Breakers Covenant Church International ■ Detroit , Michigan
L ike dozens of predominantly African American congregations across the United States , Breakers Covenant Church International made its home in a former synagogue , Temple Beth El . Demographic changes were caused by the Great Migration ( when in the 20th century six million Black Americans moved from the South to northern , midwestern , and western states to escape Jim Crow ) and the movement of whites — both Jewish and Christian — to the suburbs , leaving their historic buildings behind . Detroit ’ s North End neighborhood was no exception . Temple Beth El , designed by Albert Kahn and constructed in 1922 , was purchased by a Black congregation in 1974 . Breakers Covenant is the third Black congregation to steward the
Photo : Eyegauge Media , LLC
original building and has honored its history by forming a faith partnership with congregation Temple Beth El . Listed on the National Register of Historic Places , it is considered a major monument of early 20th-century Classical Revival style . The domed sanctuary boasts frescoed walls and ceiling depicting historic Jewish events and individuals . Original Jewish iconography and verses remain throughout the building and are diligently stewarded by members of Breakers Covenant . Breakers Covenant is committed to serving the surrounding North End neighborhood through programs offering emergency financial assistance , social activities for older adults , youth enrichment , and counseling services .
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