Michigan’s oldest Episcopal church has named its first Black dean, the Rev. Joseph. C. Alsay.
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul announced the news in a press release earlier this week.
Alsay takes over as the eleventh dean for the church, succeeding Dean Scott Hunter, who retired from the position last year after 17 years in the position.
Formed in 1824, the congregation was the first Episcopal and first Protestant church in Michigan.
Members have held service inside the cathedral, located at 4800 Woodward Ave in Midtown Detroit, since 1911.
The funeral service for Henry Ford, was held there in 1947. The demonstration was as reported as one of the highest attended events in the city’s history at the time.
Today, the church has an active community of members.
Alsay said in a statement he is excited to join a congregation known for its vibrant music, community outreach and diverse representation.
“I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and be in ministry with you,” he said in a video.
“For 200 years you have been a linchpin in Detroit and an anchor for the Diocese of Michigan. It is my privilege to take on the mantle of ministry and work with you as we continue to build up the kingdom of God in Detroit and beyond,” Alsay told the congregation.
Alsay received his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Oklahoma Baptist University and his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Episcopal Diocese of Michigan Bishop Bonnie A. Perry in a statement praised Alsay for coming to lead the Detroit church.
“Electing Joseph Alsay to lead the Cathedral Church of St. Paul is a bold, historic choice, and the perfect next step for this community of faith to become the soul of the city and heartbeat of our diocese,” Perry said in a statement. “I could not be more delighted.”
Alsay’s official start at the Detroit cathedral was Sunday, Nov. 30, the first Sunday of Advent.
Alsay plans to move his children to the state from across the country, the church said.
Alsay’s children Zoe, Zipporah and Caleb, who says the family “can’t wait to go to Michigan” in a video posted by Alsay.
“We look forward to welcoming Dean Elect Alsay into our cathedral family and to the ways his gifts and vision will help guide us in this new season to come,” said John LaDuke, senior warden, Cathedral Church of St. Paul.
Alsay received his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Oklahoma Baptist University and his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
In Oklahoma, Alsay was known for his passion, positive energy and leadership. During his time at St. Augustine of Canterbury, he developed new programs, increased membership and moved the congregation from mission to parish status.
St. Augustine is located in an area of Oklahoma City home to large churches popular with prominent politicians.
Alsay’s members at the church — local Republican and Democratic officials — were the subject of a feature from the Oklahoman that highlights Alsay’s efforts to bring people of different backgrounds together.
But he hasn’t shied away from offering opinions on hot-button issues affecting his community.
In 2017, Alsay wrote an opinion editorial arguing politicians of all stripes have a moral obligation to protect children brought to the United States as undocumented from deportation.
“I believe Republicans and Democrats alike must come together to provide these young people the certainty that they need and deserve,” Alsay wrote.
