In 1885 members of Second Presbyterian Church in Detroit decided to plant a church outside of the city. In 1902 after a decade of meeting in member's homes Military Ave. Church opened its doors and took its first members. Military Ave. Church always ministered to its community through the decades. In the forties and fifties the church grew in the middle of its middle/working class community. Having up to four hundred members,and once hosting Donald Grey Barnhouse as a guest speaker. By the end of the sixties the old church was losing touch with its community and the church began a period of serious decline through the seventies and eighties. Some wondered if the church would survive. In 1989 Military Ave.Church began to reach out to the community through several programs, and continues to minister in the community of Southwest Detroit. These days the church opperates as a mission to the weak, wounded, and without in our community.
Today people in Detroit's southewest neighborhood struggle against joblessness, a broken social system, gangs, drugs, and a general melaze that often takes over urban communities. In this context Military Ave. Church attempts to get the whole church involved in wholistic ministries to bring justice, compassion, and most importantly spiritual healing to this community. If you wish to serve Jesus as a response to His gospel you are welcome to join us.
This site was developed to help Christians learn about opportunites to get involved as well as to educate Christians on the importance of our involvement in ministries of compassion in places of need.
We are located on Hwy. 75 near the Livernois bridge.
If you are traveling from the south you would take 75N to Livernois turn left on Dragoon (the first possible left) cross over 75 and the service drive turn right on Lafayette. The church is on your right in half a block.
If you are traveling on 96E or 75S stay on 75s until you reach the Livernois exit ( just past Clark St. Exit). Our buildings are on the right as you come up the ramp. Turn right immediately and you are there.
If you are traveling on 94E from either direction you can exit at the Livernois exit and turn right on Livernois. You will cross Michigan Ave. then a train overpass, Vernor, Regular, before you turn left on Lafayette continue two blocks on Lafayette until you see the Church on your left. (you may also take 94E to 96E to 75s and follow the directions above).
We have five buildings in our complex. The church was built in 1902 and contains a sanctuary and in the basement we have a kitchen and dining area for visiting groups. (We usually do not supply food or cooks for groups). We have two houses which house long term staff. Our Family Center has a gym, computer lab, our office, and two full bathrooms with showers. Our latest acquisition was a "party store" which we are renovating to become "The Solid Rock Cafe".