On Wednesday, Oct. 24, the Macomb Cultural Center will feature presentations about the Mackinac Bridge and Mariners' Church of Detroit as part of Great Lakes, Great Stories: Michigan's Maritime Heritage, a two-month series of programs exploring the history, romance and legacy of the Great Lakes.

A 10:30 a.m., Oct. 24, Rector Richard W. Ingalls, Jr., traces the history of the Mariners' Church of Detroit, which was established in 1842 through the wills of two sisters, Charlotte Ann Taylor and Julia Anderson, and provided the funds for a church near the Detroit River to serve sailors. While the church was housed on the top level of the two-story Gothic Revival building, the lower level featured a series of rental units - including the Detroit Post Office for 10 years following the Civil War - to help fund operating costs. Gordon Lightfoot's famous song, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, was inspired by the worldwide news reports about Ingalls' father, the previous rector, who reacted to the sinking of the freighter by praying alone and ringing the church's bell once for each of the 29 men lost.

The Past, Present and Future of the Mackinac Bridge will be discussed by Bob Sweeney, executive secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority, at 2 p.m., Oct. 24. The five-mile-long Mighty Mac is currently the third longest suspension bridge in the world and will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its opening to traffic on Nov. 1.

To register for the presentations or for more information on cultural center programs, call 586.445.7348 or visit www.macombculturalcenter.com.

The Macomb Cultural Center, Macomb County's place for discovery, explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield roads in Clinton Township, the Macomb Cultural Center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts.

Media Contact: Karen M. LeDuc
Phone: 586.445.7271