-From the Compilations of The Rev. Edward D. Gehres, Jr., Former Executive Presbyter ​

A discussion of the history of the Presbytery of Detroit must of necessity begin with the arrival of Presbyterianism in the Territory of Michigan. For unless there are ministers and churches available to be organized in to a presbytery, there can be no presbytery.

In 1827, there was a sufficient number of ministers and churches in the Detroit area to constitute a Presbytery. Accordingly, the General Assembly took the following action during its meeting in May of 1827: "Overture No.8, viz., an application from certain Ministers and churches in the Territory of Michigan to be constituted a Presbytery."

The following facts from independent sources throw some light on the Presbytery of Detroit:
1. The General Assembly of 1828 lists Detroit Presbytery with William Page as Stated Clerk.
2. Theodore Marsh, who was nearer the sources than we are, states that Detroit Presbytery was organized in 1827.
3. Silas Farmer in his History of Detroit gives 1827 as the date when the Presbytery was organized.

After its organization in 1827 the growth of the Presbytery of Detroit was very gratifying. After 1825 many of the settlers to the territory were already seasoned Christians, trained in church work. Of the current churches in the presbytery of Detroit, 28 were organized during the 1800's.

The Church exists for those who do not yet belong to it. Throughout the 20th Century, this fundamental conviction has motivated the Presbytery of Detroit to study the meaning of mission, and of the Church in mission, and to fulfill its task in a growing metropolitan area. In addition to planting new churches, the Presbytery has engaged in a variety of ministries directed toward the social needs of the population. From the community houses of the early 1900's to the camp and conference ministries and the establishment of Presbyterian Villages begun the 1940's; from the Detroit Industrial Mission of the 1950's and 60's, to the urban church redevelopment and racial ethnic ministries of the 70's and 80's, the Presbytery of Detroit has sought to embody the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this ever-changing metropolitan area.

The Presbytery of Detroit looks to the future in terms of strengthening partnerships between congregations throughout the metropolitan area, and through the connectional church in local, regional, and global mission. Unique programs like the The Grandale Mission Center, Barnabas Youth Opportunities Center, and the Presbyterian Development Corporation minister to people of all ages with a range of social and economic needs. A renewed emphasis on New Church Development and Congregation Redevelopment will hopefully provide a wider Presbyterian presence in this metropolitan area.

The Church like its Master is not to be ministered unto, but to minister, to serve in the world, and to become a ransom for those who know not Christ. While we celebrate the past, the Presbytery of Detroit stands ready for the future!​