A Reconciling Congregation in Downtown Detroit
Central United Methodist Church stands at the corner of Woodward and Adams Avenues in downtown Detroit, in front of Comerica Park and one block south of the Fox Theater. Founded in 1810, Central is the oldest Protestant congregation in Michigan and has spent more than two centuries as a witness for peace, justice, and equality in the city.
Central is a Reconciling Congregation within the United Methodist Church, advocating for the full inclusion of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, both inside the denomination and in wider society. Over the years, its pastors and members have taken part in the Civil Rights Movement, the LGBTQ Rights Movement, and other campaigns for justice. Central has also spoken out against wars for the past century. The congregation's welcoming statement puts it this way: "Regardless of your race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic situation, age, ability, belief, or background, whether you are single or partnered, you are God's beloved and you are welcome here."
Sunday Worship and Christian Education
Sunday worship takes place in the sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. and is live streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Adult Bible Study gathers at 9:00 a.m. in the second-floor lounge, with a second Bible study at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. A coffee hour follows the morning service on the second floor.
Children are woven into the life of the congregation. K-5th grade Sunday School meets every Sunday on the third floor during the 10:30 worship service, beginning after the children's message. The 6th-12th grade youth class meets on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. A youth group gathers on the third Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in the youth room on the third floor. A nursery on the first floor is open for parents to use as needed. Children in fifth grade and under must be picked up by a parent or guardian.
Music at Central
Music is a long-standing part of worship at Central. The music program includes a Chancel Choir, an ensemble, a Bell Choir, and soloists. Margaret Reese serves as Director of Music, with Brandon Reeves as Choral Accompanist.
A Six-Floor House Church
The building itself is one of the most distinctive features of Central's ministry. Members describe it as a "house church" with six floors of activity, much of it shared with partner organizations whose work aligns with the congregation's values.
- The first floor is home to Swords Into Plowshares, a peace center and gallery.
- The second floor holds the NOAH Project (Networking, Outreach, and Advocacy for the Homeless), the fellowship hall, and the Edwin Rowe Lounge.
- The third floor houses Westside Mothers, the church's administrative offices, Sunday School classrooms, the CDC Office, the library, and the archives.
- The fourth floor is shared with the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization and the United Tenants Council of Councils, along with Clara Webb Hall.
- The fifth floor has a gymnasium.
- The sixth floor holds a roof garden and the music room.
Many members of Central are active in supporting the work of these partner organizations, and visitors to the church on weekdays will often find the building full of activity beyond Sunday morning.
Peace, Justice, and Creation Care
Three standing committees shape Central's witness beyond Sunday morning. The Church and Society Committee takes up peace and social justice concerns. The Reconciling Task Force works for LGBTQ inclusion in the worldwide United Methodist Church. The Green Team focuses on environmental concerns.
Weddings at Central
Central hosts weddings for both members of the congregation and those who are not members. Couples are asked to read the church's wedding document and then get in touch with the office by email, phone, or in person. Baptisms are also celebrated at Central, with a separate document outlining how the process works.
Staff and Leadership
Rev. Paul Perez serves as Lead Minister. Anne Hillman, PhD, is the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, a deaconess in the United Methodist Church. Margaret Reese directs the music program, with Brandon Reeves as Choral Accompanist. Debra Cox serves as Office Administrator, Dave Wilson as Building Manager, and Angela Bakeley as Receptionist.
Visiting and Getting in Touch
Central is located at 23 East Adams Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226, at the corner of Woodward and Adams. Sunday service parking is available in the back of the church on Elizabeth Street. The church office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the third floor and can be reached at 313-965-5422 (extension 130) or by email. Donations may be made in person, by mail, through PayPal, or by setting up online giving through a Vanco form available from the office. Weekly emails outlining upcoming events at Central and among its partners are available by writing to central.umc.communications@gmail.com.