Detroit and Monroe, Michigan historic church tours celebrate the reason for the season

Dec. 5, 2011 - PRLog -- Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the secular holiday season and rejoice in the sacred! Join Hometown History Tours as we embark upon our first ever Reason for the Season Historic Church Tours on Saturday, December 10 and 17, 2011, and showcase the beauty and history of six Detroit and Monroe, Michigan churches.

Docents will be on hand during these private tours to explain the rich history of their congregations and the important roles these religious institutions played within the community. One church served as a sanctuary and harbored escaped slaves as they made the treacherous journey across the Detroit River; another served as the social conscience of the city.

Guides will also interpret the magnificent religious art and architecture of bygone eras. Tiffany stained glass windows, Carrera marble statues, intricately carved woodwork and unique mosaics are just a sampling of the opulent artistic treasures created by 19th and early 20th century artisans. Built during times of economic prosperity, these southeast Michigan historic houses of worship rival their European counterparts.

Detroit churches featured on the December 10 tour are: Second Baptist Church, Central United Methodist Church, Fort Street Presbyterian Church, St. Aloysius Church, Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church, and Old St. Mary’s.

The December 17 tour highlights the following Monroe churches: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Chapel, Trinity Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, St. Paul United Methodist Church and St. Michael the Archangel Church.

Reason for the Season Historic Church Tours are open to everyone (there is no proselytizing)! In fact, you don’t have to be Christian - or practice any religion - to marvel at and enjoy the awesome and iconic art and architecture found within these living history landmarks.

In addition to nourishing the spiritual and/or artistic side, these combination walking and public transit tours allow participants to fully experience the seasonal sights and sounds of two of Michigan’s oldest downtown districts decked out in their holiday finery.

Tours begin at noon and last approximately four hours. Tickets cost $30 per tour and must be purchased in advance. Early bird savings of $5 are available for tickets purchased by 5 p.m. on the preceding Wednesday of each tour. Ticket price benefits participating churches and includes refreshments and Detroit People Mover or Lake Erie Transit fees. Tour starting points provided at time of ticket purchase.

Rekindle the spiritual side of the season! Join Hometown History Tours for the Reason for the Season Historic Detroit and Monroe Church Tours. Tickets are on sale now.  Visit http://hometownhistorytours.com/   for more information.

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Hometown History Tours promotes the vibrant history of southeast Michigan. Established in 2009, Hometown History Tours offers narrated bus and walking tours of the region covering a variety of topics.

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