The Underground Railroad - First Congregational Church of Detroit

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Welcome to Brooklyn Heights, New York

Plymouth Church, located in the historic Brooklyn Heights district of New York City, was founded in 1847 during the peak years of the Underground Railroad. The Church called as its first minister the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, thus beginning one of the most prominent ministries of 19th century America. Beecher’s forceful antislavery activities earned Plymouth its reputation as “the Grand Central Depot” of the Underground Railroad in New York. Now known as Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims, we continue to draw strength from our rich historic and Congregational heritage.

Abraham Lincoln at Plymouth (1860)
During the era of the Underground Railroad, Plymouth Church was known as a center of American thought and culture. Many noteworthy contemporaries crossed the East River from Manhattan to visit or lecture, among them Abraham Lincoln. It could even be said that Lincoln’s place in history was established thanks to Plymouth. | More

Henry Ward Beecher and Pinky (1860)
Plymouth Church’s minister, Henry Ward Beecher, was renowned as a powerful orator. His humanity and humor, and the rapport he developed with his audience, captivated many. His speeches in support of the antislavery cause brought him much acclaim, as many of his sermons were published across the U.S. and overseas. | More

You are now on Route 1: East

If you travel route 1 from Virginia through New York to Canada, it’s over 1000 miles, and takes about 1 year—. Click on one of the routes below to continue your flight to freedom!

The First Congregational Church of Detroit is a member of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, a voluntary membership of free churches supporting each other in Faith, Freedom, and Fellowship.

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