[5] This congregation had been organized on July 8, 1917, as St. John's Colored Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Reverend Dr. Joseph B. Gordon, a native Detroiter, was appointed as pastor in 2008.

He designed a Gothic red brick church with limestone trim, having Prairie and Arts & Crafts influences.

[6] The building is lower than many Gothic churches, as it lacks a bell tower or lantern.

[4] The historical site also includes nine associated row houses along Gladstone Avenue.