Detroit, MI
Fire ravages former site of historic Detroit church
Detroit officials are investigating what sparked a fire that burned through a historic, century-old church building for more than four hours Tuesday.
The Detroit Fire Department received a call at 12:34 a.m. about a blaze at the site of the former St. Agnes Catholic Church, at the corner of Rosa Parks and LaSalle Gardens, said Corey McIsaac, the DFD director of media relations.
Within four minutes, the department was at the scene and Fire Chief David Nelson called a second alarm, activating more crews, McIsaac said.
While they managed to preserve the “structural integrity” of the vacant building, she added, its old rectory next door was rendered a total loss.
Due to the condition of the building, firefighters were not able to get inside, McIsaac said. “They did an awesome job, and due to their hard work and great work, they were able to preserve the structure of the church building.”
There were no injuries to residents or firefighters Tuesday night, according to the department.
The St. Agnes Catholic Church has long been considered a community landmark, drawing figures such as Mother Teresa, who visited the building twice, once in June 1979 and once June 1981, and established a convent for the Missionaries of Charity Sisters at 1969 LaSalle Gardens, according to the Archdiocese of Detroit.
The St. Agnes Parish was established in 1913 by Bishop John Foley and the spot celebrated its first Mass in 1914 in a frame house a few blocks away from the current site. Construction on the 1,500-seat site designed by the firm Van Leyen, Schilling, Keough & Reynolds started in May 1922, according to the archdiocese.
The church was blessed in June 1924 in a ceremony led by Bishop Michael J. Gallagher. St. Agnes Parish was closed in 1989 and the Martyrs of Uganda Parish was established at the site that year, the AOD said.
The Martyrs of Uganda Parish was closed in 2006, and the property was sold in 2009.
Holly Fournier, the AOD’s media and public relations manager, told The Detroit News: “The Archdiocese of Detroit has had no connection to the property since then and has no information about current ownership or plans for the site.”
In 2022, the Detroit City Planning Commission approved a recommendation to the City Council to approve a rezoning request to redevelop the 5-acre site, according to Historic Detroit.
afayad@detroitnews.com
A Detroit tradition is back as the Detroit Artists Market (DAM) unveils its annual Art for the Holidays exhibition and sale, showcasing nearly 1,500 handmade works created by almost 100 local artists. The event, kicking off today, Friday November 14 and running through Saturday December 20, 2025, offers an expansive selection of ceramics, textiles, paintings, jewelry, and more, inviting shoppers to discover one-of-a-kind gifts crafted right in the city.
Since its debut in 1936, Art for the Holidays has grown into a hallmark of Detroit’s winter season, uniting artists and shoppers in a shared celebration of creativity and community. Each purchase supports the participating artists directly, helping to strengthen Detroit’s thriving arts scene and inspiring shoppers to invest in local talent.
The exhibition opens with a festive Opening Reception on Friday, November 14, from 5–8 p.m., where visitors can browse the collection, meet participating artists, and begin holiday shopping in a lively, art-filled atmosphere.
Art for the Holidays will be hosted at the Detroit Artists Market, 4719 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48201, and will be open Tuesday–Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Event Snapshot
Where:
-
Detroit Artists Market, 4719 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
When:
-
Opening Reception: Friday, November 14, 2025, 5–8 p.m.
-
Exhibition Dates: November 14 – December 20, 2025
-
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
For Detroiters seeking meaningful, handcrafted gifts, and a chance to uplift the region’s artists, this season’s Art for the Holidays promises a vibrant, art-filled shopping experience.
Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
Turkey giveaway draws huge crowds
America’s Community Council hosted its annual giveaway, distributing more than 1,200 turkeys. Since 2 a.m. on Thursday, a line of cars along 7 Mile has been growing, and the line just kept on going and going. It was, in fact, over a mile long. What’s the home run at the end of the line? Free turkeys.
DETROIT (FOX 2) – Detroiters and Highland Park residents lined up along 7 Mile near John R throughout Thursday morning, all hoping to grab a free turkey in time for the holidays.
Big picture view:
America’s Community Council hosted its annual giveaway, distributing more than 1,200 turkeys.
Since 2 a.m. on Thursday, a line of cars along 7 Mile has been growing, and the line just kept on going and going. It was, in fact, over a mile long. What’s the home run at the end of the line? Free turkeys.
“I come here every month to come and get food. This is a big deal for the turkey because of the shutdown, and I need it. Thanksgiving is coming,” said resident Sharon Hare.
“It’s vitally important, especially given everything we’ve seen with SNAP benefits and food insecurities. We’re here to fill the gap,” said Chief Executive Officer of America’s Community Council, Odie Fakhouri.
Odie Fakhouri says the ACC’s distributions have doubled and tripled in number this past month due to the SNAP benefit issues.
“I know there’s been issues with food stamps; has that affected you? Yes, they just put it on my card today. That’s a good thing. It took a while. Yes, it did, and I was panicking. What are you going to do with that turkey? Clean it, stuff it, and put it in the oven,” said Hare.
What you can do:
If you missed the 2025 turkey giveaway and need help, the ACC hosts food distributions every Thursday and provides many other resources.
Watch CBS News
Judge officially drops 3 charges in Georgia’s Trump 2020 election interference case
Hunter survives nearly 3 weeks stranded in California wilderness after truck gets stuck
Ohio mom uses social media, side hustles to make ends meet during government shutdown: ‘No days off’
Oklahoma State conservative students press charges, demand accountability after harassment at table
DeSantis says he won’t tolerate H-1B visa ‘abuse’ in Florida universities
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Judge officially drops 3 charges in Georgia’s Trump 2020 election interference case
DNC staffers ruthlessly mocked for fuming over remote work reversal: ‘Get yourselves together’
Italy redefines sexual violence law to include explicit consent
Peace through strength? America first? Is there a Trump doctrine? : Sources & Methods
Rev. Jesse Jackson hospitalized amid health battle with neurodegenerative disease
-
Nebraska7 days agoWhere to watch Nebraska vs UCLA today: Time, TV channel for Week 11 game
-
Austin, TX1 week agoHalf-naked woman was allegedly tortured and chained in Texas backyard for months by five ‘friends’ who didn’t ‘like her anymore’
-
Hawaii6 days agoMissing Kapolei man found in Waipio, attorney says
-
Vermont3 days agoNorthern Lights to dazzle skies across these US states tonight – from Washington to Vermont to Maine | Today News
-
Southwest7 days agoTexas launches effort to install TPUSA in every high school and college
-
New Jersey5 days agoPolice investigate car collision, shooting in Orange, New Jersey
-
World1 week agoIsrael’s focus on political drama rather than Palestinian rape victim
-
West Virginia4 days ago
Search for coal miner trapped in flooded West Virginia mine continues for third day
