The partnership between Christ Church Grosse Pointe and Church of the Messiah began in 1991, and grew out of the friendship between the two rectors - Ted Cobden of Christ Church, and Ron Spann of Messiah.

Both believed that it would be beneficial on many levels to form this partnership between suburb and city, white and black; and they realized that the Book of Common Prayer was their best common link, and that geographical proximity would facilitate interaction. They also realized that the real issue to be tackled was relationship, not projects; and so the early years were dedicated largely to getting to know and understand each other.

The partnership has always concentrated on relationship, but there have been many mutual projects that we have worked on as well, such as house painting and tree planting in the Messiah neighborhood, Messiah’s Senior Pantry, Christ Church's Antiques Show, the Relay for Life, and after-school and summer camp programs at Messiah.

The tile piece hanging in the Undercroft is the creation of Shannon MacVean-Brown (daughter of Jackie and Ron Spann), and is dedicated to the partnership.

Learn more about the Church's partnership with the inner city - Here (pdf file format)