St. Matthew's & St. Joseph's Episcopal Church Tour 9/22/2026 | 3 pm - 4 pm
Pewabic Uncovered Tour of St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church
$50 per person | 25 slots available
Step inside one of Detroit’s hidden architectural and cultural treasures for an unforgettable journey through art, history, and sacred space. Led by a Pewabic expert, this special tour explores St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, home to a remarkable and largely unknown Pewabic tile installation—and to the intertwined stories of two historic Detroit congregations.
The history of St. Matthew’s reaches back to 1846, when William Lambert and several former members of Second Baptist Church founded St. Matthew’s Mission. Through periods of growth, displacement, and renewal—including the profound impact of the Fugitive Slave Act and the later destruction of Detroit’s Paradise Valley neighborhood through freeway construction—the congregation's story reflects pivotal chapters in Detroit’s Black history. In 1971, St. Matthew’s merged with St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, bringing together two congregations with deep and distinct roots in the city.
As you explore the church, discover the extraordinary artistry that fills this English Gothic-inspired space: handcrafted Pewabic tile floors, luminous memorial tilework, stained glass, richly carved oak furnishings, and decorative details that reveal layers of history at every turn. Learn how the artistry of Pewabic became part of this remarkable sanctuary and uncover the stories preserved within its walls.
Your ticket unlocks rare access to this extraordinary site while supporting Pewabic Pottery’s mission to share Detroit’s historic tile installations with the public and helping sustain this beautiful and significant sacred space.
Please note: This tour meets at St. Matthew's & St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, located at 8850 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202. Participants should arrive directly at St. Matthew's & St. Joseph's Episcopal Church; this event does not begin at Pewabic Pottery. The entrance you will use to access this tour is depicted below in a photo of the church's exterior.