The churches and schools in Historic Indian Village are an intrinsic part of this tightly knit community. Whether one has children in one of the five schools or attends one of the six churches, residents want these institutions, which are housed in these magnificent historical edifices, to not only survive but to thrive. Each has a ministry or has set goals that differ from each other. Each is welcome; the differences only add richness and depth to this already diverse and multi-cultural neighborhood. Having these institutions grace our streets is a factor in the on-going success story of Indian Village and its people, a small community that is surrounded by a large urban environment.

Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran Church
Our Vision
To follow the example of Christ to reach out and empower one another through worship, education, fellowship and service.
Our Mission
To be a vibrant center of spirituality where people gather together in the name of Christ to share life abundantly.
Affiliation
Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Church in America, Southeast Michigan Synod.
Architecture
The dominant characteristic of the architecture of Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran is clearly Gothic, but it is a typically eclectic building of the early 20th Century with influences from the Arts & Crafts Movement. The design and stained glass windows are a direct descendant of this movement that flourished in Detroit between 1886 and 1906. The movement advocated the return to the handcrafted work of the artist. The windows were designed and crafted expressly in Italy and demonstrate the influence of the artistic craftsmanship from that era. The thirteen original windows were installed in 1913. They have since been restored in the same manner in which they were originally designed. Additional windows have since been installed. More about our church and the biblical representation of its historic windows can be found on our website: www.iroquoischrist.org.
Services
10:45 A.M. Sunday Worship
Contact Information
Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran Church
2411 Iroquois Avenue
Detroit, MI 48214
313-921-2667
www.iroquoischrist.org

Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church
Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church was organized in 1854. Originally located at the corner of Rivard and Jefferson Ave., since 1926 the church has been located at the corner of Jefferson and Burns Avenues.
Today, 540 members come from all parts of Detroit and surrounding communities. It is a congregation that celebrates its diversity and affirms its oneness.
Beyond normal church life (Worship, Church School, youth programs, adult education, fellowship activities and music ministry), the congregation continues to expand its witness in Detroit. Our outreach programs include:
- Food Pantry for those in need
- Tutoring TREE—a weekly program for Nichols Elementary School children
- Creative Arts Day Camp—three weeks in the summer
- Basketball Sports Academy—for middle school children
- Housing for a Katrina evacuee family
- Food Baskets for neighborhood families
- Neighborhood revitalization in East Village (Jefferson, Fischer, McClellan and Kercheval)—working with neighbors to improve homes, ensure public safety and create a stronger community
In all we do, we strive to reach out with compassion and love to those within and beyond our congregation. It is in this spirit that we invite you to experience our journey of faith.
Services
Sunday Worship Service and Church School (Crib - 8th Grade) 10:30 A.M.
Contact Information
Rev. Peter C. Smith, Pastor
Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church
8625 E. Jefferson Avenue
Detroit, MI 48214
313-822-3456
www.japc.org

Conventional Baptist Church
Church Motto
“This is the Church where everybody is Somebody and God is the Father of us All.”
History
Conventional Baptist Church has been a part of Historic Indian Village for 35 years under the leadership of the late Dr. Pastor Nathaniel Albritton.
Under our current leader of six years, Pastor Roderick L. Richardson, Sr., the congregation has been taught and inspired through the Holy Spirit to reach out into the community and join together in Christian love. Pastor Richardson teaches and preaches the unadulterated gospel and steps in to help anyone whenever or however needed.
Community Involvement
Conventional Baptist has helped the community by adopting a convalescent home named Passion and Caring Home for the Elderly. Part of our ministry is to feed the needy once a month and we combine our services with other organizations by helping to feed the homeless.
Services
9:30 A.M. - Sunday School
11 A.M. - Sunday Worship
6 P.M. – Wednesday Prayer Service/Bible Class
Contact Information:
Rev. R.L. Richardson, Sr.
Conventional Baptist Church
2255 Seminole Avenue
Detroit, MI 48214
313-922-3820

Greater Christ Baptist Church
Since 1956, Greater Christ Baptist Church has been located at 3544 Iroquois Avenue. Through preaching, teaching, worship and service, the church has inspired many people to experience the life changing power of building an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. It is an exciting and growing church with many opportunities for its members to participate in ministry.
Community Redemption
Community redemption is the term used to describe the theological underpinning of the ministry of Greater Christ Baptist Church. It requires that the work of the church extends beyond the church building into the community to touch and transform the lives of the people and the environment around it.
Our Pastor
The pastor of Greater Christ for over 25 years is Reverend Dr. James C. Perkins. Pastor Perkins is an anointed, powerful preacher of God’s Word. He takes a spiritual principle inherent in the text and explains it in such an insightful way that it speaks to our contemporary life situations and to all age groups. Pastor Perkins is a nationally recognized preacher, teacher, scholar and denominational leader. According to Pastor Perkins, it is the role and responsibility of Greater Christ Baptist Church to work on every level to bring redemption to this community.
For more information about Greater Christ Baptist Church visit our web site.
Services
8 A.M. – Sunday Worship
11 A.M. – Sunday Worship
6:30 P.M. – Wednesday Spiritual Transformation Hour
Contact Information:
Dr. James C. Perkins, Pastor
Greater Christ Baptist Church
3544 Iroquois Avenue
Detroit, MI 48214
313-924-6900
www.greaterchristchurch.org

Greater Macedonia Baptist Church
History
On April 26, 1917, nine people organized Macedonia Baptist Church in a storefront building on Clinton Street in Detroit. P.K. Holt, one of the organizers, is credited with suggesting the name. Two months later, the members moved to a frame building on St. Aubin at Mullett, which they purchased for $10,000. In 1922, the congregation began building a brick church and by the time it was completed in 1927, Macedonia was the largest black-built church in the city, with membership numbering 2,000. Its first pastor was Rev. William Ferrell Sr.
Rev. Ferrell Sr. died in 1930 and Rev. Jessie McGruder was installed. His tenure as pastor was terminated in 1934 and subsequently, the church building was lost. Rev. Clarence Ferrell, a son of Rev. Ferrell Sr., and 38 members reorganized under the name of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church. In October 1934, this group made an agreement with the creditors to repurchase the brick church for $25,000 with $3,000 to be paid within a three-year period.
The following year, Rev. H.H. Coleman became the church’s pastor. Under his 34 years of leadership, the membership celebrated a mortgage-burning ceremony that liquidated the indebtedness of the church. Also under his administration, the church was registered with the State of Michigan and received a charter of incorporation on April 8, 1942. Prompted by urban renewal projects, Greater Macedonia relocated to its present location in November 1962.
Since September 2005, Rev. Wallace Bell has served as the church’s pastor. In addition to serving as a house of worship for the congregation, the building is home to the Southeast Headstart Program and the nearby Maxwell Block Club, which conducts its monthly meetings there.
Services
9:30 A.M. – Sunday School
10:45 A.M. – Sunday Worship
6 P.M. – Wednesday Bible Class
Contact Information:
Rev. Wallace Bell, Pastor
Greater Macedonia Baptist Church
8200 Mack Avenue
Detroit, MI 48214
313-923-5588

Mt. Olive East Missionary Baptist Church
Please come and join us in our Fellowship of Worship Service. We are a community church with real family values: “Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set.” (Proverbs 22:28)
As a faith community, we place special attentiveness on the Word of God, “. . . seek out the book of the Lord and read it.” (Isaiah 34:16) With the Word of God as our guide, we have helped to carry out His command, “. . . endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:3) Paul’s words to the Ephesians aid us and direct us during our worship as a community. It is our mission statement that the church be a Peaceful Place for Spiritual Direction.
The teaching ministry here at Mt. Olive East is to rediscover God’s plan for the family in His covenant relationship with us in his son Jesus Christ by His Word in the Spirit of Truth.
Community Ministry
Our church just formed its new community development corporation called A Peaceful Place Housing Development Corporation with a strong desire to meet the needs of affordable housing in the community.
Services
9:30 A.M. – Church School
11 A.M. – Fellowship of Worship
7 P.M. – Wednesday Family Devotion Night
Contact Information:
Pastor Curtis Williams
Mt. Olive East Baptist Church
1815 Seminole Avenue
Detroit, MI 48214
313-922-4766

Benjamin E. Mays Male Academy
Mission
The mission of the Benjamin E. Mays Male Academy is to provide a positive educational alternative to young males in the Detroit area.
Committed to addressing the educational, spiritual, and developmental needs of the young, African American male student, the Benjamin E. Mays Male Academy is unique in the United States. Mays Academy students travel from all parts of Detroit and its suburbs to attend the school; they represent every economic segment of our society.
History
Drawing inspiration from its namesake, the Benjamin E. Mays Male Academy was founded in 1993 by the Reverend Dr. James C. Perkins and is located in Historic Indian Village at 3544 Iroquois in Greater Christ Baptist Church. As pastor of the Greater Christ Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, for over twenty-five years and a noted community activist, Dr. Perkins founded the Mays Academy based upon his experiences within the Detroit community and the crisis he witnessed in the available educational options for young African American males.
Curriculum
The school currently services students in grades pre-kindergarten through sixth.
Mays Academy addresses the unique needs of its young students through a philosophy and a curriculum that prepares them to participate in society as innovative, energetic, and productive citizens. MAYS MEN are challenged to achieve and maintain a high standard of excellence through a strong academic program in a disciplined environment.
Contact Information:
Mr. Philip Van Hook, Principal
Benjamin E. Mays Male Academy
3544 Iroquois Avenue
Detroit, MI 48214
313-924-0014
www.maysmaleacademy.com

Cornerstone Schools - Iroquois Campus
Mission Statement
The Cornerstone Schools will build a model of excellence in urban education by providing centers of hope to the children of Detroit through a partnership of families, our schools and a broad and beloved community. Our policy is “Excellence in all we do!”
We Offer
Cornerstone Schools is located in Historic Indian Village inside Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran Church at the corner of Iroquois and Vernor. Offering grades K-5, we offer a challenging curriculum in a loving and intimate setting. We focus on the Teachings of Jesus, allowing our students to enjoy their school day in a nurturing atmosphere.
Our classes are small which enables our teachers to plan in-depth learning experiences and present more diversified lessons for different learning styles. The school provides meaningful learning opportunities through the use of field trips, speakers and a collaboration with the Cranbrook art and science departments. This collaboration has increased our ability to provide more higher-skilled learning outreaches for our students.
Extra Curricular Activities
Cornerstone Schools place emphasis on leadership and community involvement; our relationship with Christ Lutheran Church allows our students to participate in community service projects. Students also participate in speaking activities and a variety of dramatic, dance and artistic programs. Students have access to a chess club, book club, young author’s club and math club; planned for fall are a Junior Achievement program and gardening and orator’s clubs.
* Please call for an appointment to visit and tour our educational community. We would love to meet you!
Contact Information:
Candace Brockman, Principal
Cornerstone Schools Iroquois Campus
2411 Iroquois Avenue
Detroit, MI 48214
313-571-0370
www.cornerstoneschools.org

Jefferson Avenue Cooperative Nursery School
— An Enriching Experience for Young Minds —
History and Goals
Established in 1948, Jefferson Avenue Cooperative Nursery School is Michigan’s oldest cooperative preschool. Designed for children ages 2½ to 5, it is a high-quality, half-day program with classes held several mornings throughout the week. The preschool offers a play-oriented, structured program designed to foster independence, self-esteem and internal control. The goal is to prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills to handle a wide variety of academic, social and interpersonal situations. Enrollment is typically between five to 10 children, allowing for an intimate teacher/parent/child ratio. Classes are led by a certified instructor with expertise in art education.
Site and Facilities
Located in the architecturally stunning Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church, the preschool features a spacious classroom with extensive toys, arts & crafts, imaginative play area, water table, rice table, playscape and indoor gym. Over the years, this unique neighborhood program has provided an enriching experience for children living in Indian Village, as well as surrounding areas. Many friendships developed here last decades and even into adulthood.
Contact Information:
Jefferson Avenue Co-op Nursery School
8625 E. Jefferson Avenue
Detroit, MI 48214
313-822-3456

Nichols Elementary / Middle School
Mission
The mission of the John F. Nichols Elementary/Middle School family is to guarantee that all of our students receive the highest quality education by involving parents, employing state of the art technology and inspiring a passion for learning. We believe that this will prepare them to be successful high school students who will ultimately become contributing members of society.
Staff and Extra Curricular Activities
Our dedicated staff provides a positive learning environment and a solid foundation that includes high academic excellence and strong leadership skills. Our school has consistently met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for five years. All of our teaching staff are highly qualified, certified and hold advanced degrees. We have a full-time registered nurse, social worker, speech therapist and psychologist. Our students participate in academic games, sports activities, writing and reading contests and community service projects. We strongly believe that by empowering our students with knowledge, they will be equipped to succeed both now and in the future.
Contact Information:
Dr. Granada L. Peterson, Principal
Nichols Elementary School
3020 Burns Avenue
Detroit, MI 48214
Ph: 313-852-0800
Fax: 313-852-0811

Detroit Waldorf School
A Developmental Model
Located in Historic Indian Village, Detroit Waldorf School offers Waldorf education for children from preschool through eighth grade. Using the developmental model and methods developed by Rudolph Steiner, founder of the first Waldorf School in 1919, we integrate artistic and creative activities with scientific and intellectual study to create a balance between the sciences, humanities and arts. Our comprehensive curriculum includes two foreign languages, art, music and physical education.
Through the genius of play and rhythm of daily life, young children in our Children’s Center develop a strong foundation for academic learning and creative thinking; joy and wonder abound in our beautiful nurturing environment.
Additional Opportunities
We offer Parent-and-Child classes, educational lectures and seasonal festivals open to all.
Graduates
Waldorf students develop their own inner strength to forge their destinies and find their rightful places in the world. Leading academic institutions recognize our students for their creative, critical thinking and individual initiative. Our graduates have placed well in a variety of public and private high schools and colleges.
* Explore the world of difference a Waldorf education can make. Please call to schedule a tour.
Contact Information:
Ms. Linda Brooks, Administrator
Detroit Waldorf School
2555 Burns Avenue
Detroit, MI 48214
313-822-0300
www.detroitwaldorf.com
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