The Church of the Messiah Detroit will commemorate its 150th anniversary this year with a special gala event Nov. 1 at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit. This year’s anniversary theme, “The Audacity of Faith,” celebrates the church’s 150 years of service and community building.  

Founded in 1874, the church serves a diverse congregation of Black, white, Asian, and Latino members in Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood, but the church’s mission extends far beyond worship. It offers vital services such as affordable housing, employment assistance, medical care, and free internet access for residents.

Additionally, the church proudly boasts an 84-member marching band that promotes literacy. Each year, Church of the Messiah Pastor Barry Randolph organizes the Silence the Violence march and rally, one of the largest anti-gun violence events in the country.

Host Stephen Henderson talks with Randolph about the church’s upcoming anniversary. Randolph reflects on the church’s beginnings in Detroit, its move to the present location, the mission and work of the Episcopal Church, the importance of youth leadership, and the church’s impact in Islandview.