Longtime pulpit of the renowned Rev. C.L. Franklin and the church where his daughter Aretha Franklin first sang gospel, New Bethel is a landmark of both Black religious life and American music. C.L. Franklin was a nationally famous preacher and civil-rights ally of Dr. King.
Visitor Info
The congregation is marked by a Michigan state historical marker, and the street was renamed C.L. Franklin Boulevard in his honor. It remains an active congregation and a key stop on Detroit’s gospel and soul music heritage trail.