In the early nineteen seventies, a few Malankara Orthodox Christian families who came to the Metropolitan-Detroit area chasing their dreams brought with them also an idea to have a place to worship the Lord in the Malankara Orthodox way. The “mustard seed” that sprouted in their minds started the origin of the St. Thomas Orthodox Church of India, Detroit, Michigan. They formed a congregation and arranged prayer meetings at their homes. Later they decided to bring priests to celebrate the Holy Qurbana. As a result of this initiative, they were able to obtain the services and spiritual guidance of the late Very Rev. Fr. Thomas P. Mundukuzhy Corepiscopa, Very Rev. Yohannan Sankarathil Corepiscopa, Rev Fr. M.T Philip, Rev. Fr. Dr. M.K. Thomas, and Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Kurian Thottupuram, Rev. Fr. T.M. Zachariah and Rev. Fr. P.K. Mathew. Their services are remembered with deep respect and sincere thanks. The congregation commenced services at Cass Methodist Church in Detroit. The guidance and efforts of Rev. Fr. Yohanan Sankarathil Corepiscopa in helping us to form a parish of our own are praise worthy. The arrival of Rev. Fr. MT Philip (then Deacon M.T. Philip) to Detroit was a great blessing to our congregation. Since then Fr. M.T. Philip helped our congregation in its spiritual growth until he moved to Houston.
On April 9, 1978 the late His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios, Rev Fr. Philip Jacob and Rev. Fr. Dr. M.E. Idiculla visited our congregation and celebrated the Holy Qurbana at the facilities of the Cass Methodist Church in Detroit. The late His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios declared our congregation, St. Thomas Orthodox Church of India, Detroit, as a parish of the American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and appointed Rev. Fr. Philip Jacob as the Vicar of the parish. Later we moved to Trinity Episcopal Church, Detroit for conducting our services.
As our parish members grew in numbers, an ambition to have our own church building started developing. A building committee was formed in the year 1984 and a five year plan was implemented for raising funds for the church. Funds were raised through contributions, conducting raffles, and holding entertainment programs. Our youth, Martha Mariam Samajam, and our friends generously contributed towards this cause. By the grace of God, on September 26, 1990 we were able to sign the deed for the Apostolic Faith Temple church in Southfield, Michigan. A great deal of effort was put by our members in renovating the church building and modifying it to the way suitable to our traditions.
On November 3, 1991, the late His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios conducted consecration ceremony of the church. Since then the new church has provided the congregation with a facility not only to worship, but also to hold cultural and spiritual events. Some of these activities include Malayalam classes, retreats, and youth days. Prayer meetings continued as well as weekly Sunday school classes. The Sunday school has grown over the years thanks to the hard work of our dedicated teachers, supportive parents and enthusiastic students.
Our church has also been an active participant in the ecumenical programs held in the metropolitan area. In 2000, the first MGOCSM chapter was established bringing our youth closer together and since then they are extremely active in church and charitable activities.