Methodist

Court Street Methodist Church           

Rev. Steven J. Buck
225 W. Court St.
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 235-4651
E-Mail: csumc@sbcglobal.net

            The Court Street Methodist church has claims to being the oldest church society in Flint, as Bradford Frazee, a minister belonging to the Saginaw mission, preached in Flint River in 1834 when there were not more than four or five families living in the settlement. The following year, 1835, the Rev. William H. Brockway, a member of the same mission, traveled from Saginaw every third week and preached at Flint River, and also five miles north, at Mt. Morris, then called the “Cold Water Settlement,” the early settlers of that neighborhood being nearly all of the temperance faith. The Rev. Mr. Brockway always traveled on foot, carrying his bundle, his Bible and his hymn book, and held his meetings on the upper floor of the frame store owned by Stage & Wright.

            In 1837, however, a small number of the Methodist faith organized themselves into a society, but they seem to have suffered the most extreme financial embarrassments, for the steward’s account of the first two quarters shows the whole amount of money received, including public collection, to have been fourteen dollars and sixty-two cents. Later, in 1837, the name of “Flint River Mission” appears on the minutes of the Saginaw mission, with Luther D. Whitney, preacher, in charge. Mr. Whitney names in his journal the following preaching places: Genesee, Pine Run, Kearsley, Atherton Settlement, Grand Blanc, Miller Settlement, Torry Settlement, Carman Settlement, Richard Johnson’s and Stanley Settlement.

            At a conference of the Methodist Church held in 1841, the Rev. F. B. Bangs was appointed to Flint and during the first year of his labors a site was secured for a parsonage and church. The conference of 1843 sent the Rev. William Motersill to the Flint River work and during his pastorate a small building for church purposes was erected, the size of the building being thirty-five by fifty-five feet. The building of this church was a great achievement. Several times the work was discontinued for the want of funds; then small collections would enable the work to be resumed and the finances of the members and friends were taxed to the utmost. From 1841 to 1854, however, the church increased in numbers under the pastorate of a number of vigilant workers.

            About the period of 1855-60 it had several very vigorous pastors: George Taylor, John Russell, John A. Baughman and T. J. Joslin, under whom the work of the parish was so ably conducted that in 1860 it was found that the church accommodations were entirely inadequate. Accordingly during the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Baughman the building was enlarged and beautified. For several years preceding this time the subject of temperance had excited much interest in the community. The question of the practicability of mitigating or suppressing intemperance by the enactment and enforcement of prohibitory laws was discussed with great earnestness, which aroused the enmity of the liquor interests and the church received a number of threatening messages supposed to emanate from that source. However, the alterations on the church building were scarcely finished when, in 1861, it was reduced to ashes, the work, as many thought, of the opponents of temperance reform. In 1862, however, another large building was erected at a cost of twelve thousand dollars. The work of the church went successfully on under a number of pastors, including the Rev. W. H. Perrine, Rev. W. E. Bigelow, Rev. Luther Lee, Rev. Thomas C. Gardner and Rev. J. F. Davidson, all of whom labored in the fields of practical and spiritual endeavor with an ever-increasing membership until 1873, when the Rev. D. McEldowney, formerly professor of Latin and Greek in Albion College, took charge of the pastorate.

            Following the Rev. McEldowney were A. F. Bourns, W. H. Peace, James Venning and I. N. Elwood. In 1888 a splendid new edifice was built to make room for the large congregation, and in 1889 it stood completed and was dedicated by Bishop Thomas Bowman. Again, in 1892, a fire broke out from accidental causes and the beautiful new church was burned to the ground. Afflicted, but not cast down, the society again devoted itself to the task confronting it, till another edifice was erected, the same in which they now worship and which was dedicated in 1894. From the first appointment in 1834 until the present time the pastors of the Court Street Methodist church have been earnest, hard-working men, having at heart the interests of their congregation. The present incumbent, the Rev. Howard Field, is no exception, and under his pastorate the membership has reached the one thousand four hundred mark.

            From the first appointment in 1834 up to the present year of 1916 the pastors who have served the Court Street church have been, Bradford Frazee, W. H. Borckway, O. F. North, L. D. Whitney, Larmon Chatfield, Ebenezer Steel, F. B. Bangs, William Mothersill, Harrison Morgan, David Burns, M. B. Camburn, B. S. Tayler, William Mahon, J. M. Arnold, George Taylor, J. A. Baughman, W. H. Perrine, W. E. Bigelow, Luther Lee, T. C. Gardner, J. F. Davidson, John McEldowney, W. H. Pearce, James Venning, I. N. Elwood, J. P. Pryor, N. G. Lyons, Henry E. Wolfe, G. W. Grimes, C. E. Allen, A. Raymond Johns, Ralph Cushman and Howard A. Field.

This article was transcribed by Geraldine Waite from a work by Edwin O. Wood, LL.D., President Michigan Historical Commission, History of Genesee County Michigan Volume I, Her People, Industries and Institutions (Federal Publishing Company: Indianapolis, Indiana, 1916), Pages 729ff

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Create The Spark
Flint District
Detroit Conference
United Methodist Churches, October 1983

The following Methodist Churches have been closed since the publication of Create The Spark, October, 1983:

Brent Creek United Methodist
Otter Lake United Methodist
Bethlehem United Methodist (congregation merged with Hope United Methodist Church – new church formed in the Bethlehem building – Charity United Methodist Church)
Flint: Central United Methodist Church – Bethel United Methodist Church moved into the Central United Methodist Church building.
Lakeview United Methodist Church
The Edward L. Gordon, Sr. Memorial United Methodist Church
Oak Park United Methodist Church
Bennington United Methodist Church
Owosso: Central United Methodist Church
New Haven United Methodist Church
Brant United Methodist Church (Now a part of Saginaw Bay District)
Burton United Methodist Church – Name changed to Phoenix United Methodist Church 

When it became the Flint District, in 1850, there were eleven appointments. Today (1983) there are seventy in sixty-five charges, including three organized cooperative ministries. Over the years the boundaries have proved to be elastic reaching from Flint to Richmond and Saginaw to some not quite ascertainable southern point. Now it is much easier to identify our geography using St. Charles, Millington, Clarkston, and Laingsburg as roughly being the corners of the District.

Salaries were elastic also. There was a time when the District’s highest salary was paid by the Indian Mission. That salary was $232.00 per year. Nearly one fifth of the Flint District was Indians in those years.

The most famous citizen of which we are aware is Seth Reed. He earned his fame if for nothing else, through attending seventy annual conferences, which we shall claim as the standing world’s record. Beyond that he was the founder of the Chelsea Home, an establishment which to this day provides meaningful service to its residents and to the United Methodist Church. Most of the above information was provided by Rev. Ronald Brunger, to whom we are greatly indebted.

BIRCH RUN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Alonzo E. Vincent
12265 Church St. Box 277
Birch Run, MI 48415
(989-624-9340)
E-mail: birchrunumc@yahoo.com

The Methodist Protestant Church of Birch Run was organized about 1880. The Methodists who came here from New York State had been supplied by traveling ministers holding meetings in the first old school house in Birch Run. This continued for several years, later going into the hall above M. J. Colon’s store. Then for a short time in the Baptist Church. Because of a disagreement over rent, they moved the meeting to the Grand Army Hall, which was offered rent free.

The Clio Methodist Protestant Church became interested in the work at Birch Run. In 1890 our class was taken into the Clio Circuit and joined the Elva Mission and Olive Brach churches becoming the “Birch Run Circuit.” There were some difficulties becoming autonomous, but during the 20’s the Church began to grow and a parsonage built on the North side of the Church.

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BRENT CREEK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
10412 West Mt. Morris Road
Flushing, MI

Brent Creek United Methodist Church was first organized in 1886 as the Flint River Circuit. Its first pastor was Rev. Robert Rutledge, and since there was no church building, services were held in area schoolhouses. However, on April 28, 1891, Lots 11 and 12 in Brent Creek were purchased for the sum of $30.00 and a church building was begun immediately. The building was completed and dedicated on September 6^th of 1891, as a Methodist Protestant Church.

On March 4, 1893, Lot 13 was purchased for $50.00. Since there was already a Methodist Protestant Church in New Lothrop, Brent Creek was placed on the New Lothrop Charge where it remained until 1939, when the Methodist Protestant and Methodist Episcopal Churches united and became the Methodist Church. Brent Creek was then placed on the New Lothrop Methodist Church Charge.

In 1959, Brent Creek Methodist Church was removed from the New Lothrop Charge and placed on the West Vienna Charge.

In 1968, Brent Creek Methodist Church became Brent Creek United Methodist Church when the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren merged.

Since 1983, Brent Creek Methodist Church has permanently closed its doors.

BURTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH now
PHOENIX UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev Bruce L. Billing
4423 S. Genesee Rd.
Grand Blanc, MI
Phone: (810) 743-3370
Email: phonenixumc@aol.com

Our congregation has been a vital part of this community for nearly 143 years (written about 1983). The Burton Methodist Society was organized in December, 1838 with eight members. The society met in homes and schools for two years. In 1855 the property on Genesee Rd. was donated and a wood frame structure, seating 175, was built. In 1898, the wood frame structure was replaced by a brick structure at a total cost of only $1400! On May 11, 1937, the church was completely destroyed by fire. A new building was built and dedicated on September 24, 1939. On January 10, 1942, fire struck again, completely destroying the building. Once again, plans for rebuilding began. The cornerstone was laid on March 29, 1942. The cost was $6000!

On June 5, 1983, the Burton United Methodist Church broke ground for a new building. This time the cost was $345,000.

BURTON CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Theodore D. Whitely, Sr.
4428 Columbine Ave.
Burton, MI 48529
Phone: (810) 743-1770
E-mail: christum@gfn.org

In November of 1968, Christ United Methodist Church, Burton, came into being when two congregations in the south of Flint merged (Columbine United Methodist Church and Huron Street United Methodist Church).

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BURTON EMMANUEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. James R. Rupert
4323 Davison Rd.
Burton, MI 48509
Phone: (810) 742-8885
E-mail: burteumc@famvid.com

Emmanuel Church is the fruit of the Fourth Ward Evangelical Church of Flint, which is now Hope United Methodist Church. Early in 1913 the “Knights of the Cross,” a young men’s Sunday School class, purchased three lots in Kearsley Park, a growing subdivision of Flint. Subscriptions were taken to cover the pledges for Kearsley Park Church. After final payment on the lots, a party was held in an old shack on one of the lots to celebrate the occasion. A house was built in the fall of 1913 to be used as a Sunday School unit which held the first services on December 7 with 69 people present to hear Rev. J. S. Deabler.

The Kearsley Park Mission had a charter membership of 30 with the following officers: Trustees Rev. J. H. Keeler, Ezra G. Davis, and George Schroeder; class leader, Re. J. H. Keeler; exhorter, Mrs. Ezra G. Davis; and pastor, Rev. J. S. Deabler.

In February, 1914, a Young Peoples Alliance was organized and in September a Junior Y. P. A. organized, each having a membership of 28.

The church grew and on July 25, 1915 Rev. F. W. Kirn, the first regular pastor, turned the sod for the new church building. Rev. J. M. Nyce laid the cornerstone. The new church building was dedicated March 11, 1916 with Bishop S. C. Breyfogel officiating; the house became the parsonage. The sanctuary was enlarged and extensive improvements made in 1940 at a cost of $12,000.00 under the pastorate of Rev. H. W. Link.

The Kearsley Park Auxiliary of the Missionary Society of the Michigan Conference was organized at a meeting held in the parsonage on February 12, 1922 with 16 charter members. The women’s group, now known as Emmanuel United Methodist Women, continues to be an active, supportive organization.

The Evangelical Association merged with the United Brethren in 1946 to become the Evangelical United Brethren Church. After 46 years of active spiritual ministry to the community, the congregation elected on July 21, 1957 to relocate due to changed conditions, inadequate parking, and a need for a more adequate church building. A site was purchased on the corner of Davison Rd and Wilmar St. in the growing suburb of Flint that is now known as Burton for $11,000.00. On September 21, 1961 a new parsonage was dedicated on Covert Rd. on a lot adjoining the church property. The congregation elected to change the name from Kearsley Park Church to Emmanuel Church on April 7, 1963. Construction of the new church building began on August 21, 1963; the first service was held on December 22. The church was dedicated on January 19, 1964 with Bishop Reuben H. Mueller speaking; Rev. J. W. Dempsey was pastor.

The Evangelical United Brethren Church merged with the Methodist Church in 1968 to become the United Methodist Church. The last remaining charter member of Emmanuel Church, Ruth Davis Robinson, passed away July 21, 1979.

Ministers who have served the congregation are:

The following members of the congregation have gone into full-time ministry: Stanley Kirn, Darld Black, Harold Kohn, Richard Peacock, Larry Peacock, and Retta Coates.

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CHESANING TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Sherry Lynn Parker
1629 W. Brady Rd
Chesaning, MI 48616
Phone (989) 845-2227
E-Mail: tumc@centurytel.net

The present Trinity United Methodist Church of Chesaning came into being on September 29, 1968, locating in a new church edifice on M-57 a mile west of town. This trinity merger brought together the following previous congregations: the Chesaning Methodist Church, the Salem United Methodist Church and the Robinson Methodist Church.

The Chesaning Methodist Church was originally established by the first Michigan Methodist Episcopal Church Conference in 1856, carrying the name of the Chesaning Methodist Episcopal Church with the Rev. S. P. Burch being appointed as their first resident pastor. In 1846 this community adopted Northampton as its name, but in 1853 its name was officially changed to Chesaning, an Indian word meaning “Place of the Big Rock,” which it had been previously called by them.

From the time that white families started to settle this community around 1842, Methodist type services were conducted in homes, store buildings or the Town Hall up to the time a church building was available. The first church building in Chesaning was that of the new Methodist Episcopal Church, located at the present 230 S. Front Street, and dedicated in 1869. It remained their church home until the merger in 1968.

The Salem United Methodist Church of Chesaning developed from these fore-runner denominations:

The Evangelical denomination was initially established in Pennsylvania and Ohio in 1800. A group of Chesaning people started holding services around 1870 and in 1876 they had a new church built and dedicated with Rev. J. C. Esher as pastor. This church was located at the present 123 Commercial Street until 1943 when the property was sold to the Zion Lutheran congregation. They then moved to the Baptist Church located on Pearl Street and remained there until the 1968 Trinity merger with the Methodists. This congregation had church services in German until 1901.

The Church of the United Brethren in Christ denomination developed from a German religious movement in Pennsylvania and Maryland around 1790. In 1800 they organized, adopted their name, spread to Ohio and began developing many churches. This movement flourished and spread to many other states.

In 1946 these two denominations united and became known as the Evangelical United Brethren Church. This Chesaning Evangelical congregation went under this denomination’s precepts until April 23, 1968, when this denomination merged with the Methodists worldwide and they became known as Salem United Methodist Church. That lasted five months; then since September 29, 1968, they have become part of the congregation of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Chesaning.

The Robinson Methodist Episcopal Church started with a Methodist type of Sunday School organized by a community layman, George Robinson, at a log school house in 1857. This movement developed through efforts of individuals and visiting ministers to the point that the Robinson Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated in 1899 by Bishop Seth Reed with Rev. C. W. Austin as pastor. This church was located four miles west and one mile north of Chesaning.

In 1905 the Robinson Church became part of the Chesaning Methodist Episcopal Church Charge under the ministry of Rev. A. B. Sutcliffe. It continued in that manner until the trinity merger of 1968, when that congregation also became part of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Chesaning.

From 1974 up to the present time in 1983, this church is being well served by Rev. Lewis P. Compton. It has a membership of nearly 500. Many worthwhile activities and much Christian love and fellowship results from this group.

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BETHANY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Roger F. Gedcke
353 E. Vienna St.
Clio, MI 48420
Phone: (810) 686-5151
E-Mail: cliobethanyumc@att.net

Bethany United Methodist Church was organized on April 22, 1956 as the result of the merger of the Trinity Methodist Church and the Wesley Methodist Church both of Clio.

Trinity was the older of the two, having been established in 1866 by the Reverend Milo Smith as the Methodist Protestant Church of Clio. In 1869 under the leadership of the Reverend Jared Warner, the auditorium was built at the north east corner of Young and South Mill Streets. Extensive remodeling occurred in the 1890’s in 1929 classroom and dining facilities were completed to serve a growing congregation. The church had borrowed $8,000 in 1928 to build the addition but with the effects of the Depression, that debt was not paid until December 1939 after $3,471.29 had been paid in interest to the Clio and Lapeer banks. The last special activity before the dedication was in the form of an informative Mock Wedding of the M. E. Church and M. P. Church with wedding gifts in the form of money to pay the last few dollars of the mortgage.

Treasurer’s books for the Trinity Church School in 1939, the year of the union of Methodist churches, show some interesting items. Cost of cleaning for cleaning the church auditorium was $2.50; piano tuning cost $5.84; and teaching supplies, for one year, amounted to only $164.60 for an average attendance of 150. With a total year collection of $350.98 an amount of $133.02 was paid to benevolences or missions. The Adult Department always had the highest attendance of any department in the church school. Church records show that in 1932 the Consumers Power monthly bill was $5.00 and in 1941 only $10.00 per month was budgeted for heat and lights.

Wesley Methodist Church was organized in 1888. The Rev. J. F. Emerick who had been pastor of the Clio Methodist Protestant Church from 1877-1880 and again from 1883-1886 took his letter of standing from the Methodist Protestant Society and returned two years later to organize a Methodist Episcopal Church. A new church was dedicated at the corner of Johnson and South Mill Street on February 12, 1889.

Pine Run in 1897 and both Thetford and West Vienna M. E. Churches were a part of the Clio M. E. Circuit for short periods of time.

COLUMBIAVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. AmyLee Brun Terhune
4696 Pine Street
Columbiaville, MI 48421
Phone: (810) 793-6363
E-Mail: Pastoramy@clergy.net

The Columbiaville United Methodist Church is one of the older churches in the Flint District. Methodist services were first held in this area by some of the first settlers in the 1830’s. These same settlers later organized the first Methodist Protestant church, and received the first Methodist minister, the Rev. A. C. Carpenter, in the 1850’s. In 1865 these same leaders, pastured by the Rev. P. Hicks, organized the Columbiaville Methodist Protestant Church. They held regular worship services and built a parsonage. The first permanent house of worship was built in 1880, on the site of the present church building, at the corner of Pine and Second Streets. This building lasted until 1896 when it was struck by lightening during a quarterly conference meeting. The building burned to the ground, but no injuries were sustained except to the minister who “was knocked down by the shock.”

In 1897 the present structure was built, primarily with large donations from a local lumber company owner, a millionaire named William Peter. Various improvements have been made to the structure through the years, culminating in the addition of an educational wing in 1961. In the summer of 1983 application were forwarded through the Columbiaville Historical Association to both the state and federal historical site agencies to have the church building designated as a state and federal historic site.

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DAVISON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. P. Thomas Wachterhauser
207 E. Third St.
Davison, MI 48423
Phone: (810) 653-5272
E-Mail: davisonumc@yahoo.com

The Methodist Episcopal Society of Davison was founded in 1872 and, in its first appearance in the Annual Report of the Detroit Annual Conference in 1873, claimed 66 members and held real estate valued at $3,000.

The Davison United Methodist Church now occupies on its original site a modern and complete set of buildings; the present Sanctuary was completed in 1970. Its membership now exceeds 750 persons.

Until about 1870 Davison Township had no settled nucleus: its population at that time was 1172 persons, mostly farmers. The land which comprises the original Village of Davison was acquired for development in 1869; and in 1871 the railroad line which is now the Grand Trunk Western Railroad was built. A community formed almost at once, and by 1872 there was not only the Methodist Episcopal Church, but a Baptist and a Roman Catholic Church; by 1880 a Free Methodist Church had been formed. All of these are still in existence (as of the writing of this booklet in 1983).

It is perhaps indicative of the place of the Methodist Church in the Community that one of its founders and most active members, Goodenough Townsend, was also one of the founders and most active citizens of Davison Township. Members of the Davison Methodist Church have constantly been active in civic and political affairs. Its members have served as mayors, councilmen, members and officers of the Board of Education, and as Township Officials. They have participated on development projects such as the Davison Regional Park. Indeed, the progress and development of the Methodist Church and of the Davison Community have intertwined from the outset.

The Church has seldom been without active lay members in the Detroit Conference. These have chaired and participated in committees. One of its members, Judge Earl Borradaille, is the current delegate to the General Conference to be held in 1984.

GENESEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Bruce L. Nowacek
7190 N. Genesee Rd.
Genesee, MI 48437
Phone (810) 640-2280
E-Mail: geneseethetford@aol.com

Genesee Village is a suburban community about 5 miles north of Flint. It is in the Township of Genesee with a population of approximately 28,000. The Village population is approximately 3,500 (this article was written in 1983)

Genesee Village began as a lumber town in the early 1800’s. Since, it has grown into an escape from industrial Flint. There is no heavy industry in the village, it is a residential community. The local business that does exist in Genesee Village is service oriented.

The Methodist Church was the first church in the area. Built in 1903, it was organized by two Baptist men from a nearby community in 1900. It was first organized as the Methodist Protestant Church of Genesee.

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THETFORD CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev Bruce L. Nowacek
G-11394 North Center Rd
Genesee, MI 48437
Phone: (810) 687-0190
E-mail: geneseethetford@aol.com

Thetford Center is a rural community 12 miles north of Flint. However, it relates to the smaller city of Clio, which is only 3 miles to the West. The community was settled by German and Scott farmers in the early 1800’s, it continues to remain basically an unmixed ethnic community.

Thetford Center is the only church in the township (written in 1983). It was organized in 1906. The original building was razed in 1973 because of the state taking right-of-way for a road. A new building was hurriedly built in 1973. The former building was right on the four corners in the heart of the Township.

OREGON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Carol A. Brown
2985 German Rd
Columbiaville, MI 48421
Phone: (810) 793-6862
E-Mail: carolbrown@intouchmi.com

The Oregon Church has a long and interesting history. The Church was established in 1873 as the Oregon Evangelical Church to serve a settlement of German immigrant farmers in the nearby area. Originally known and identified as the “German Church,” it is still called by this name by many of the people who live in the community today (1983). The congregation grew out of a religious group that was started by the Rev. C. Boehm, a traveling preacher of the Evangelical Association. Before a church could be built meetings were held in local schools and homes. In 1873, under the pastorate of the Rev. J. M. Haug, the Oregon Society was organized and incorporated. In 1874 the present building was erected under the leadership and ministry of the Rev. C. Ude. For many years the church served as a community center and meeting place. Each week a member of one of the pioneer families would pick up the mail at the Carpenter Railroad Station., three miles east of the church, and distribute it at the Church on Sunday. The Oregon Church has been the sight of two annual conferences the first in April 1882 with Bishop Thomas Bowman presiding, the second was held in 1894 with Bishop S. C. Breyfogle presiding.

This congregation has participated in three denominational mergers. The first was the union of the Evangelical Association and the United Evangelical Church in 1922 to form the United Evangelical Church. The second was the union of the United Evangelical Church and the Church of the United Brethren in Christ in 1946 to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The third was the union of the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist Church to 1968 to form the United Methodist Church.

The fellowship hall was added in 1956. As a result of the 1968 merger the Oregon and Elba Churches were joined on a charge together and for the last fifteen years have been developing a ministry together under the leadership of a shared pastor living in the Oregon parsonage. On September 15, 1974 the congregation celebrated its centennial with Bishop Dwight Loder preaching and over 350 people in attendance. In June 1976 the Oregon Church became part of the Davison-Lakeville Group ministry and the Rev. James M. Thompson, from the Oregon-Elba Charge, was appointed as the Director. During 1980-1981 the Oregon Church completed a program of renovation and remodeling.

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OTISVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. James P. James
200 W. Main St.
Otisville, MI 48463
Phone: (810) 631-2911
E-Mail: revjinjames@charter.net

The first Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1858. The first permanent building housed the congregation in 1869 and was located at the Northeast corner of Jefferson and Pine Streets in Otisville, Michigan. A small cyclone badly damaged the building in 1919. A new structure was erected at the corner of Jefferson and Main about one block from the former site. Dedication services were held November 15, 1921. On November 10, 1946 a 25^th Anniversary Service was held.

At one time when Dr. William Moalton was visiting, he called the Otisville Church, “The Church of Beautiful Pictures.”

The Otisville Church is a member of the Davison-Lakeville group ministry.

RICHFIELD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. T. Bradley Terhune
10090 E. Coldwater
Davison, MI 48423
Phone (810) 653-3644
E-Mail: bterhune@clergy.net

The Richfield United Methodist Church has been a part of the local community for over 100 years, celebrating its centennial in 1979.

OTTER LAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The Otter Lake United Methodist Church is built on Lot 2, Block 9 in the village and was dedicated February 22, 1882. The United Presbyterian Society of Otter Lake built it. The Society was organized April 17, 1880. At first services were held in the village Schoolhouse, but in 1881 measures were taken for the purpose of building a place of worship. Work on the present building was begun in the fall of 1881. The Lapeer County Democrat said “The new United Presbyterian Church is rapidly nearing completion and worshippers will be called thither on Sabbath by the tolling of a thousand pound bell. Rev. Wilson will soon have the pleasure of officiating therein.” (Nov. 16, 1881 issue)

The Rev. John B. Wilson had taken charge of the United Presbyterian congregation of Otter Lake and Fairgrove, Tuscola County, in 1880, preaching alternate Sundays in each.

In April of 1900, the building was sold to the Methodist Protestant Society and it was renamed the Methodist Protestant Church of Otter Lake.

In the Secretary’s Book of the Otter Lake Mission – 1900 – we found: Otter Lake, Michigan, August 20^th, 1900. We the undersigned met at W. J. Eastlake’s for the purpose of organizing ourselves into a Church known as the Methodist Protestant Church of Otter Lake. W. J. Eastlake, Thomas Braidwood, Francis Braidwood, Artinsa E. Balcom, Leah Green, and Mrs. W. J. Eastlake. Chairman of the meeting was Rev. G. Ostrander of Fostoria. Moved and supported that Mrs. A. E. Balcom be Secretary. Carried. Moved and supported that we suspend the Rules of the Association and elect Trustees by Acclamation. Carried. Moved and supported that the Michigan Annual Conference grant to the Circuit of Otter Lake – the NW quarter of the Twp of Marathon and the W half of the Twp of Watertown and W to the E bounds of the Clio Circuit. Carried. The Annual Conference to be set at Saginaw the 28^th day of August, 1900.

The first Pastor mentioned was J. W. Saxbee. Today (1983) the church is still active with Pastor Charles H. West.

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FENTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. David W. Truran
119 South Leroy Street
Fenton, MI 48430
Phone: (810) 629-2132
E-Mail: fentonumc99@sbcglobal.net

The Warrens, who were Methodists in Pennsylvania, invited Rev. Washington Jackson, a Circuit Rider on the Livingston Mission, to come and preach in their log cabin. A class was formed and in March 1837 the Methodist Church was organized with 7 members in Fenton (then called Dibbleville). Bro. Jackson preached here every four weeks on Thursday evenings. It was not until 1847 did this small church have a regular preacher.

Levi Warren gave the land on which all of our churches have stood. In 1849 the first brick church building was started and dedicated in 1852. Some years later in an attempt to enlarge this building, the excavation work caused the walls to fall down. An entire new church had to be built.

This church was built for $9,447.00 and was dedicated in 1869. It was host to the 15^th Annual Detroit Conference in 1870. By 1891 the membership had doubled to 280. A parsonage was built in 1893 and electric lights put in the church in 1896. This growing church needed more room. Additional land was purchased in 1920. An educational unit was built onto the church in 1928 and one week before dedication, on May 12, 1929, a fire damaged this new addition and destroyed the sanctuary.

During the “Depression” and under the leadership of Rev. Ira W. Cargo, the 588 members determined to rebuild. Thru sacrifice and hard work gradually a new gothic structure arose. Nine years later (1938) this congregation was able to worship in the sanctuary.

An office was opened in the church in 1956. Additional education facilities were needed and this unit was dedicated in 1962. In the 1970’s, at a cost of $174,000, renovation of the church building was completed and a new enclosed stair tower added. In 1976 additional land south of the church was purchased. A new Moller Pipe Organ was purchased in 1977.

A second parsonage was bought in 1980 for the use of our associate ministers. In 1982 this church purchased the land and building south of the church to use for youth and adult activities and named it the United Methodist Center.

In our 147 years, four young ladies have become missionaries in foreign lands and three young men are Christian ministers. And this church has grown from 7 devout members in 1837 to 800 members in 1983.

Presently (1983), the church employs seven people who serve as professional staff.

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LAKE FENTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Emerson W. Arntz
2581 N. Long Lake Rd
Fenton, MI
Phone: (810) 629-5161
E-Mail: ghanesrev@usol.com

This story begins when this territory was mostly woods and dirt roads with Indians as well as white men living here. The settlers from Long Lake and the surrounding area organized in 1837. The met in the homes of different families and called themselves “The Long Lake Methodist Class.”

Soon the number grew and their meeting place was moved to the log O’Dell School. But the people weren’t satisfied. They wanted a church in which to worship. So, Mr. Dan O’Dell donated the land and his time and built a log church at the corner of Torrey and Ray Roads. There were 16 members in 1842 and a Mr. James Cartwright was the leader. Several years later the log church burned and the growing congregation moved to the Long Lake Schoolhouse. This was located on the same corner where Lake Fenton High School is now.

The Linden Circuit was organized at Conference in 1869, with the following circuit appointments: Linden, Long Lake, South Mundy, Kennedy School and the Blair School. The work was good. A revival at Long Lake and the church was blessed with the grace of God.

In 1877 all the churches on the circuit were free from debt and the membership at this time was: Linden 149, South Mundy 90, Long Lake 53, Argentine 34, Dodder 27.

In the fall of 1882 a change was made at Annual Conference and the Linden Charge was made into three appointments: Linden, South Mundy and Long Lake. When South Mundy completed a church, the Long Lake group wanted a church of its own. In 1880 the call went out to all the 70 some members to be sure to come to church the following Sunday as there would be a decision made about a new church. A vote was taken and about one half of the congregation voted to leave and transfer either to South Mundy or to the Seventh Day Adventist Church which was located on the corner of Thompson and Linden Roads. This left the balance of about 12 families to carry on.

In 1892 the cornerstone for a new church was laid. This church was to be name the “First Methodist Episcopal Church of Long Lake.” It was located on the north side of Thompson Road, between Torrey and Main Roads. This was a very impressive country church and served the community well for more than 30 years. On July 2, 1923 at 3:00 p.m. the church was struck by lightening. Nearly everything was saved from the blaze including an old pulpit Bible, the old hymnals and the bell that is in the bell tower today.

The congregation now faced the task of building a new church. A new site was donated at the corner of Torrey and North Long Lake Roads. With an increased membership and many faithful parishioners, the necessary funds were raised and in the fall of 1923 the cornerstone was laid for a brick church to be named “Community Methodist Episcopal Church of Long Lake.”

South Mundy, Linden and Long Lake had their own churches at this time, but the shared the same minister. According to the records book, times of services were 10:00 am, 3:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. In later years this was changed to 9:00 am, 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. In 1950 Long Lake Church had its first fulltime minister, Rev. Benjamin F. Slates, who resided in the community after his retirement and until his death in 1977.

In 1955 plans were made and funds raised to build a new church. A new site was purchased east of the present church. On November 22, 1960 the cornerstone was laid for a new sanctuary to be called the “Lake Fenton Methodist Church.” The name change from Long Lake to Lake Fenton was made because in 1932 the Genesee County Board of Supervisors had changed the name of the lake on which the church was located from Long Lake to Lake Fenton.

In 1975 a home on Torrey Road, across from the church property, was purchased for a parsonage.

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ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. James R. Rupert
1653 Davison
Flint, MI 48506
Phone: (810) 235-0016
E-Mail: burteumc@famvid.com

With the lumbering industry moving west, and the mines of the Copper Country closing, these unemployed workers flocked to Flint for the jobs opening up in the NEW automobile factories. With so many newcomers, housing was scarce, some even living in tents at first. Of course, there were no churches out in the fringes for new people, so they started worshiping in homes and enlisted the Methodist Episcopal Conference for help. Three such groups were the beginnings of Asbury:

In 1910, those in the nice residential area of St. John Street near Halsey Street bridge, met in homes, then started a Sunday School in a small school. They were given two lots on Lewis and Dakota Streets at the bridge. They had tent services there in the summer of 1911. That fall, a temporary 20 x 24 two-story building was built. The next summer, the red brick church was started and the basement used until the hundred members could finish the upstairs. The Riverside N. E. Church was dedicated in September 1916, with Re. Geo. Tripp its first pastor. The debt was paid off by November, 1917 (valuation $8,000).

East of Kearsley Park, young families were having prayer meetings in their homes or in the grove at Ohio and Arlington Avenues (the present site of Washington School). By cold weather of 1917, the Methodist Union helped them secure a building on Kentucky Avenue. Under Rev. C. E. Hill, this Wesley Mission thrived. They put a basement under the building, but that was not enough either.

In 1921, under Rev. Joseph James, associate with Rev. Tripp, the Riverside Parish House was dedicated to God’s work on Murray Hill, at 1655 Richfield Road (now Davison Road), the present location of Asbury.

In 1923, these last two groups united to form Wesley M. E. Church, meeting in the Parish House. They grew until classes were squeezed in everywhere in that farm house, with some in homes, and others in the fire station basement! With both of these churches “bursting their seams,” they united, choosing Asbury as their new name. They stayed in their separate locations, until the first unit of a new building was ready in 1927. During this time, their pastor was Rev. Fred Andrews, a former builder, who served as architect and general contractor.

Before long the Great Depression hit! In 1935, Rev. Harry Colenso was appointed to us with our $82,000 debt. It was foreclosed and redeemed through much praying, sacrificial giving and cooperative creditors. That debt was paid and the mortgage burned Easter 1940. In 1955, an addition was completed with the new front brick wall and its lovely “Come Unto Me” stained glass window. Then in 1962, a major remodeling was completed, resulting in the much more usable layout that we still have today. The later installation of a chair lift was a boon to many for whom the stairs were a problem.

We thank God for the spiritual blessings, contributions, and guidance of these dedicated pastors of Asbury, with a special tribute to their wives, too:

BETHEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1309 N. Ballenger Highway
Flint, MI 48504
Phone: (810) 238-3843
E-Mail: bethelumc@netzero.net

Bethel United Methodist Church, a black congregation of 400 members, is located on the Southside of Flint, Michigan. It was organized in 1921 by persons who had connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church in southern states. It grew slowly and operated out of a basement until 1948, at which time the building program was completed with both a basement and sanctuary.

Bethel is presently both a neighborhood and metropolitan church, with its membership coming from all directions in the greater Flint area.

Bethel continued as a part of the Lexington Conference of the former Central Jurisdiction. The Central Jurisdiction was established in 1939 to accommodate the blacks within the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was really a compromise to help pull off the merger of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

These 2 Methodist bodies had split in 1844 over the issue of race and slavery and were being reunited with the location of blacks, regardless of geography, in the Central Jurisdiction as the compromised solution. Therefore, the Central Jurisdiction was established with the principle of “separate but equal” operating.

In 1968 with the merger of the former Methodist Church and the former Evangelical United Brethren Church, the Central Jurisdiction was abolished. Bethel organizationally then became a part of the Flint District of the Detroit Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Bethel is 1 of 2 black churches out of 19 within the city of Flint and 80 charges of the Flint District. It is 1 of 16 black churches in the Detroit Conference which has over 400 charges.

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BETHLEHEM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

(Congregation merged with HOPE United Methodist Church. A new church formed in the Bethlehem building – CHARITY United Methodist Church)

“By their fruit ye shall know them” is an expression which has very aptly described Bethlehem United Methodist Church throughout its history.

In spite of population problems which threaten it today, the Spirit centered missionary emphasis which has always characterized it is persisting in spite of its struggles to cope with its changing role.

Bethlehem Church dates back to the year 1918 when it was founded through the efforts of some German-Russian people and the Rev. Henry Bank, a retired minister of the Central German Conference. Meetings were first held in homes but later were moved to a temporary building on North Saginaw Street which they soon outgrew and then moved to a school house. On July 1, 1920 ground was broken for the church which many of us remember at Leith and Mildred and McClellan Streets. The membership at this time had reached 28 and this small group assumed a debt of $25,000 for the church and $7,000 for a parsonage. Among the charter members were the Edward Henke’s who were the parents of Art Henke, still an active member.

Rev. O. E. Haueter took over the reins at Bethlehem in September of 1920. He was appointed by the Central German Conference of which Bethlehem was a part. Through the efforts of Rev. Haueter and the church, many German immigrants settled in the area. Among these are some whose names are familiar to most of us: Branstner’s, Knerr’s, Wehrli’s, and Ratzlaff’s. By 1922, the debt had been reduced to $5,000 and by 1925; the membership had grown to 81.

Following Rev. Haueter, the Rev. J. J. Link (1927) was assigned to the Bethlehem Church, and he served for six years.

Rev. Theodore Rudin, appointed in 1933, saw us through the difficult transition of language. He preached in both German and English. This tension plus the depression saw a decline in attendance and financial support. It was at this juncture that we became a part of the Detroit Conference.

Through the ministry of Rev. Dwight Lawson, Bethlehem began to seek God’s will and many people found the Lord. A commitment to tithing resulted in the ending of most financial problems.

Rev. Harold Dakin was our pastor from ’42-’44 and prepared us for the coming of Rev. Lloyd M. Blakely whose long index finger punctuated an authority which none could doubt. During his tenure, mid-week prayer meeting saw an attendance as high as 94 from our membership of 185.

In June 1953, the Rev. Theodore Hastings became pastor. He served us until 1966. During Rev. Hastings’ ministry, it was decided that a new church was needed to serve the then growing congregation. On June 24, 1956 land was purchased on Clio Road just south of Pierson Road for a new location. The cornerstone was laid for the new building in the summer of 1960 and on February 26, 1961 the first service was held in the building in which we are currently worshipping.

Rev. Charles Cookingham became our pastor in 1966. Following Rev. Cookingham, Reverend Roland Brooks became our pastor and he served from 1969 to 1978, after which we were served for four years, 1978 to 1982 by the Rev. James McLaurin.

In recent years, shifting population has resulted in a declining membership and some confusion as to our role. In spite of a steady ten year fall-off, Bethlehem still meets its Conference Apportionments in full and has a missionary budget beyond all that totaling more than $7,000.00.

In June of 1982, Rev. Emil Haering came to us from Fowlerville and is working alongside us as we seek God’s Guidance for the future.

This history began with the reference to “fruit.” Now we want to honor those who stand as monuments of God’s Grace and an extension of the faithfulness of Bethlehem. This list includes pastors, evangelists, ministers’ wives, missionaries, and church musicians:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

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BRISTOL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Olaf R. Lidums
G-5285 Van Slyke Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
Phone: (810) 238-9244
E-Mail: slidums@aol.com

In 1836 the Michigan Conference organized the South Flint Circuit to the Swartz Creek Circuit. The people of the community near Bristol Road and Torrey Road felt the need of a place to worship. At that time Horace Bristol had a building where thy cured hops. He let the people use this building for their church services until 1870.

On February 17, 1871 an official board was organized. They decided to build a church building 36 feet wide and 60 feel long. Money was raised by pledges. Most of the work was done by volunteer labor.

Throughout the years the church grew in membership. There were additions made to make it better.

For 60 years it served the community. The church was the center of the lives of the people. Oyster suppers, chicken pie dinners and yes, red crow was done there. We had revivals where many souls were won and joined in the Lord’s work with Prayer Groups and Study Groups.

On May 12, 1929 our building burned to the ground. Very soon plans were made to build again. In the winter we had worship services with Lincoln Park United Methodist Church.

On March 10, 1930 the land was staked out for the new building. This building was to have a basement which was dug by volunteer labor with teams of horses. The corner stone was laid June 1, 1930 and the building was dedicated September 14, 1930. A Memorial window was placed behind the pulpit. As the years passed many improvements were made.

Later the district and the pastor thought we should consider moving. On the remaining three corners of our present location were an airport, fire hall, trucking company and within a mile of us the I-75 Expressway went through.

December 7, 1966 the church board purchased property (our present location) on Van Slyke Road, which included a house and 10 acres. They decided to meet in the Van Slyke School for services paying $20.00 per week. The loved old church was sold. The last service was March 31, 1968.

Plans were made for a new church after much thought and prayer. We were not able to build so we bought “modular buildings.” Our membership changed losing many people. In November 1969 the foundations were put in. December 7, 1969 was our first Sunday in the new building.

Our 100^th Anniversary was observed October 1972. In May of 1975 a committee was appointed to plan for a church building next door to the present structure. October 30, 1977 we had the ground breaking for the auditorium. Our first Sunday in the new church was April 30, 1978. All the furnishings of the church were given by the congregation as memorials of loved ones.

January 28, 1979 the roof of the fellowship hall fell in due to the melting of ice and snow. Thank God no one was hurt. Everyone got behind the board and we soon had a new and better fellowship hall.

We have had several lay Witness Missions and are planning for another one in October. We sponsored three different groups of Vietnamese with 19 people. We support the Dort/Oak Park House.

We consider ourselves an up coming Mission church. Welcoming all and sharing in the work of Christ our Lord.

Compiled by: Maude Bristol (October 1983)

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DIMOND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Olaf R. Lidums
2131 Eberly Rd.
Flint, MI 48532
Phone: (810) 732-0650
E-Mail: slidums@aol.com

From community club meetings held in an old school building, from Bible studies, prayer groups and Sunday School classes held in individual homes, arose the need for an organized church. That church, Dimond Methodist Church, came into being in 1924 and was named for the Flint District Superintendent of that time, Dr. E. D. Dimond.

Over the years the meeting place for “Dimond” has changed, also from the Utley-Corunna Road building, to 341 Brown Street, to its present location at 2131 Eberly Road. The present edifice was erected in 1950-1951 and a Dedication Service was held with Bishop Marshall Reed presiding.

The name, too, has been changed over the years. First known as “City Farms Methodist Episcopal Church,” the name was changed to “Dimond Methodist Episcopal Church,” to “Dimond Memorial” and finally to “Dimond United Methodist Church.”