Bay County, Michigan - Chapter 12, 1905 (part 1 of 2)

Methodist Churches

According to the late Judge Albert ^liller, the first church that was built in the Saginaw- Valley and dedicated to the worship of God was the Methodist Mission Church at Kawkawlin, which was presided over by Rev. Mr. Brown.

]\Iadison Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church. - At that time there were a few families living in Lower Saginaw, as Bay City was tlien called, who had so far advanced in civilization as to build a small school house about 20 feet square, which stood near the corner of First street and Washington avenue. Here Rev. j\Ir. Brown preached occasionally, when the people at Portsmouth had the privilege of attending religious worship by walking two or three miles over a rough road. Mrs. Belinda Barney, Mr. and Mrs. Raby and J. Crutchfield organized the first ^lethodist class in Bay City in 1837. Meetings were held from time to time by the various Methodist preachers who rode this circuit until 1852 when Rev. George Bradley was assigned to the pastorate by the annual conference held at Niles. During his ministry in 1852-53 the society was fully organized and a church edifice erected on Washington avenue: here the church worshiped until its present beautiful home on the corner of Madison avenue and Ninth street was completed. It was built in 1885 at a cost of $50,- 000, and about ten years later the parsonage adjoining the church on Ninth street was erected at a cost of $8,000. On September 5, 1859, William Benson recorded in the county clerk's office the appointment of Calvin C. C. Chilson, Henry M. Bradley, Henry M. Stillman, John J. Nichols and A. G. Sinclair, trustees in trust for the Methodist Episcopal Church. This is the first board of trustees, of which there is official record. The present officers of the Madison A\'enue Methodist Episcopal are as follows: Presiding elder, Rev. W. 'SI. Ward; pastor. Rev. G. E. Ackerman ; resident minister. Rev. E. T. Lumber: trustees, - Benjamin Boutell, Dr. Robert W. Erwin, Charles AL Hart, Cyrus Hiller, W. H. Nickless, E. T. Rowley, L. R. Russell, C. E. Walker and A. J. Woolfitt; secretary of the official board, D. O. Smith : treasurer, W. H. Nickless. The church now has a membership of about 500.

German Methodist Episcopal Church. - This church dates back to 1857 when Rev. Jacob Krehbil visited Lower Saginaw and held religious services. In 1858 he was succeeded by Rev. John Horst and his colleague. Rev. John Braun, who continued their labors until the close of 1859. Various other pastors followed and the society grew in numbers and in strength, and about 1867 a church edifice was erected on Adams street between Eighth and

Ninth streets. Here they continued to worship until about i8§3, when their present edifice at the corner of South VanBuren and 13th streets was completed. In 1894 a cellar was built under the church and furnaces installed. There is also a comfortable parsonage built adjoining the church. The present membership is about 135. Rev. John Kuster is the present pastor.

Fremont Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church. - During 1853-54 the second settled pastor of the Madison Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Israel Cogshall, used to hold occasional services in Portsmouth. In 1864 this cliurch was organized and the following year, under the superintendence of Rev. William Fox, a church edifice was erected, on the site wdiere the present church stands, and dedicated. This building was destroyed in the, devastating fire that swept South Bay City some years ago. The society immediately commenced the erection of their present structure, and began to hold services in the basement the same year (1892). It took about two years to complete the building, which cost about $15,- 000; of this amount only about $1,500 remains to be paid. Rev. \\'. W. Will, who is now pastor of the church, came here in 1900. The church, which has about 120 members, is active in Christian work.

WooDsiDE Avenue Methodist Episcop.^l Church. - This church was organized in 1873 to accommodate members of this denomination who resided in the north part of Bay City. The church edifice was erected in 1876, during the pastorate of Rev. A. B. Clough, which extended from 1874 to 1877. He was followed by Rev. Calvin Gibbs. who remained with the church two years, During the next eight years there was a change in pastors every year, the ministers coming in the following order : Revs. Diverty, Spriggs, Lambly, Bancroft, Persons.

Weir, William Pope, D. E. Birtch. The next pastor. Rev. P. J. Wright, served two years, and his successor. Rev. A. J. Richards, one year. Rev. John A. Rowe remained with tlie church four years, and during his pastorate the parsonage was built, at a cost of $3,200. The next pastors were Revs. Judson Cooper. J. B. McGee and ^Villiam Edmunds, who served three, two and three years, respectively. The next pastor was Rev. L. H. Stevens, who came to the church in 1904 and still serves the church. They have a present membership of 100, and e\-ery department of the church work is well organized.

Central Methodist Episcopal Church. - In the spring of 1887 members of the Mad; ison Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church started a mission Sunday-school in the South End of the city. They met at various places and held preaching services and prayer meetings in addition to the sessions of the Sundayschool. The work flourished, and in 1893 the Detroit Conference appointed Rev. A. J. Richards to serve this church, together with the Woodside Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church for one year. He was followed by Rev. J. A. Rowe, who also served both churches. He was succeeded in September, 1895, by Rev. O. W. Willets, who remained with the church one year. During his pastorate the church Ijecame an independent body, and has been self-supporting since that time. In September, 1896, Rev. George John Piper became pastor, and served the church one year. He was succeeded by Rev. Erwin King in 1898, whose pastorate covered a period of three years. In September, 1901, Rev. W. H. Gray became pastor. In the following September. Rev. Otto L. Dreys was appointed to this charge, and continued until September, 1903, when the present pastor. Rev. B. C. Moore, took up his duties.

was purchased. A boarding house was standing on this lot at the time. This was remodeled and used for a place of meeting for two years. In 1893 their present house of worship was erected at a cost of $3,000. It will seat about 300 people. Ten years later the present parsonage was built on 19th street in the rear of the church, which faces on Fraser street. The parsonage is valued at over $1,000. The present membership of the church is 125, and there are enrolled in the Sunday-school 140 pupils. The society was incorporated j\Iay 13, 1902.

Thoburn Methodist Episcopal Church (West Side). - This church, which has also gone by the names of "Banks" and "Fourth Avenue," is the oldest church on the West Side. J. S. Taylor, who later became one of the founders of the First ^Methodist Episcopal Church, West Bay City, established the meetings at Banks, and was the first superintendent of the Sunday-school. The church at first received the ministrations of various ]\Iethodist clergymen from the East Side, but when the Woodside Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church was established, one pastor was appointed to serve both churches, and this arrangement was continued until the church at Banks became an independent body, excepting while Rev. William Da we and Rev. ]\Ir. Davis were pastors of the First ^^lethodist Episcopal Church, during which time they also served the Banks church.

When Rev. A. J. Richards' term as presiding elder came to a close, he was appointed to this church. The house of worship, which is located at the corner of Transit and Leng streets, was erected in 1867, and during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Richards was enlarged to its present size. It has ample seating capacity for 300 people, and including furnishings is now valued at $3,200. The present parsonage, which is valued at $1,000, was purchased about nine years ago.

The following are the pastors who succeeded Rev. Mr. Richards, and the periods during which they served: Rev. E. A. Cross, 1891- 93 ; Rev. W. H. Allman, 1893-96; Rev. George A. Fee, 1896-99; Rev. W. E. Burnett, 1899- 1901; Rev. H. G. Pearce, 1901-04; and Rev. W. E. Brown, the present pastor, who came in 1904. Including probationers, the church now has a membership of 142. There are enrolled in the Sunday-school 140 pupils and teachers.

In 1 90 1 a mission was started by this church at Wenona Beach. Every Sunday afternoon the pastor of Thoburn IMethodist Episcopal church preaches in the school house.

First Methodist Episcopal Church ( ^^'est Side). - The history of this church dates from the fall of 1866, when the Wenona charge was formed and Rev. A. C. Shaw was appointed pastor. During his pastorate a house of worship was erected and dedicated by Rev. B. I. Ives, of New York. In the fall of 1867, Rev. Alexander Gee succeeded to the pastorate. Prior to 1868 Portsmouth had been included in this charge, but in that year the work was divided, and Rev. Joel B. Goss became the minister. In August, 1868, the society had to vacate the hall in which they had held their meetings up to that time, and until November 18, services were held at Bangor. Then Babo Hall was secured, and the following Sabbath a Sunday-school was organized. About this time the society commenced to build a house of worship on some lots which had been donated by Mrs. Calvin C. C. Chilson, who was also very energetic in securing subscriptions toward paying for the building. Money did not come in very rapidly, and it was not until November, 1869, that they were able to dedicate their church. In September of that year, Rev. Jacob Horton was appointed pastor, and during the latter part of his pastorate, which covered two years, the chapel was built. Rev. W. O. Burnett was appointed to the cluirch the following year, and remained with the church until the fall of 1874, when he was followed by Rev. R. Woodhams, who remained until 1876. Rev. D. W. Misner was then appointed and was succeeded in the fall of 1877, after a pastorate of one year by Rev. William Dawe, who remained three years. In 1 88 1 the society purchased a house and lot adjoining- the church for a parsonage.

In 1884 the old church was burned, and until their new church was completed the society worshiped in the old Presbyterian Church. The construction of the present, fine brick house of worship was begun in the fall of that year, and the completed edifice was dedicated on June 20, 1885. The dedication sermon was preached by Bishop Bowman. Including furnishings, the church cost about $23,000. The seating capacity of the main auditorium is about 450, and the lecture room, which adjoins, will seat 200 more persons. These two rooms can be thrown into one. The parsonage was begun in the fail of 1903 and was completed the following spring at a cost of $3,500. The entire property is free from debt.

Rev. Matthew C. Hawkes became pastor in 1883 and remained with the church three years. During his term the name of the society was changed to that which it now bears. After Rev. Mr. Hawkes came Rev. N. G. Lyons, whose pastorate extended to 1889. He was succeeded by Rev. Charles Morgan, the duration of whose pastorate was two years. Rev. James H. Kilpatrick came next and remained with the church three years. His successor. Rev. C. B. Steele, also remained three years. Rev. H. C. Scripps, the next pastor, remained but two years. He died at Mount Clemens in 1903. He w^as followed by Rev. William B. Pope, whose pastorate covered a period of four years. The present pastor, Rev. J. P. Varner, came to the church in September, 1904. The church now has about 500 members, and the various church societies and the Sunday-school are in a flourishing condition.

Auburn Methodist Episcopal Church (Aviburn). - In 1875 a church building was erected here, and until 1892 this was a mission church in connection with the church at Freeland. In 1892 the church became an independent body, and since that time has had the following pastors : Rev. R. Pattinson, 1893- 94; Rev. W. J. Bailey, 1895-97; Rev. R. L. Cope, 1898; Rev. W. E. Edmunds, 1899; Rev. J. A. Rowe, 1900; and Rev. A. J. Holmes, the present pastor, who took charge in 1901. During Rev. Mr. Holmes's pastorate the parsonage, which was erected under the direction of Rev. R. Pattinson, has been remodeled and made very commodious. In 1894 a beautiful little church was built at North Williams. This is included in the circuit with Auburn and is served by the same pastor.

Free Methodist Church. - The church of this denomination in Bay City is located at the corner of Garfield avenue and Lafayette street. It was organized about eighteen years ago, and now has about forty members. The parsonage is connected with the church in the rear. The present pastor, Rev. J. H. McMillan, came here in the fall of 1903. The society belongs to the East Michigan Conference.

Free Methodist Church (West Side). - In August, 1886, the land on Litchfield street where the church is now located was purchased and work on the building was commenced. The property is now valued at $1,000. The society owns a parsonage at 301 Spruce street, valued at $500. The present pastor. Rev. Curtis Lum, came here September 25. 1904. The church has now 21 members, and about 30 pupils are enrolled in the Sunday-school.

Roman Catholic Churches And Schools

For the early history of the Roman Catholic Church in this region we are indebted to an article written by John Hyde, editor of the Catholic Chronicle, which appeared in 1875, and from which the following is quoted:

"Among those who most frequently came here prior to 1848, were Fathers Kundig and Louis, and Father Peter Kindekens, the vicar general of the diocese. Between 1848 and 1852 priestly visits became more frequent. Father Moynahan, then the pastor of Flint, made frequent trips to Saginaw City, and on most occasions would get some good Frenchman or Indian to paddle him down the river to Lower Saginaw. Occasionally, too, Father Joseph Kindekens, brother of the Father Peter above mentioned, and Father Kilroy, now pastor of Emmett, St, Clair County, would be assigned to the duty of visiting the Catholics of the valley, and would be watched eagerly from the shore, as he approached in canoe or on the ice, carefully holding the pack containing his altar vestments and vessels. La 1848 there were eight Catholic families here, most of whom were French. By 185 1 the number had increased to 14, besides a few young unmarried men, who had ventured in to help prepare the lands for their future wealthy occupants. Among the 'old heads' were the Trombleys, the Trudells, the Longtains and the Marsacs, and among the men of the younger blood there were James L. Herbert, the brothers Casson,. William Ferris and others. I have said that most of the Catholics were Frenchmen, but what spot on earth can one look at without finding there an Lishman? Lower Saginaw at that time was no exception. Here too there were L-ishmen : Osmond A. Perrott. P. J. Perrott, Bernard Cunningham and James Watson.

"In 1850-51. the Catholics of Lower Saginaw considered themselves numerous enough to attempt building a church. The munificence and forethought of the men who had laid out the village plot had provided building sites for the diiTerent Christian denomination whose members might settle here. The Catholics were the first to avail themselves of the bounty, and as the most convenient to the settled portion of the village, the site of the present St. Joseph's Church was selected. There were no architects here then, but there were many who had assisted at every 'raising' that had e\'er occurred here, and knew just what a building needed to make it last long. The men went into the woods to chop and square the timber, and each helped to put the pieces in their places in the edifice. The men were few, however, none of them were rich then (though many of them are now) and most of them had to support families besides building churches. The work consequently progressed but slowly; so much so that when Rev. H. J. H. Schutjes arrived here in 1852, not much of a church was to be seen. But they had now at least at their head one who could encourage and direct them ; and after some time, by his efforts and their own will, the building gradually assumed shape, and Father Schutjes was soon able to perform divine service in it. It was a long time, however, before a pastoral residence was built. During this time Father Schutjes resided sometimes in the family of Mr. Watson and sometimes in the old pioneer hotel, the Woh-erton House.

"Those were the good old primitive times of Bay City, when sawmills were few and far between, and banks and newspapers were not even in the mind of the prophet. Besides Lower Saginaw, Father Schutjes was pastor of the entire Sgainaw Valley. He had to divide his time between the people at this end of the river and those in the upper towns. Every alternate Sunday he spent in Saginaw City and in

East Saginaw, and in the spring and fall when the ice was bad and there were no roads, he often had great difficulty and many hairbreadth escapes in coming to and from those places. But the growth in commerce and manufactures brought increase in population.

"The number of Catholics kept pace with the general prosperity, and by the year 1863 they were numerous enough to require the appointment of pastors for each of the cities of Saginaw City and East Saginaw. Father Schutjes was then able to devote his attention to the wants of his people in Bay City. Soon the little church of St. Joseph became too small for the increasing congregation. Frenchmen came from Canada and Irishmen came form everywhere. Besides those there were many stalwart Hollanders and Germans, so that Father Schutjes had to speak many languages to 'get along' with his people. French and English, however, being the prevailing languages in the congregation, he preached alternately in those two tongues until the year 1867. At this period it was discovered that not one eighth of the congregation could get into St. Joseph's Church, so it was resolved at once to commence the building of a new church."

St. Joseph's Church (French). - From 1869, when Father Girard took charge of the parish, until 1900, when Rev. Francis H. Gres, the present pastor was appointed, the church had a rapid succession of pastors. Father Girard remained until January i, 1872. Father Delbar succeeded him, but remained only until the last of the next December, and Father Cantors, his successor, remained only to August 31. 1873. Father Grilli, an Italian priest, supplied for a few months until November 23, 1873, 3"d was succeeded by Father Van Straellen, a Hollander, who remained imtil ]March 21, 1875. Father Grilli then again took charge and remained until June 30, 1878, when Father Kemper, a German, arrived and remained until October 19, 1879. The priest who followed him died in 1880, and the next pastor, Father Ebert, remained only a short time. Father Thibeaudau was next appointed and remained for six years. He died in 1886, and was succeeded by Father Vitali, an Italian, who remained until August 21, 1887. The next pastor, Father Guerin, remained but a few years.

In 1888 the parish fell in sore straits suffering from the hard times. Father Thibeaudau had built the new church in 1880, and a debt of $6,000 burdened the congregation, while the parsonage was practically a shed. The parish was therefore placed under the charge of the Holy Ghost Fathers society, which relieved the diocese of the burden, while the parish still remained under the jurisdiction of the bishop. Rev. F. J. Rothe C. S. Sp., was accordingly sent here in 1888. On June 20, 1894, Father Gres, the present pastor, was appointed assistant. When Father Rothe left in March, 1895, the debt of $6,000 had been cleared. He was succeeded by Father Dangelzer, and the good work of the Holy Ghost Fathers was still furthered by the erection of a fine commodious parsonage at Third and Grant streets on property adjoining the church lot. In 1900 Father Dangelzer returned to France, and Father Gres was appointed to the charge which he now holds. Since 1900, Rev. Alphonse Coignard has been assistant.

The present St. Joseph's Church is a combination of church and school house. The church was erected by Father Thibeaudau with a view to supplying a meeting place until a new church could be erected. During the hard times the new church project was given up. Lately it has been revived by Fathers Gres and

The parish now inckides about 500 families and is one of the largest in the valley. The wings of the church do duty as school rooms. The attendance at school is nearly 380 pupils, who are taught by a corps of six Sisters of the Dominican Order. In the rear of the church there is a roomy and well-appointed residence for the Sisters.

St. James Church. - When it was found desirable to divide St. Joseph's congregation, ground was selected on the present site of St. James' Church, and before the close of September of that year the new church was dedicated under the patronage of St. James the Apostle. The church continued under the charge of Father Schutjes until June, 1873. when he was called to Detroit to assist the bishop in the affairs of the diocese. His place was filled by the appointment of Rev. Thomas Rafter, a native of Monroe County, Michigan. On December 12, 1884, the church was burned down, and as soon as possible the building of the present house of worship was commenced. The structure is 150 by 75 feet, except the transept, which is about 90 feet wide. The church, which seats about 1,400, was dedicated on Christmas Day, 1886. Its cost, completely furnished, was about $60,000. The present beautiful and commodious parochial residence was commenced in 1901 and completed in 1903. Its cost was $12,- 000, exclusive of furnishings. There are about 400 families in St. James' parish. Connected with the parish is one of the largest and best parochial schools in the city, having an attendance of 380 pupils. The contract has been let for a new school house to be built of brick. This will be located in the block just south of the church, and will cost about $13,000.

St. St.a.nislaus Kostk.a. Church (Polish). - By 1847 the Polish population hadgrown to such proportions that it became necessary to provide for them a separate place of worship. This was especially desirable as few of them had any knowledge of English. William D. Fitzhugh gave a site for the church, consisting of eight lots at the corner of Farragut and 22nd streets. A house of worship costing about $4,000 was erected, and served the church until the spring of 1889. At that time a parochial meeting was held at which it was decided to replace the frame building with a substantial brick structure. To meet the expense, it was decided that each family of the parish should contribute $50 ; later this was found to be insufficient and the amount was raised to $60. Work on the new edifice commenced in 1890, and the church was blessed on July 17, 1892. The structure cost $61,000. The parish at that time was under the charge of Rev. M. Matkowski. He was succeeded by Rev. Anthony Bogacki, who was here only a few months. His successor. Rev. Joseph Lewandow-ski, also served a few months as temporary pastor.

On January 6, 1900, Rev. Edward Kozlowski assumed charge of the parish. During his pastorate the debt of $5,000 which he found hanging over the church has been paid; the Sisters" house has been raised to two stories and entirely remodeled ; the parochial residence has been raised and put on a stone foundation and renovated and repaired; extensive repairs have' been made on the parochial school ; electric lights installed in the church at an expense of over $1,000; a new pulpit has been built at an expense of $900; a beautiful main altar with over 800 electric lights has been built at a cost of $4,500, also two side altars at a cost of $2,000; two new confessionals have been built at an expense of $350, and a baptismal font at.

a cost of $400. The towers of the church, which are 175 feet high, have been repaired and strengthened, the outside of the church painted and the crosses regilded with pure gold leaf. The cost of the outside repairs upon the church reached a total of $2,000. In 1904, Father Kozlowski had a new cement walk laid around the entire block. This cost over $1,000.

At present there are in this parish, not counting the missions, 1,300 families. It has therefore been decided to divide the congregation. The old Kinney farm at the corner of Cass and Michigan avenues has been purchased as a site for the new church. The property which measures 600 by 272 feet cost $2,500. Plans are being prepared for the erection of a school and church combined, the cost of which is estimated at $30,000.

A new congregation of Poles has also been organized on the West Side, comprising about 80 families, and they contemplate erecting a church next year.

During the first three years of Father Kozlowski's pastorate he had for his assistant. Dr. V. Wiszniewski, who subsequently died on the Island of Trinidad, whither he had gone for his health. His successor was Rev. Joseph S. Kaminski, who was appointed April 17, 1903, and who still remains. He is a young man full of zeal and an earnest worker.

There are about 800 children in the parochial school connected with this parish, and besides these over 400 attend the public schools for lack of room in the parochial school. There are at present 12 teachers employed in the school. Funds are being collected to build a $30,000 school for this parish.

In 1887, Father Kozlowski. who was then stationed at Midland, started a mission in Beaver township. At that time St. Valentine's Mission, as it was called, comprised 29 families. A school was built, and in this divine services were held once a month. At the same time he started a mission for Poles in Auburn, and school was held alternately three months in Auburn and three months in Beaver. In 1889 Father Kozlowski was transferred to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Manistee, and these two missions were attended by the various pastors who were in charge of St. Stanislaus parish in Bay City.

When Father Kozlowski was returned to this parish on January 6, 1900, he proceeded immediately to reorganize the Auburn mission. A building site was purchased in Fisherville, two miles west of the old location, and a nice stone and brick church, with accommodations for a school in the basement, was erected. This church was dedicated as St. Anthony's Church, on September 7, 1902. The church is beautifully furnished and frescoed. It has three altars. The cost of the building was about $10,- 000. Here divine service is held the second Sunday and the last Tuesday of every month. The parish comprises about 75 Polish families. School is held alternately six months in Fisherville and six months in Beaver. At present there are a few more than 100 children enrolled in the schools. The Beaver mission has also been reorganized. Plans have been prepared for the erection of a new church, larger than the one in Fisherville. It is expected that work on the new house of worship will begin during 1905, the cost of which is estimated at $15,000, including furnishings. It will be of brick and stone.

At Auburn there is also a Catholic mission for those who speak English. This is in charge of Rev. D. Malone, of Midland. The English mission at Pinconning is in charge of Rev. Edward Rasette, and the one at Kawkawlin is ministered to by Rev. Eutrope Langlois, of Linwood.

year 1874 saw the organization of St. Boniface parish. The German Cathohcs of Bay City, beheving themselves sufficiently strong in population to form an independent parish, set about the work and succeeded.

Up to this time the German population of Bay City, with the people of other races, worshiped in St. Joseph's Church. St. Joseph's becoming too small to accommodate the mixed congregation, the German citizens attended, for a time, St. James' Church. In the year above referred to they organized an independent parish, as suggested by the diocesan authorities.

In 1874 Rev. Presser, D. D., took charge of the new parish. Forty families constituted the population of the parish. At the close of the year Father Presser resigned, and was succeeded by Father Rochowski. In 1S78 Rev. Joseph Ebert was appointed pastor of St. Boniface Church. This priest labored incessantly to improve the parish and clear of? indebtedness. He built the Sisters' Home, Birney street and McKinley avenue. After a pastorate extending 10 years, Father Ebert resigned in 1888, and went south, leaving a great portion of the parish debt cleared off.

Rev. John A. Wyss, the present pastor, was appointed February 21, 1888. He relniilt the interior of the school house, and the Sisters' home was also rebuilt through his energy. A lot at Lincoln and McKinley avenues was purchased by him to enlarge the school grounds. Subsequently he bought another lot on Lincoln avenue to secure increase of ground for the church and parochial residence.

As the old church was being crowded by the increase of the congregation, in 1879, steps were taken to erect a new building and St. John's Benevolent Society was formed to secure funds to help the project. This society, with a determination that is commendable, kept, for 15 years, the purpose for which it was organized before the people. In 1896 the construction of the new church began, the corner-stone being laid October 1 1, of the same year.

For three years work on the new building continued, and on June 4, 1899, the church was solemnly consecrated. Among those who attended were Bishop Richter, of Grand Rapids; Very Rev. Joseph Benning, V. G., and a number of Saginaw and Detroit priests.

At the time of consecration the church was clear of debt, and has the distinction of being the only Catholic Church in the Saginaw Valley to be consecrated.

The internal decorations of St. Boniface Church are of a high order. Among the paintings representing scenes in the life of Christ and the Apostles are the "Last Supper," "SS. Peter and Paul" and others of the saints. A number of donated windows enhance the cathedral-like aspect of the interior.

In 1904 Father Wyss completed a handsome parochial residence, which cost $8,000. The school of the parish of St. Boniface has about 150 pupils in attendance. Father Wyss being superintendent and Sister Alberta of the Dominican Order, principal. The corps of teachers is made up of four Sisters, the principal and the superintendent. English courses are taught as well as German.

After the destruction by fire, in 1904, of the Holy Rosary Academy in Essexville, it was decided to rebuild in the parish of St. Boniface. Accordingly nine lots of land were purchased on Lincoln avenue adjoining the church and parochial residence, and work was commenced at once on a building 100 by 100 feet in dimensions, to be five stories high, the material being stone and pressed brick. The cornerstone was laid in 1904. The structure will have accommodations for 150 boarding students, while the class rooms will seat 300 pupils. The academy is exclusively a school for young ladies, and besides those who make it their home, it is expected there will be a large attendance of pupils living nearby. The structure will cost, it is estimated, $60,000. It will have every modern convenience, including an elevator, and no expense will be spared in adapting it perfectly to the uses for which it is designed.

St. M.^ry's Church (West Side). - In November, 1873, the building afterward used as a school house was dedicated as a church. The erection of the present house of worship was begun the latter part of May, 1881, and was dedicated on the 30th of November, of the same year, by Rt. Rev. Casper H. Borgess, bishop of the Diocese of Detroit. A very large share of the credit for the erection of this costly and beautiful church is due to Father Schutjes. The parish was set off from Bay City in 1873, and the first pastor was Rev. M. G. Cantors. Father Schutjes was made pastor of this church in the summer of 1880. On March i, 1888, Rev. John Sanson became assistant pastor, and continued in this capacity until Father Schutjes returned to Europe, when the former became pastor. His successor was Rev. Joseph Schrembs, who was here 1 1 years, and was succeeded in October, 1900, by the present pastor. Rev. Edward A. Caldwell. There are about 350 families in the parish. When Father Caldwell took up his duties, he found the present parochial school in course of construction. It is tiiree stories high, and contains eight school rooms, a nice chapel in the basement and an auditorium on the third floor capable of seating 500 people. The school is attended by 390 pupils.

Notre D.JlMe de la Visitation (W^est Side). - In the early "nineties" the congregation of St. Mary's had become so large that it was decided to divide it, and to organize the French members into another cliurch. Land was secured at the corner of State and Smith streets, West Bay City, and in the fall of 1895 the work of building the basement of the church was completed. This is of stone. For the past 10 years services have been held in this basement. The completed church will cost between $50,000 and $60,000. Of this amount, $10,000 was contributed by St. Mary's Church in accordance with the custom which requires that portion of a divided congregation which retains, the property to contribute an equitable share of its value to the new church. When the new French church was organized, Rev. John Sanson was appointed its priest, and remained in charge until September 22, 1904, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Father Poulin. The present fine parochial school building was completed in the early "nineties" at a cost of $10,000. There are now about 500 families in the parish.

St. John's Church (Es.sexville). - In 1884, Father Rafter started a mission in Essexville. At that time he built the present parochial school building, but used it for a temporary place of worship until the present St. John's Church was ready for occupancy. Work on this edifice was commenced in 1889, and the church was dedicated in 1894. The church has a seating capacity of about 700. There are about 365 families in the parish. The parochial residence was built in 1888. Rev. Cornelius Roche was the first priest appointed to this parish, and he remained until his death by drowning, in June, 1901. He was succeeded by Rev. Peter Bresson, who was pastor for two years and nine months. Rev. R. G. Van Rooy, the present priest, became pastor on March 2'/, 1904.

The Holy Rosary Academy, a boarding school for girls, which is presided over by the Dominican Sisters, was built by them in 1S98. This was destroyed by fire on Marcli 12, 1904, and on its site a beautiful brick residence for tbe Sisters is being erected. The building is two and a half stories high and will be completed during the summer of 1905.

Sacred Heart Church (Kawkawlin). - In 1 89 1 a mission was started here by Father Sanson, and later was continued by Father Schrembs. The parish at that time comprised about 75 families. At first divine serx'ices were held in halls. When the mission came under the charge of Rev. Eutrope Langlois in 1894, a frame church was in course of construction. This was completed in 1897, and soon after w'as destroyed by fire. Father Roche of Essexville was next given charge of the mission, and he laid the foundation for a church edifice. After his death, Father Langlois was again appointed to this charge, and he completed the present church which is of brick, and 55 by 85 feet in dimensions. The structure cost between $8,000 and $9,000 and the congregation now has in hand a fund which will nearly pay for a parsonage.

St. Paul's German Lutheran Church (Frankenlust). - In 1848, when Germany was in the throes of a re\-olution, Councillor Frederick Koch assured the employes of his smelters in Carlshuetten, Province of Franken. Germany, that he would secure their future by land purchases in far-off Michigan. His sonin-law, Rev. Ferdinand Sievers, Sr., of blessed memory, led the first flock of emigrants from Franken into the wilderness of Bay county in 1848, creating the colony of Frankenlust. On June 22nd of that year, St. Paul's congregation was organized by Rev. Mr. Sievers and 14 colonists. These pioneers of Bay County erected and joyfully dedicated their first church building the following year. A few years later the log structure was found to be insufiicient for the needs of the congregation, and in 1857 a frame church building, in dimensions 70 by 30 by 22 feet was erected and dedicated. This church has been a landmark in Bay County for many years. From the beginning the congregation has always maintained a parochial school. Rev. Ferdinand Sievers. Sr., the beloved father of this congregation, died September 9, 1893, having served faithfully for 45 years. His successor was Rev. J. J. Trinklein, who remained with the congregation until the end of 1902. In the spring of the following year. Rev. P. Andres, the present pastor was called. From time to time many of the younger members of the congregation left to organize new churches at Amelith, Kawkawlin, ]\Ionitor and Salzburg. St. Paul's Church, which has always belonged to the Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other States, numbers 109 voting members. At present' the congregation is building a fine brick house of worship at a cost of about $20,000. The corner-stone was laid on April 30, 1905 ; Rev. J. F. Schinnerer and Rev. L. A. Wissmueller officiated.

St. John's German Lutheran Church (Amelith). - In 1850 Councillor Frederick Koch, of Carlshuetten, Province of Fraken, Germany, \isited the colony of Frankenlust, sent out by him two years before under his son-in-law, Rev. Ferdinand Sievers, Sr., and arranged for the purchase of all the government lands adjoining Frankenlust on the south, 80 acres to be set aside for church purposes. This spot was named Amelitli, in honor of the birthplace of ]Mrs. Koch, and on July 25, 1 85 1, the colonists of Frarikenlust erected a rude but massive block house at Amelith, to serve the double purpose of lodging house for the coming immigrants as well as school and church. The Stengel and Link families came from Rostall in Franken that fall, and erected the first log house near the church. In June 1852 came the Eichinger, Lutz, Schnell, .Schmidt, Stephan, Daschlein, Rueger, Burk and Heumann families, who lived in the church until they could erect log houses of their own. On June 24, 1852, Rev, Mr, Sievers consecrated the little congregation and their house of worship. Eighteen families came from Franken in 1853, and for the next 15 years more colonists settled about Amelith. The older children attended the parochial or district school at Frankenlust, while Rev. Mr. Sievers taught the little ones, in addition to looking after the spiritual welfare of three widely scattered and growing congregations. Cantor Mueller (1856-57), Guenther (1860- 65), Becker (1866-68), Kuch (1869-71), Taesch (1872-75), J. G. Winterstein (1875- 94), J. D. Barthel (1894-1901) and Ernst Rolf (1901-05) have presided in turn and with splendid results over the parochial school.

Rev. Mr. Sievers served Amelith for 15 years, with short intervals of local supply, but by 1867 the venerable colonist and preacher was obliged to give up this additional charge, and Rev. J. F. Mueller was installed in December, 1867, and for nearly 32 years continued his ministrations. On Trinity Sunday, 1899, lie preached his farewell sermon amid the congregation he had served so long and well. Rev. J. F. Schinnerer ',was installed September 15, 1899, and is the present pastor, Ijcloved and esteemed by his congregation. Thus in over 50 years this congregation has had but three pastors, a living evidence of useful cooperation.

church, costing $5,000, in addition to the labor of the parishioners, and on November 10, 1870, the new edifice was dedicated. In 1901 the congregation built a new school house at a cost of $1,500. During the 50 years just passed, 925 children were baptized, 562 were confirmed, 183 couples were married, 280 parishioners died, and 24,275 attended communion. This congregation now numbers 740 souls, 450 communicants, 155 school children and 150 voting members. The annual outlay is $1,500 locally, and $350 for missionary work and the synod. The development of the early colonists and their children's material interests have kept pace with their faithful devotion and their spiritual welfare. On April 30, 1905, this congregation in a body assisted in laying the corner-stone for the new church of their sister colony at Frankenlust.

Bethel German Lutheran Church was organized October 31, 1852, with 21 members, by Rev. J. Ehrhardt, who was the first pastor. H. C. Hage, I. T. Wespinter and H. Moeller were chosen and ordained presiding elders. Until 1855 the church held its services in various halls; but in that year a small house of worship was erected on Washington avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets. This was dedicated in March, 1856, by Rev. C. Volz, who was pastor at that time. This structure was soon enlarged. Rev. Mr. Volz continued as pastor until 1859, from which time until 1861 the church was without a settled pastor. Rev. F. W. Spindless then became pastor and remained with the church two years. His successor was Rev. John Haas, who remained with the church until June, 1865. The church was then without a pastor until September nth of that year, when Rev. William Reuther became their minister. In the spring of 1866 a new church edifice was erected, and the old building was removed to the rear and behind the parsonage. The new church was dedicated June i6, 1867. The old church was used as a parochial school building. In June, 1871, the church was supplied with three bells. On October 25th of the same year, church and school house were destroyed by fire. It was then decided to sell the old church ground and to purchase their present site, which comprises three lots on the corner of Madison and McKinley avenues. Their present beautiful house of worship was erected in 1872, and was dedicated on November 25th of that year by Rev. William Reuther, and officers of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Michigan, of which body the congregation is a member. The church is of brick, 95 by 42 feet, with a steeple 150 feet high, in which two finetoned bells are hung. On July 22, 1888, a pipe organ costing $1,000 was installed. The present parsonage, which is the third one the society has owned, was built in 1891, and at the same time a house for the teacher of the parochial school was built on Farragut street between loth and nth streets.

In 1883 Rev. Mr. Reuther was succeeded by Rev. O. W. Wuest, who remained with the congregation until April, 1884. In 1884 the church connected itself with the Synod of Wisconsin. The pulpit was then supplied by a student from the seminary of that synod, named E. Steimke. He remained with the church until June, 1885. On [March 22. 1885, the church called Rev. J. G. Oehlert, who began his pastoral duties on July 4th of that year. In 1 89 1 he was succeeded by Rev. F. Stromer, who served the church until October, 1900. Rev. E. Klingman was next called, and he took charge in the fall of 1901 and was here until April, 1904. From that time until the last of July, Rev. A. C. Haase of South Bay City supplied the pulpit, and on July 31, 1904,

It was not until 1887 that the congregation felt able to call a teacher for their parochial school, instruction, in the meantime, having been given by the pastor, as is the custom of this denominatioin. The first teacher was D. Fogel, who was succeeded in 1898 by Prof. F. Siegler, who is still principal of the school, and has one assistant. Miss Bertha Diehl.

Em'anuel German Lutheran Church dates back to the year 1854, six years after Rev. Ferdinand Sievers, Sr., the pioneer of Lutheran ministers in this county, founded the colony of Frankenlust. By him the little flock in Bay City was served, in connection with his labors for St. Raul's society at Frankenlust, for II years. In 1865, Rev. I. C. Himmler took charge of the society, then numbering about 20 voting members. When he resigned, in the autumn of 1867, there were about 25 voting members in the society. Its property consisted of the lot on the northwest corner of Sixth street and [Madison avenue, with a small church building 18 by 30 feet in dimensions and a school house. In July, 1868, the church having been nine months without a pastor. Rev. J. H. P. Partenfekler, a graduate of the Lutheran Concordia Seminary at St. Louis, began his ministrations to the congregation. In 1873, the house of worship having become too small, an addition 22 by 30 feet in size was constructed. The society grew and prospered so that in 1889 it became necessary to build a newchurch. At that time the present fine structure was erected at a cost of $18,000. The first services were held in the new church in the fall of 1889. The census of the church shows 1,275 souls, 848 comnumicants and 141 voting members. Rev. Mr. Partenfelder's pastorate was brought to a close bv his death on Decem- ber 12, 1896, after 28 years of faithful service in the Master's vineyard. His successor was Rev. C. F. Graebner, wlio serxed the church until 1903, when he was called to the presidency of the Lutheran University of Australia. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Paul Budach. Like other churches of this faith, Emanuel Church supports a parochial school, which is a model educational institution, with 225 pupils. John M. Helmreich is the principal, with two assistants.

St. John's Germ.\n Lutheran Church (West Side). - This church was organized December 28, 1862, by the late Rev. Christopher L. Eberhardt, of Saginaw. There were 20 charter members. For several months they held services in the house of George Kiesel, where the church had been organized ; meetings were also held for a time in the school house in Bangor, and later in W'enona. The church was built in 1872, and dedicated on September 15th of the same year. At that time it was 30 by 40 feet in dimensions. In 1873 the congregation joined the Synod of Michigan and other States. Up to that time the pulpit had been supplied by various preachers of the same faith. Rev. William Reuther was the first pastor. He was followed by Rev. O. \\'uest, who served the congregation until 1884. On January ist of the following year Rev. A. P. Mueller was called, and served until his death in December, 1888. During his pastorate a bell was placed in the steeple at a cost of $200. The parsonage at the corner of Jane and Kiesel streets was built in 1887 at a cost of $1,100; the school house was also built in that year. Previous to that time, school had been ke])t in the church. Rev. J. F. Mayer commenced his lators with this consrreffation January 8, 1888, and remained with them until 1892. During his last vear the congregation

The present pastor. Rev. J. F. Henning, commenced his labors July 12, 1892, and for the first three years of his pastorate also taught school, as the congregation was small at that time and could not well afford the expense of a teacher. In 1894 E. Dobbratz was secured to teach the school and remained until 1896. At that time the pastor again took up the work of teaching. In about a year Samuel Linsenmann came to teach the school, but he only remained a short time. In 1894 a stone foundation was placed under the church, and this together with other extensive repairs, including painting and decorating, cost $680. In the same year the pastor founded a library in the church, which now has several hundred volumes on its shelves.

In 1901 the church was rebuilt at a cost of $3,000. It now has seating capacity for about 500 persons. There are 90 voting members, 850 souls, 250 communicants and 142 families. There are 89 pupils in the Sunday-school and 50 in the parochial school. The teacher of the latter school, Philip Kircher, took up the work in 1901.

Trinity Germ.an Lutheran Church (Monitor). - This congregation was founded in the spring of 1880 by the late Rev. Ferdinand Sievers, Sr., of Frankenlust. The organization was efifected on July i8th of that year, at which time the constitution was adopted and the first officers were elected. These were Rev. Ferdinand Sievers, Jr., president: and J. L. Enser, secretary'. There were 17 charter members. A few months later their first house of worship was built. It was 36 bv 22 by 14 feet, and cost $660. The church was dedicated November 7, 1880, and three days later, Rev. Air. Sievers, who was the first pastor, began to teach the parochial school of 10 pupils.

In 1887 it became necessary to build an addition to the church 26 by 22 feet, which cost about $200. In 1S89 A. H. Gehrs was appointed as the first teacher for the parochial school. In 1896 the first pastor accepted a call to South Chicago, and the present pastor. Rev. L. A. Wissmueller was chosen by the congregation. In the same year the first steps toward building a new church edifice were taken. The corner-stone was laid on July 18, 1897, and the church was dedicated on February 6, 1898. It is one of the largest and prettiest country churches in the county, measuring 106 by 42 feet, giving ample seating room for 600 people. The tower reaches a height of 130 feet, and holds two bells which weigh about 2,800 pounds. The total cost amounted to about $11,117.

The present building for the western parochial school was erected in 1903. together with a residence for the teacher. The following year, the old church building, which had served for a school house for the eastern parochial school, was taken down and the present building erected. The old parsonage which, after a new one had been constructed in 1893, had served as a residence for the teacher, was rebuilt and enlarged. During the past 12 years, the congregation has expended for building purposes about $17,000 which sum was raised by voluntary contributions. The annual expenses of the church, which amount to about $2,000 are raised in like manner. The congregation numbers 670 souls, 390 communicants, 112 voting members. About 120 pupils attend the two parochial schools, where they are instructed in the common branches of learning and in the German language and in religion.

1886, by members of Bethel German Lutheran Church. The church edifice is located at the corner of Broadway and 32nd street. It was built in the latter part of 1886 and was dedicated on the second Sunday in January, 1887. The church is a frame structure 40 by 80 feet in dimensions, valued at $5,000; the parochial school, which has two class rooms, is valued at $2,000 and the parsonage at $1,000. The congregation has 70 voting members. The following is a list of the pastors, beginning with the founder of the church : Revs. J. G. Oehlert, March, 1886 to July, 1887: G. E. Bergemann, 1887-92; T. A. Sauer, 1892-95; H. H. Hoffmann, 1895-96; and A. C. Haase, the present pastor, who took charge in 1897. There are 81 children enrolled in the parochial school. The following teachers have had charge of the school : C. A. Berling, Miss Helen C. Haase, Gustav Schulz, ]\Iiss Emily von \\'althausen. The pastor always has charge of one division.

ZioN German Lutheran Church (West Side). - This church is the outgrowth of a mission established in Salzburg by Rev. C. F. Graebner about the year 1900. L'nder his leadership and with the support of Emanuel German Lutheran Church, of which he was pastor, the mission developed into an independent congregation, which for upwards of two years has been self-supporting. The church was organized with 1 1 charter members on April 23, 1901, For a meeting place the Salzburg German Band Hall was purchased and remodeled. It was dedicated August 17, 1902, and they now have a comfortable house of worship seating about 250 persons. The church numbers about 350 souls, 200 communicants and 50 voting members. Rev. Mr. Graebner filled the pulpit until Januarys 1903. On February 5th of that year the present pastor Rev. E. \^^ Bohn, was installed. Their parochial school was established in November, 1903, at which time the present school was purchased from St. PauFs German Lutheran Church at Frankenlust. They have about 70 pupils. J. \V. Putz has been the teacher since the school was established. Their present parsonage, which is one of the best owned by the denomination in the Saginaw Valley, was built in 1903.

St. B.\rtholomeus Germ.xn Lutheran Church (Kawkawlin). - This church belongs to the Michigan Synod. It has 39 voting members, 154 communicants and 277 souls in its parish. They own a nice church, school house and parsonage. Thirty children are enrolled in their parochial school. On May 7, 1905, the present pastor, Rev. H. Kionka, took charge.

ScANDiN.\vi.\N Lutheran Church (\\'est Side). - This society, which belongs to the Illinois Conference, was organized in 1880 with about 13 voting members by Rev. A. Schalman, who remained with them as pastor for some time. He was followed by Rev. S. C. Rydberg, who served the church five years. The next pastor was Rev. A. J. Ander, whose pastorate also extended over a period of five years. Then caine Rev. C. A. Lindevall, who remained about two years. His successor was Rev. A. B. Lilja, who remained until 1901. In /une of that year the present pastor, Rev. J. E. Holtz, took up his duties.

The present church edifice was built in 1881, and has sealing capacity of about 400 people. The church, school and parsonage together are valued at about $8,000. The parsonage was built in 1S82, and the school building, called Luther Hall, was erected in 1885. The children attend the public schools during the school year, and during the summer vacation half-day sessions are held in the parochial school by the pastor. The church numbers 125 voting members, 225 communicants and about 400 souls. About 125 pupils are enrolled in the Sunday-school. In 1904 a pipe organ was installed at an expense of about $1,200.

Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church. - This chiu'ch owes its establishment first to the Fitzhugh family, W. D. Fitzhugh having been the earliest leader in the society, and his wife the first communicant. The first male communicant was Israel Catlin. In the fall of 1850 the first ministrations of an Episcopal clergyman were received in this section. Rev. Joseph Adderly made a few missionary visits and held services three times. Again from December 21, 1851 to July 4. 1852, another missionary. Rev. Daniel B. Lyon, made occasional appointments, conducting worship in all about a half dozen times. On the 22nd of January, 1853. Rev. Voltaire Spaulding entered upon his duties, giving this field the benefit of stated services, which were held upon each third Sunday. To defray this expense a small sum was raised by the congregation, and the balance was paid by the missionary society. On the 4th of March, 1854, the parish organization was formed under the title of "Trinity Church, Lower Saginaw, Saginaw County, Michigan." Rev. Mr. Spaulding resigned on June I, 1858. At this time there were only five communicants, and the church remained without a pastor until May. 1S60. During this time the work was going steadily forward. An excellent site was secured on what is now Washington avenue, and plans were put in operation for the erection of a church. Through the liberality of friends at home and abroad sufficient means were obtained to build a neat though small edifice, which was conse- crated to the worsliip of God on May lo, i860. The services of a minister were again secured. Rev. Edward Magee, of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, Saginaw City, agreeing to devote one-half of his time to Trinity parish. He preached here on each alternate Sunday until May 25, 1861, when he resigned his charge in Saginaw City and confined himself to the church work here. Ill health compelled him to resign on November 28th of the same year. The pulpit remained vacant for nearly a year, and then Rev. Gilbert B. Hayden was called to the rectorship. The tenii of his ministry, which commenced November 24, 1862, lasted only five months. He performed a good work for the parish in writing a history of the church, on which the article from which we get our information was based. The next rector was Rev. A. JM. Lewis, who entered upon his duties Oct. i, 1863. His earnestness and activity did not go unrewarded, for in August, 1864, it was found necessary to enlarge the church building. This was accomplished in two and a half months at a cost of $1,200. Rev. Mr. Lewis resigned on the 15th Sunday after Trinity, 1S65.

On January 19, 1866, Rev. Fayette Royce, of Nunda, New York, was called, and assumed the responsibilities of his new position on the third Sunday of Lent, 1866. During his rectorship the building was again found inadequate for the increasing congregation, and a second addition was made. He resigned November 15, 1868, and in the following February, Rev. John Wright, D. D., was called to the rectorship. He preached his first sermon as rector April 11, 1869. On reaching the scene of his labors, he found that the church building had recently undergone a third extension at an expense of $2,387.81. On January 18, 1874, the new organ, which had cost $3,150 was used for the first time. Dr.

Wright resigned January 25, 1874, and was succeeded by Rev. George P. Schetky, D. D., who became pastor June 21st of the same year. He remained until April 4, 1877, and was followed by Rev. Alfred A. Alford, D. D., who assumed the duties of the rectorship the same year, and remained here se\-en years. During his incumbency the new stone chapel on Grant street was erected at a cost of $15,000. It has a seating capacity for 300 people. It was completed in 1883, and was occupied as a church until the present beautiful edifice was finished in 1887. Including furnishings this house of worship cost $70,000. It will seat 500 people. The first service was held on Wednesday in Easter week, April 14. 1887. After the chapel was completed, the old church property on Washington avenue was sold to B. E. Warren and Capt. C. M. Averell.

Rev. A. A. Butler succeeded Dr. Alford as rector, and he was followed by Rev. Edwin R. Bishop, who resigned in the fall of 1887 after five years of earnest labor. The next rector was Rev. Thomas W. McLean, who remained with the church until 1901, when he was succeeded by the present rector. Rev. Amos Watkins. The present membership of the church is about 500.

Trinity Church has always been active in missionary work. In 1872 a mission was started at Wenona under the charge of George A. Cooke as lay leader. On October 20th of the same year the rector organized Trinity chapel in the Seventh \\'ard of Bay City. Three other missions were organized : at Banks, McEwanville (now part of Essexville) and Essexville. On October 12. 1873, Rev. Lewis L. Rogers entered upon his duties as missionary at these missions, and continued in this work nearly a year. The mission in Essexville was continued until 1905. when the property was sold.

Grace Protestant Episcopal Church (West Side). - In 1S72 a parish in West Bay City under the name of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized by Trinity Church of Bay City. This was placed under the charge of George A. Cooke as lay reader. There were two missions, one at Wenona and the other at Banks. Rew Lewis L. Rogers was the first rector. In 1874 a neat house of worship was built at Wenona upon lots of land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Sage. In October, 1874, Rev. J. E. Jackson received an appointment as missionary. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. \\'ilson. After the latter went away, no regular services were held, although a Sunday-school was kept up for some time. The members finally driftetl apart and the society became disbantled. Matters continued in this shape until February, 1893, when Rev. J. E. Ramsdell came to this field and found a few women who were interested. This was the beginning of the present Grace Church. He began to hold services in the liasement of the Birchard Block. The following June, the old Presbyterian Church, which for some time had been in use as a school, was rented and used as a house of worship. Rev. Mr. Ramsdell went away in November, 1894, and was succeeded on the ist of the following January by Rev. ;\Ir. Barr. The Board of Education about this time wanted the building, and the society secured meeting rooms in the Moots Block. Rev. Mr. Barr gave up the work in May, 1895, leaving in charge Rev. George Wye, whose pastorate covered a year, and then regular services were given up. The Ladies' Aid Society, however, still kept together and at work, and in September. 1898, Rev. G. F. A. McKelcan came and took hold of the work. Services were held in the Adventist Church until December, when arrangements were made to purchase the old Presbyterian Church, and as soon as it was put in repair the society moved in. In the spring of 1899 Rev. Mr. jNIcKelcan was called to Midland, and the services were kept up by supplies until January, 1900, when Rev. W. R. Blachford took charge of the growing mission. He stayed until May, 1902, and was followed by the present pastor. Rev. Edward Jermin. Christmas, 1903, found the debt on the church building all cleared and many improvements paid for. The society is growing rapidly, and has secured three lots on Midland street, where a modern church edifice will be erected in the near future.

Presbyterian Churches

First Presbyterian Church. - In 1855 the population of Lower Saginaw had increased so much that it was thought advisable to make a move towards hiring a Presbyterian minister. A subscription paper was circulated and $300 was subscribed towards supporting a minister for one year, expecting the Home Missionary Society would pay the balance of a necessary salary. The late William Jennison, father of Charles E. Jennison, was the prime mover in starting the subscription. The first pastor was Rev. L. I. Root, who commenced his labors about the first of ^lay. 1856. On the 5th of the following September the church was formally organized as the First Presbyterian Church of Lower Saginaw, with eight charter members. Rev. Mr. Root was installed by the Presbytery of Saginaw in November, 1858, and continued to serve the church until February, i860. Rev. E. J. Stewart acted as stated supply from June, 1861, to December, 1863.

During its first years, the church worshipped in the school house which stood at the north end of Washington a\'enue, where for many years all public meetings were held. After-

Avard its meetings were in a public hall, and for a time in the Court House. In 1S61 a churc!> editice was erected ; soon after its dedication, while the congregation was in the midst of a communion service, it took fire and was consumed. The building of a new house of was immediately commenced, the dedication of which occurred December 25, 1863. The church was constructed of wood and was originally 40 by 70 feet in size upon the ground, with sittings for 400 persons.

1865, Rev. J. Ambrose Wight, D. D., was called as pastor and commenced his labors on the first Sabbath of the following Mav. He Avas installed by the Presbytery of Saginaw on November 23rd of the same year. The bell was placed in the church tower in August,

1866. The lecture room was built in the autumn of 1868, and the main building was enlarged with a tier of pews on each side in the fall of 1872. Dr. Wight's activity as pastor continued until 1888, when he was made pastor emeritus. To Dr. Wight more than to any other man is due the strength and character and prominence of the church, in all its civil and ecclesiastical relations.

In 1886, Rev. Burt Estes Howard was called as an assistant to Dr. Wight, and was installed as pastor of the church June 28, 1888. He remained with the church until October 26, 1890. On the 3rd of the following June, Rev. William H. Clark, D. D., became the pastor, and labored most faithfully and successfully until ;May i. 1896.

During the latter part of the pastorate of Dr. Wight, and during the pastorate of Rev. ]\Ir. Howard, preparations were made for a new house of worship. This effort resulted in the construction of the present stone edifice, which was erected at a cost, including the site and furnishings, of $105,000. It is said to be one of the largest and handsomest buildings in the Northwest. The corner-stone was laid June 25, 1891, and the dedication took place June 6, 1893.

Following Dr. Clark, the next pastor was Rev. Otis A. Smith, D. D., who was called on June 15, 1896 and who entered upon his work the following July. He was installed by the Presbytery of Saginaw on the 2nd of October, 1896, and continued with the church until February, 1902. There was then a long interval, during which the church was without a settled pastor. In the summer of 1902, Rev. James Gale Inglis supplied the pulpit, and then received a call to become pastor. This call he did not accept until the following year. He was installed as pastor in ^larch. 1903, and continued until March 19, 1905, when he resigned on account of ill health. He was a man beloved by the entire community. The church is at present without a pastor.

Westminster Presbyteriax Church (West Side). - About the first of November, 1863, Rev. D. B. Campbell was sent as a missionary by the Presbytery of Saginaw to the lower part of the Saginaw Valley. His field of labor comprised Bangor, Kawkawlin and Portsmouth townships. Services were held in the school houses at Banks and A\'enona for the convenience of people living in the township of Bangor. In January, 1864. after Sage & ]\IcGraw had purchased the site of what was to become the village of Wenona, Rev. 'Sir. Campbell called upon Henry W. Sage, and asked a donation of two lots on which to build a church. The request was promptly granted, and two lots on Catherine street were given, and on behalf of the firm Mr. Sage generously agreed to double any subscriptions that could be secured for the purpose of building a church. Early in 1865 a meeting was held at Rev. Mr.

Campbell's house, at which a church society was organized. At this time the church was called the First Presbyterian Church of Bangor. The first elders of the church were Stephen Buchanan and J. H. Plum ; the first trustees. J. S. Taylor, J. B. Ostrander and John G. Sweeney.

The eflforts to raise money for a church edifice were successful and the work of building was vigorously pushed forward. The corner-stone was laid on August 23. 1865, and the house of worship was dedicated on the 3rd of the following December. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. J. Ambrose \\"ight, D, D., of Bay City. The cost of the structure was $3,500, and the furnishings cost $500 more. Of this amount Sage & RIcGraw contributed about $2,000. Rev. Mr. Campbell continued with the society until some time in 1 868, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. T. Sanford, of Schenectady, New York. His pastorate came to a close in January, 1870, and for about a year the church remained without a pastor. In April, 1871, a call was extended to Rev. L. W. Chapman, who began his labors with the society soon afterward, and continited until May i, 1880. The next pastor was Rev. Donald L. ]\Ionroe, who was succeeded by Rev. Charles Noble Frost. The last named remained only about a year, and was followed by Rev. W. P. Miller, who closed his pastorate in 1892 after three years of faithful service. The next pastor was Rev. W. F. Irwin, who remained with the church about three years. From the summer of 1896 until October 6th of that year the pulpit was supplied by various preachers, but on the last named date Rev. E. K. Strong began a pastorate which extended over a period of six years. He resigned August 3, 1902, and on November 9th of the same year the present pastor. Rev. Andrew S. Zimmerman, began his labors.

Memorial Presbyterian Church. - This church is the outgrow'th of a mission established by the First Presbyterian Church in 1870. It was located at that time on Broadway near 23rd street. The chapel which was erected cost $1,500, and was later enlarged and furnished at an expense of $500 more. In 1875 an organ was purchased and other improvements made. The work in this locality continued to prosper, and in 1891 the church was organized. Its first pastor was Rev. Robert C. H. Sinclair, who remained with them two years. In 1893. ^s^'- Peter E. Nichols was called, and served the church until 1896. During his pastorate the church edifice was removed from the original location to where it now stands, and was rebuilt in order to accommodate larger congregations. Altogether, the present property is worth about S3. 000. This includes a parsonage which was on the present site when it was purchased, but which has since been remodeled. The church will now easily seat about 350 persons. Following Rev. Mr. Nichols, came Rev. Perry V. Jennes, who remained with the church about three years, his pastorate coming to a close in 1898. Rev. David B. Greigg next ministered to the church, the term of his service running from the fall of 1898 until the spring of 1900. The pulpit was then supplied by various preachers. Rev. ^Ir. \\'inter coming to them in July. 1900, and remaining until February, 1901. The present pastor. Rev. \^"illiam Bryant, took up his work with this church in ]March, 1901, and the church is prospering under his care. The present membership of the church is 185, while there are 200 students enrolled in the Sundayschool.

Covenant Presbyterian Church (West Side). - In the summer of 1889, Hon. F. W. Wheeler established the mission from which this church has developed. The mission re- mained under the direction of the Westminster Presbyterian Church until the present society was organized in 1890. Their house of worship ship was erected in the spring of 1889, and was dedicated in June of that year. Its dimensions are 40 by 70 feet with an annex 30 by 40 feet. It has seating capacity for about 250 people, and cost $1,500. Rev. L. W. Chapman supplied the pulpit for a season, and was followed by a student from Princeton Theological Seminary by the name of Sinclair. He conducted preaching services on Sunday and a prayer meeting was held during the week. The Sunday-school work was also kept up during this time. In the fall of 1889 a call was extended to Rev. A. F. Whitehead. He died the following year, and was succeeded by Rev. J. G. Grabiel. Under his able ministry the membership of the church was more than tripled. Rev. Grabiel's pastorate came to a close after five and one half years of service, and in the same 3'ear, 1895, Rev. Alexander Danskin, now editor of the Micliigan Presbyterian, began a ministry that extended over three years. The next pastor was Rev. George Luther, who came to the church in 1899, and remained about a year. After his release the pulpit remained vacant for nearly a year, though the Sundayschool was held from week to week without interruption. Then, in 1903, an arrangement was entered into whereby Rev. J. G. Grimmer, pastor of the German Reformed Church, of Salzburg, supplied the pulpit once each Sunday for 18 months. He was released in 1904, and the pulpit is now supplied by Rev. W. L. Rleckstroth, who is also his successor in the Salzburg church. The church started with 13 charter members and has now a membership of 60. The attendance at the Sunday-school averages about 125.

Hunger Presbyteri.\n Church (Hunger). - Rev. John B. Dawson, who was a pioneer Congregationalist in this section, during his pastorate in Essexville came to Hunger and gathered the members of the various denominations together to hold meetings. He continued this missionary work at intervals for years. About 18 years ago a number of these people came together and organized a Presbyterian Church. Their first pastor was Rev. Samuel P. Todd, who served the congregation for seven years. His successor was Rev. H. P. Parker, who remained several years. Then, after an interval during which the church had no settled pastor, came Rev. Mr. Austin, who was here about two years. He was followed by Rev. Mr. McAllister, whose successor, Rev. Mr. Daily, is the present pastor.

Germ.\n Reformed Church (West Side). - The church was organized September 26, 1880, with 27 charter members. At the meeting which met for that purpose, in the home of Jacob Laderach, it was decided to extend a call to Rev. E. W^ Henscheii to become their first pastor. Meetings were held in the homes of the various members until April 22, 1 88 1, when they purchased their present church property. This was the original meeting house of the first Methodist society. Their second pastor was Rev. R. Kirchefer, who was called in December, 1884, and commenced his labors at once. His pastorate extended to March, 1886. He was followed by Rev. Isaac Matzinger who assumed his duties in November of that year and remained until October, 1892. The next pastor was Rev. Mr. Ruetenik who ministered to the church until November 26, 1899. Rev. Richard Harnish came to the church January i, 1900, and remained as pastor until September 30th of the same year. The church was then without a settled pastor until July 7, 1901, when Rev. J. G. Grimmer took charge. He remained until July 31, 1904, and on the first Sunday in October of that year, the present pastor, Rev. W. L. Meckstroth began his pastorate. The church now has a membership of 100, and an average attendance at the Sunday-school of 40. The present parsonage, which is valued at nearly $1,000, was built largely by the church's first pastor, who performed much of the labor with his own hands.

Baptist Churches

Broadway Baptist Church. - The first Baptist Church in the Saginaw Valley, known today as the Broadway Baptist Church, was organized in the residence of Jessie N. Braddock in the township of Portsmouth, Bay County, Michigan, June 15, 1858. The name given the new church was : "The First Baptist Church of Portsmouth." The following is a list of the constituent members : Jessie and Mrs. Braddock, Appleton and Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Susan Eraser, Mrs. A. McEwan, INIiss Elizabeth Eraser. Henry A. Braddock, J. S. Judson, D. C. Miller, H. D. Braddock, John S. Wilson, Mrs. Sarah E. Johnson, Mrs. Susan Eddy, and Mrs. Shelby.

Under the ministry of Rev. S. Cornelius, a house of worship was built at a cost of $1,200. During Rev. A. Handy's ministry who served as pastor from some time in 1859 to April, 1 86 1, the church was received into the Elint River Association of Baptist Churches. (August, i860.)

Rev. Franklin Johnson, then a young graduate from Hamilton, New York, was ordained as pastor sometime in 1861 and remained nearly two years. During his ministry a mission was established in Birney's Hall, Bay City, and in July, 1863, 27 members of the Portsmouth church were dismissed to form what is known today as the First Baptist Church of Bay City. Rev. Mr. Johnson soon afterward resigned his charge to become pastor of the new

In 1878 the old house which had become too small was enlarged and the name changed to the Fremont Avenue Baptist Church. In 1882 the church was incorporated.

A devastating fire swept through the South End in 1891 and the church which had never been so prosperous as then, was left without a meeting house. For a time they worshiped in the Sixth Ward School and in Marble Hall. On August 2, 1892, they decided to build at the corner of Broadway and 26th street and immediately proceeded to perfect plans for the same.

August 17, 1892, a large body withdrew from the church to what is known as the South Baptist Church on Cass avenue. The cornerstone for the present handsome building was laid November 23, 1892, and the name was changed to the Broadway Baptist Church.

The present property including parsonage is valued at $25,000. The church is an active, energetic body, organized into the following departments : Bible School, Ladies' Benevolent Society, Baptist Young People's Union, Junior Union, Men's League and Guards. It is especially active in young people's work.

First Baptist Church. - This church was organized at Birney Hall in July, 1863, by 27 members who had withdrawn for that purpose from the society at Portsmouth (now known as the Broadway Baptist Church), the population of Lower Saginaw having so increased that they felt inclined to have a church of their own. At first services were held in the Court House and at Birney Hall until August,

The first pastor was Rev. Franklin Johnson, who came with them from the Portsmouth society. He resigned in 1864 and was succeeded by Rev. S. L. Holman, whose brief pastorate was succeeded 1.iy the ministry of the lamented Rev. D. B. Patterson, who labored very successfully until April, 1869, when failing health compelled him to leave the ministry. It was under his eloquent and genial ministrations that the church entered upon the prosperous career it has since known. Rev. J. A. Frost succeeded Rev. Mr. Patterson, and he was followed by Rev. Z. Grenell, Jr., in 1873.

The society outgrew the little church on Washington avenue, and in April, 1867, a committee was appointed to consider the question of securing enlarged facilities for worship. They recommended building a new church. The old church property was worth about $7,000, and John I. Fraser who had recently died had bequeathed the society the sum of $8,000. It was finally decided to build a new house of worship, and the corner-stone was laid in the summer of 1869, and the new church dedicated February 9. 1873. A litigation, in which the title to the site was involved, delayed its construction. The total cost of the structure was about $75,000. The extreme length of the building is 140 feet, and its greatest width 72 feet. The audience room is 54 by 94 feet, finished in black walnut and ash. The windows are of stained glass arranged in highly ornamental designs. An organ of nearly 1,400 pipes, above and in the rear of the pulpit, adds greatly to the general good effect, both upon the eye and ear of the worshiper. This cost $6,000, and was the gift of Mrs. James Fraser. In the rear of the audience room are church parlors, kitchen, robing rooms and lecture and

Sunday-school rooms. Its two spires rising, one to a height of 130 feet, the other to a height of 180 feet, are visible not only from all parts of the city, but attract the eye from a range of three or four miles beyond. The trustees who were charged with the responsibility of the work, were : Rev. D. B. Patterson and C. McDowell - both of whom died before its completion - H. A. Gustin, E. B. Denison, C. M. Averill, William Westover, W. H. Curry, Harry Griswold, D. Culver, Luther Westover and Samuel Drake. Capt. C. iNI. Averill had the supervision of the work. The bell was also the gift of Mrs. James Fraser, and came as a complete surprise to the church and community. Captain Averill succeeded in placing it in position during the hours of the night, and its joyful peals on the following morning, which was Sunday, filled the citizens with astonishment.

Under the pastorate of Dr. Holmes about $7,000 was spent on repairs. Again in 1904 about $4,000 was expended on repairs. The church has now an active working membership of 435. It has always been a very active church and the six Baptist churches now here are evidence of its missionary spirit. Since 1863 the church has raised, exclusive of the $84,000 which the church and furnishings cost, about $150,000 and of this $25,000 has been spent on benevolences.

music, many addresses and a banquet were the principal features. The opening services were conducted by Dr. Franklin Johnson, the first pastor of the church.

First Baptist Church (West Side). - In 1874, William Currey, a member of the First Baptist Church of Bay City crossed the river and organized a Sunday-school, of which he became superintendent. For six months the infantile society met in an opera house, which has since been turned into a merchants' storehouse. Afterward it found temporary accommodation in the Protestant Episcopal Church, which was later remodeled into a public school building. This work was vigorously prosecuted for two years. Then the founder of the school was prevented from giving it his attention, and the school soon dwindled away. No further attempt was made toward establishing the Baptist denomination on the West Side until 1882. In September of that year, the Sunday-school missionary, E. D. Rundell, visited the town and found a number of Baptist families, and it was decided to organize a Bible school. This was done, and the first meetings were held in the old Presbyterian Church on Catherine street. As time went on the work prospered, and the question of having regular preaching services was discussed and its advisability determined upon. To this end a subscription was circulated and received the signatures of 17 persons, and pledges aggregating $425. The agreement was that "preaching should commence on or before April first, A. D., 1883." The next natural step was the organization of a church, and this was effected on May 31, 1883, at the residence of Dr. ^larsh. There were 13 charter members. The first pastor was Rev. D. T. Firor, who commenced his labors October 10, 1883, the pulpit having been occupied during the time intervening between the organization and that date by candidates for the pastorate. A council of recognition was called, and in April, 1884, the church in West Bay City was duly enrolled among the Baptist churches of the Saginaw Valley.

All services of the church and Sundayschool were held in the old Presbyterian Church until November, 1883, when the hall in the Fisher Block was obtained. The desirability of having a permanent house of worship soon became apparent. Lots were secured on the corner of Ohio and Dean streets. Plans for a suitable building were adopted and the contract let on July 31, 1884. Owing to the limited means of the members, it was deemed desirable to finish only the lecture room. This room was available for services early in February, 1885. The church continued to grow in numbers, and it was decided to complete the audience room as quickly as possible. This was accomplished June 28, 1885, on which date the church was dedicated with appropriate exercises. The total cost of the lots, buildings, furnishings, etc., was $8,175.65. The property is now valued at $10,000.

Rev. Mr. Firor's pastorate came to an end in October, 1886, and his successor. Rev. B. Morley, commenced his labors on November loth of the same year. He remained with the church two years and seven months. In September, i88g, a call was extended to Rev. C. H. Irving which was accepted, and he commenced his pastorate at once. During the summer of 1890, $1,000 was expended in repairs on the church, and by October of that year this sum. together with the debt of $2,200, had been paid, leaving the society free from debt. Rev. ^Ir. Irving continued with the church until July 30, 1902. His successor. Rev. George D. Harger, began his labors in December and continued with the church until February, 1905. The church at present is without a pastor. The chiu'ch has 246 members; there is an average

About 1886 a mission was started in Brooks. The work was in charge of W. N. Fletcher, who afterwards became pastor of the Patterson ^Memorial Baptist Church, of Bay City. The work has prospered.

Patterson Memori.^l B.\ptist Church. - During his pastorate over the First Baptist Church of Bay City, Rev. D. B. Patterson established a mission Sunday-school in the north part of the city. Members of his church purchased land on VanBuren street between North Johnson and Shearer streets, and erected a small building in which the school was held. The officers of the school and the teachers came from the church, arid as a result of their earnest endeavors the work was prospered until the school had outgrown the capacity of their building. Then the structure was set farther back on the Jot and an addition was built on in front. This was about 1884. The work continued to attract the residents of the neighborhood, and -occasionally other services were held until 1892, when it seemed desirable to organize a church. The name Patterson Memorial Baptist Church was adopted to perpetuate and honor the memory of the founder of the mission, to whose indefatigable labors the Baptists of Bay City are so greatly indebted. An earnest Christian, W. N. Fletcher, of West Bay City, became pastor of the church, and a year later was ordained to the ministry. In 1901 he went to another field of labor, and the church remained without a pastor for seven months. Then Rev. William P. Lovett was called from Rochester, New York, where he had just completed a course in theology. He served the church until April i, 1905. when he accepted a call to a church in -Grand Rapids. In 1896 the house of worship was moved from the place where the church was founded to its present site and was remod- so that there is now a commodious auditorium. At present there are about 70 members, the membership having been considerably depleted in constituting the First Baptist Church at Essexville.

First B.\ptist Church (Essexville). - Soon after becoming pastor of the Patterson Memorial Baptist Church, Rev. W. N. Fletcher started a mission Sunday-school in Essexville. At first the school was held in a rented room, and these quarters were occupied until 1901, when two lots of land at the corner of Dunbar and Langstaff streets were purchased, and a small brick church edifice was erected. At present the church has about 80 members. They have never had a settled pastor, but join witli the Patterson Memorial Baptist Church in supporting a minister, who divides his time evenly between them.

South B.\ptist Church. - After the destruction of the Broadway Baptist Church by the great fire which swept the southern portion of the city, a number of its members deemed it desirable to locate a church farther south. Accordingly on September i, 1892, the South Baptist Church was organized with 17 charter members, who had withdrawn from the Broadway Baptist Church for that purpose. At first services were held in Moran Hall, at the corner of what is now Cass avenue and Harrison street. On ^March i, 1893. Rev. J. E. Gregory was called to become their first pastor. About this time land was purchased on Cass avenue at the foot of Marsac street, and the erection of their present house of worship was begun. The church building was not completed until the fall of 1904, although services had been held in a portion of the edifice for some time prior to this. On Christmas Day. 1904, the first services were held in the completed church amid general rejoicing on the part of the members.

pastor without remuneration. After that the church was without a pastor until the spring of 1896, the pulpit in the meantime being suppUed by the different Baptist clergj-men of Bay City. On May 6, 1896, Rev. H. E. McGrath was caUed for six months. He remained until April I, 1897, and the church was again without a pastor until August, 1897, when Rev. George \V. Bates commenced his labors here. During all the time the church has been without a settled pastor, at least one service has been held each Sunday. Rev. Mr. Bates remained with the church until October 29, 1899. His successor was Rev. William P. Squire, who was called the following September and served the church until August, 1900. The next pastor was Rev. Joseph Fox, who received his call the following October, and remained with the church until the spring of 1902. During the following months the members of the church became scattered and, becoming discouraged in the struggle to maintain an organization with so few members, had instructed the trustees to sell the property. It was then that Daniel H. Trombley, one of the charter members who had been most influential in organizing the church, but, who in the meantime had joined a church on the West Side, came back and rallied the members together, and by a vast amount of personal work brought about a reorganization. To him is due great credit for the noble work he has done. From that time the church began to prosper, and on March 22, 1904, the present pastor, Rev. F. W. Kamm, commenced his labors. The church was dedicated on February 12, 1905. At present there are about 40 members of the church. About 170 scholars are enrolled in the Sunday-school, which has an average attendance of 135.

year they purchased a private dwelling on the corner of Dean and Jenny streets and remodeled it into a little meeting house. This served the church until 1904 when it was enlarged to its present size, giving it a seating capacity for about 200 people. The property is worth about $1,500. The church received its first ministrations from Rogiiar Alender, a theological student, who came to them soon after the organization of the society and remained three months. He was followed by another student, John Erickson, who came in the spring of 1899 and remained with the church until the opening of the fall term in the theological seminary. After he went away, prayer meetings were held and the Sunday-school was maintained, but the little church remained without regular preaching services until Rev. Peter O. Ekstrom took charge in the summer of 1903. He was a missionary and gave only half his time to the church. Since he went away, the last of December, 1904, the church has again been without a pastor.

K.A.WKAWLIN Baptist Church. - This is the outgrowth of a mission started by the First Baptist Church of West Bay City a few years ago. A church building has been erected on an elegant site and fully paid for. The property is valued at $2,000. The present membership of the churcli is 34. Rev. Brent Harding became pastor in 1901, and still continues a successful work in that section.

First Congregational Church. - The first meeting in the interests of a Congregational Church in Bay City was held in Good Templars' Hall, June 13, 1875. R^^'- J- ^- Dawson preached morning and evening. On the 29th of June a meeting was held at the residence of F. H. Blackman to consider the practicability of organizing a Congregational Church and society. It was decided to effect such an organization and articles of association were adopted and officers were elected.

Regular Sabbath services were held in Good Templars' Hall for a month, after which the use of the Court House was procured, where, on the 25th of July, 1875, the church was organized in due form.

Twenty-five members composed the newchurch, five of whom united on profession of faith, and 20 by letters from other churches. On the following Sabbath a Sunday-school was organized under very encouraging auspices. Church prayer meetings were also appointed, being held from house to house. In August, Rev. S. P. Barker, of Ionia, was engaged temporarily as pastor, and at the end of three months his resignation was accepted.

In October the trustees of the German Lutheran Church kindly proffered the use of their house of worship on Sabbaths for one preaching service, and also for Sunday-school. Shortly afterwards the Good Templars' Hall was again secured where the regular church services were held until the new house of worship on the corner of Sixth and Van Buren streets was finished. From November, 1875, until February, 1876, the pulpit was supplied temporarily, much of the time by Dr. Joseph Hooper, whose ministrations were kindly given, and were received with much gratitude. His sudden illness and death, which occurred February 27, 1876, terminated a useful and devoted life.

A movement was made immediately after the organization of the chiirch and society toward the erection of a house of worship. Through the persevering efforts of the board of trustees, and the liberality of memljers and friends, the building committee were enabled to begin the work December i, 1875. The church