Allegan County, Michigan - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 15 of those read), 1907

The Churches

Shortly after the organization of Allegan comity, and before it had been divided into tlie fonr original townships, a meeting was held in the house of Silas Dunham near what is now the village of Plainwell, December 26, 1835, ^* which was formed the first Baptist church in Allegan county, as well as the first permanent religious body in the same territory. The names of those taking part in that meeting represent some of the eariiest pioneer families of the sotitheast part of the county. They were: Silas Dunham, Curtis Brigham. S. Calkins, Elisha IJ. Seely, James Calkins, Alfred S. Dunham, Lydia Brigham, Edwin S. Dunham. Tirza Dunham, Joanna Calkins, Sarah Seely and Matilda Calkins. The council held for the recognition of this church February 4. 1836, was presided over by Elder Jeremiah Hall as moderator, who also became the first pastor of the body. Previous to this meetings had been held, generally at the house of Mr. Dunham, since 1833, and in March, 1835, Deacon Curtis Brigham had commenced stated meetings at the log schoolhoiise on the Plains.

This was the mother church in the county, and from it have been formed several of the Baptist churches now active in the county. It contained adherents from all over southeastern Allegan count}-, and for several years had no fixed abode, services being held in schoolhouses or residences over the area now included in Gun Plains, Otsego and Allegan townships, and also in Cooper township of Kalamazoo county. The first separation to form a church with smaller limits was that of December, 1840, when the Baptists of Cooper organized a church of their own. The members living in and about Allegan formed a church of their own in January, 1841, and in the following year the remainder of the congregation fixed upon Otsego as a central and permanent church abo<le. Two other branches have come from the parent church, one portion forming a church in Trowbridge and another a church in Plainwell. the latter in the year 1864, and the former about 1869.

During the first thirty years the Otsego church was served by the following ministers: Elder Jeremiah Hall, Deacon Curtis Brigham, Elder William A. Bronson (in 1844) ; Rev. Harvey Munger, 1840-44; Rev. A. M.

The origin of the Baptist church at this village has been described. Meetings were held both on the Plains and at Otsego for some years, and after the building of the plank road and the beginning of the Junction, the schoolhouse at this point served for the house of worship. When the Junction began growing rapidly as a village, to which the name Plainwell was given, an independent Baptist church was organized, on May ir, 1864, 22 persons entering with letters of dismission from the Otsego congregation. Rev. O. S. Wolfe was the first pastor, and was followed by Rev. J. Fletcher October 1. 1865, who has served this church continuously fortyone years. This record makes him the dean of Allegan county ministers. He is really the only pastor this, as a separate church, has had. Many of the Otsego members lived in this vicinity, and for their accommodation meetings were held in the schoolhouse here, the people here doing their part in the support of the Otsego pastor. When the 23 persons called for letters of dismission to form the church here, one condition was that the existing arrangement about paying pastor should continue until the end of that financial year, he continuing to preach here for some period, but was the Otsego pastor.

The church at Plainwell was built in 1865-66, being enlarged in 1870. Its location is at the corner of Bridge and Church streets. A chapel was built in 1871 two and a half miles east of the village for the convenience of the people residing in that neighborhood. The oldest members are: H. J. Cushman and wife, J. W. Brigham and wife, Josiah Woodhams and wife, Henry Keeler and wife, Abel S. Dunham and wife.

As related, the Baptists of Allegan were first connected with the Plainfieid society. In the old church record, now yellow with age, the first regular entry, dated December 26, 1840. reads as follows : "According to previous appointment, the Baptist church of Plainfieid held their covenant meeting in Allegan, when it was resolved that some of the brethren and sisters in Allegan present a request to the Plainfieid church to be considered a branch of that church. Appointed Jasper Fisk to make the request." Then follows another minute, dated January 15, 1841 : "This day by a vote of the Plainfieid church, the following brethren were constituted into a branch": Jasper Fisk, H. Munger, minister, O. Ross, Oramel Fisk, A. Ross, H. Ross, John Colburn, Noah Briggs, Rhoda Munger, J, Ross, H. Fisk, Hannah Davi.s, Mary Ann Stone, E. Colburn, S. Briggs, M. Finn. Some who united with the church in the same year were: Aurelia Fuller, Betsey Fisk, Chester Wetmore, Daniel Leggett, John Griffith, Joseph Fisk, , Jonathan Peabody, Frederick Day, Amanda Grifllith, Mary Jane Kenyon, Lemuel Wilcox, Leonard Ross, Samuel 'Wilcox, Fanny Day, Phebe Ross, Levi Wilcox.

As early as March, 1838, the proprietors of the Allegan village plat {Samuel Hubbard and wife, and C. C. Trowbridge acting for A. L. Ely) had deeded to the trustees of the First Baptist church of Allegan a portion of five lots in the square west of the public square. But no church edifice was erected for some years after the organization. A minute, July 5, 1845, records the acceptance of the report of a committee "to procure a house for to worship in," for which the church would be charged twenty-five cents a day. A brick building was finally begun on the west side of Walnut street, but there were difficulties in completing it, Rev. Munger being deputized as agent to solicit -funds among other communities during 1852. As is known, this building was purchased by the county in 1854 and converted into a court house, which was used until condemned in 1887. The liandsome brick edifice now used was dedicated May 21, 1892, being one of the best church buildings in the county, and in keeping with the artistic and modern appearance of the blocks surrounding the public square. The building was made possible by a legacy from Mrs. Hannah Davis, amounting to $10,000, and was begun in April, 1891. The total cost was $22,000. The building committee were A. B. Eaton. E. P. Arnold, B. E. Peabodv. J. E. Wood, C. W. Calkins.

The Second Baptist church of Allegan was organized in October, 1877, by Elder Fletcher of Allegan and Elder Brown of Cheshire. The charter members now living are Rev. Joseph Cross and Samuel Chandler. The list of pastors who have served this congregation are : Elder Rolands, Joseph Green, Elders Andrew, Bazy, Nancy, Thomas, William Thompson, William Brown, Cassam Thompson, Joseph Cross.

The First Baptist church of Ganges was organized as a branch of the Allegan church by Elder Harvey Munger, on July 16, 1853. The nine members who composed it were: Levi Loomis, Sarah Ann Loomis, Joseph Collins, Marcus Sutherland, Almira Hudson, Charlotte Collins, Mrs. Sutherland, Eunice Crawford, Bathsheba Rockwell. Meetings were at first held ill schoolhouses. . The early pastors were : Austin Harmann, C. P. Grosvenor, Silas Bowker, Abner Webb, E. O'Brien, William Munger, T. E. Piatt. * ^

Trowbridge. The church at Otsego established a branch in Trowbridge and held meetings in the Ross schoolhouse. A church was organized with a membership of 46 persons in 1868. May 21, 1873, a church building costing $3,000 was dedicated, its location being on section 24.

In tracing the history of St. Margaret's Parish, Otsego, wc will have to begin with the Sacred Heart Mission in Watson township. As early as the fifties, Catholics began to settle in and around Watson township, and, at the close of that decade, there were twelve or fifteen families who worshipped God according to Catholic rite. Father La Bell, whose memory is held in benediction by the old settlers, was the first priest to minister to the wants of Catholics in what may be called the wilds of Watson. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered for the first time in the house of Daniel Bracelin in 1856. As time went on, new settlers came, and in 1862 those sturdy settlers erected a church, where the beautiful ceremonial of Catholic service could be carried out. The church is still standing and used as an assembly hall. It has a seating capacity for 250 and is, perhaps, one of the most substantia! of the old church buildings in the county. It is regarded by many of the present congregation as intimately connected with their lives. In it they were baptized, received first holy communion and finally made those solemn promises. bin<ling upon husband and wife.

A cemetery was provided about the time the church was built, and almost all the deceased members of the congregation were buried in this plot of ground. It being opposite the church, the living find it convenient to visit the graves of their deceased friends when they attend divine service.

The following priests were pastors of the Watson congregation: Father Herwig, from 1865 to 1870; Father Seyboldt, from 1870 to 1874; Father Broeger, from 1874 to 1877: Father Lovett, from 1877 to 1880; Father Dempsey. now vicar-general of the diocese of Detroit, for two and one-half years; Father Wernert, for ten months; Father Van Antwerp, for two and one-half years. During these years the congregation increased in number to such a degree that a larger house of worship became necessary. Father O'Brien, of Kalamazoo, now became pastor and under his direction, and that of his able assistant, Father Ryan, now of Pontiac, a new church was erected. The structure is of red brick and has a seating capacity of 350. The stained glass memorial windows and up to date furniture make it one of the prettiest churches in Allegan county. The style of architecture is that of the English chapel. The corner stone was laid in 1888 and the church was dedicated the following year. The following priests labored in this mission since the new church was built : Fathers De Gryse, Kennedy, Maner, Lochbiler, Connolly, Rivard, Cullinane and O'Shea.

1873 thev resolved to have a church of their own, and bought the old Presbyterian'church. Here they worshipped till December, 1903, when they amalgamated with the Otsego congregation.

The erection of the Bardeen Paper mills in Otsego in 1887 meant progress for Otsego in everj' sense. Many Catholics who were employed in the mills found it inconvenient to go to Plainwell for worship, and concluded that a Catholic church would have to be built in the thriving village. Accordingly, in 1890, the corner stone of St. Margaret's church was laid and before winter the building was complete. It was a pleasure to all progressive citizens, and the non-Catholic contribution was a very handsome sum.

For ten years Otsego was attended from Kalamazoo, but at the end of this period CJtsego was erected into a parish, with Watson and Plainwell as missions. Father John Desmond O'Shea was the first pastor of the new parish. He and his faithful people worked strenuously to build the handsome rectory and at the close of the first year had it ready for occupancy.

In July of 1903 the present pastor, Father O'Neill, was assigned to St. Margaret's parish, Otsego, and the missions of Watson and Plainwell. In December the Plainwell congregation was united with Otsego.

The parish was always flourishing and the future would seem to have still greater prosperity in store. Recently a beautiful site was purchased in the village of Allegan and soon a new church will raise its spire heavenward, pointing out to men their end and destiny.

Under the "plan of union" by which the early Presbyterians and Congregation alists worshipped, it happens that the Congregational church of Otsego and the Presbyterian church of Plainwell trace their origin to the same meeting, which has been described in the sketch of the Plainwell Presbvterian church. The first religious services of the society were held at Otsego February 26, 1837. After the Plainfield church was attached to the Kalamazoo presbytery in 1842, the Otsego church was continued independently. Its first house of worship in Otsego was built in 1846. Fire destroyed this in March, 1865, and two years later a new edifice was completed at the corner of Franklin and Farmer streets.

In 1891 a comfortable parsonage was built, which has been kept in excellent repair to date. The congregation still worships in the edifice built in 1865, which has been repaired and changed, but is not meeting the needs of the church, and a new one is the desire of the church.

Since 1842 the following pastors have served: J. Bliss, Rev. McMath, S. Stevens, F. L. Fuller, David S. Morse, Charles Temple, John Jackson, A. B. Allen, Thomas Towler, A. M. Buck, D. W. Comstock, J. W. Homer, F. Bissell, J. R. Chaplain, A. B. Cochran, E. A. Fredenhogen, L. K. Long, J. W. Arnev, E. J. Burgess, F. M. Coddington, S. W. Seihert, O. B. Van Florn, C. M'. Taylor.

The Congregational church at Allegan was organized June lo, 1858, at the home of H. H. Booth. Forty years later an anniversary celebration of this occasion was held, at which time the history of the church was thoroughly recalled. The late N. B. West was chosen moderator of the organization meeting, and Andrew Oliver, now the only living charter member, was scribe. The other charter members were: Melissa G. West, Edwin

B. Bailey, Mary L. Bailey. These, with Mr. West and Mr. Booth, had up to that time been members of the Presbyterian church at Allegan. Mr. Oliver's church connection had been with a Free-will Baptist church, and two united with the church on profession of faith - E. Dewey Follett and Sarah B. Follett.

The church united with the Kalamazoo Association October 13, 1858. The Sunday services were held in the Pine Grove Seminary building until the erection of the first church edifice. Legal incorporation was effected July 25, 1862, the first trustees being N. B. West, J, H. Mayhew and Leonard Bailey. A very plain church edifice was erected in 1864 on Cutler street, at a cost of $2,700, being dedicated January i, 1865. This was rebuilt in 1882, at a cost of $4,100, and rededicated November i6th. In 1897 the chapel was made more commodious and convenient at a cost of $1,300. In March, i8g8, a fine pipe organ was put into the church, a gift from Deacon and Mrs. N. B. West. A parsonage was completed in the spring of 1875, being built on a lot nearly opposite the church, costing about $2,000. Deacon West, a short time before his death in 1905, gave the church an endowment fund of $5,000, and at the same time made a gift of $4,000 to Olivet College.

The Ladies' Mite Society was organized May 16, i860: a Woman's Missionary Society was organized May 16, 1875; the Y. P. S. C. E. was organized January 3, 1886, and the junior society in July, 1893.

A church was organized at the Saugatuck schoolhouse January 11, i860, with the following members: Rev. C. H. Eaton, F. B. Walhn, Moses Philbrook, Alanson Gardner, Mrs. M. F. Eaton, Mrs. Orcetia Wallin, Mary Philbrook, Marila Gardner, Elnathan Judson and wife, John Harris, Hannah Cook, Andrew Alexander, Sarah Jane Cowles. The following summer the society built the first house of worship in the village.

The members of long standing are Mrs. George Hames, Mrs. R. D. Ames. Mr. and Mrs. John Koning, Mr. L. W. Grant, Mrs. John Loomis, Mr. and Mrs. John Schaberg. Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Aliber, Mr. and Mrs.

The church building has been enlarged in recent years, and the church owns the finest residence and business location in the village, on which there is a fine parsonage surrounded by beautiful grounds.

The church society has a neat church building valued at $2,500 and a parsonage valued at $1,200, the Congregation Church Building Association having furnished part of the means for building the church, this being in the nature of a loan, which is repaid by annual collections. The church has a membership of about 80.

The Congregational society whose building stands on section 2 of this township was organized August 27, 1857, in the schoolhouse across the road. Its eleven charter members were: Bradley Gilbert, Martha J. Gilbert, Nahum Snow, Sarah Snow, Lauren C. Gilbert, Judith Gilbert, Edward Averill, Mary B. Averill, William A. Smith, EHzabeth Smith, Sarah Smith.

Meetings were held in the schoolhouse for a number of years. In 1872 it was proposed to consolidated this congregation with that of the newly established Dorr Center, where a church building would be erected, and for a time services were held at the Center. But in 1875 the congregation returned to the old schoolhouse, and in the following year the church was built on section 2. In 1895 the church was removed to the village of Moline and its name changed to the First Congregational church of MoHne.

The pastors in charge have been: James A. McKay, 1858; N. K. Evarts, 1862; C. N. Coulter, N. K. Evarts, Moore, G. W. Sterling, N. K. Evarts, Albert C. Lee, George Candee, Norman Millard, C. B. Shear, George Wain, Harry Appjeton, Henry Robinson, A. D. Whaley, Charles Rilev, John Gordon, Frederick York, E. E. Harring, E. A. Cragg.

By the consolidation of the two congregations above mentioned, a church edifice was begun at this place in 1873, and was soon after completed, although not accepted, owing to alleged failure on the part of the contractor to comply with the terms of the building committee. The separate organization of the church society, after the withdrawal of the membership from the northeast part of the township, took place November 11, 1875, the original members being Adrian C. Clark and wife, William H. Ewing, H. T. Pomeroy and wife, Antoinette Kelley, Christina Patterson, Horace Barton and wife, N. K. Evarts (pastor) and wife, and Mary J. Byles.

The First Congregational church of Wayland was organized in 1859, and a church building was erected the following year. There were seventeen original members and Rev. A. McKay was the first pastor.

Many pastors have been with the church since its organization, each period having its share of prosperity and adversity, and today it takes a prominent part in the religious work of the village.

In 1896, during the pastorate of Rev. F. P. Sprague, the old building was disposed of and the present structure erected on the same site at a cost of $2,500, being dedicated early in 1897. Mrs. Mary Forbes donated the bell and $700 toward the cost of the church.

A Congregational society was formed in September, 1S82 in the schoolhouse of district No. 6 with nine members. It continued to hold its services in the schoolhouse until the church was completed one mile east and near Hilliards railroad station. The Congregational church of Hilliards was dedicated December 4, 1892.

The Congregational church of Hopkins Station was formed into a society March 27, 1878, with 13 members: D. B. Kidder, Alice E. Kidder, Andrew Bates, Sarah Bates, Henry HoiFmaster, Lydia Hofifmaster, Martha Squires, Chas. H. Fiirber, Mary A. C. Furber, Dorothy Allen, Mary Allen, Louisa Smith, Alice Baker. The church was dedicated August 22, 1886.

The St. Paul's Lutheran church at Hopkins was organized in 1864 by Rev. Forrer, its charter members being Peter Knobloch, John Nicholai, Konrad Krug, Gottlieb Hoffmeister and Joseph Hoffmeister. The first services were held in a schoolhouse. In 1879 the first church, built one mile west and a half mile north of Hopkins, was struck by lightning in 1893 and totally destroyed. Another one was immediately built on the same site and dedicated in November of the same year. From the time of their organization until 1903 this congregation, with St. John's in Allegan, belonged to the same parish ; hence both were tinder the pastoral care of the same minister. In 1903 the parish was divided, the church here extending a call to Rev. Leyser, which was accepted. He is its present pastor, and two out-parishes are connected with the churches, St. Peter's Lutheran church in Dorr, organized in 1899. with a present membership of about sixty communicants, and St. Paul's at Salem, with forty communicants. The church is in a flourishing condition, numbering about one hun- <lred communicants.

The Allegan Methodists were also organized in the spring of 1836 by Rev. Mr. Williams of the Ohio conference, the first class consistmg of the following named persons: Mrs. Weighty Wilson, Enoch Baker and wife, Miss Qarissa Wilson, Miss Streeter, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Torrey. Spencer Marsh was an early member. The church was organized and incorporated in 1837. Meetings were first held in a schoolhouse on Hubbard street, and in 1839 a church was completed on the corner of Trowbridge and Walnut streets, west of the public square. This was replaced with a new building in 1853, which was enlarged in 1866, and was used for a generation more, when it was removed in 1903 to make way for the present beautiful stone edifice, which was dedicated September 4. 1905. costing $16,000.

The Rev. William H. C. Bliss and wife came from Rochester, N. Y., in 1837. He was a local preacher and rendered great service to the young society and to Methodism in the county. "Father Bliss." as he came to be called, continued a member until his death sometime in the eighties. In 1839 and 1840 the Methodist classes in this county appear in the records as "Allegan Mission" of the Indiana Conference, Rev. William Todd, missionary. For a number of years the classes at Allegan, Otsego, Gun Plains, Silver Creek, Alamo, and several other neighborhoods not now identified comprised what was called Allegan Circuit. Later Martin and Wayland appear as part of it. and about 1850 it extended west to Ganges. According to the custom of those times two preachers, a senior and a junior, were usually appointed to travel the circuit. They were as follows, September of the vear designated being the time of their appointment:

Gage. 1841: Daniel Bush and E. L. Kellog. 1842: T. S. Jackaway and Stephen Stringham. 1843: I, C. Abbot and J. E, Parker, 1844; George King and Alexander Campbell. 184s: M. B. Camburn and V. G. Boynton, 1846; Curtis Mosher and Caleb Ereanbrach, 1847: Curtis Mosher and Foughtv, 1848 : A. J. Eklred and W. H. C. Bliss, 1849-

The families whose names have been longest on the church rolls are as follows: Mrs. Harriett Allen, Mrs. M. A. Buice, Mary J- Quirk, Mrs. Squire Davison, Mrs. Mary J. Warner, A. B. Seery and wife, Henry Wells and wife, C. T. Tiibah, William Sowersby and wife.

A Methodist Episcopal class was organized at Mill Grove, four miles northwest of Allegan, some time in the sixties. A comfortable edifice was erected in 1870-72 largely through the hberality of Mr. Alonzo Vosburg. The building is still in use. The class was once a part of Monterey circuit, and once for a year or so supported a pastor of its own, but is now attached to the Allegan charge.

The organization of the Otsego circuit and the history of early Methodism in this vicinity has been related above. The Otsego church was organized in 1842, and its first house of worship was commenced in 1843 and completed in 1847, located on Allegan street between Fair and Wilmot. In 1888-89 't became too small to accommodate the membership and the increasing congregation. In May of this year it was decided to erect a new building and plans were perfected for the same. The present church edifice, costing $7,500, was built, and dedicated December 22, 1889.

The pastors who served this congregation in early years have already been named in connection with other churches. The later pastors have been: N. M. Steel, George L. Haight, William Paddock, Wright Barrett, C T. Van Antwerp, I. B. Tallman, Frank L. McCov, E. A. Tanner, A. T. Ferguson, George B. Kulp, W. Herald Stacev, John'W. McDougall, Henry Abraham, F. C. Larabee, H. D. Skinner.

When the church was organized in 1842 its first members were Lucius Anderson and wife. Miss M. Bailey, Sidney Ketchum, and Angeline Lane. Those who have been connected with the church long and actively since then have been: Ogden Allen and wife. Henry Beebe and wife, H. H. French and wife. Mrs. Amy Hoag. Charles P. Hale and wife, John F. Hale and wife, C. D. Nickols and wife.

The beginning of the Methodist Episcopal church in this vicinitv was in 1836, when a class of five members was formed in the Silver Creek settlements at the home of Elisha Tracv. In 1839 a class of seven members wa.': organized in the school house a mile north of Plainwell and formed part of the Allegan circuit until 1851, when it was made part of the Otsego circuit. In 1867 prayer meetings were held in the old Bridge street school. In May, 1869, the work of building a church was commenced. It was completed and dedicated February 3, 1870. In 1878 the chapel and kitchen were built. In 1881 a parsonage was purchased and in 1904 was entirely rebuilt. The Ladies' Aid society came imo existence with the building of the church; the Woman's Foreign Missionary society in 1885. These societies have all been important factors in advancing the interest of the church. The Epworth and Junior Leagues afford avenues for efficient work by and for j'oung people and children. A mission study class has been maintained for months by the Epworth League. The economy of the Methodist Episcopal church does not admit of an extended pastorate. Eighteen ministers have served the charge since the building of the church. The present pastor, Rev. Thomas Laity, was assigned here in September, 1905, and has already won his way to the hearts of the people.

The first regular preaching which eventually formed the nucleus of the Ganges church was at a lumber camp near Swan Creek in 1847 bv Rev. G. W. Vanalstine, at that time pastor of the Allegan circuit. This service was continued at that place and at private houses until 1851, when Ganges was cut off from the Allegan circuit and with some outlying points organized into a charge under the pastorate of Rev. E. F. Doughty. In i860 and i86i_a parsonage was built and in 1861 a chtirch was erected at Pier Cove, which was in 1S82 torn down and a new church built on the present site.

In 1873 Ganges was united with Douglas charge under one pastorate and remained so united luitil r888. when it was restored to its original name, since which time it has remained under its present name, Ganges Methodist Episcopal church. In 1888 a new parsonage was built on the church property. In 1896 the church was enlarged and remodeled, making it the largest and most commodious church building in western Allegan county. It has a present membership of one htmdred and twentyfive.

The earlier members were: V. R. Wadsworth and wife, William Carver and wife, William Dunn and wife, Charles Goodeve, Philander Taylor and wife, E. S. Collins and wife, F. W. Wadsworth and wife, John Goodeve and wife, Roswell Daily and wife, Nathaniel Plummer and wife, David Hoover and wife, William Furgeson and wife, William H. Hoover and wife, A. T. Rowland and wife, all of whom have been prominent in upbuilding and maintaining the church and its interests.

The colored people of Cheshire, principal among whom were William Thompson, Jesse F. Ridgley, Ezekiel Howard, M. C, McCully, Matthew and James T. Russell, formed a Methodist church and began the construction of a building during the seventies, the membership including about fifty names.

The Methodists of this township were made a separate ciiarge in 1867, and Rev. Joseph Wood installed as the fir.st pastor. The church building on section 26 was constructed in 1862.

The Methodist society here erected a beautiful new brick church building and parsonage in the vear 1900. Since that time Revs. C. E. Allen, J. C. Dorris, F. M. Clough and W. R. Kitzmitler have served as pastors. The society is in a flourishing condition.

A new brick church building was erected by the Methodists of Salem township in the year 1900 under the presiding eldership of Rev. J. C. Floj'd. This charge proudly boasts of one of the largest Epworth Leagues and Sunday-schools in the county, under the management of Sherman Moored. Rev. Kitzmiller is pastor.

The Methodist church of this locality was formed in 184D by Rev. William Todd, from the Allegan circuit. The first members were Ashbel Gates, Phoebe Gates, Abram Shellman, Mary A. Shellman, Mrs. Hanmer. They met in a log house a mile and a quarter southeast of Martin's Corners, and when a school house was built held their meetings there. In January, 1868, their house of worship in Martin's Corners was completed and dedicated.

The Martin church was placed in the Otsego circuit in 1850, and five years later in the Wayland circuit, and finally in 1868 was attached to the Plainwell charge. In 1873 Martin and Shelbyville became a separate charge.

Some of the old families connected with the church in addition to the above were: Edward P. Kimball, John Blair, Thomas Barnaby, W. H. Southwick, A. C. Wheeler, Henry Shutter, R. G. Smith, Israel S. Harding, Joel T. Carpenter, Samuel Eldrid, Milo Ross, William Wetheral, Ebenezer Wilder, A. W. Milkr, William A. Chappell. Amasa Beebe.

In 1885 two school house appointments. South Wayland and Criteiilions, united and under the leadership of the Rev. L. W. Calkins built a church at Shelbyville. This church has always been a part of the Martin circuit, and has therefore been served by the same pastors that have served the chiu'ch at Martin.

One of the men most identified with the bi\ilding of the church was Lemuel Doxev. Some of the names most prominent in the membership of the church 'are Henry Herbert, J, W. :Moore. J. J. Williams. Avery Gillette, A. L. Buskirk. Tliomas Brabor, David Gilger.

Methodist services were held in this township by ministers from Gun Plains and Otsego from about 1846 on. Among the early members were : Joseph Heydenberk, Elizabeth Heydenberk. H. Lester and wife, Abram Buskirk and wife. William Buskirk, David M. Griswold, Mrs. Eldred, Matthew Van Duzen, Lydia Van Ditzen. Stephen S. Germond, Mary Germond, Darius Starr, Mary Starr, Abijah and Elizabeth Brown,

The Wayland circuit was established in October, 1S56, Porter Williams being its first pastor. August 10, 1865. a church edifice on Church and Maple streets, in Wayland, was dedicated. Rev. Charles H. Fisher being pastor, but the work was commenced in 1862 by Rev. W. E. Blowers. The dedicatory services were conducted by Rev. George B. Joslyn, president of Albion college. The Wayland Boys in Blue, twenty in number, ornamented the puipit with a handsome Bible, while the trustees adorned the building with a six-hundred dollar mortgage. The latter was finally removed in 1870 through the exertions of Rev. James E, White. Previous to October, 1866. a Union Sabbath school had been conducted jointly by the Congregational and Methodist Episcopal churches, when a Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school was organized with H. S. Warren as its first superintendent. During the year 1873, under the pastorate of Rev. G. A. Phillips, tliere was purchased for ]jarsonage purposes a house and lot on Maple street, facing the Public Square.

About niidnight, May 24, 1897, fire was discovered in a small room of the church and resulted in the total loss of the church and furniture,

C. W. Marshall, who was pastor, the erection of a new and better church was accomplished, the church and furniture costing three thousand dollars. The new building was dedicated October 9, 1898. In the spring of 1901, during the pastorate of Rev. J. E. Messener, the erection of a new parsonage was commenced on the old site. The building was completed March, 1902, at a cost of nearly twenty-five hundred dollars. Much credit is due the Ladies' Aid society, who has assumed a good share of the debt, which at the completion of the parsonage was six hundred dollars.

The church at Dorr was built by the Congregational society in 1873 and occupied by them until 1887, when it was purchased by the Methodist society of Dorr an<l has been occupied by them since that time. The charter members of the Metho<list societv were: P. T, Pullin, A. Patterson, T. N. Kennedy. W. E. Mills, L L. Barney.

The orjjanization of the Presbyterians of Allegan village and vicinity into a religious body followed not long after the beginnings of that village's history. W. C. Jenner, who had become Allegan's first shoemaker in 1835, took a leading part in the organization of this church by offering his home at the corner of Locust and Hubbard streets as the meeting place of those interested in the formation of a church body, on April 23, 1836. Besides him there were present and enrolled as charter members of this church, his wife Sarah and sons Thomas C. and William B., Alexander L. Ely, John Littlejohn, Silas F, Littlejohn, and Julia S. Austin. The original membership was increased to fourteen the next day by the reception of Mary A. N. Ely, Milo Winslow, George Y. Warner, Mrs. Hannah Winslow and Mrs. Mary Ann Littlejohn. This was the first Presbyterian church in the county.

The places of worship, besides Mr. Tenner's house, were, first, a small building erected for the society by the Allegan Company, but which burned down within two or three weeks after its occupancy: then a carpenter shop, again the Jenner home, as well as the residence of Silas F. Littlejohn, until finally the society's worship was conducted in the schoolhonse, which served early Allegan for so varied public uses.

The society erected its first house of worship in 1842 at a cost of $850. Repairs and additions were made to the building, and it served as the church home over thirty years, until its destruction by fire in the fall of 1874. In consequence the society almost at once began the erection of a new edifice on the same site, at the northwest corner of Chestnut and Cutler streets. This building, which was completed in 1875 at a cost of about twelve thousand dollars, was constructed after a plan of religious architecture much in vogue at the time and examples of which are numerous among the churches erected thirty years ago. Built of brick, with lofty tower and steeple in front, commodious and substantial, it has served a generation of churchgoers who have grown fond of its classic proportions, and doubtless its disappearance from the landmarks of the village will be noted with a sigh by both old and young.

Among the members who have been with the church for a long number of years and have been closely identified with its work are to be (nentioned Mrs. William C. Jenner, a charter member and wife of Mr. Jenner. at whose home was held the meeting for organization, and Mrs. Lilly. Most of the old members have passed awa}'.

Within a year after the formation of the Presbyterian Society at the county seat a number of people of that denomination in Plainfield township met to organize a similar church body. The meeting was held at the house of George N. Smith fwhose place of residence at the time cannot be ascertained). January 7, 1837. The charter members are named thus: Rev, Mr. Knapoen, of Gull Prairie, moderator; Rev. A. S. Ware and wife. Mr. Chamberlin and wife and son, George N. Smith and wife, Cyreniiis Thompson and wife. John Forbes and wife. Mrs. Foster. Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Adams and Mr. Orr.

After being attached to the Kalamazoo Presbytery in 1842 the society erected a house of worship one mile north of the present site of Plainwell village. This was a country church by origin and membership and was not transferred to the village until Plainwell had begun to grow and become a center for the institutions of the surroimding country. The old building was moved to the village in 1866. being located on River street, near Main, where it later became the Catholic place of worship. By 1872 the Presby- terians were able to build a new home, a new situation for which was secured south of the river at Bridge and Woodhams streets. The church cost $4,600 and an addition in 1879 cost $400. The fine bell in the tower of the church was the gift of Mrs. Mary V, Forbes, as was also the manse, which is conveniently and pleasantly located. Another gift worthy of- mention is that of $200 by Mrs. C, McKinney, the interest of which is to be used each year as part payment of pastor's salary. The church building has always been kept in good repair and during the present year (1906) has been fitted out with electric lights and supplied with water from the village system. The Y. P. S. C. E., organized by Rev. C. P. Bates, is a strong and efficient factor in the church.

On November 11, 1906, thirty-nine members were added to the churcli roll, being the largest number at one time in the history of the church. Under the administration of Rev. F. M. Coddington the church is doing most efficient work.

Among the elders of the early days of the church were : Dr. Cyrenius Thompson, Thomas C. Chamberlain. Duncan A. and Daniel D. McMartin, and among those who came later we may mention John Anderson, William Monteith, G. Van Vranken, F. A. Hayes, John I. McMartin, C. W. Hawley, James Hawkes and N. P. Keilogg. Those now in office are : O. J. Woodar'd, D. E. McMartin. William H. Crisby, Nicholas Pell and Frank Bolender.

Some of those who have long been connected by active membership with this society are; Mr. and Mrs. O. J. Woodard, who joined in 1871 and are still active and efficient members ; the family of Dr. C. Thcrmpson. children and grandchildren, were active workers in the church from its organization down to 1905, when a change of residence changed their church relationship; Mrs, Alzina Batchelor was also an earnest worker from 1839 to the time of her death in 1904; John 1. McMartin was an active and influential member for fifty-three years up to the time of his death in 1903 ; his son, D. B. McMartin, wife and five children are all active members at the present time ; James Hawkes and family were prominent members from i86g to 1892: Garrett Van Vranken and family also from 1870 to 1881 ; Mrs. C. McKinney from 1871 to 1897; Mrs. May Wright Sewall from 1872 to 1873 '- Mrs. S. A. Blakely joined in 1876 an<l is still a member ; Mrs, Mary V. Forbes, 1877 to 1893 ; Mrs. Elmira Machemer, 1881 to present time; Mrs. Lizzie Gilkey, 1881 to 1897; Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Harwood from 1884 to their deaths in 1890 and 1904; George H. Anderson and wife united in 1886; he died in 1894, and she is still a member; Mr. Anderson until his death was an active worker in the church ; N. P. Kellogg was also an active member from 1886 to 1905. In addition to those already mentioned as in active service at the present time we may name Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Harwood. The fonner is superintendent of the Sabbath- school and trustee, and both are earnest workers in church, Sunday-school and young people's societies. Mrs. J. M. Travis has long been one of our best workers in all departments and is now teacher of the oldest class in the Sunday-school. W, H. Crosby is a devout and faithful worker. He has been treasurer of the church for many years and the first flaw in his work is yet to be found. For several years he filled the position of janitor with equal fidelity. Dr. B. A. Shepard and wife are active and earnest in church, Sunday-school and Endeavor Society work, as is also his brother, A. L Shepard, and his wife. Elder N. Pell and family have long been prominent in the church and are especially interested in the musical department. Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Abbey are among the staunch supporters from the country and to them the church is deeply indebted for many favors, both social and financial. Elder Frank Bolender, recently from the country, and his family are likewise able and active supporters. D. E. McMartin and family are all actively engaged in the various departments of church work. In addition to his work as an elder Mr. McMartin is also a trustee and for several years has acted as clerk of the session.

This church was formed by the union in 1858 of the Associate Reformed Presbyterians and the Associate Presbyterians. A minister of the former body preached in eastern Allegan county in 1838. After Thomas Monteith came to Martin township in 1841 the church became active and the first meetings were held in his house or barn. The church was organized at his house February 5, 1842, the charter members being: Thomas Monteith, Jane A. Monteith. Isaac and Jane Maston, William and Elizabeth Walker, William Russell, Margery Monteith, Lovinus Monteith, Jennett Monteith, William Hay. Mary Hay'. William T. Monteith. Waiter Monteith. Elizabeth Monteith and Daniel D. McMartin, The society built a house of worship one mile south of Martin's Corners in 1846, the building afterward being turned into a schoolhouse.

On March 8. 1852, a society of the Associate Presbyterian chtirch was organized in Martin township, the original members being: Robert and Jennett Patterson. Orrin A. and Jennett Porter, John, James, N. Davidson and Marie Redpath, Lovinus and Jennett Monteith and Charles and Robert Davidson. A church was constructed in 1855 and afterward used as a carriage shop.

In 1858 the two churches were united as the United Presbyterian church, the united membership being seventy-nine. The church at Martin was erected in 1871 at a cost of six thousand dollars. The first regular pastor was T. J. Wilson, installed in 1864.

The diocese of Michigan was organized in the fall of 1832 and in 1835 there were but six presbyteries in the territory. Samuel A. McCoskry was consecrated the first bishop in July. 1836. He made a wagon journey of over five hundred miles through the southwestern part of his diocese, holding meetings in schoolhouses and otherwise strengthening his church in the state. On this journey he is said to have visited Allegan, and no doubt if

In 1842 Rev. W. K. Leyster held Episcopal services at Allegan, but no more were held for ten years. A series of services on week-day evenings were held in 1858 by L. N. Freeman, and in October, 1859, J. Rice Taylor was located in the village as the first regular rector, services being held for a time at the court house. The Church of the Good Shepherd was organized and admitted into union with the diocese in i860. A church building was begun in 1867 and finished March 21, 1869, being located on the block west of the public square.

Rev. Henderson Judd was rector from 1868 for six years, being succeeded by Rev. Walter Scott, May 8, 1875. Succeeding pastors have been : Rev. D. D. Chapin, who came in September, 1881 ; Rev. W. P. Law took charge November 6. 1887, and Rev. William Lucas, the present rector, took charge Mav, 1895. The first vestry consisted of Messrs. A. P. Bush, Alan- .son Lilly, E. B. Bassett, George Fennock, W. B. Williams, F. B. Stockbridge and a Mr. Walter.

The first members of the church were as follows : Miss Cornelia Stockbridge, Mrs. Anna Bassett, Charlotte Wilkes, Mariette Williams, Mrs. Pennock and others besides those mentioned in the above list.

An Episcopal society was organized at Plainwell in 1871, and in 1874 a house of worship was erected, this being a mission to the Allegan chiirch.

The schooihouse was used as a place of worship until 1873, when the building on Grand and Hoffman streets was erected. Services are held only during the summer while a number of summer visitors are in the village.

The first members of the society were: O. R. Johnson and wife. F. B. Sfockbridge and wife, R. B. Newnham and wife, H. H. Stimpson and wife, J. F. Geer, A. B. Taylor, William Dunning and wife, Mrs. Breuckman, Mrs. Merrill, Thomas Donald and wife, Moses Nash and wife. Pierce Abbey, S. G. Moreland and wife, David White and wife and Isaac Wilson and wife.

A mission of this church was established in Allegan county in 1856, the first societies organized being in Salem and Monterey townships. Rev. V. Jahrens and A. Kremling were made pastors of the newly organized church at Allegan in 1864, the charter members of the society being: Daniel Ellinget and wife, Frederick Ruute and wife and Maria Ellinger. Their church building, located on Trowbridge street, in the block west of the square, was dedicated December i, 1865. The resident minister also had charge of the societies of Salem, Monterey and Hopkins. Successors of the first minister have been : H. Krill, 1865 ; C. G. Hertz ; A. Maier, 1875 ; C.

Militzer, 1877 ; John C. Gonuiiel, 1880 : W. Miiller, 1882 : H. Krill and Rev. Henke, 1884; George Mitter, 1892; J. J. Link, 1896; H. Bank, 1902, and H. Ruekheimer, 1904. Daniel Ellinger, the only charter member still living, was the first local preacher, and has often supplied the pulpit in absence of regular ministers. The membership is now very small. The minister's residence is at Hopkins.

In the early part of the nineteenth century a flood-tide of immigration brought many Lutherans to this country. Some were lured from their native country by the hopes of gaining wealth and honor in the new world ; others left the fatherland because they disapproved of the plan of King Frederick III to merge the Lutheran and the Reformed into a "united church." Most of these Lutheran immigrants settled in the eastern states, but many made their way into Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, etc. While, most of those coming to Michigan settled in the "Thumb" country and the southeastern part of the state, a few sought new abodes in Allegan county, thus becoming some of the earliest settlers of this county. But none of these remained Lutheran. No Lutheran pastor was in the vicinity who could supply them with services and ministrations of their church. For some time they had no services whatever. They were strangers in a strange land, their speech alien. Hence, when German Methodist missionaries penetrated this country and preached it is perfectly natural that these devout people were glad to go and hear a sermon in their native tongue and were easily persuaded to join the Methodist denomination.

Somewhat later, in the year 1854, a few more Lutheran immigrants from the fatherland settled in Allegan village. Their names were Maske, Knorr, Harnofski and Kunter. These were not persuaded to leave their church as their fellow-countrymen had been. This was probably due to the fact that they were not compelled to wait so long before they could enjoy a Lutheran service in their new home. A few j'ears later Lutheran missionaries, the Revs. Schmidt and Eberhardt, often called the patriarchs of the Lutheran church in Michigan, came into this part of the state and preached wherever they found a Lutheran family. These people entreated them to come again, which they promised to do. From this time on Allegan Lutherans were supplied with word and sacraments. The services, of course, were not very frequent, as the missionaries had a large field, viz., the whole state in which to work, and most of their journeys were made afoot. During the intervals a layman would hold services occasionally.

In the year 1869 the first Lutheran church of Allegan county was organized in this village. Knorr. Harnofski, S. Ellinger, Schweigert, Maske,

Eckert and Schwichtenberg were some of its members. They called Rev. Ilaumaii their first pastor, who also did mission work in Hopkins and Salem. The services were held in the houses of members. Later the privilege was granted them to worship in the court house. By 1874 the congregation had grown to such an extent as to warrant the erection of a church. A site was secured on the corner of Davis and Russell streets and a church built, which is still serving as a house of worship. The congregation has had nine ministers since it was organized : Revs. Bauman, Metzger, Frankenstein, Schoenberg, Tesmer, Wuerthner, Binhammer, Oeztmann and Frey, who is its present pastor. Four of its charter members are still living: Messrs. Eckert, Schumann, Maske and Schwichtenberg. The growth of the congregation has not been very rapid but healthy, nevertheless. At present it numbers about seventy communicants. Seventy of its former members have, as we hope, joined the church triumphant in heaven ; one hundred and thirty-four children have been baptized in the congregation, and one hundred and twenty-three have been confirmed. The church is in a prosperous condition.

In 1877 Mr. C. Anderson, a native of Jonkoping, Sweden, crossed the Atlantic and came to Allegan county, where a year and a half later he bought land in section 32 of Watson township, later purchasing in section 31. He was the first Swedish settler here who bought land. Having many friends in Indiana and Illinois, he induced them to come to his timber-covered acres and assist in clearing off the woods. Some of these bought land and became permanent additions to the little Swedish colony. The process of influence through personal letters, acting like an endless chain, brought many more families to this locality.

By 1878 some eight families had found permanent homes here, and on August 27th of that year these people, bound by close ties to the religion of their native land, formed a church society, the first church of tiie denomination in the country and the only one at the present time.

A working membership of this denomination has been maintained in Casco township for a number of years, and they have built two churches in the township. A society with a membership of twenty-two was formed in the boys' schoolhotise in 1865, among the prominent early members being; Austin Hamner, John Patterson, Elisha Fields, James Barden, Henry Ridley and Samuel Hadaway.

A society was organized in Salem in 1856. From the old log schoolhouse on section 9 the church was able to transfer its meetings to its own house of worship in 1869, the building being erected on section 8. Some of the first members were : Robert Pettengal and wife, John Newell and wife, Ira Smith and wife and James Bumip and wife. Elder Buck was their preacher in 1860-61. The list of ministers is not complete. A few years later the church had a big increase of membership under Rev. Ferguson while the house of worship was still under construction. During W. N. Breidenstein's ministry Salem, Dorr and Monterey were set apart from the Gaines circuit and obtained a resident pastor, a parsonage being built half a mile south of the church. S. Irwin and S. G. Lake followed, and about 1882 the church building was sold for a schoolhouse and the present building erected. The trustees at the time were : I. J. Bear, J. Newell, A. Twining, A. Heasley and William Fleetwood, the last named having kindly furnished this information. The successive ministers since then have been: C. B. Whitaker, H. S. Shafer, Rev. Mead, H. T. Baniaby and H. H. Halsey. At this time there was a division in the church, and the settlement of title to the property was made a test case and decided in the supreme court of the state, control of the property being finally vested with the old church. Since then the ministers have been : A. Batdorff, L. J. BatdorfT, N. V. Miller, S. G. Hall. R. S. Bowman, H. H. Halsey, A. Bostwick and O. Leash.

This church has four active societies in the county, the Allegan, Monterey and Otsego churches numbering each from eighty to one hundred members until the last few years, when for various reasons the numerical strength of the churches has declined, principally through death of older niembers and the younger meinbers taking up active missionary work in other fields. The same may he said to be true of the Douglas church, although that has never been as strong a congregation as the others. Elder E. Brackett, who furnished the data for the church, has been identified with the denomination in Allegan county for the past thirty-three years.

This denomination was organized at Allegan, December 7, 1861, and its house of worship on Cutler street was dedicated in 1864. Horatio S, Lay was chosen elder in i86r. Henry H. Pierce was next resident elder, and others who liave held that office in this church have been : James M. Baker, W. H. Littlejohn and Ezra Brackett. Regular services are held the seventh day of the week at 10:30 a. m. Mr. James M. Baker and wife, Mrs. Adelaide Root and several others have been connected with the church for thirty-iive years or more,

A society of Adventists was formed in Monterey before that at Allegan, the first meetings being held in 1855 and a church was organized in the following year. A small church was erected in 1858, and in 1862 a new and larger one was put up, which is still in use. It is located on section 33, about five and one-half miles north of Allegan, on the Monterey road. Elder Joseph Bates was the elder of this church for many years. Charles Jones was next resident elder, which office he held for more than thirty years. Ezra Brackett was then chosen elder and remained in that capacity till his removal to Allegan. The present elder is Henry A. Oleson.

A society was organized December 28, 1861, and a brick church building erected on Farmer street in the village in 1867. George Leighton was chosen elder and remained till his death. The present elder is E. A. Merriam. Freeman Leighton was elder for a number of years. M. S. Burnham was another elder, as well as Seymour HilliarcJ. Otsego is the headquarters of the West Michigan Adventist conference.

A church of sixteen members was organized at the house of David McCullom in 1874. In 1879 a building was purchased in the village and remodeled for church purposes and is still used. Elder of this church was Captain Robert Reed until shortly before his death in 1905, and at present his son, Roy Reed, is the elder.

The Hollanders of Fillmore township have established several churches of the Reformed faith. The church was the central and original institution of the village of Graafschap, the society buying the land and laying out the village. This was in 1848, the year of the organization of the church, and the meetings, which previous to this time were held in different homes, were transferred to a log church. Among the leading members at the organization may he mentioned Jans Rutgers, Stephen Lucas, Lambert Tinholt, Henry Salmink, Johannes Van Anro;^ and Mathias Naaye. The first minister was H. G. Klyn, who was succeeded two years later by Martin Ypma, during whose term the parsonage was converted into a church, the log house being abandoned.

In 1856 the majority of the membership organized as the "True Reformed Church of America," retaining the church property. A new house of worship was built in 1861 and the society became very prosperous and large. This is now known as the Christian Reformed church, and there are several congregations in north Allegan county.

That portion of the membership which maintained its allegiance to the regular Refomied church continued on the old basis and in 1859 constructed a new church building. Dominie Pieters (1861-65) ^^^ *he first regular pastor chosen after the division. Some of his successors have been ; Dirk Broek, 1865-70; E. C. Oggel, 1870-72; William Van Derkley, 1873-75; Adrian Zwemer, 1876-86; C. C. John, i888-go; F. J. Zwemer, 1892-96; J. Van der Meulen, 1896-1900; C. Kuiper, 1901-06, and J. E. Kuizenga, 1906. In 1906 there were sixty famihes in membership, and one hundred and seventy non-communicants. A new parsonage has been built at a cost of seven hundred and fifty dollars, and a new church was completed in 1905.

Some members of the Holland congregation living in northeastern Fillmore organized in 1867 a separate church and constructed a house of worship in section 2. Among the organizers were: G. Dalman, William Oonk, Garret Wildering, Jacob Fork, Peter Knaber and Frank Lucas. The first pastor was R. C. Kuiper.

A branch of the Graafschap True, or Christian Refromed church was organized on the south side of Fillmore in 1868 by members living in that vicinity. A church was built on section 28 in the same year, but destroyed by forest fire in 1871, being rebuilt the following year. Some of the early leaders in this church were : Dirk Lenters, John Leiblink, John Lohrman, H. Bruhn and E. Bruiiii. The first pastor was Rev. John Staat.

The East Saug'atuck, or Fynaart Reformed Church was organized by a council held in a log schoolhouse on the town line between Manlius and Fillmore, December 23, 1868. The church edifice was erected shortly afterward on the south line of section 33 in Fillmore. There were twenty-two charter members, among whom Edward Sprick, A. Boesel, H. S. Berksman and H. Dalman were the first officials. Pastors have been : J. F. Zwemer, 1873-80 (in 1880 congregation united with Saugatuck) ; Groeneveld, 1881-82; reorganized in 1885 with G. Dangremond pastor, 1885-89; Strabbhng, 1889-93. Church disbanded in 1894.

The church's activity in Overisel is contemporaneous with the Dutch colonization of the township. Rev. S. Bolks was the first pastor, 1851-53, The house of worship, built of logs, was completed in 1849. A more commodious building was erected later, the membership at the close of the seventies having reached nearly five hundred. Pastors have been : Nykerk, 1858-91; Lepeltak, 1877-91; A. Vanderberg, 1891-1906. The church now has four hundred and thirty-eight communicants and three hundred and eighty -four non- communicants.

The East Overisel church, formed in 1872, now has one hundred and one communicants and ninety-six non-communicants. The pastorate was vacant from 1872 to 1896, Wolvius was pastor 1896-98; Pofpen, 1898 to 1902, Klooster, 1903; the charge is now vacant.

The Allegan county Reformed churches mentioned in the last minutes of the synod are those at East Overisel, Graafschap, Hamilton, Overisel and Saugatuck.

A Dutch Reformed church was established in this township as a branch of tlie Overisel congregation and a building and parsonage were erected costing three thousand dollars. The Hamilton church, also known as Rabbit River or Zabriskie Memorial, has now seventy-two families in membership and one hundred and eighty-six persons non- communicant. Rev. Strabbling has been pastor since 1904.

A church of this denomination was organized at Morrison's Hall, June 21, 1868. A church building was erected the same year, being enlarged in 1874. The first members were: A. C. Zwemer and wife, H. Van Spyker and wife, G. Jonkhoff and wife, M. De Eoe and wife, I. Zwemer and wife, L G. Neimeizer and wife, J. J. Koke, J. Neis, M. Van Leuwen, Arent Zwaavink, Mrs. Kallewoord and Mrs, Sluiter.

This society was organized Apri! 2, 1877, with seventeen charter members. Soon after that time Elder E. Sias held a series of meetings and as a result of his labors over one hundred people were added by conversion or otherwise. Death has claimed some, while others have moved to different localities, consequently there are but seventy-five active members at present. The first pastor was Rev. D. N. Severance.

A fine church building, costing two thousand dollars, was dedicated March 7. 1879. It will seat about three hundred and twenty-five persons. During the summer of 1902, under the supervision of Rev. Camp, a beautiful parsonage, valued at eighteen hundred dollars, was erected, which is a great credit to the society.

A class was formed at the Pier Cove sciioolhouse in 1861 with twentyfour members, Lorenzo Weed being first class leader. In 1875 a church building was erected. Among the leading members about that time were Arthur Howland, Elisha Weed, Robert Linn, Edwin and John Goodwin.

In the fall of 1867 the first Swedish settlers arrived at Abronia, namely, Charles Anderson and family. Five years later (1872) arrived Nels Johnson and family, and in 1873 John Peterson, Swan Peterson, Alexander Johnson, John Johnson, Samuel Egg, Andrew Egg, etc. John Strand and family arrived 1875 and Gust Sandahl and family 1876. They all settled in the woods With big trees and had a great toil before the ground could be made to good fahns. The Mission Friends had services in the beginning of the time when the settlement started, but in the fall of 1877 Rev. G. Lundahl, from La Porte, Indiana, held the first Lutheran service at the residence of Swan Peterson, when the first infant baptism was administered to a daughter of Mr; S. Peterson and was named Matilda Catharine. (She is now married to Rev. J. A. Eckstrom, of Worcester, Mass.) At the same time the first marriage was solemnized to Mr. Samuel Egg and Miss Tilda Strand. On August 4th preliminary steps were taken for a church organization. Rev. N. A. Youngberg, from Sparta, Michigan, was called to assist in this undertaking, and a Lutheran congregation was organized August 28, 1878. Eight families became the first members, namely, John Strand and family, S. Peterson and family, Samuel Egg and family, Charles Anderson and family, Nels Johnson and family. Gust Sandahl and family, Alexander Johnson and family, August Strand and family, and the following unmarried: J. Peterson, A. Nelson, A. Egg, J. Johnson, M. Hanson, C. Holmes, C. Egg, E. Forsman and J. Hanson. Deacons: Samuel Egg, Andrew Strand and Charles Anderson. Trustees : John Peterson, Charles Holmes and John Johnson. Those having charge of the congregation for a longer or shorter period are the following pastors : G. Lundahl, N. A. Youngberg, M. P. Oden, O. Chillien, P. A. Carlson, A P. Lindstrom, J. Forsberg, A. Hull, H. P. Quist. J. N. Alexis, J. A. Norlin, V. Tengvald, S. E. Rydberg, «tc. Those that served the longest period are Rev. G. A. Ostergren, 1887-93, and Kev. C. A. Carlstad, 1894-1902. On March 3. 1879, Charles Anderson offered to donate to the church a piece of land for a cemetery. The offer was thankfully accepted. The fourteen-month-old Malvina Christine, daughter of Mr. Charles Anderson and his wife. Hilda, was the first one buried in the cemetery during the summer of the same year (1879). She was run over and killed by a train at the crossing near the residence. On January 15, 1881, it was resolved to start a subscription for building a church. On January 14, 1883, a building committee was appointed, namely, Charles Anderson. Gust Sandahl and John Peterson. The church was built the same year (1883), Oscar Prist acting as superintendent of the work. Rev. A. P. Lindstrom, John Peterson and D. Magnison made plans for the building as architects. The church lot was bought of John Strand for twenty-five dollars and the church cost about one thousand dollars, for which money was solicited from members and friends of the congregation. During this year a student, Mr. Nymanson, did faithful work both as a preacher and a parochial school teacher, which was highly appreciated by the congregation. The first service in the church after being finished was on January i. 1884. and was conducted by the deacon, C. Anderson. On January 26, 1880, it was resolved to organize a Sunday-school. E. Forsman was elected superintendent and C. Anderson trealSurer. The present teachers (1907) are Mr. Olof Larson, Mrs. Nels Nelson, Miss Jennie Peterson and Miss Matilda Svanty. In the year 1895 a reed organ was purchased for seventy-five dollars. Malvina Anderson was the first organist. The present organist is Mrs. Augusta Carlson. In 1899 the young people of the congregation solicited one hundred and sixty-three dollars and bought a bell.

The Young People's Society was organized by Rev. J. N. Alexis, the membership being twenty-nine. The communicants of the church number seventy-six and the present officers are: Deacons, August Carlson, John Svanty and Nels Nelson ; tnistees, John Nyberg, Gust. Sandahl and John Svanty, At present the congregation is in charge of the clergymen. J. T. O. Olander, of Muskegon; J. N. Alexis, of Whitehall, and C. A. Eckstrom, of Grand Rapids.