Detroit — A Catholic church historically known for its mural of a Black Jesus celebrated what officials said was its final Mass Sunday morning.
St. Charles Lwanga, formerly known as St. Cecilia at 10400 Stoepel Street on the city’s northwest side, saw more parishioners than usual Sunday and included over 30 guests, officials said.
Inside the church was chilly, and some parishioners kept on their jackets, but the energy was high with many singing along with the choir and dancing.
The Rev. Theodore Parker related the church closure to his coming to Detroit from New York City decades ago, saying Detroit was unfamiliar, but he was accepted. And he said his situation would be the same for the parishioners: They will be accepted at their next place of worship.
“Moving to an unexpected place, that is a big challenge. … It’s a test, it’s an uneasy situation, but it seems that God gives us the grace to move and to move on,” Parker said. “In the moving on, we don’t have to worry about the furnace anymore.”
Parker told The Detroit News that the number of parishioners had been dwindling for the past few years, down to about 200. The church also is closing because the aging building needs costly repairs, including an upgrade to the heating system and repairing the roof, he said.
“Our memories that are made together as a parish community is what is important. The buildings come and the buildings go, but our community of faith and holiness continues,” Parker said Sunday. “In our moving on, let us be aware that the Lord gives us the grace, and things will be fine in his time.”
Officials said the next Mass would be at Christ the King Church at 20800 Grand River Ave. in Detroit.
Brendall Johnson, 77, who lives in Georgia, said she visits the church every few months. She joined the church in 1968, was a member of the choir, was married at the church, had two children baptized there and had funeral services for her husband and parents there.
Johnson said she noticed a shift in the membership after the Black Jesus display was installed.
“This has been a beacon to the community for many, many years, and that light has brought people to the church in different circumstances,” Johnson said.
The image of a Black Jesus in the domed ceiling behind the altar was created in 1968 by local artist DeVon Cunningham. It was in response to the changing demographics of the neighborhood, the 1967 civil uprising in Detroit, and the Civil Rights movement, according to various media accounts, including 2023 interviews by The Detroit News.
Leisa Traylor, Cunningham’s daughter, said her family and others are beginning to explore ways to save at least part of the mural.
Stephanie Dorty, 43, attended church Sunday with her 10-year-old daughter Talia and reminisced about when Talia first took communion in June.
Dorty, originally from Brazil, has been going to the church since becoming a member in 2000.
“I got married here. Both of my kids was baptized here,” Dorty said. “My oldest daughter, she’s 22, she got baptized here, first communion here, confirmation here. … This is emotional for me. She is the last group to make (their) first communion.”
Dorty snapped a photo of the Black Jesus before hugging and speaking with other parishioners.
“I love this church. … We all have memories here,” she said.
mjohnson@detroitnews.com
