Celebrating a century since the first worship service in its historic sanctuary, Metropolitan United Methodist Church reflects on a legacy of faith, generosity, and resilience. The milestone honors generations who have gathered in this sacred space in the heart of Detroit.
By ADRIENNE TRUPIANO
Media Specialist, Greater Detroit District
For a century, the sanctuary of Metropolitan United Methodist Church has stood as a sacred witness to faith, perseverance, and the enduring presence of God in the heart of Detroit. In January 2026, the congregation celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first worship service held in this magnificent space—a milestone that reflects not only architectural beauty, but the deep spiritual legacy formed within its walls.
Metropolitan’s story began long before the current sanctuary was built. Founded in 1885, the congregation eventually constructed its present building at 8000 Woodward Avenue in 1924. Yet worship in the sanctuary did not begin immediately. According to longtime member and church historian Jim Lawlis, the pastor at the time issued a bold challenge: the congregation would not worship in the new sanctuary until the building was paid for in full. The response was extraordinary. An estimated 13,000 people contributed a total of $1.6 million, allowing the church to enter its sanctuary debt-free. When the first worship service was finally held on January 24, 1926, more than 9,000 people attended the dedication and celebration.
Today, nearly 100 years later, that same sanctuary continues to inspire awe and reverence. For Rev. Taek Kim, who has served as Metropolitan’s senior pastor since July 2021, leading this congregation is a profound honor. That sense of gratitude was especially evident during the recent centennial celebration, which brought together members, guests, and church leaders for a worship service and reception filled with joy and thanksgiving. Bishop David Bard, District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Darryl E. Totty, and Rev. Carol Johns, Executive Director of the United Methodist Union, joined the congregation, marking the occasion as both a remembrance and a renewal.
Such a celebration does not happen by chance. Planning began more than a year in advance and relied on the faithful efforts of countless individuals. From organizing worship and hospitality to welcoming visitors and offering words of gratitude at the close of the festivities, the centennial reflected the spirit of a congregation deeply committed to serving together as the Body of Christ.
Over time, Metropolitan United Methodist Church has grown into a beautifully diverse congregation—one that reflects both its history and its calling to love widely. That diversity has strengthened the church’s outreach and ministry, particularly through the Good Samaritan Food Pantry. For many, their first experience of Metropolitan comes through receiving food and care. When they later attend worship, they often discover that the same warmth they encountered through outreach extends into the sanctuary itself.
As church member Juli Stephens reflects, “I feel the presence of God in our sanctuary. Our members are faithful, hardworking, and loving.” For longtime members and newcomers alike, the sanctuary becomes a place where both bodies and souls are nourished—where worship, fellowship, and welcome are woven together.
The sanctuary has also borne witness to seasons of remarkable growth and profound challenge. In the 1930s, Metropolitan was the largest United Methodist congregation in the world, with more than 7,000 members. Later decades brought hardship, including the effects of social upheaval and economic shifts in Detroit. Through it all, the congregation remained rooted in faith.
Celebrating 100 years of worship in the current sanctuary is ultimately a testimony to God’s faithfulness—and to the steadfast devotion of generations who have prayed, sung, served, and trusted God within this sacred space. As the congregation looks ahead, there is hope grounded in experience: reviving weekly worship, a thriving “5 O’Clock Rush” jazz ministry open to the community, vital outreach programs, and a congregation that continues to love and support one another.
“We are here,” Stephens says simply, “and God is definitely with us.”
In a city that has known both triumph and trial, the sanctuary of Metropolitan United Methodist Church remains a living symbol of faith that endures—calling all who enter to remember, to worship, and to trust in the God who continues to make all things new.