| Ecumenical Theological Seminary | |
| Former Name: | Ecumenical Theological Center |
| Type: | Private seminary |
| President: | Kenneth E. Harris |
| Students: | 43 |
| City: | Detroit |
| State: | Michigan |
The Ecumenical Theological Seminary is a private seminary in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1980 as the Ecumenical Theological Center, the seminary offers graduate degrees and certificates in religious studies. It is housed in a building built in 1889 to house the First Presbyterian Church; the seminary began leasing the building in 1992 and was donated the building, lands, and endowment in 2002.
The seminary traces it roots to the Institute for Advanced Pastoral Studies, an institution founded in 1957 to provide continuing education for Christian ministers. This institution merged with the Ecumenical Theological Center in 1980. In 1994, the center changed its name to the Ecumenical Theological Seminary and began offering an academic credential (the "Diploma in Christian Ministry" now the "Urban Ministry Diploma Program"). Three years later, the seminary began the process of gaining accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools. In 2002, after allowing the seminary to lease the former First Presbyterian Church for ten years, the Presbytery of Detroit gave the seminary the building, its grounds, and it endowment.[1]
The Ecumenical Theological Seminary awards Master's degrees, Doctoral degrees, and certificates in religious studies and ministry.[2] The seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.[3]
| First Presbyterian Church | |
| Nrhp Type: | cp |
| Nocat: | yes |
| Location: | 2930 Woodward Avenue Detroit, Michigan |
| Coordinates: | 42.3442°N -83.0551°W |
| Built: | 1889 |
| Architect: | George D. Mason & Zachariah Rice |
| Architecture: | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| Added: | December 19, 1979 |
| Refnum: | 79001174 |
| Designated Other1: | Michigan State Historic Site |
| Designated Other1 Link: | Michigan State Historic Preservation Office |
| Designated Other1 Date: | August 3, 1979[4] |
| Designated Other1 Num Position: | bottom |
The seminary occupies and owns the building and lands that were originally the First Presbyterian Church. It was built in 1889 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a designated Michigan State Historic Site (1979), and a contributing property to the Brush Park Historic District.[4]
George D. Mason and Zachariah Rice modeled the First Presbyterian Church after Henry Hobson Richardson's Trinity Church in Boston.[5] [6] The church, in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, is made from rough-cut red sandstone, with the floorplan in the shape of a Greek cross.Masonry arches support a red sandstone tower with a slate roof and turrets at each corner. The stained glass windows of the church are exceptional, with many of Tiffany glass.[6]
When Woodward was widened in 1936, the elaborately-carved entrance porch was moved from the Woodward façade to the Edmund Place side.[5] [6]
A State of Michigan historical marker was placed at the site on August 26, 1980.[7]