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Apostolic Way Church of God / Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

The Greek Orthodox population of Detroit has a long history in the city, starting in the early 1900’s and continuing to the 1920’s. After settling downtown in what became known as the Greektown neighborhood, the group moved east to the vicinity of Charlevoix and St. Jean, where they established a small Orthodox church and school in a former saloon. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church was founded in 1930, moving several times as the congregation raised funds for a permanent structure. Construction on a new structure at Charlevoix and Fairview began in 1948, followed by a community center in 1957.

Despite the continued growth of the Greek community on the east side, by the 1970’s it was on the move again, this time headed to the suburbs. A new church was built in St. Clair Shores in 1976, and the final service at Assumption was held on May 1st, 1977.

Apostolic Way Church of God was founded around the same time as an offshoot of Clinton Street Greater Bethlehem Temple Church, buying the former Assumption campus in 1977. The decline of the neighborhood, as well as damage caused by severe weather led to the abandonment of the main church structure. Today the congregation uses the former social hall for its home.

Starting in 2009 most of the copper was stripped from the dome, allowing water to penetrate deep into the building and causing substantial damage.

A much more comprehensive history of the church is available from the City of Detroit, which has desginated the area as a historic district.