1865

September 7, The Grosse Pointe Protestant Evangelical Association organized the founding of the church. Grosse Pointe, having been settled by the French, was from the beginning largely Roman Catholic, with St. Paul's Parish serving its spiritual needs. But by 1865 the area was assuming the character of a summer resort for Detroiters, and there were enough Protestants to feel the need for their own church.

1867

The first church building erected at the corner of Kerby and Lake Shore, on land donated for the purpose by Rufus M. Kerby, one of the founders.

1889

The corporate name changed to "The Grosse Pointe Protestant Society."

1890

The Reverend John Baldwin installed as the first full-time Minister.

1894

The Little Ivy Covered Church built on the site of the present sanctuary, the land having been given by Joseph H. Berry, whose home was nearby. A frame house in the area to the rear of the church was purchased for the manse.

1920

The membership voted to become Presbyterian, and the church was renamed "Grosse Pointe Presbyterian Church."

1925

A new church house - today incorporated within the present church-house was dedicated. At this time the name became "The Grosse Pointe Memorial Church." since funds for the new sanctuary being planned were given by Truman H. Newberry and John S. Newberry as a memorial to their parents.

1927

May 15, The present sanctuary dedicated, built on the site of the Little Ivy Covered Church, which had been torn down.

1928

Youth group of the church was first called TUXIS (Together Under Christ In Service).

1931

January 1, Dr. Frank Fitt began his twenty-seven years as pastor.

1954

The Seabourne Livingstone property between the church and the War Memorial purchased for parking space and future expansion needs.

1956

January 22, The Prayer Chapel (at first called the "Memorial Chapel") dedicated.

1958

September 30, Dr. Fitt retired and became Pastor Emeritus.

1959

The Allen Shelden Memorial Organ installed, and the Chancel mosaics given in memory of Mrs. Henry B. Joy.

October 1, The Reverend Bertram deHeus Atwood became senior minister, serving until June 1969.

1961

Circles started by the Women's Association.

1962

January 24, Board of Deacons established with 24 members.

April 1, The new building, containing Barbour Chapel, Fitt Library, Fellowship Hall, and additional facilities for Christian Education, dedicated. At the same time renovations made in the former church house, "Doctors to India" initiated, whereby members of the congregation volunteered time in their specialized fields to overseas missions, a program still continuing today.

1963

First Women Elders - Mrs. Thomas J. Litle III, (Virginia) and Mrs. Charles Wright (Jan).

1964

First Woman Clerk of Session - Mrs. Thomas J. Litle III, (Virginia).

Endowment Fund Established.

1965

100th Anniversary celebrated.

1967

Reorganization of Session into Councils: Worship, Parish Life, Outreach, Christian Education, and Administration.

1969

The Reverend Bertram deHeus Atwood resigned to accept a call to Swarthmore, Pa.

1970

The Reverend Ray H. Kiely became senior minister. Ecumenical Men's Breakfast began.

1971

January, First of yearly ecumenical ministers came - David Sobrepena of the Philippines. Living Tribute Fund established.

1972

The Women's Association celebrated its 50th anniversary. It had been preceded by a church group known first as The Ladies Union and later as The Women's Union.

1973

April 1, The new Worship Book of Services and Hymns first used.

1975

Columbarium completed. Interpretation and Support Council established.

1983

September 30, The Reverend Ray H. Kiely retired and became Pastor Emeritus.

1985

January 1, The Reverend Louis J. Prues II became Senior Pastor.

November 10, The Reverend Louis J. Prues II resigned as Senior Pastor.

1988

June 19, The Rev. Dr. V. Bruce Rigdon became Pastor.

1989

New Klais organ was installed.

1990

125th Anniversary celebrated. January 3, The Rev. Nancy Allison Mikoski and The Rev. Gordon A. Mikoski became Associate Pastors, developing the Youth Ministry before moving to Atlanta, GA in 1998.

1991

The Rev. R. Michael Foley became Associate Pastor, developing the Stephen Ministry program before answering a call to Snellville, GA in 2001.

1997

Major renovation project completed, funded primarily by the Ministry and Mission for a New Millenium. A new lakeside enty and reception area constructed at former site of church kitchen which was moved to former site of Fellowship Hall stage area. Chancel enlarged and chancel walls restored to original angel choir. New sanctuary lighting, dimming, and sound systems installed. Sacristry created. Classrooms and office spaces renovated, and new elevator installed in center of the building. Parking lot renovated, lighting replaced and property lines realigned through swap with Grosse Pointe Club.

2000

January, The Rev. Joanna L.J. Dunn and The Rev. Thomas F. Rice became Associate Pastors.

2002

December 31, The Rev. Dr. V. Bruce Rigdon retired and became Pastor Emeritus.  He would serve for three mores years as President of the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit.

2007