigan's most prominent late 19th century church architects. Likewise, William E. N. Hunter, who designed the Highland Park First United Methodist Church and the Metropolitan United Methodist Church, was one of Michigan's most prominent early 20th century church architects.
Read more about this topic: Religious Structures Of Woodward Avenue Thematic Resource
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“History is the interpretation of the significance that the past has for us.”
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