McCASLIN, Ezra Wosson
Date of death: 8 Jan 1952 – Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan
Detroit Free Press, Thursday, January 10 1952,
page 13, columns 2–3
FOUNDED SPIRITUAL HAVENS
Beloved Missionary of Skid Row Dies
The Rev. Ezra W. McCaslin, 78, who spent a fortune ministering to the unfortunates along Detroit's Skid Row is dead.
In the early 1900, the Rev. McCaslin migrated to Detroit from his native Franklin, Ind. In 1912, he originated the famous First Street Mission at Michigan and First.
Later, with the expansion of the Ford Motor Co. in Highland Park and the influx of automotive workers, he established another mission across from the property.
* * *
SAID ORLA FRAZIER, of 18900 James Couzens, a close friend:
“He early concluded there was an awful lot of working people coming here who didn't have a church and might go astray if they weren't led to one.
“That's why he spent a fortune pounding away with his interdenominational spiritual work. At least 25,000 persons, many of whom are respected citizens today, will be surprised at his passing.”
* * *
OF PRESBYTERIAN faith, Mr. McCaslin retired six years ago as pastor of the Hope Gospel Church, recently removed to Willand and Gibson from Calument near Trumbull.
He spent some time in the Arnold Home before moving two years ago into the residence of the Rev. Gerald H. Rapeljje at 20508 Poinciana.
On Dec. 23 Mr. McCaslin turned an ankle while moving about the house, breaking a hip and a wrist. He died Tuesday in Redford Receiving Hospital.
His son, Richard, drowned six years ago a few days before he was to enter the ministry. His wife, who aided him for 40 years, died two years ago.
The body will lie in state until Friday afternoon in the Frazier Northwest Funeral Home. Services will be private.
Submitted by Lois Johnson