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.”

In 1978 a front entrance to the building was added. Most recently, we were named “Church of the Year” by the Flint District and with the $3,000.00 grant, we were able to repair our badly leaking roof. Praise the Lord! Our congregation responded by offering gifts of money, talents, and prayers so this project was completed in a very short time.

This congregation has had 33 ministers to date, the present being Reverend Eugene K. Bacon. From the beginning, these ministers have preached the “word of God” and have led the people into an evangelistic, mission-minded ministry. We have fed the hungry, clothed the needy, cleaned homes for the weary. Today we support such missions as the Children’s Village, Forgotten Man Mission and Dort Oak Park House, among others.

“People-sharing” is a very important ministry at Dimond. We have shown our love and caring for the community, as well as having a concern for world affairs. A building is a place to gather, but “People make the Church.”

CALVARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Ray T. McGee
2111 Flushing Rd
Flint, MI 48504
Phone: (810) 238-7685
E-Mail: prmcgee@sbcglobal.net

Calvary United Methodist Church was founded on the corner of Third and Chevrolet Avenues by the Rev. Horace Mallinson in 1928. In 1922 we bought property at the corner of Woodbridge and Bagley Streets, and have expanded several times, the latest being in 1979, consisting of a Sanctuary with a Fellowship Center and Nursery Complex.

Pastors who have served are: the Rev. William Moulton, (1922-25); the Rev. William C. Cain, (1925-26); the Rev. Joseph H. Glidden, (1926-32); the Rev. Herman Schwarzkopf, (1932-39); the Rev. A. Stanley Stone, (1939-44); the Rev. Roy C. Johns, (1944-54); the Rev. Walter Saxsman, (1954-62); the Rev. Thomas F. Jackson, (1962-68); and the Rev. Dorraine S. Snogren, (1968-current) (Article written in 1983).

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CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
(Closed, BETHEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH moved into the Central United Methodist Church building)
1309 North Ballenger Hwy.
Flint, MI 48504

The history of Central United Methodist Church goes back to 1834 when the Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church appointed Bradford Frazee to the Saginaw Mission. This mission resulted some years later in the construction of Flint’s first Church building, Court Street Methodist Episcopal Church. On March 19, 1861, that Church was completely destroyed by fire. The decision to rebuild the Church on the Court Street property resulted in some of the membership of Court Street Church, who lived north of the Flint River to form a new congregation and in June of 1861 property was secured on the corner of Garland Street and Second Avenue, and a building was constructed by the end of that year. A new building replaced the original structure in 1888 and served as the home of the “Garland Street Church” (later renamed Central Methodist Church) until 1959 when a new building was constructed on the present site on Ballenger Highway. Dr. Leslie Williams was the pastor during this move. The first building was constructed was the sanctuary and offices, followed by the addition of the educational unit and later in 1970 the addition of the “Commons” area. The final mortgage on the building was burned on October 25, 1981. Central Church has sent five of its pastors to the District Superintendency and two of its “favorite sons,” Norbert Smith and John Mulder, into the ministry.

LAKEVIEW UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
(Closed June 6, 1954)

In 1912 the growing need for a church in the south end of Flint was evident. The Elm Park M. E. church was organized and services were held in a vacant house and later a school. In 1915 the old brewery property located at South Saginaw and Fifteenth streets was purchased. The church incorporated and the name changed to Lakeview Methodist Episcopal Church. Worship took place in the brewery until 1918. In 1916, Rev. Hoyt became ill and was assisted in the work by Wm Moulton, a young man about to enter the ministry.

In 1918, two lots were purchased on Fifteenth St., a chapel was added to the small house on the lot which became the permanent location. The first church owned parsonage was purchased adjacent to this property in 1923. At this time, two circles were in operation, the Elm Park and the South Side, first organized in 1917. In 1935 the church was threatened foreclosure as the bank holding the mortgage had been closed. The Flint Methodist Union owned two lots on South Saginaw St., and through their generosity they negotiated a trade for the mortgage. The year 1936 marked a real advance. The budget of $2,000 was balanced for the first time in many years and many repairs were made giving evidence of new courage and devotion on the part of the growing membership. In 1939 due to unification of the Protestant and Episcopal churches the name was changed to Lakeview Methodist Church. In 1940 the Charter Meeting of women’s work, which included Women’s Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized and called: “Women’s Society of Christian Service.” Mrs. Jeanette Weir was the first president. Because our membership was small, we often shared pastors with other charges, which included: Lincoln Park, Grace, Lapeer St., Huron and Columbine, Goodrich. During the years 1942-43, Rev. Dixon was instrumental in getting a mission started and finally a church was built in the south end of Flint called Columbine Methodist Church and became part of the Lakeview charge.

In 1945, fifty-four men who had been or were serving in the armed services were remembered with cards and gifts. In 1946-47 the church continued to grow and a church in Finland was adopted where clothing and supplies were sent. In 1947, Rev. Beatrice Townsend was appointed the minister. A woman preacher, Oh My! She and her invalid husband were cordially welcomed. When she left six years later, it was said: “What a woman.” A rather unusual event took place in December, 1951 when the church gave a reception to seven couples in the church who had been married fifty years or more.

In February, 1954, many of the membership was surprised and shocked when a meeting was called with “the intent to sell the church property.” Stuart Ballou, Chairman of the Board of Trustees stated that the church could not be maintained any longer in view of economic conditions, membership moving, the location of the church, etc. The congregation voted to sell carried 22 to 13.

Lakeview was always active in all missionary enterprises of the church both at home and abroad and contributed cheerfully, often sacrificially to all the extra askings. Young people were helped to attend the various camps sponsored by the Methodists and representatives attended the meetings of the District and Conference. Lakeview was an influence in the lives of at least six persons who went into full time Christian service: Catherine McCoy Schubert, Frances Ballou, Mabel Rice Johns, Phillip Dixon, Calvin Rice and Tad Townsend.

Thus after forty-four years of activity, the Lakeview Methodist Church disbanded with 113 members, but only 54 were able to attend regularly or contribute. The last service was held June 6, 1954.

The church was sold for $17,000 to the Pilgrim Temple Church of God and Christ (colored) congregation. The money and mortgage of the property was turned over to the Flint Methodist Union. Later, $2,500 was given to the Central Methodist Church, as many of the members relocated there. At the Annual meeting, former members were invited as honored guests and the Union set up a fund called: “The Lakeview Trust Fund” to help small churches in their building programs.

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

Our history goes back to 1834, six months before Michigan became a state when Rev. Bradford Frazee from the Ohio Conference stopped to preach while on his way to the Saginaw Mission. By 1835, Rev. William Brockway came every third week and held services in Wait Beach’s Tavern. A church building was finished in 1844 and a circuit-riding minister made it one of his eleven preaching points. Seven years later it had become a station called the First Methodist Church which is still Court Street’s legal name. Then, about fourteen years later in 1861, the church assumed the name Court Street to distinguish it from the newly formed Garland Street Church on the North side of the river (now Central United Methodist Church).

EASTWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Mary E. Spencer
3312 Whittier
Flint, MI 48506
Phone: (810) 742-7200
E-Mail: eastwoodumc@aol.com

Eastwood – just the mention of the word and I think of Eastwood Church and the love of all the people. It is a happy church, a family centered church.

It all began in the early 50’s with a very strong lady by the names of Vera Bates Coffeen and a district superintendent, Dr. William Moulton. They saw the need for a Methodist Church on the other side of the track from Asbury Church, in a community called Thrift City. And so it all began with a supply pastor by the name of Rev. Hudgins and a handful of faithful people, some of whom are still here – Verna Mayhew, Loy Baumgardner, Vicki Endicott, Shirley and Bernard Hedstrom, Virginia and Charles Brown, and Hazel Sabin.

Another supply pastor came by the name of Rev. Garrett. More people were recruited by Mrs. Coffeen and the faithful few walked the dirt streets pounding on doors and inviting folks to come to the temporary school building on the corner of Averill and Whittier streets.

In 1954 our first full time minister came. His name was Rev. William Bray and he came to us fresh from seminary with his wife Eleanor and daughter Sandy, and lots of ideas to help us move forward in our Christian teachings and our building program. By this time it had been established that we were ready to build a church, membership had grown to about 100 members and everything was going great. So in Spring, of 1955, we broke ground for the first phase of our building, the educational unit.

About the same time, Flint was developing a large complex, now known as the College and Cultural Center, and a church known as Kearsley Street Church was in the path, so they needed to relocate. Our district superintendent approached both congregations with the thought of merging. After many meetings, it happened, and Eastwood Methodist was the new name for the former Thrift City and Kearsley Street Churches. Some of the Kearsley Street people are still with us – Annabel Halstead, Dorothy Lynn, Elizabeth Hollenbeck, Pearl Wagner, Vila Palmer and Jim Reif. Things looked great for us. We were growing, our building was being built, we had a nice minister, and we were becoming a great group of Christian people. Study groups were held for the women and the men’s club was active. We had a fish fry business going for many years that involved most of the members. Later, a pastie business was developed.

Eastwood Church is a very busy group of people and their love of God and love of and for their people has led them into many areas. At the present time, we have an active United Methodist Women’s group and a church school class called The Seekers. This is a young adult group led by our minister, Rev. Bill (William) Maynard. They initiated many projects at Christmas time. Their concern for the needs of others led them to Love, Incorporated. There they found two families in need of winter coats and Christmas gifts, as well as food. The congregation was approached for food and money for these families. Those who received were blessed, but the greatest blessing was for us who gave. This past summer The Seekers sponsored a “Festival of Life,” with mimes, clowns, dunk the minister (and others) tank, game booths, bake sale, auction, and even a sky diver. This was a profitable event for the community and for the church, we are hopeful that it will become an annual celebration of our life together.

We have a beautiful group of young folks, as well as faithful older folks, who are constantly working to better our relationship with God, our church, and our community. And if God be willing, and we are too, we will be here on the corner still in our educational building, but still with the love for our people that can’t be found anywhere except in this house of the Lord, Eastwood United Methodist Church.

                                   Written by Maxine Hall
                                                October, 1983
 

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FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Russel V. Sutton
2266 W. Coldwater
Flint, MI 48505
Phone: (810) 785-6761
E-Mail: russel126@juno.com

Faith United Methodist Church was organized on May 25, 1930, as the East Grand Boulevard Methodist Church. The church started in a basement and had 26 charter members. The Rev. Joseph R. James was pastor and continued to serve until the fall of 1937. Services were held in the basement and there was a Sunday School, youth group, choir, and ladies groups.

Even when the wind lifted the roof from the basement in 1933, this did not deter the congregation. Services were held in one of the local school units until repairs could be made.

On the seventh anniversary of the church, May, 1937, a campaign was started to raise funds to erect a church on the basement. A building committee was appointed and the contract for the building of the church was let in the fall of 1937 and progressed rapidly. When the contractors completed enclosing the building, the members of the church took over and did the interior of the building, including the chancel with pulpit and lectern, plastering, painting, etc. A belfry tower was also built and installed by the men. On May 29, 1938, the church was dedicated.

In the spring of 1952, the congregation decided they must have a parsonage, and a lot was purchased to go with one donated, so there would be room for a parsonage and additional parking. Again a building committee was appointed and the work was done by the men of the church. As the building neared completion in June, 1953, both the men and women were working frantically to have the parsonage ready for the new pastor to be sent to us that year. However, that was not to be, for on June 8, 1953, a devastating tornado struck the Beecher area. Both the church and parsonage withstood the storm but there was considerable damage.

While a crew as repairing damage to the church and parsonage, the women were busily engaged in doing whatever they could to aid victims of the storm. A special offering was received in our church and gifts were also received from other churches and individuals, as well as the Detroit Free Press, to aid in this work.

As the church continued to grow, our building was becoming inadequate for our needs and the congregation determined we should relocate. In 1960 land was purchased on West Coldwater Road and in January, 1962, the name changed to Faith Methodist Church was authorized at a Special Quarterly Conference. Plans were drawn and ground breaking ceremonies were held on August 4, 1963. The cornerstone for the building was laid November 3, 1963, and the congregation moved into the new building on March 1, 1964. Consecration services were held in May, 1964, and on April 28, 1974, we were able to have a mortgage burning and dedication service.

We have been fortunate through the years to have had a congregation that gave generously of their time, talents and gifts to help make our church beautiful and the worship services more meaningful.

We are very proud of the fact that three young men from our congregation have entered the ministry. They are: Robert Barr, Gerald Mumford and Clare Patton.

Our church has been quite active in responding to community needs through the years. In addition, the women also made visits to a local nursing home and we have participated in services at the Rescue Mission as well as in serving meals there. At the present time we are designated as the baby needs pantry for Love, Inc.

We are indebted to the following pastors who have provided us with spiritual guidance through the years:

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THE EDWARD L. GORDON, SR. MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
6009 North Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48505
(Church has closed since “Celebrate the Spark” publication in October, 1983)

Edward L. Gordon, Sr. Memorial United Methodist Church was officially organized May 15, 1977. From October 1976 until May 1977 it was known as the New Black Church Development. On January 15, 1980 the Rev. Samuel P. Jones, Jr., was appointed minister, after having served as interim minister for four months.

There was a reorganization of Senior and Junior Choirs with Mrs. Kathleen Jones as organist and Choir Director. Mrs. Jones also organized a Male Chorus. They are very active and an inspiration to all who hear them.

We have Black History classes, tutoring sessions and Teen Rap Sessions. We have a Men’s and Women’s softball team and they have received many Trophies. We have participated in basketball, bowling and skating.

The Youth have gone on Field trips such as Crossroads Village. Some of the Youth have attended summer camp at Judson Collins.

We are active in community affairs, politically, religiously, educationally and socially.

Recently the United Methodist Women sponsored a very successful “Meet the Candidates” Program, and another Forum is set for November 1. Nearly all candidates attended and participated. People were really concerned and the attendance was overwhelming. This success was due to the hard work of the UMW president, Gwendolyn Banks and Vice Dottie-Marie Vincent and their committee.

Rev. Sam Jones has really helped Gordon to progress. Rev. Jones participates in many community organizations such as: Valley Area Agency on Aging, NAACP, Urban League, he is a member of United Way Planning Committee and Allocations Panel, Treasurer of Michigan State Council OIC, in 1982, and Secretary at present; Board member and Clergy support chairman of OIC; a member of the Board of Directors of Flint NIPP and Dort Oak Park Neighborhood House plus many others.

With Rev. Sam Jones as our Pastor, the membership can’t help but to be inspired to help in the community.

                                                Respectfully Submitted,
                                                            Addie Harrison
 

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HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. John G. Park
G-4467 Beecher Rd.
Flint, MI 48532
Phone: (810) 732-4820
E-Mail: hopeflint@aol.com

The roots of Hope United Methodist Church go back over 130 years, when a German speaking “preaching place” was established (in the 1850’s) in Flint through the Ohio Conference of the Evangelical Church.

In 1946, with the merger of the Evangelical and United Brethren denominations, the church became known as First Evangelical United Brethren Church and was often referred to as “First E.U.B.”

Because of General Motors taking over more and more of the residential community surrounding First EUB Church on West Second and Asylum Streets, it was decided to relocate at Beecher and Mill Roads, and the first service was held in the new building on December 24, 1966. On October 22, 1967, a special “Centennial Day” observance was held. The former First EUB Church building has been designated as an official historical site in the Flint Community.

Graham Methodist Church began in 1932 as a non-denominational Sunday School, and in 1946 was organized as a Methodist Church, and the building was completed April 1, 1956.

On Sunday, February 4, 1968, preceding the denominational merger, the Graham Methodist Church and First EUB Church congregations began worshiping together as a community of believers at the new structure on Beecher Road.

April, 1968, witnessed the official uniting, in Dallas, Texas, of the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren denominations. June of 1968 saw the official union of two congregations – the First Evangelical United Brethren and the Graham Methodist. Thus, Hope United Methodist Church emerged. The District Superintendents at the time of the merger were: Reverend G. H. Kellermann (EUB) and Reverend Hugh White (Methodist). The pastors were: Reverend Gerald H. Fisher (EUB) and Reverend Robert Hastings (Graham Methodist).

Hope Church has become “home” for many of the members of the former Grace United Methodist Church, which closed in Flint, as well as for persons who have joined on confession of faith or transferred from other churches. Growth necessitated the building of a large addition which was dedicated in March, 1977. A steeple and memorial carillon were also added to the building and the Georgia Randels Memorial Library established. The present membership is 578.

Two important events in the life of Hope United Methodist Church occurred at the Detroit Annual Conference held June, 1983. Reverend William McKnight was appointed Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Bill graduated in May, 1983, from Asbury Theological Seminary. His wife, Barbara, is a daughter of Reverend Clem and Barbara Parr. Also Donald Joseph Emmert was ordained a Deacon. Don is a senior at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is a life-long member of Hope Church and his parents are Joseph Vincent and Dorothy Emmert, also Hope Church members (Dorothy has served as Secretary at Hope Church for the past sixteen years). Donald and his wife, Becky, and two young daughters, Kathryn and Kourtney, live in Kentucky and are looking forward to their appointment in Michigan in June, 1984.

Ministers who have served Hope United Methodist Church are: Reverend Gerald H. Fisher, Reverend Robert Hastings, Reverend Howard B. Childs, and Reverend M. Clement Parr.

(September 15, 1983)
 

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OAK PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Seventy-four Years of History (Closed)

Three score and fourteen years ago a Methodist Church was born at Hamilton and North Saginaw Streets in the city of Flint. A dedicated young minister by the name of Frank M. Field came on the scene July 2, 1909, and on July 9 led in the purchase of the house located on the Hamilton farm, which became the parsonage. The church site was the gift of J. Dallas Dort and Wm. C. Durant. Fifty charter members were present to organize the church on July 18, 1909.

The cornerstone for the chapel was laid on December 12 of the same year and dedicated on May 15, 1910. The basement was built in 1912 before Reverend Field left in 1913.

During the ministry of Dr. Horace H. Mallinson the main auditorium was completed and dedicated by Bishop Theodore Henderson, October 16, 1916. The membership, due to the influx of workers for the new Buick plant, quickly reached 500.

A cycle in the history of the church was completed when Reverend Field was appointed here for the second time in 1924. A second story and an addition to the north side of the old chapel were made in 1928.

Although it was a struggle through the great depression years, with some loss of membership, a “Twenty-fifth Anniversary” was celebrated in 1934. The first Boy Scout troops in the city of Flint were organized and had their home in Oak Park Church.

In 1942 a fire destroyed the interior of the church at an estimated loss of $75,000.00. In June, 1944, during Reverend William Flowerday’s ministry, a new beautifully rebuilt sanctuary was completed after the devastating fire. In spite of war-time priorities the beautiful structure was finished and dedicated by Bishop Raymond J. Wade on June 23, 1944.

The first Christian radio station, WMRP was started and broadcast from our church building and after moving its office to Lapeer Street, continued broadcasting Christian programming until sold in 1972.

The Reverend Marshal Hoyt and the congregation rejoiced in a 40^th anniversary celebration for the addition of a new parking lot, a magnificent new pipe organ and membership of 1,226.

In the middle 1960’s it was becoming evident that the church now faced an inner city problem, a problem of a changing neighborhood. The church was changing from a neighborhood church to a metropolitan charge. As a partial answer, the Dort-Oak Park Neighborhood House was started and headquartered in a church-owned house on Chippewa Street, ministering to the neighborhood even to this day.

During the Reverend Ivan E. Hodgson’s ministry the building was remodeled; an addition, housing a chapel, offices, library, and nursery was built on the west side. A “Hallowing of the Ground” service was conducted by District Superintendent, Dr. G. H. Kellerman with cornerstone laying in 1968.

We entered the 1970’s thankful for the starting of the renovation and new addition to our church building. In June we had a full view of our completed new facilities and Bishop Loder and Superintendent Kellerman participated in our consecration service.

The Methodist Men held an interesting hobby meeting during which our Pastor Hodgson and the members received a “surprising report” during the exhibition of some vintage guns. Never trust the “empty gun.”

The 1970 Lenten Service was distinguished by a most realistic and impressive reenactment of the Lord’s Supper by the Methodist Men, and reenacted in other churches on request.

In early 1971 with volunteer help and special donations, the large room in the “old upstairs” was renovated and in June was dedicated as the new youth center and named “Dutro’s Den” in honor of Glenn and Leona Dutro’s 31 years of loving service to the youth.

In September of 1973 our Fellowship Hall was vacated to provide a classroom for the fifth and sixth grade classes of the nearby Dort School during the construction of a new school building. This promoted our neighborhood ministry, reconstruction of a new school building. This promoted our neighborhood ministry, resulting in several Oak Park people entering into tutoring programs at Dort School.

One summer Sunday in 1978, our congregation assembled for worship service in the old Cohactah Church at Crossroads Village. Pastor James W. Thompson arrived as a circuit rider on horseback and attired in 1890 costume. Celebrating a Sunday service there has become a yearly tradition.

“Burn the Mortgage Day” was joyfully celebrated November 19, 1978 with the last payment of our 1969 building program, a $200,000.00 principal plus interest was paid off years ahead.

In January, 1980 our beloved associate pastor for twelve years, Reverend Helen L. Royce, retired and moved to the retirement home at Chelsea.

Our congregation was blessed with the joyous and mellow notes from our new bell choir April, 1981. This was a welcome addition to our music ministry which our excellent choir had provided for so many years. The bell choir was started and is presently led by Gary King, and our choir by Hugh Griffin.

In February of 1982 Reverend Thompson initiated an in-depth study of the future of Oak Park United Methodist Church. Four alternatives were considered: 1) Invite another congregation to join us; 2) Join another congregation; 3) Sell and rebuild elsewhere; or 4) Stay where we are as is.

Down through the years, our women’s groups: “Ladies Aid,” “Society of Christian Service,” “United Methodist Women” have been a strong mainstay in the life of our church, supporting it in prayer, deeds, and money.

Oak Park United Methodist Church praises God for the many from our congregation who have been inspired to enter and dedicate a life time to the ministry of the Christian faith and the Church in our time. We list, proudly in the name of Jesus, those who have said, “Send me.”

Asa Compton, Louis Compton, Herman Seder, Howard Short, Byron Hatch, Robert Duff, Earl Lawrence, Jack Giguere, William Burdine, and Paul Hoffmaster, Jr.
 

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TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev Thomas E. Tarpley, Sr.
2200 Forest Hill Ave
Flint, MI 48504
Phone: (810) 238-3674
E-Mail: flinttrinityumc@sbcglobal.net

In 1919, the Methodist Episcopal Church saw a need for a church in the Civic Park area of Flint and authorized $17,000 from the Centenary Fund for a frame building on the corner of Forest Hill and Hamilton Avenues.

On November 14, 1920, Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church was organized and dedicated by Bishop Henderson, Rev. E. D. Dimond, District Superintendent, and Rev. J. L. Wheeler, Pastor. About one hundred persons became charter members.

Rev. C. C. Becker was the first pastor appointed by the Detroit Conference and church membership grew to approximately 275 by 1925. Rev. Harry Brewer was the pastor in 1936 and began a much needed remodeling of the interior of the church at a cost of $7,000. In 1939, three branches of Methodism merged and Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church became Trinity Methodist Church.

Another merger, this time with the Evangelical United Brethren in 1968, changed the name to Trinity United Methodist Church.

In 1975, a grand piano was purchased with money from the Memorial Fund in memory of Lois Rush. She had been the secretary for 20 years.

One person, Rev. James McLaurin, has entered the ministry from Trinity and another, Steve Poole, who has grown up in our church is presently studying for the ministry.

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FLUSHING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Jeffrey L. Jaggers, Pastors
Rev. Donald S. Weatherup, Associate Pastor
413 E. Main St.
Flushing, MI 48433
Phone: (810) 659-5172
E-Mail: flumc@sbcglobal.net

1840, marks the beginning of a history worthy of record. Early pioneers start to hold worship services under the leadership of Mrs. Chilson. She is 70 years of age and preaches to the congregation in a sawmill.

Between 1842 and 1848, the tiny group of 10 people formed a Society and named themselves the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are placed on the Flint River Circuit which includes 16 area churches and two pastors. Plans for building a church are made and land is donated by James Seymour.

1848-1883, A white board church is built on the site at the east end of the valley. Membership grows aided by yearly revivals.

1883-1884, The church burned to the ground while pastor and members watch. A faulty chimney is suspect. Church records are lost in the fire. Six months after the fire, a cornerstone is laid for a new building on the same site. A brick building of gothic design is constructed at a cost of $8,600. There are stained glass windows, church school rooms, bell tower and comfortable furnishings. A central heating system and a machine to make gas for lighting are installed in the basement. A service of dedication is held on the last Sunday in June of 1884. The entire cost of the church is pledged or provided before the close of the service.

1973-1974, discussion, decision making and planning for the new church building are of special concern. Fellowship Hall serves as a temporary worship center while the new building replaces the old. Construction of a new worship center, offices and other rooms takes place, at a cost of $350,000.

1974-1982, the new building is consecrated on October 27, 1974 by Bishop Dwight Loder. The name for the worship area is changed from “sanctuary” to “centrum” to reflect a multi-purpose facility. Celebration is the special event of the day.

GOODRICH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Karl L. Zeigler
8071 S. State Rd.
Goodrich, MI 48438
Phone: (810) 636-2444
E-Mail: goodrichumc@aol.com

As early as 1836, circuit preachers traversed this region holding meetings in a home or the schoolhouse. It is believed that the Methodists were the first to hold religious meetings in Atlas Township.

In 1844, a class of 10 or 12 members began holding meetings in the Village of Goodrich using the schoolhouse. In 1852, the first church was built for $3,000.00 on an acre of donated land.

In 1914, Dr. Wheelock purchased this church and land for a site to build a hospital, now the Goodrich Apartments. The Methodist Church on the corner of Hegel and M-15 was built from a church bought in Metamora, Michigan and torn down. Teams of horses and wagons hauled the materials to Goodrich. It was brick with stone trim and colored glass windows.

The Goodrich Church decided to leave the circuit and support a resident pastor in 1920. The first parsonage stood where the Wheelock Auditorium now stands.

The church was dedicated February 5, 1922 with all indebtedness covered with pledges in the form of notes. The educational unit was built at our present location in 1860. The parsonage on Hegel Road was purchased in May 1965. A dedication and mortgage burning ceremony took place October 23, 1966. In 1969, plans for a new church building began. Fund drives raised necessary monies to begin and the ground breaking ceremony was on October 26, 1975. The cost was $205,000.00 and it was completed in 1976. The 1881 bell, donated by the Baptist Church many years before, was polished and electrified. It now hangs in our bell tower calling people to worship every Sunday.
 

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GRAND BLANC UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Roger L. Colby
515 Bush Ave.
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Phone: (810) 694-9040
E-Mail: gbumc@sbcglobal.net

“A Place Of Refuge and Rest”

The Grand Blanc United Methodist Church was one of the first Methodist churches to be organized in the territory now known as Genesee County. The first “class” of Methodists was organized in a schoolhouse at Gibsonville, later known as Whigville, in the year 1835. The first members were William and Charlotte Blanes, Thomas and Catherine Cartwright, and Daniel and Susan Nobles.

The Grand Blanc community was a “rest stop” for early settlers. Many came from upper New York State and traveled up from Detroit, by way of the “Whialis Route,” now known as Dixie Highway. Grand Blanc was a resting spot and “refuge from the Pontiac flies” which afflicted many as they traveled the three days from Detroit. Some moved on up the Saginaw Valley but others settled in the land around Thread Creek which provided good drinking water.

The small congregation met in the schoolhouse till 1854 when the first Methodist Episcopal Church of Grand Blanc was built at 135 Reid Road (now called Church Street). The white frame building was erected at a cost of $2,000. Two coal stoves heated the building. At this time the membership had grown to 40 persons. A parsonage was erected in 1886 costing $1,000.

In 1899 a new brick church was erected on the site. Rev. H. J. Johnson was the pastor, George Gundry was Building Committee Chairman. Pavement brick was purchased in Flint at a cost of $3.00 per thousand. Chris Kapp worked all summer chipping mortar from the brick so it could be used on the church. Stones for the foundation came from the Graff farm and were laid by Charles Hugan and Bill Bryant. A bell tower with pealing bell called worshipers each Sunday. The Congregational Church, one block away, also constructed a bell tower and a friendly competition of bell ringers began.

Concern for others has been a hallmark of the congregation. In 1861 the Sabbath School gave 95 New Testaments to the 2^nd Regiment. The inscription read, “May you keep your trust in the Lord and keep your powder dry.”

Records show the first child baptized to be Perlina Butts in 1863, the first wedding was of Peter Estin and Lovina Merril, January 31, 1863.

The Grand Blanc church for a time was on a circuit with South Grand Blanc, now called Halsey United Methodist, and at another time with Burton United Methodist.

A serious fire damaged the church in 1942 and our people worshipped at the Congregational Church for a year. Church growth continued with enlargement of Church School and choir activities. Over-crowding lead to a 1962 decision to relocate. The present 10 acre site at 515 Bush Ave. was then purchased for $20,000. Men of the congregation cleared the wooded site and January, 1964 construction began on the church and education unit. The new building was consecrated on March 7, 1965.

The congregation now numbers some 230 families. Effective pastors and dedicated members and friends have worked together to make it a warm and caring fellowship for members and newcomers alike.

We celebrated the call to ordained ministry of the first daughter of our congregation, Karen Wolfgram, as she was ordained Deacon at the 1983 Detroit Annual Conference Session.

The congregation has been served by many faithful pastors. Those of recent years are:

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MONTROSE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. David C. Collins
158 E. State St.
Montrose, MI 48457
Phone: (810) 639-6925
E-Mail: bearlydave@centurytel.net

The Montrose United Methodist Church was organized in 1891 under the leadership of Rev. William Hammond, then the Pastor of Burt, MI., with a membership of seven. In the beginning they met in various store buildings. A growing congregation inspired the building of the first Church located at the corner of Hickory & Saginaw Streets, the exact date of its dedication is not known. They met in this structure until the present building was completed. The congregation moved into the Church hall in 1921 and the present sanctuary in 1924.

During the 92 years the Montrose United Methodist Church has been served by 29 Pastors. Our present Pastor, Rev. Richard Beemer, came to us from the Pickford United Methodist Church in January 1981.

The present membership is 421. We are proud that two of our young men were ordained as Elders in the Detroit Conference within the last two years, Richard Dake and Daniel Young.

MT. MORRIS FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Elizabeth M. Gamboa
808 E. Mt. Morris St.
Mt. Morris, MI 48458
Phone (810) 686-3870

The First Methodist Church of Mt. Morris will celebrate one hundred and fifty years of service to this community in 1988. The first Methodist service held in Mt. Morris was in 1836, addressed by a missionary and Indian agent. The first Methodist class of nine members met in 1838, led by a preacher of the Flint Circuit in charge when Michigan was a part of the Ohio Conference. Meetings were held every two weeks.

The first church was begun in 1850, and dedicated in early 1858, at an approximate cost of one thousand dollars. It moved to its present location in 1865-1866. On January 31, 1886 the present brick church was dedicated.

We are proud of our six men who have entered the ministry. Our present minister’s son has completed one year of theological study. We are fortunate to have so many who have spent their entire lives in this one church.
 

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HALSEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. David E. Ray
10006 Halsey Rd
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Phone: (810) 694-9243
E-Mail: RevRay33@aol.com

Like many churches, Halsey (formally South Grand Blanc) started out as a stop on a circuit. The first minister to preach in Grand Blanc was Rev. Gilruth, a Methodist Circuit Rider. He preached his first sermon here in 1831. Services and meetings were held in log houses or barns as the occasion required. Later meetings were held in the Smith, Butler, and Halsey school houses. Some walked to church, others rode in wagons drawn by oxen. The pioneer community believed that unless the Sabbath was respected, the settlement would not prosper.

Early in 1833, Rev. Gilruth accompanied Bradford Frazee to Grumlaw (Grand Blanc) on the Saginaw Mission Circuit. This was the first Quarterly Conference ever held here. Not enough church members were present to allow the celebration of communion and love feast. Gilruth thought it was “a poor dull two day meeting.” After some growth a Sunday school was started on October 2, 1836 in the home of David Lawrence.

In 1837 a log cabin school was built, the first Halsey School. This was a one-room building with two windows in the south side and one window in the east, and was built in the woods a short distance from the present church site. Services were held here for eleven years, until 1848, when a new school house was built on the site of what is now known as Halsey Park. Union church services and Sunday school were held in this building for thirty-seven years. We owe so much to these early pioneer Christian men and women who worshipped together for fifty four years, first in their homes, then in the log school house, and later in the frame school house which many of our present-day members attended in their youth.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Case, who were early pioneers and leaders of the religious and school life of the community, lived on what is now known as the Arthur Somers farm, corner of the Baldwin and Halsey roads. They deeded land for a new church to the Methodist Society on June 22 1885. The Society purchased the unused Congregational Church, located at the corner of South Saginaw and Holly roads, for the sum of $100. The men of the Halsey community helped to take down the church, move it several miles to its present site, and rebuild it, using the old lumber and furnishing additional new material where it was needed to build the church steeple. Church sheds were built behind the church to shelter the horses, buggies and wagons which brought the worshippers to church. Each family furnished the lumber for their own shed. The church was finished and dedicated in 1886.

For nearly ten years Union Services were held in the church, Methodist one Sunday and Congregational on the next, with the services finally taken over by the Methodists. In 1906 the remaining Congregational members transferred their membership to the church in Newark, located nearly three miles south, just off Holly Road.
 

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SOUTH MUNDY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. David E. Ray
10018 S. Linden Rd.
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Phone: (810) 694-9243
E-Mail: RevRay33@aol.com

South Mundy United Methodist Church is located on the southwest corner of S. Linden and W. Baldwin roads, in the southern portion of the Mundy Township, with a mailing address of Grand Blanc, Michigan. A small country church, with the present membership of 96 on the Halsey and South Mundy charge with Rev. David Rahn as pastor.

The church was organized in 1840 as the “South Mundy Class” at the White School about one-half mile west of the present building. The class was comprised of five members, among these were Asa T. and Hannah (Hopkins) Pierce and Mrs. O’Dell. Hannah was the first class leader, her son Nathan, was converted, baptized and joined the class. In 1861, he received a local preacher’s license from the church and preached in many places in Michigan including Alpena, Howell, and Pinckney. The land where the church was later built was purchased from Hannah’s brother, Frank Hopkins, who owned it in 1859. Our present organist and member, Bessie (Johnson) Delanoy, is a descendent of the Pierce family.

The South Mundy Class became part of the Long Lake Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church which was formed as a result of the annual church conference of 1868. Also connected with this circuit was the Blair Schoolhouse and Long Lake Class. This lasted a year. When the Linden Circuit was formed in the Conference of 1869, South Mundy Class became a part of that circuit with D. W. Hammond as pastor. The Linden Circuit also included Long Lake, Kennedy Schoolhouse and Blair Schoolhouse. In 1870 the Kennedy Class was discontinued and the Argentine and Dodder classes wee added to the circuit with the appointment of Rev. Orlando Sandborn as pastor. In 1917 the Linden circuit was reduced to a three point charge, the churches Linden, Long Lake, and South Mundy, and in 1950 Long Lake was removed from the circuit.

In February, 1870, the South Mundy Class began making plans to build a church. At a cost of $2,500 the South Mundy Episcopal Church was built and dedicated December 11, 1872 by Rev. W. E. Bigelow, presiding elder. It was presented by the trustees “free from debt.” There were 90 members. The Linden Road was then just a dirt road. A livery stable provided for the horses of those who attended church.

Five years after dedication, Francis G. Selden Sr. joined the church and served in it until his death in 1940. He assisted Rev. George Millard in 1939 when South Mundy Methodist Church observed its 67^th Anniversary. His daughter Ruth Selden, living in Linden is one of the oldest members joining in 1912, along with her brother-in-law Claude Mundy of 1904. Other descendants of his presently, serving the church are Evelyn Selden, Thelma (Mundy) Edson, Mary Selden, wife of the late Francis Selden Jr. and her daughter Nancy Herronen.

A dining room and kitchen were added in 1927 to make room for social gatherings, Rev. Ulysses G. Ostrander, pastor. The church sanctuary was redecorated in 1941, Rev. George Millard, pastor, 2 new oil burners replaced the wood stoves, also a painting of “Jesus Blessing the Children” was presented to the church by Mrs. Nels Lindstrom.

In 1956 South Mundy Church decided to maintain their church alone, Rev. Ben Holcomb, part time pastor. A parsonage was purchased by the church that year from Mrs. Jennie Welch at a cost of $10,000 and was paid for in July 1963. Four years later the dining room and kitchen were enlarged, restrooms added, and a oil furnace purchased.

Rev. T. Thornley Eddy was pastor of the church from 1962 until 1977 when he retired and was installed as the first and only Pastor Emeritus. At this time the Methodist Church united with United Brethren Church and we became South Mundy United Methodist Church in 1968. A remodeling project was started early in 1970 and was sparked by the organizing of a first-time United Methodist Men’s fellowship in the church. Improvements included a turn around of the sanctuary, a new chancel with hanging cross and flame, new pews, interior redecorated, and a all copper spire added to the steeple. This prepared the building for its 100^th Anniversary October 11, 1970 and dedication service with Rev. Garfield Kellerman D.D., Superintendent, Flint-District, guest preacher. The membership of the church reached its peak of 146 in 1975 and Rev. T. T. Eddy pastured the church the longest out of 59 ministers. A 50^th Anniversary was celebrated at the church for he and his wife Lillian.

Since the church began with the South Mundy Class we take pride in its Sunday School over the years with records dated back to 1907 and its present membership is 49. The United Methodist Women also serve the church faithfully at home and in the mission field.

Presently our church is involved in building plans for expansion of educational facilities, fellowship hall, and worship area. The church is a part of the South Central Co-operative of the Flint District.

We acknowledge the pioneer families and their descendants: Pierce, Waterous, Mitchell, Pinkston, Buchanan, Penny, Selden, Mundy, Gillespie, Baldwin, Beckman, Ruby, Ashby, and Morey. We praise the families that continue serving our Lord in “the Church by the Side of the Road.”
 

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SWARTZ CREEK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. John D. Landis
7400 Miller Rd.
Swartz Creek, MI 48473
Phone: (810) 635-4555
E-Mail: umcsc@gfn.org

Methodism actually began in Swartz Creek before 1839, when Swartz Creek was still known as Miller’s Settlement. Then, in 1839, a class meeting was organized by one of the circuit-riding Methodist preachers from Flint. These meetings continued until 1856 when the local society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with 37 charter members, was organized and registered with the County Clerk. This important meeting was held in a Red School House which was on the southwest corner of Miller and Morrish Roads, about where the gas station now stands.

In February of 1856 the Board of Trustees accepted David A. Millers offer to donate a site for a church on Morrish Road. This is the same site on which the old church stands. Work was begun in May when the men hauled lumber out of the woods, and by July had the building framed, erected, and enclosed. But, from then on, it took seven long years to complete the church. It was dedicated in 1863. During construction services continued in the Red School House.

About 1869 the Detroit Conference made this the Swartz Creek Circuit. In 1870 the Conference assigned the first full-time, resident minister, the Rev. Curtis Mosher. Property on Miller Road, where the present funeral home is located, was purchased and a parsonage built.

In 1896 a basement was excavated beneath the church. New pews were installed, and stained glass windows and vestibules added. In 1898 the Ladies Aid was formally organized. The pastor noted that without this organization the financing of the church and its interests could not be maintained. That’s as true today as it was then although the name of the ladies’ organization has changed over the years.

In 1903 the parsonage property on Miller Road was sold and a house next to the church was purchased and improved for a parsonage.

In 1910 the church was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. In a generous gesture of good will the I.O.O.F. Lodge offered their hall for the use of the church and worship services and meetings were held there for about a year. During this time the building of a new brick church was begun and the cornerstone was laid on August 2, 1911 at the same site as the former church. The building was dedicated in December 1911. The church continued to minister to the people of Swartz Creek during two World Wars and a very difficult depression.

Dimond Methodist Episcopal Church was part of the Swartz Creek charge for a number of years until 1938.

In 1939 a Uniting Conference created The Methodist Church with the merger of Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Protestant, and Methodist Episcopal South. The designation “Episcopal” was dropped from all local church names. Some time later the local church name was changed to Swartz Creek Community Methodist Church.

 

(THANKS: These article were written in October, 1983 and published in a loose leaf notebook called “Celebrate the Spark” available only through Mrs. Elaine Condon, Administrative Assistant to the Flint District Superintendent 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy, Suite 2, Flint, MI 48504) The Flint District of the United Methodist Church gives permission to “not for profit individual or genealogist” to copy, print and distribute.
            Genealogy data and historical records may be found at The Commission on Achieves and History located at Shipman Library, Adrian College, 110 S. Madison St., Adrian, MI. 49221 Phone: (517) 265-5161. The current Archivist is Matthew May who can be contacted by E-Mail: MatthewTMay@yahoo.com. If you contact them; they may be able to help you with your research.

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