St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church (Ann Arbor, Mich.)

St. Clare's began as a mission of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in 1953. Holding their first services at the old Stone School, the membership steadily grew necessitating the building of their own sanctuary completed in the winter of 1956. In 1974, the members of St. Clare agreed to joint ownership and shared use of the sanctuary and classrooms with Temple Beth-Emeth, a Reform Jewish assemblage. Under the corporate name, Genesis of Ann Arbor, each congregation would share in the management of the facilities, while maintaining its own religious program. This was the first instance of a joint ownership of a house of worship by a church and synagogue in the world. The Genesis Corporation was run by a board made up of representatives of both congregations, with the clergy of each having veto power over the appointment of new clergy to the other.

• 1953: Mission began as St. Francis of Assisi on land donated by Dr. Inez Wisdom. Name change to St Clare in July. Reverend Philip L. Schenk first vicar.
• 1956: First service conducted in new building
• 1957: Reverend Albert Neilson becomes vicar
• 1963: Reverend Colin Campbell, Jr. becomes rector in June.
• 1967: St. Clare's obtains parish status
• 1968: Articles of Incorporation of St. Clare of Assisi
• 1969: Addition dedicated
• 1970: St. Clare's renting space to Temple Beth-Emeth
• 1971: First Peace Seder with both congregations
• 1972: Douglas Evett becomes rector
• 1973: Sale of one-half interest in property to Temple Beth-Emeth
• 1973: Formation of Genesis of Ann Arbor as holding company
• 1977: Anderson House and property annexed to the city
• 1878: Dedication of new religious education center addition

From the guide to the St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church, Ann Arbor, Mich., Records, 1953-1991, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)