Detroit Mar Thoma Church

Our History

The Detroit Mar Thoma Church is the only Parish in the State of Michigan, which is famous for its five great lakes and the three major motor companies of the United States of America.

We have a humble beginning with about 15 families in 1975. In the early stages Holy Communion services were provided by clergy who came to Canada and United States for theological training. Rev. Abraham Lincoln, who was pursuing theological education in Toronto, Canada, was helpful in providing services occasionally. Holy Communion Services were conducted regularly since August 1975 at The St. John’s Episcopal Church, Woodward Avenue, Detroit.

The Rev. C. I. George (now Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Athanasius) provided leadership initially. Later with the efforts of Rev. V. T. Koshy (late. Rt. Rev. Easow Mar Themotheos) we received the congregational status in November 1977. In September 1979, Rev. Dr. Ipe Joseph was appointed as the first vicar of the congregation while he was serving the Chicago Mar Thoma Church and regular worship services were started at The St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Detroit, where worship continued for over two decades.

In 1981 the then Diocesan Episcopa,(Late) Rt. Rev.Thomas Mar Athanasius declared the parish status and the following clergy served as vicars. Rev. Dr. Cherian Thomas, Rev. T. I. Joseph, Rev. Dr. Moni Mathew, Rev. Renji Varghese and Rev. Philip Varghese.

In 1990 Rev. E. J. Joseph while studying at Ohio was appointed as a full time vicar. The Rev. James Thomas was appointed the first resident vicar in 1994.The church building site at 24518 Lahser Rd., Southfield,MI 48033 was purchased on 9th September 1995. The foundation stone of the church was laid on 19th October 1997 and the Church was dedicated on March 11, 2000 by the then Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan. In January 2004 the Parsonage was purchased at 23949 Susan Dr., Farmington hill,MI 48336. In November 2010 about 4.23 acres of land with a house, adjacent to the church is purchased and planning for further development of the church.

The following Achens also served as Vicars till now The Rev. Dr. K. T. Joy (1998-2001), The Rev. Sonny Thomas (2001-2004), The Rev. K. T. Abraham (2004-2007) and The Rev. Shaji K. Thomas (2007-2010). The Rev. Abraham Thomas leads the parish since 2010. Our parish has 199 families with 760 members in 8 prayer groups including members of the former congregation in Columbus, Ohio. We praise God and give Glory to Him through our corporate worship.