First Congregational Church of Detroit | Underground Railroad Living Museum | The Whitney

   Yesterday, Mom and I met our friends from Bethany Lutheran Church 55+  Club at the First Congregational Church of Detroit for the 'Flight to Freedom Tour'.  When we first arrived, we met in a room where we watched a video of the history of slavery, and then we went in  "the dungeon" [the basement of the church] for the re-enactment tour.  Use of cell phones and cameras are prohibited, and so I do not have any photographs to share of the tour itself.  Our 'conductor' was great.  He was very good at describing the plight of the people who were fleeing slavery and the 'sets' and other actors along the way were just as wonderful.  What is more, I am impressed with how much  Rev. Dr. Lottie Jones-Hood and other members of the church accomplished with the vision of a living historical tour and a $6,000 grant.  Their creativity, resourcefulness, dedication and hard work is to be commended. And may I humbly add, a blessing from God.  I wish Erich would have been with us.  First Congregational Church of Detroit is definitely an important historical venue---- not to be overlooked.     http://www.friendsoffirst.com/ugrr/

                                

 

               First Congregational Church

33 East Forest Avenue Detroit, Michigan was established on December 25, 1844.  The first two church buildings were located near the Detroit river where the GM building is now located.  The third and present church was built in 1891.  The sanctuary resembles the lower church of St. Francis of Assisi.

                                                        

The Whitney

 

 

 

 

 

The David Whitney Jr. House was built 1890-1894.

 

      After the tour we met at The Whitney for lunch.  My sister-in-law Cheryl was able to leave work and meet us there also.  It's been a long time since I've been at The Whitney.  Keith treated me to dinner there for my birthday in 2001.  It is absolutely gorgeous in person and the food is scrumptious!  It was so good to see our friends from Bethany again.  I've missed everyone.  

 

                                                                   ~Marcie