Supplement to the History, Michigan Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, 1960-1968 / by William H. Watson. Watson, William Henry, 1883- [Michigan? : s.n., 1969?] https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015071429057
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Supplement to the
• HISTORY ■ Michigan Conference
of the Evangelical United Brethren Church
!■
; " ■ i s \ SUPPLEMENT
TO THE HISTORY Michigan Conference
OF THE EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH
1960-1968
By
WILLIAM H. WATSON
LiV ■;/ Univers:
Table of Contents
Pages
Foreword
Introduction vn
The United Methodist Church 1_4
Digest of Conference Actions 4.9
Conference Finances 10-11
Delegates to General Conference 12
Statement of Gains and Losses 14-18
Appointments of Ministers — 1960- 1967 19-24
Churches Closed 25-29
Conference News 30-31
Biographies of Ministers 32-42
In Memoriam 43
Evangelism 44-48
Christian Education 49.5 \
Board of Missions 52-55
Field Sketches 56-103
Index 105-107
111
FOREWORD
We have about completed the writing task on the Supplement to the History of the Michigan Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, now the United Methodist Church. When asked to accept this assignment more than a year ago we were undecided as to the wisdom of accepting the assignment. Since accepting the assign ment many things have happened. The serious illness and death of my wife, the closing out of our affairs at Ida, Michigan, and entering into the Methodist retirement home in Detroit have been major factors. After forty one years as Conference Historian we resigned that office and turned over the historical files, with much historical material to the new historian. In this work on the supplement the files have not been accessible. This is a Supplement and not a full Conference History. It covers the years of 1960 to 1968. We have tried to gather up the important happenings in the churches of the Conference during this period. In some not much seems to have happened. Since the Conference has constructed a number of new churches and parsonages during this period we have sought pictures of each new church, parish house and parsonage. If we have overlooked any we express our regrets. Our intentions were good. We have sought pictures of the new ministers who have come into the Conference during the period under consid eration. We regret that not every minister has responded. Among those who have assisted us in gathering materials have been the pastors of the churches, the younger ministers, and the heads of departments in the Conference. Mrs. Betty Harding did the typing for me. To these we tender our hearty thanks. My Thanks, also, to Bishop Rueben H. Mueller who has consented to prepare the Introduction to this Supplement. We trust that none have been over looked. We give our hearty thanks to the Heavenly Father for strength to perform the task. In preparing the materials we have endeavored to be factual and accurate. Should errors have crept in we beg the indulgence of the readers. We hope for many good things in the new United Methodist Church, in the years that lie ahead.
Yours Sincerely,
W. H. Watson
INTRODUCTION
It is a privilege to introduce this new volume of Michigan Confer ence History which has been prepared by Dr. William H. Watson. For fourteen of the years covered by this record, I have been the supervising bishop of the Conference and therefore have first-hand knowledge of many of the important matters recorded. These are the last fourteen years of the separate existence of the Michigan Confer ence of The Evangelical United Brethren Church. Built upon all the excellent sacrificial work that went before, this period has been brought to a significant climax so that real strength is being taken into the lines of the two new Conferences in Michigan in The United Methodist Church. Among the leaders of these past years, no one has made a greater contribution than has the author of this book. Dr. Watson is unusual ly fitted to record this history for he has had a large place in making it. Many years of service as a district superintendent and a leader in other phases of the Conference life and work contributed to a broth erhood among its ministers and congregations that will long be remembered and cherished. In this, he had the loyal cooperation of other dedicated men and women. The reader of these pages will be impressed at the achievements, both spiritual and material, of the Michigan Conference. As we read this record, may we be stirred to pleasant memories of the yesterdays and led to dedicate ourselves to face the present and future with the same spiritual devotion to Christ and His Church that motivated those who made this story possible. It is my sincere hope and prayer that this volume of history will have wide distribution in the congregations of the former Michigan E.U.B. Conference and that it will be read to the spiritual profit of all.
Reuben H. Mueller
Bishop
VII
CHAPTER ONE
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
OTTERBEIN
About the year of 1754, while the Reverend Mr. Philip William Otterbein was pastor of the German Reformed Church at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he sensed a great need in his own spiritual life. It climaxed on a certain Sunday morning after he had preached a very earnest, warmhearted message. Following the service a man smitten with deep conviction for sin came to him for help. He knew not what answer to give to the awakened man. His reply was, "My friend, advice is scarce with me today." He sought his closet and ceased not his struggle until he obtained the peace and joy of a conscious salvation and also that enlightenment in spiritual things that made him, in the years that followed, the skillful guide to so many of his fellowbeings into the way of life. This radical change in his religious experience resulted in a marked change in his ministry. As he shared his newfound experience the people of his congregation responded and soon there was demand for his ministry in surrounding areas. It was the great turning point in his life and ministry.
BOEHM
Martin Boehm was a Mennonite who traced his family background to Switzerland. His education came from the family contacts and the country schools, such as they were. At the age of 31 years he was selected by the local congregation as their pastor, an acknowledgment of his native ability. But he soon discovered that a majority vote of the congregation did not give him a sermon for Sunday morning. Of his public efforts he said, "This state began deeply to distress me —to be a preacher, and yet have nothing to preach, nor to say, but stammer out a few words, and then be obliged to take my seat in shame and remorse." He prayed earnestly for aid to preach. But the thought arose in his mind as though a voice was speaking to him, "You pray for grace to teach others the way of salvation, and you have not prayed for your own salvation." This constrained him to pray for his own salvation. His agony became very great. One day he was plowing in a field, and knelt down at the end of each furrow to pray. Midway in the field he could go no further but sunk behind the
[1] 2 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference plow, crying, Lord, save me, I am lost." And again the voice said, "I am come to seek and to save the Lost." "In a moment a stream of joy was poured over me. I praised the Lord, and left the field and told my companion what joy I felt. Prior to this I had wished the Sabbath far off; now I wished it were tomorrow." This remarkable experience was the turning point in his ministry. Now the people heard him gladly and he was called far afield for religious services. This experience is dated at about 1758. He was soon advanced to the office of Bishop in the Mennonite Church. About 1767 Martin Boehm conducted a meeting at Isaac Long's barn about six miles north and slightly east of Lancaster, Pennsylva nia. Mr. Otterbein was present and at the close of the service Mr. Otterbein walked up to the speaker, threw his arm around him and said, "We are Brethren," from which later came the denominational name "United Brethren." Otterbein and Boehm were joined by other ministers and in 1 800, about 33 years after the meeting at Long's Barn, the United Brethren Church was formed. Please note that 33 years had passed. Here was no effort to form a new denomination. But their converts had to be cared for, hence a church organization.
JACOB ALBRIGHT
Jacob Albright was born May 1, 1759 at Fox Mountain, near Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Johannes and Anna Albright, who were among the immigrants from Germany. Albright's education was secured in the public schools of his day. In 1785 Jacob Albright was married to Catherine Cope. A number of children were born to this marriage. Some say six and others, nine. At least only three survived the father. Religious conditions were pathetic and ungodliness prevailed. Through the death of his children Albright was awakened and be came conscious of his lost condition. Earnestly he sought the Lord for some time until finally about 1791 in the home of Adam Reigel he found the Lord and peace for his soul. His conversion came after much soul searching and seeking after God and made a marked change in his life. Immediately he became concerned for his Pennsyl vania neighbors and friends. That they might experience this new found joy in salvation was his heart burden. Earnestly he prayed that God would send a preacher to bring them the message. But his prayer was not answered. Finally God called him to answer his own prayer. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 3
In October 1796 he saddled his horse and, with his Bible, set out as a preacher of the Gospel. He traveled far and his labors were fruitful. His converts needed care and fellowship and in 1800 he organized the first three classes of the Evangelical Church. It is interesting that that should have occurred the same year the United Brethren Church was formed. It was some time before a suitable name for the organi zation was selected.
BEGINNINGS IN MICHIGAN
Historians believe that ministers from the United Brethren Church probably reached Michigan as early as 1840 coming up from Ohio and Indiana. Stephen Lee was sent in 1849 as the first U. B. missionary to Michigan. From this beginning the progress seemed rapid and in 1853 a Mission Conference was organized in Michigan. October 3, 1854 the first Conference of the denomination in Michi gan was held at Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Statistics indicate that there were 82 appointments, 62 organized classes, and 757 members at that time. The North Michigan Conference was organized at Mather- ton, Ionia County, on October 10, 1862. The number of members reported was 780. Both Conferences lost heavily in the division of 1889 and in 1893 the two Conferences were united. In 1901 the Church membership was 2,883. The Evangelical Church had its first beginnings in Michigan in 1838 when Solomon Altimas came from Pennsylvania and settled near Flat Rock, Michigan. Within a year he had at least two classes organized, one at Port Creek and the other at Swan Creek. From this point he travelled by horseback throughout Southern Michigan, Northern Ohio and into Indiana as far as Fort Wayne. Soon other missionaries pushed up from Ohio and Indiana so that the General Conference in 1863 ordered the organization of the Michigan Con ference. The Conference was organized in 1864 and the first session was held in the Beagle Church near Blissfield in 1865. Both denominations continued their progress separately for a peri od of nearly 150 years. In 1816 a serious attempt at merger was undertaken without success. Always friendly toward one another, other talks of union were held but without definite results. About 1930 a new approach was made that culminated in a successful union at Johnstown Pa. in November 1946 under the title, The Evangelical United Brethren Church. The two Michigan Conferences were united in June 1951 at Grand Rapids, Michigan. The results have been very satisfactory and were accomplished in a fine spirit. 4 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
METHODIST— E. U. B. UNION
As I write (June 7, 1968) we have very recently concluded another church union. This time we have united with the large Methodist Church to form the new United Methodist Church, with well over 1 1,000,000 members. Again there has always been a friendly rela tionship between these denominations. Otterbein and Bishop Asbury of the Methodist Church were close friends. Otterbein assisted at the installation of Bishop Asbury. The Methodists and United Brethren are said to have had agreement in the earlier years in which if United Brethren had English-speaking converts they would direct them to the Methodist Church, and if the Methodist Church had German- speaking converts they would direct them to the U. B. Church. The Methodists are said to have been advantaged by the arrangement. When Jacob Albright was converted and looked for a church to join he chose the Methodist Church and united. But when he became a preacher and was often gone on long preaching tours he was not always in class meeting and at that time it was a rule in the Methodist Church that all members had to attend class meeting. The result was that Albright's name was removed from the roll. For many years each denomination went its separate way. But the recent efforts for union were successful and now we are one.* For the Christian Church, we are living in very difficult days. We are praying for renewal but I am afraid that the organized church will never accept renewal. Renewal will of necessity involve some extreme elements which the Church is sure to reject. But I pray that the Church may find her way through this maze of confusion and indifference. It would be pleasant to stick around for a while and see what happens. * It is proposed that the merger of the former two Methodist Conferences and former E. U. B. Conferences in Michigan will be consummated in June, 1969.
DIGEST OF CONFERENCE ACTIONS 1960
Conference convened Wednesday, May 11, 1960, at 2 P.M. in the Wyoming Park Church, Wyoming, Michigan. Bishop R. H. Mueller, presiding. Secretary, W. Prentice Peck; assistants, E. N. Sheridan, R. R. Fassett, R. S. Burkett, Elwood Berkompas and James Dempsey. Deaths: Judson W. Richards, Irvin Eugene Runk, D.D., Edward F. Bailey, Edith Sayles Frye. Licensed: Charles Nesseth, Donald Silvis, Donald L. Totten, Hal- don D. Ferris, William H. Burmeister, John Strahan, Fred Moore, Larry Wingate and John Newberg. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 5
Temporary License: Walter Rothfuss. Ordained: James Timmons, Fred E. Bennetch, Harry Schlosser, James W. Underwood, Willard Gilroy, Louis Reyner, ordained as elders. Credentials: Willard Gilroy from the Pilgrim Holiness Church; Fred E. Bennetch from East Pennsylvania Conference; Edward Ch- erryholmes from Ohio South East Conference. Credentials to: Edna B. Hughes to Ohio South East Conference; Darld Black to Michigan Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Church; Bruce Kline to Washington Congregational Christian Con ference; Glen Peck to California Conference E.U.B.; and Thomas Rough to the Indiana North Conference of the E.U.B. Church. Licenses Returned: Earl Bailey and Bernard L. Kreh returned their licenses. A. G. Cosselman was requested to return his license. Superannuation: C. B. Westfall and W. S. Nelson as age annuitants, and L. E. Chamberlain for health reasons. District Assignment: East District, N. C. Liesemer; West District, W. C. Bassett.
1961
Conference convened Wednesday afternoon, May 17, 1961, at Blissfield, Michigan, for Centennial Session. Bishop R. H. Mueller, presiding. Secretary, W. Prentice Peck; assistants, R. R. Fassett, E. N. Sh eridan, R. S. Burkett and James Dempsey. Deaths: Bishop L. L. Baughman, John T. Schurman, Karl Flessner (Lay preacher), Mrs. C. A. Glass, Mrs. John Seybert Deabler, Mrs. Fred W. Fall, Mrs. W. H. Moyer, Mrs. Edythe Momson Wilcox. Licensed: Walter Rothfuss, Ronald L. Koteskey and E. Dale Fall. Ordained: Ray D. Flessner, Glenn Charles Ball, John R. Crotser, D. Keith Laidler, Richard L. Myers, and Frederick H. Fischer, ordained as elders. Credentials: Richard Johns from the Ohio Sandusky Conference, James Sherwood from Indiana South Conference, Richard R. Mac- Canon from Iowa Conference. Credentials to: M. L. Shreffler to the Presbyterian Church, Harry B. Schlosser to Reformed Church of America, Samuel Seizert to the Methodist Church. Superannuation: R. H. Lahr, as an age annuitant. District Assignments: East District, N. C. Liesemer; West District, W. C. Bassett. 6 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
1962
Conference convened Tuesday, May 15, 1962, at 10 A. M., in the Trinity Church, Detroit, Michigan. Bishop R. H. Mueller, presiding. Secretary, W. Prentice Peck; assistants, Robert Horton, E. N. Sheridan, R. S. Burkett, James Dempsey. Deaths: William F. Boettcher, Gideon Knechtel, Frederick C. Krumling, Herman Karl Hoffmann, Thomas A. Moyer, F. J. Wolfe, George I. Frye, Ira G. Gee (former minister), Mrs. H. A. Gunyan, Mrs. J. R. Niergarth, Mrs. Emma J. Willard, Mrs. Myrtle M. Rich ards. Licensed: Paul F. Bailey. Ordained: Larry G. Dutenhaver, Leroy H. Fassett, Ross M. Geiger, Robert C. Grigereit, Charles Nesseth, Jack Kracklan, Ray mond Kretzschmer, Richard Newstifter, Raymond L. Yenkel. Credentials: George Godorhazy from Ohio South East to Michigan Conference; Theodore W. Hepner from the Rocky Mountain Confer ence to the Michigan Conference; Lon R. Woodrum from the Oakla- homa-Texas Conference to the Michigan Conference; James Waltz from the Michigan Conference to the Michigan Conference of the Methodist Church; Gordon Ackerman from the Michigan Conference to the Detroit Conference of the Methodist Church; Frederick E. Bennetch from the Michigan Conference to the East Pennsylvania Conference of the E. U. B. Church. Retirement: A. A. Weinert retired from active service as a superan nuate. District Assignments: East District, N. C. Liesemer; West District, W. C. Bassett.
1963
Conference convened Monday evening, May 1, 1963, at 7 P. M. in the Olivet Church at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bishop R. H. Mueller, presiding. Secretary, W. Prentice Peck; assistants, E. N. Sheridan, J. W. Murbach, R. S. Burkett and James Dempsey. Deaths: Bishop J. Balmer Showers, Editor G. L. Shaller, Mission ary Paul S. Mayer, William T. Bandeen, Joseph E. Barr, Frederick W. Kirn, Frederick L. Pohly, Charles R. Richards, Elmer D. Riebel, Ministers' wives, Florence Mae Fassett, Lucy E. Wolverton, Mrs. E. A. Shull. Licensed: Ray M. Davis, George W. Fleming, William L. Foster, Robert L. Hinklin, Willard R. Ireland, Bruce H. Keegstra, Harold L. Slater, Ralph J. Conine. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 7
Ordained: Otto F. Flachsmann, James H. Sherwood. Credentials: Wilbur A. Williams from Ohio Miami Conference to Michigan Conference; Leroy Fassett to Indiana Synod of Presbyteri an Church; Maurice E. Bailey to Ohio Southeast Conference. Superannuation: D. F. Binder. Elections: N. C. Liesemer was elected Conference Superintendent for a term of four years. W. C. Bassett was elected as Conference Superintendent for a term of two years. District Assignments: N. C. Liesemer was stationed on the East District and W. C. Bassett on the West District.
1964
Conference convened Monday evening, May 11, 1964, at 7 P. M. in the Trinity Church at Sebewaing, Michigan. Bishop R. H. Mueller, presiding. Secretary, John W. Murbach; assistants, M. E. Rickert, I. Niswen- der, R. S. Burkett. Deaths : Charles A. Glass, Paul J. Smith, Sumner S. Young, Charles A. Sanders, Delbert C. Ostroth, Rowland C. Saxton, Telford Russell; Ministers' wives, Margie Spafford, Mathilda E. Polity, Mary Tracy, Clara Klopfenstein. Licensed: James J. Mathis, Frederick Lamb, J. D. Montei. Ordained: Ronald F. Ellis, Arthur V. Norris, Blaine B. Rader, Jack M. Mulder. Credentials: Conrad Higdon from Indiana Conference South to the Michigan Conference; John Dennis to the California Conference; Dale Ferris from Michigan to Illinois Conference; Leonard R. Smith from Michigan to Ohio Sandusky Conference; Larry Dutenhaver from Michigan to Illinois Conference; Paul M. Smith from Michigan to Florida Congregational Christian Conference; Larry Wingate from Michigan Conference to the Free Methodist Church. Superannuated: Merl F. Wolverton. District Assignments: East District, N. C. Liesemer; West District, W. C. Bassett.
1965
Conference convened Monday evening, May 10, 1965, at 7 P. M., in the First Church in Buchanan, Michigan. Bishop R. H. Mueller, presiding. Secretary, John W. Murbach; assistants, Marvin E. Rickert and Ronald D. Carter. Deaths: Bishop Ira D. Warner; Bishop's wife, Mrs. J. Gordon 8 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
Howard; J. R. Niergarth, Robert E. Uhrig, Orville M. Albig; Minis ter's widow, Mrs. W. F. Boettcher. Licensed: Benjamin Bohnsack, Wilbur Gettig, David E. Jones, Richard M. Reeves, Leslie Smith. Ordained: George W. Flemming, William L. Foster, Theodore W. Hepner. Credentials: Jason Hollopeter from the Susquehanna Conference to the Michigan Conference; Eugene W. Friesen from the Pilgrim Holiness Church to the Michigan Conference; Curtis Cruff from the North Michigan Conference of the Free Methodist Church to the Michigan Conference; Charles Kolb from the Michigan Conference to the Detroit Conference of the Methodist Church; Ray Kretzschmer from the Michigan Conference to the Eastern Conference of the E. U. B. Church; Frederick Moore from the Michigan Conference to the Illinois Conference of the E. U. B. Church. Elections: L. R. Taylor was elected Conference Superintendent to succeed W. C. Bassett. District Assignments: East District, Rev. N. C. Liesemer; West District, Lawrence R. Taylor. W. C. Bassett, Executive Director of Michigan Council of Churches. Superannuation: W. M. Palmer, L. S. Scheifele, S. R. Wurtz.
1966
Conference convened Monday afternoon, May 9, 1966, at 3 P. M., in the Grace Church, Detroit, Michigan. Bishop R. H. Mueller, presiding. Secretary, John W. Murbach; assistants, Marvin E. Rickert, Ron ald D. Carter and Ivan Niswender. Deaths: Bishop Emeritus, Elmer W. Praetorius; Bishop's widow, Priscilla Marie Stamm; Retired President of United Theological Semi nary, Walter N. Roberts; James A. Beardsley; Ministers' wives, Emma Wurtz, Pearl Raduchel, Alma Spade; Missionary to Red Bird, Velma Squiers. Licensed: James Hynes, David Litchfield, Richard Lo Cicero, Don ald Ludman, Gordon Nusz. Ordained: Robert L. Hinklin, David L. Morton, Donald R. Silvis. Credentials: Ira Wood from the United Missionary Church to the Michigan Conference; Norman C. Crotser from the Michigan Con ference to the California Conference; Keith Somers from the Michi gan Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Michigan. Superannuated: Leon E. Willoughby after 46 years; Murray H. Willard after 44 years of service; Melvin F. Lempke after 25 years of active service. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 9
District Assignments: East District, Newell C. Liesemer; West Dis trict, Lawrence R. Taylor.
1967
Conference convened Monday afternoon, May 15, 1967, at 3 P. M., in the Faith Church, Lansing, Michigan. Bishop R. H. Mueller, D.D., L.L.D., L.H.D., S.T.D., presiding. Secretary, John W. Murbach; assistants, Marvin E. Rickert, Ron ald D. Carter and M. E. Bauman. Deaths: William S. Nelson, Charles E. Koteskey, Garfield H. Kel- lermann, St., E. Dale Fall; Ministers' wives, Florence Campbell, Betty Putnam; Ministers' widows, Clara (Heinmiller) Perone, Eliza beth Murbach, Cassie Polmanteer. Licensed: David Burkett, Lowell E. Dimos, Kendall Lewis, George Rule, John R. Smith, David Truran. Ordained: Paul F. Bailey, Haldon D. Ferris, Bruce Keegstra, J. D. Montei, John A. Newberg. Credentials: Ray Kretzschmer, Jr., from the Eastern Conference to the Michigan Conference; James Thompson from the Erie Confer ence to the Michigan Conference; Marion Burkett from the Church of the United Brethren in Christ (Old Constitution) to the Michigan Conference; Ross Geiger from the Michigan Conference to the Flori da Conference; Paul C. Truran from the Michigan Conference to the Presbyterian Church; Vern Lautner from the Michigan Conference to the Illinois Conference; Lloyd Hauser from the Erie Conference to the Michigan Conference. Superannuation: Glen B. Ball, 39 years of active service; Maurice C. Beers, 32 years of active service; Arthur C. Devries, 31 years of active service; Rudolph F. Joop, 47 years of active service; Amos Williams, 2 years of active service. Election: Garfield H. Kellermann, Jr., elected as Conference Super intendent. District Assignments: East District, Garfield H. Kellermann, Jr., West District, Lawrence R. Taylor. CHAPTER TWO
CONFERENCE FINANCES
The Historian asked the Conference Treasurer for a statement on Conference finances for the period of 1960 to 1968. The figures have been supplied for the following statement:
First—Missions and Church Extension Trust Fund This is an organization set up in 1957 through which money is borrowed from our people who have funds to loan and in turn is loaned to churches (mission churches mostly) for building projects. All money is loaned; none is given outright. In 1960 the Missions and Church Extension Fund had $341,226.00 in borrowed funds for which it was responsible. In 1967 it has $493, 239.00 in borrowed funds. Against this amount the Fund has $489,130.33 in assets so that its net indebtedness is $4,108.77. It has been a great help to a number of churches.
Second —Conference Indebtedness In 1960 Conference indebtedness stood at $483,077.69. In 1967 the debt stood at $413,447.28. Against this debt is $350,000.00 in Conference assets so that the net indebtedness is relatively small.
Third—Conference Budget The 1960 Conference Budget was $329,363.00 and was paid 94.1%. The 1967 Budget is $427,472.00. The 1967 Budget was paid 99.1 % , a very high percentage of payment.
Fourth —New Missions In the past ten or more years the Conference has had six mission projects that it has given special help because of expensive building projects. Four new mission projects were established as follows: 1955, Willowbrook and Battle Creek Calvary; Winchester in 1957; and Pontiac North East in 1960. The other older churches have been on the mission list due to building projects. They are St. Marks, Detroit, and LaSalle. The Conference has a program whereby grants are made to Mis sion Churches. These grants need not be repaid. A very large invest ment in grants has been made in the above-mentioned churches. We list the following:
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Willowbrook (since 1957) $106,167.00 Winchester (since 1957) 90,767.00 Battle Creek Calvary (since 1957) 61,000.00 Pontiac N. E. (since 1960) 74,166.00 St. Marks (since 1957) 21,400.00 LaSalle (since 1960) 21,667.00
It should be noted that St. Marks is off the list since 1962 and that Battle Creek plans to be off about 1972. The load has been heavy on the Conference but without this help the missions could not have existed.
Fifth—Total Valuations It will be interesting to our people to know that our total estimated value of all Conference holdings is $15,509,626.00. Of this $1,500,- 000.00 is the estimated value of our five camp grounds. And, so, we take a peek at our Conference Finances. CHAPTER THREE
DISTRICTS AND SUPERINTENDENTS WHO HAVE SERVED THEM
East District . . . . 1960—1967 . . Dr. N. C. Liesemer 1967— . . Rev. G. H. Kellerman, Jr. West District. . . . 1960—1965 Dr. W. C. Bassett 1965— . Rev. L.R.Taylor
DELEGATES TO GENERAL CONFERENCE
1962 —Ministerial: Newell C. Liesemer, Wendell C. Bassett, Stanley H. Forkner, Garfield H. Kellermann, Jr., Roger M. Stressmann, W. Prentice Peck, Lawrence R. Taylor, Gerald H. Fisher. Alternates: O. M. Bailey, M. R. Jewell, R. R. Fassett, R. H. Kretzschmer, Sr., G. A. Steeby, L. S. Scheifele, A. L. Spafford, Jr., R. J. Lautner. Lay: Ralph Klump, R. E. Gustafson, Arden Peterson, Dr. W. P. Haist, William Bartz, E. E. Ludwig, Ray W. Allen, and Herbert Swartz. Alternates: E. C. Hazelwood, R. J. Steeby, Mrs. Ray Allen, H. D. Miller, Mrs. Ralph Klump, Harry Wilt, A. R. Vanderberg, Forrest Williams.
1966—Ministerial: Lawrence R. Taylor, Newell C. Liesemer, Stanley H. Forkner, Robert E. Horton, John W. Murbach, W. Prentice Peck. Alternates: O. M. Bailey, Ronald Carter, Arthur Spafford, Jr., Raymond Kretzschmer, Sr., G. Allen Steeby. Lay: Ray W. Allen, John Kennaugh, Arden M. Peterson, Ralph Klump, Bud Horton. Alternates: Paul E. Chamberlain, Foster Williams, Maurice Geerts, Dr. Leo Rasmusson.
DATES AND PLACES FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCES
1960 —May 11-15, 1960, a Wyoming Park Evangelical United Bre thren Church Grand Rapids, Michigan 1961 —May 17-21, 1961, at Evangelical United Brethren Church Blissfield, Michigan
[12] of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 13
1962 —May 15-18, 1962, at Trinity Evangelical United Brethren Church Detroit, Michigan 1963 —May 13-17, 1963, at Olivet Evangelical United Brethren Church Grand Rapids, Michigan 1964 —May 11-15, 1964, at Evangelical United Brethren Church Sebewaing, Michigan 1965 —May 10-14, 1965, at First Evangelical United Brethren Church Buchanan, Michigan 1966 —May 9-13, 1966, at Grace Evangelical United Brethren Church Detroit, Michigan 1967—May 15-19, 1967, at Faith Evangelical United Brethren Church Lansing, Michigan 1968 —May 20-23, 1968, at St. Matthew's Evangelical United Bre thren Church Livonia, Michigan
CONFERENCE MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN HONORED BY GENERAL POSITIONS
Dr. Norman W. Klump was appointed to the Department of the Urban Church in the General Board of Missions. His office is at Dayton, Ohio. He took the office in 1959. Dr. Newell C. Liesemer was appointed to the position of Assistant Administrator of the Haven Hubbard Home, at New Carlisle, Indi ana. The appointment was made in May, 1967. Dr. Wendell C. Bassett was appointed as a Member of the Board of Health and Welfare in the New United Methodist Church. His office will be in Evanston, Illinois. The appointment was made at the last General Conference. Dr. Herbert E. Ryan was appointed as Administrator of the Home for the Aged at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The appointment was made in 1967. His office is at the Home. CHAPTER FOUR
STATEMENT OF GAINS AND LOSSES
The decade just past has treated us rather badly in the realm of the numerical. In spite of our efforts the losses in membership and attendance have been rather marked. In finances and church proper ties we have made substantial gains.
LOSSES
In church membership we report a net loss, for the years 1960 to 1967, of 293 church members. This is equivalent to almost two average congregations. There are 158 members in an average congre gation. In attendance at the morning worship services we suffered a net average loss of 432, or the equivalent of four average congregations. The average morning attendance is 104 persons. In attendance at the Sunday evening services we suffered a net average loss of 1,864, or the equivalent of 103,- average congrega tions. An average evening congregation has 18 people present. In the Sunday Church School enrollment we suffered a net loss of 2,524 or the equivalent of 18 average Sunday schools. The present average Sunday school has 138 present. When we take the church membership, the Sunday school enroll ment and the morning and evening attendance at the worship services we are dealing with the very heart of the church. Losses in these areas can soon strike the death knell of the church.
REASONS
It may be well to consider some of the reasons for our losses. The change of attitude toward the church by the general public in the past 20 years. Twenty years ago the attitude of the general public was friendly and cooperative. The church had a friendly press; it was well spoken of by the rank and file of the people. The importance of the church and the need for the church was generally recognized. At the time, the writer predicted that we were on the verge of a great spiritual awakening. But the attitude has changed. The church is not opposed; it is merely tolerated. "Change and decay in all around I see." The church must fight for its very life. Unless it girds itself for the battle, it will not win. The strongest opponent is indifference. A
[14] of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 15
few people are consuming themselves in their efforts to rebuild the church. But the rank and file are merely "picking blackberries."
LACK OF SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS
Both on the part of the ministry and laity there is a lack of spiritual emphasis. The things that matter are not the vital program of the church but material things: cars, and houses, and sports and money and salaries. These are important but we are forgetting the things of supreme importance. We are lowering our standards of Christian conduct to include many things once regarded as doubtful. The conduct of many professing Christians is not greatly different than that of those that make no profession of the Christian life. What they say and what they do and what they are is of tremendous importance in the life of the Christian minister and laymen.
"GOD IS DEAD" THEOLOGY
The "God is Dead" theology is not seriously regarded by most Christian people. But it is having its effect. While most people profess not to regard it seriously, their conduct belies their testimony. Liberal theologians are wielding a very strong influence in many areas. The "God is dead" theory may be dead but it still wields a strong influence.
PROGRAM OR PEOPLE
The modern church is being strongly programmed, almost it seems as if carrying out the program is more important than the redeeming of people. Program is wrought out at the top and imposed upon the local church as a must. There is much need of program and many things need to be done. But we wonder, often, if the program is out of balance. Once we pressed the soul-winning efforts into ten days or two weeks of the year. Now a week of religious emphasis seems to be a common procedure.
PLEASURE MADNESS
One of the facts that we face in modern life is the fact that the world is pleasure mad. One is impressed with the tremendous outreach that pleasure seeking occupies. Much shorter working hours allows more free time for pleasure seeking. Pleasures and pleasure "spots" are rapidly multiplying. Travel to pleasure "spots" is greatly increasing. With more and more people working in factories and offices the need for free time becomes greater. But in it all we must 16 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
keep the claims of the church in the foreground. Men need God and sobriety as well as pleasure.
CHURCHES AND PROGRESS
A cursory examination of the records of churches that record progress during the past decade indicates that they are churches where a strong spiritual emphasis has been made. Spiritual factors have been emphasized and hard work has been done. Success has been achieved.
FINANCIAL GAINS
Due to an ascending economy, plus emphasis upon stewardship, plus necessity, there are some gains registered financially:
7960 7967 The average per member $ 99.00 $ 115.00 giving Total giving for all purposes $2,236,418.00 $2,548,029.00 Missionary Giving $ 19.00 $ 23.00
In Missionary Giving several churches are giving additionally to the support of many missionaries. A check of the pastoral charges will give detailed information. Perhaps we dare to say that two of the larger contributors in this area are Blissfield and Grand Rapids Griggs. Blissfield has a slogan of "As much for others as for our selves" and Griggs is contributing about $10,000.00 in this manner. Many of our local churches are giving to an unusual degree. We note several giving above $195.00 per member.
1960 7967 Pigeon $208.00 Cohoctah $299.00 South Whiteford 195.00 Lake Odessa 201.00 Leighton 246.00 Ellis Corners 238.00 Jasper 200.00 Buchanan 195.00 Eaton Rapids 200.00
CHURCHES AND PARSONAGES
This decade has recorded considerable success in the erection of new churches and parsonages. Again a check of the field sketches and pictures will tell the story in detail. Two of the larger projects are St. Matthew's in Livonia and Faith Church in Lansing. Both were cooperative with the Methodists and both have strong congregations. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 17
We will not repeat details here only to say that in this field the Conference can be proud of the job done.
RENEWAL OR REVIVAL
Renewal and revival are much discussed, much hoped for, much prayed for but exceedingly difficult to achieve. In varied and exten sive programs renewal is sought. By innumerable committees and commissions renewal is planned. But instead of drawing nearer to renewal we seem to drift farther away. In fact, it is the strong conviction of the writer that the church will not tolerate real renewal from within. In her complacency, in her contentment, in her prosper ity, in material things the church will not pay the price of renewal. Renewal is an explosive thing; it is an upsetting experience. Luther, Wesley, Otterbein, Boehm and Albright, to name only a few familiar names, were all repudiated by their churches and were under necessity of forming new organizations to conserve their la bors. The old wine skins could not contain the new wine of renewal. It is ever thus. Old forms, customs and practices refuse to give way to new life, power and spirit. But when its hour has come renewal must have right of way. While it is not probable, in the opinion of the writer, that renewal will come to The United Methodist Church in his lifetime, it still remains the obligation of the church to pray for renewal, work for renewal and welcome renewal when it comes. To this end the follow ing suggestions are offered: 1. Place new and stronger emphasis upon the spiritual realities. Prayer, Bible reading, the holy sacraments, church attendance, the power of the Holy Spirit and the basics of the Christian faith. Lives can be transformed, sinners can experience a new, explosive power that leadeth unto life. 2. Rebuilding a simple faith in God. There is a God. There must be a supreme intelligence back of this wonderful universe. God is love. God is friendly. God is approachable. God is imminent. When that great reality settles permanently in our being, life will be differ ent. 3. Enthusiasm for God's work. We need a large "fellowship of the burning heart." "Did not our hearts burn within us" was the com ment of one of old. It was at the end of a hard, disheartening day when hope was gone and steps lagged. But he (their Master) was alive and the thought set them on fire. Weariness was gone now that hope had returned. Seven miles to Jerusalem was no longer difficult. He lives! Much of the work of the church is done by sincere but uninspired 18 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
people. No hearts are burning. The heart fires are all "banked." Church work is hard work for tired people. But it is a lark for the man with a song in his heart. Set your own heart and the heart of your co-workers on fire and watch the results. 4. Substitutes for revivals. The day of the revival is well nigh past. Billy Graham still gets the crowds and still has results but the revivalistic type of evangelism is no longer successful in the average church. We must depend upon other approaches to the task. We presume to suggest a few: (a) Personal contacts. This approach has never lost its effec tiveness. Since Paul conversed with Roman prisoners in the dungeon to the present time, personal witnessing has never lost its power. There is need for more of it. (b) Christian living. The Christian witness is strongest in the godly life. What we are counts for more than what we say. The writer remembers, after more than half a century, how a young woman, an alcoholic, deeply under conviction for her sin, aroused a devout Christian woman living in a rural community in Michigan, to ask for her prayers as she sought the light and release for her troubled soul. And Grandma Shultz led her to victory. Grandma knew the way. (c) Study classes for youth and adults. Some ministers are finding some success in this method. (d) Summer camps for youth. For the time being this is one of the fruitful fields of evangelism for the church. The churches may wisely invest time and money in this modern method. (e) Literature. Tracts and periodicals of various sorts may be used also. The exact measure of success is uncertain so far as we are concerned. Finally:- We can do no greater service to any boy, girl, man or woman than to lead them into the Christian life. The writer could spend much time illustrating this point. He could name names of people for whom this was the greatest possible blessing. Had he been able to have given them a check for $10,000.00 it would not have brought the joy and blessing that Christ brought into their lives. We are engaged in big business, the biggest business in the world. Let us not lose heart. CHAPTER FIVE
NOTES
1. We have given the years of service only between 1960 and 1968, inclusive. Many ministers will have served some fields of labor more years than are indicated in this limited tabulation. As an illustration, Rev. Otto Knechtel has served the Ferndale Church for 38 years as of 1968. 2. The figures have been assembled carefully. It is still possible that errors or oversights may have occurred.
APPOINTMENT OF MINISTERS IN THE MICHIGAN CONFERENCE 1960-1967
BAILEY, O. M.— Kalamazoo, 1960-64; Grand Rapids Olivet, 1964-68. BAILEY, PAUL —East Raisinville, 1963-64; Seminary —Pontiac Northeast, 1967-68. BALL, G. B. —Snover, 1960-62; South Rockwood, 1962-67. Re tired 1967. BALL, G. C. —Adamsville-Kessington, 1960-61; Grand Rapids Northlawn, 1962-66; Caro, 1966-68. BATES, G. R.— Leighton, 1960-66; Battle Creek Calvary, 1966-68. BAUMAN, A. C. — (Supply - had retired as an active pastor) Grand Rapids Hope, 1960-64; Church closed. Retired as a supply. BAUMAN, M.E.— Elkton, 1960-65; Lansing Calvary, 1965-68. BENNETCH, Fred— Ludington Zion, 1960-62. Credentials. BENNINK, Theodore —Berrien Springs, 1965-66. Out. BERKOMPAS, ELWOOD— Grand Rapids, Northlawn, 1960-62; Detroit Trinity (assistant), 1962-65; Monroe First, 1965-68. BETTS, R. E.— Woodland, 1960-63; Cass City, 1963-66; Owosso, 1966-68. BILLS, D. T.— (Supply) Greenwood, 1960-62. BINDER, D. F.— Gilford, 1960-63. Retired. BLAKELY, H.E.— Kilmanagh, 1960-68. BRANNAN, H.A.— Coleman, 1960-67. Died in 1967. BURKETT, DAVID— East Raisinville, 1965-68. BURKETT, M. E.— Kalamazoo, 1966-68. BURKETT, R. S.— Detroit-St. Marks, 1960-68. BUWALDA, H. J.—Monroe Calvary, 1960-62; Hersey, 1962-64; Hastings, 1964-68.
[19] 20 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
CAMPBELL, R. C—Detroit Magnolia, 1960-62; Santa Cruz, N. Mex., 1962-68. CARTER, RONALD— Flint First, 1960-64; Detroit Grace, 1964-68. CHAPMAN, B. E.—Pigeon, 1960-63; Special Education 1963. CHERRYHOLMES, EDWARD— Whittaker, 1960-64; Lansing Centennial, 1964-68. CONINE, RALPH— (Supply) Eureka, 1962-68. CRABTREE, PAUL R.— Ida, 1960-68. CROTSER, JOHN— Lake Odessa, 1960-61; Six Lakes, 1961-64; South Haven, 1964-68. CROTSER, NORMAN— St. Johns, 1960-66; Transfer to Phoenix, Arizona. CROSBY, J. G.—Sebewaing, 1960-62; Jackson Greenwood, 1962-68. CRUFF, CURTIS— (Supply) Horton Bay, 1962-64; Bainbridge, 1964-68. DEMPSEY, JAMES —Detroit Bethany, 1960-61; Flint Kearsley, 1961-65; Wyoming Park, 1965-68. DIMOS, LOWELL— (Supply) Evart, 1966-68. DUTENHAVER, LARRY— Detroit Faith, 1962-64; Credentials. EBY, TED— (Supply) Owendale, 1961-62. Out. ELDRED, W. L. —Portage Prairie, 1960-63; Ludington Grace, 1963-65; Special work. ERICKSON, C. J.—New Haven, 1960-61; Detroit Bethany, 1961- 63; Berrien Springs, 1963-65; Carlisle, 1965-67; Ionia, 1967-68. EVERETT, G. D.—Niles, 1960-64; East Detroit, 1964-68. EVERETT, M. R.—Pontiac Baldwin, 1960-63; Detroit Bethany, 1963-68. FALL, A. A.— Buchanan, 1960-68. FALL, M. S.— Brown City, 1960-64; Monroe First, 1964-65; 1965, Retired. FASSETT, LEROY—Scottdale, 1960-63; Credentials, 1963. FASSETT, R. R.— Ionia, 1960-66; Benton Harbor Grace, 1966-68. FERRIS, DALE— Marcellus, 1960-64; Credentials. FERRIS, HALDON— Cloverdale, 1960-63; Portage Prairie, 1966-68. FISCHER, FREDERICK— Suttons Bay, 1960-62; Maple Hill, 1962-65; Arden, 1965-68. FISHER, G. H.— Grand Rapids Griggs, 1960-67; Flint First, 1967-68. FLACHSMANN, O. F.—Bainbridge, 1960-64; Hersey, 1964-68. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 21
FLESSNER, RAYMOND— Turk Lake, 1961-65; Lake Odessa, 1965-67; Maple Hill, 1967—. FOSTER, W. L.— (Supply) Galien, 1962-65; West Mendon, 1965- 68. FOX, C. R.—Carleton, 1960-67; Sharon, 1967-68. FRIESEN, EUGENE— Center Park, 1965-66; St. Johns, 1966-68. GEIGER, ROSS—Pipestone Circuit, 1961-63; Mendon, 1963-65; Pontiac Northeast, 1965-67; Credentials. GETTIG, WILBUR— (Supply) Chesaning, 1964-67. Retired. GILROY, WILLARD—Evart, 1960-64; Six Lakes, 1 964-68. GODORHAZY, GEORGE— East Raisinville, 1962-63; Credentials. GRANT, BLAKELY— (Supply) Fremont, 1960-62; Suttons Bay, 1962-68. GRANT, ROLLO— (Supply) Horton Bay, 1960-62. GRIEGEREIT, ROBERT— Ludington Zion, 1962-65 (and Grace) 67; Grand Rapids Griggs, 1967-68. HANSEN, L. R.—Mendon, 1960-63; Benton Harbor First, 1963-64; Mt. Pleasant, 1964-67; Without appt., 1967. HEARL, BERNARD— Erie, 1960-64; Whittaker, 1964-68. HIGDON, CONRAD— Detroit Faith, 1964-68. HINKLIN, ROBERT— Jasper, 1966-68. HITCHENS, J. P.—Capac, 1960-68. HOLLOPETER, JASON— Nashville, 1965-66; Fremont, 1966-68. HOOD, O. F.—Blissfield, 1960-65; Detroit Waterman, 1965-68. HORTON, R. E.— Wyoming Park, 1960-65; Detroit Trinity, 1965-68. HOWLAND, WESLEY— (Supply) Chesaning, 1960-62; Owendale, 1962-64. Out. IRELAND, WILLARD— (Supply) Gladwin, 1961-62. Out. JEWELL, M. R.—Owosso, 1960-66; Ogden, 1966-68. JOOP, R. F.— Detroit Hillcrest, 1960-67; Retired, 1967. JOHNS, RICHARD— Winchester Village, 1961-64; St. Joseph, 1964-68. KELLERMANN, G. H, JR.—Grand Rapids Olivet, 1960-64; De troit Calvary, 1964-67; Conference Superintendent, 1967. KIRN, F. W.—North Maple Grove, 1960-61; Retired 1961. KIRN, S. P.—Oregon, 1960-64; Retired, 1964. KNECHT, FRED— South Rockwood, 1960-62; South Whiteford, 1962-67; New Haven, 1967-68. KNECHTEL, O. G.—Ferndale, 1960-68. KOLB, CHAS., JR.—Benton Harbor First, 1960-61; Howell, 1961-65. Credentials, 1965. KRACKLAN, JACK— LaSalle, 1962-67; Ludington, 1967-68. 22 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
KRETZSCHMER, R. H., SR.— Detroit Grace, 1960-64; Flint First, 1964-67; Transfer to Arizona. KRETZSCHMER, R. H., JR.—East Raisinville, 1960-62; Sebe- waing, 1962-63 - (To South Bend); Carlisle, 1967-68. KRIEG, H. R.— Jackson Francis St., 1960-64; Oregon, 1964-68. LAIDLER, KEITH—Petoskey Trinity, 1961-64; Brown City, 1964-68. LANGE, J. A.—Livonia St. Matthew's, 1960-68. LAUTNER, R. J.— 1960-68. LEE, L. E.— Hastings, 1960-64; Winchester Village, 1964-68. LEWIS, A. J.—Maple Hill, 1960-62; Snover, 1962-68. LINDLEY, R. H—Petoskey Trinity, 1960-61; Blissfield, 1961-68. LITCHFIELD, C. J.—South Haven, 1960-64; Berrien Springs, 1964- 65; Gilford, 1965-68. LO CICERO, RICHARD— Evart, 1964-66; Center Park, 1966-68. MANN, H. L.— Monroe First, 1960-64; Ann Arbor, 1964-68. MARSHALL, GEORGE— (Supply) Cloverdale, 1963-68. MATTER, MARK—Lima, 1960-63; Portage Prairie, 1963-66. MATTESON, R. J.— (Supply) Greenwood, 1964-68. MONTEI, J. D.—Owendale, 1964-67; South Whiteford, 1967-68. MORTON, DAVID— Gilead, 1961-63; Scottdale, 1963-66; Vicks- burg, 1966-68. MULDER, JACK— Gilead, 1960-61; Galien, 1961-62; Epsilon, 1962-66; no appt. 1966. MURBACH, J. W.—Lansing Calvary, 1960-65; Flint Emmanuel, 1965-68. MYERS, RICHARD— Ludington Grace, 1961-63; (record not clear); Howell, 1965-68. NESSETH, CHARLES— Berrien Springs, 1960-63; Woodland (Lakewood), 1962-65; (Record ends). NISWENDER, IVAN—Hersey, 1960-62; Battle Creek Calvary, 1962-66; Grand Rapids Northlawn, 1966-68. NORRIS, ARTHUR— Lima, 1963-66; Novi, 1966-68. OLSON, GILBERT— Ludington Grace, 1960-61. Credentials. PALMER, WAYNE— Six Lakes, 1960-61; (Naperville) Kessington, 1965-68. PALMITER, VERN— (Supply) Ellis Corners, 1960-61. PECK, W. P.—Jackson-Greenwood Park, 1960-62; Eaton Rapids, 1962-68. Conference Treasurer, 1963-68. POHLY, G. A.— Battle Creek Calvary, 1960-62; Magnolia, 1962-68. PRICE, JOHN— Arden, 1960-61; Sharon, 1961-67; Carleton, 1967-68. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 23
PUTNAM, L. F.—East Detroit, 1960-64; Niles, 1964-68. REYNER, LOUIS E.—Eaton Rapids, 1960-62; Lansing Centenni al, 1960-64; Erie, 1964-68. REIBLING, D. E.— Jasper, 1960-61; Arden, 1961-63; Pontiac Baldwin, 1963-66; Other work. RHOADES, E. F.—Maple Grove, 1960-68. RICKERT, MARVIN—Novi, 1960-66; Pontiac Baldwin, 1966-68. ROE, R. F.— Traverse City, 1960-66; Dearborn, 1966-68. ROTHFUSS, WALTER— Epsilon, 1960-62; Adamsville, 1962-68. RUEGSEGGER, L. A.— Reed City, 1960-64; Petoskey, 1964-68. RULE, GEORGE— Mt. Pleasant, 1967-68. RUSSELL, TELFORD— (Supply) Greenwood, 1963-64. Died. SCHEIFELE, L. S. —Flint Kearsley, 1960-61; Pontiac Northeast, 1961-65. Retired, 1965. SCHLOSSER, HARRY— (Supply) Pontiac Northeast, 1960-61. Out. SCHURMAN, ROBERT— Dearborn, 1960-63; Dayton, 1963. SEIZERT, SAM— Winchester Village, 1960-61; Credentials. SHAW, J. E.—Nashville, 1960-65; Maple Hill, 1965-67; South Rockwood, 1967-68. SHEEN, BRIAN— St. Johns (Assistant), 1967-68. SHERIDAN, E. N.—Bay City and Lawndale, 1960-68. SHERWOOD, JAMES— Benton Harbor First, 1961-63; Ogden, 1963-66; Leighton, 1966-68. SILVERNAIL, FRANCIS— Owendale, 1960-62. Out. SILVERNAIL, WILBUR— Waterloo, 1960-68. SILVERNAIL, CARL—Lake Odessa Lakewood, 1965-67. SLATER, HAROLD— GUead, 1963-66. Off the Roll. SOMERS, HOWARD— Gladwin, 1960-61; New Haven, 1961-67; Owendale, 1967-68. SOMERS, KEITH— Chesaning, 1962-64. Credentials. SMITH, L. R.—Chase, 1960-63; Credentials. SPAFFORD, A. L., JR.—Vicksburg, 1960-66; Sebewaing, 1966-68. STEEBY, G. A.— Battle Creek First, 1960-68. STEEBY, R. J.— (Supply) East Raisinville, 1964-65. STRESSMAN, R. M.— Detroit Calvary, 1960-64; Arizona. SNYDER, KEN— (Supply) Ellis Corners, 1961-62. SWANK, J. G.—Ann Arbor, 1960-64; Otterbein College. TAYLOR, L. R.— Detroit Trinity, l<>60-65; Conference Superinten dent 1965 —. THOMAS, PAUL S.— Wyandotte, 1960-63; Monroe Calvary, 1966-68. THOMSON, D. H.— 1960-61; Out. 24 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
TIMMONS, JAMES— Galien, 1960-61; Benton Harbor Grace, 1961-66; Detroit Immanuel, 1966-68. TOSCH, C. M.— Ogden, 1960-63; Pigeon, 1963-68. TOTTEN, DONALD— Chase, 1963-68. TRURAN, PAUL C—Detroit Immanuel, 1960-66; Transfer. TURNER, C. R.—Sharon, 1960-61; Lake Odessa, 1961-65; Flat Rock Children's Home, 1965. UNDERWOOD, JAMES W.—South Whiteford, 1960-62; Monroe Calvary, 1962-66. VARNER, B. J.—Detroit Waterman, 1960-61; Jasper, 1961-66; Nashville, 1966-68. WALKER, L. G.—St. Joseph, 1960-64; Kalamazoo, 1964-66; Ionia, 1966-68. Chaplain, Ionia State Hospital. WALTERS, CHESTER— (Supply) Greenwood, 1962-63. WALTON, S. C—Mt. Pleasant, 1960-64; Reed City, 1964-68. WEAVER, LOGAN— Benton Harbor Grace, 1960-61; Ellis Cor ners, 1962-68. WEINERT, A. A.— Detroit Faith, 1960-62; Retired. WESSELL, GRANT— Milan Seybert, 1960-63; Dearborn, 1963-66; Teaching. WILLARD, M. H.— Caro, 1960-66; Retired. WILLIAMS, MYRON— Sodus, 1960-68. WILLIAMS, WILBUR— Sebewaing, 1963-66; Ann Arbor Council of Churches, 1966; Lake Odessa Lakewood, 1967-68. WILLOUGHBY, L. E.—Eureka, 1960-62; Fremont, 1962-66. Re tired. WOOD, T. J.—Carlisle, 1960-65; Elkton, 1965-68. WURTZ, S. R—Cass City, 1960-63; Gilford, 1963-65; Retired. YENKEL, RAYMOND— LaSalle, 1960-62; Wyandotte, 1963-68. ZUMBAUGH, H. T.— (Supply) Center Park, 1960-65; Retired. CHAPTER SIX
CHURCHES CLOSED— 1960-68
During the period 1960 to 1968 the Michigan Conference lost thirteen of its churches. Nine were lost by process of closing and sale of the property. One was lost by fire and the congregation merged with another congregation. We list the names and follow with limited information about each church. The names are: Grand Rapids Hope, Eureka Fulton (Zion), Milan-Seybert, Gladwin Riley (Emmanuel), Benton Harbor First, Coleman Salem, Chesaning Brady, Gladwin Bard and Scottville. The Fairgrove Church burned and the congrega tion later united with the Caro congregation. Other churches were merged during the period.
GRAND RAPIDS HOPE
Hope Church was located at 754 Bridge Street, in the northwest section of the City of Grand Rapids. The work began in 1881 through the missionary passion of Rev. J. Miller, then pastor at Leighton. In 1882 Grand Rapids was taken up as a mission and Rev. C. Ude appointed to the field. The class was organized June 1, 1883 with 12 members. Preaching originally was in the German language. The church building was erected in 1884, being dedicated October 19th of that year. The cost of the church was $3,050.00. For almost 80 years this congregation continued its ministry on this corner. The congregation never was large but was loyal and substantial. The high point in its history came about 1915 to 1920 when its membership got above 200 and its Sunday School averaged near 200 in weekly attendance. The membership at the beginning of 1960 was reported at 102. But a weakened condition and its inability to meet its Conference Budget led the Conference authorities to order its closing. The closing did not have the approval of many in the congregation. Some bitterness resulted.
EUREKA FULTON (ZION)
The Eureka Fulton Church was organized about 1884 under the ministry of Rev. Peter Scheurer, then pastor of the Eureka charge. The church building was dedicated in December 1892. For about 75 years the church carried on as part of a circuit (originally four points). Overtaken by community changes it slowly weakened to a
[25] 26 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference point where its membership was about 25 at the time of closing. About 1895 the Eureka Circuit was reported to be one of the strongest circuits in the Conference.
MILAN SEYBERT
The Seybert class was organized about 1883 by Rev. A. J. Gram- ley. In its beginning it was known as the Locee (or Losee) class. For several years meetings were held in a rented Primitive Methodist Church. This church was destroyed by fire and the present church erected. The church was dedicated December 4, 1906. In 1952 a parish house was erected to meet the growing needs. In 1958 the Seybert Church erected a beautiful new parsonage at a cost of $18,- 000.00. Several years ago a commercial stone company bought large tracts of land in the community, including the Seybert Church prop erty for which they paid $100,000.00. The congregation first consid ered beginning a new work in the city of Milan. Later, upon advice from the Conference Board of Missions they united with the Whittak- er congregation at their new site. This merged congregation should enjoy a good future.
GLADWIN RILEY (EMMANUEL)
The work of the Riley congregation began about 1901 under the ministry of Rev. V. Buxton. For many years the services were held in the Riley Schoolhouse. About 1905 the church edifice was erected. For about 60 years the Riley Church served as a substantial rural church. At the close of 1960 the membership stood at 30. About 1963 it was decided to close the Riley church. The property was sold to the Nazarenes who later disposed of the property. And, so, "finis" is written to the work of another rural church.
GLADWIN BARD (BETHEL)
The work in the Bard community began in the fall of 1906, Rev. W. H. Watson preaching the first sermon for the Evangelical United Brethren Church in that community. A regular appointment was taken up and in November, 1906, evangelistic services were held during which 23 conversions occurred and a class of 25 members was formed. Bard became one of the regular appointments of the Gladwin circuit for a period of 60 years. At the time of closing (1967) the membership stood at 42. This is the last of the preaching places on the Gladwin Circuit, at one time having seven preaching places. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 27
BENTON HARBOR FIRST
Benton Harbor First Church was located at 599 Cass Street in the city of Benton Harbor. The work began in 1903 when Rev. E. G. Frye, then pastor at St. Joseph began preaching in the G. A. R. Hall in Benton Harbor. The church edifice was erected in 1904 at the corner of Cass and Nowlen Streets. Under the leadership of various ministers the congregation developed considerable strength. In 1958 the church membership was 151 and the Sunday School enrollment was 185. For a number of years the congregation was in need of a more adequate church building. Gradually the community changed from white to predominantly colored. The work weakened to where it seemed desirable to close the church and merge the congregation with the Grace Church, Benton Harbor. This was done in 1964. And, so, a changing community resulted in a closed church.
COLEMAN SALEM
The Salem church of the Coleman Circuit was organized in 1904 by Rev. C. B. Stroh. There were 17 charter members. The appoint ment grew out of a union Sunday School. In 1907 the pastor, Rev. A. J. Hettler, located an abandoned church in Ohio. He dismantled it it, shipped the lumber to Coleman and rebuilt for use of the Salem congregation. The church was located about four miles west of Cole man. Three young men from this church were licensed by the Michi gan Conference for the ministry. In 1959 the church membership was
19 and the Sunday School enrollment was 59. It was decided to close the church in 1967.
CHESANING BRADY
The Brady Center Church is located at the corner of Peet and It Hemlock roads in Saginaw County. is six miles west and one mile south of Chesaning. The work at Brady Center began in 1887 under
the ministry of Rev. J. K. Pontius who was at that time pastor at Owosso. The year of 1900 has been given as the year when the class was formed. For several years the congregation met in the Methodist
Protestant church and in a community schoolhouse. Later they pur
chased the church, which was for sale. In 1949 a parish house was erected. In 1956 an educational unit was built and in 1957 the sanctuary was remodeled. In 1958 the church membership was 40 and the Sunday School enrollment was 90. About 1964 the Confer ence decided to sell the Brady church properties to another denomi nation. And, so, another rural church goes off our Conference rec ords. 28 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
CARO FAIRGROVE
The Fairgrove class was organized December 17, 1876 by circuit rider Rev. John Miller. The high point in church membership seems to have been 1917 when the record showed the membership to be 61. For almost ninety years the church carried on its sacred ministry in the Fairgrove community. In 1950 the church was remodeled with two small Sunday school class rooms, refinished floors, new pews, new carpets, a new altar and a new rostrum. A new piano was also dedicated. Two young women from this congregation became wives of ministers of the Conference. During the Conference year of 1965- 66 a fire of unknown origin totally destroyed the Fairgrove church. Rather than rebuild, the congregation decided to unite with the Caro Church.
BERRIEN SPRINGS
This congregation seems to have been organized in the year of 1831 by the United Brethren Church. Rev. Wm. Davis is listed as the minister, and services were held in Brown's Tavern. This was the first congregation of the United Brethren Church in Michigan. This first congregation seems to have died out and a reorganization occurred in May 1844. For many years it was a strong self-supporting congrega tion. The church membership in 1960 was 164. In 1967 it was 95. The congregation weakened and in 1968 the church was closed.
PETOSKEY TRINITY
The work in Petoskey was begun in 1878 by Rev. W. F. Zander. The work had a struggling beginning and for many years was housed in an inadequate church building on Howard Street. In 1929 under the leadership of Rev. G. C. Murbach a fine new church building was erected. Two Conference sessions were entertained by the congrega tion in 1936 and in 1948. In 1960 the membership was 125. In 1967 the membership was 88. In 1968 the church was closed.
GILEAD ZION
The Zion (East Gilead) church was organized in 1860. For many years it was a part of the Fremont Circuit. Between 1923 and 1932 it was served alone and thought it had a future to stand alone. In 1932 it was returned to the Fremont Circuit. In 1960 it had 29 mem bers. In 1967 there were 33. In 1968 the church was closed. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 29
SCOTTVILLE
During the pastorate of Rev. Noah Frye, 1886-88, the first Evan gelical Church was built on East State Street. In 1895 the church was sold and the church disbanded. In 1902 the work was revived and a new church was erected at James and Main Street. At this point the work continued until about 1959 when it was finally closed and the property given to the Methodists in an exchange for a half interest in a church at Summit.
CONCLUSION
We may have overlooked some of the closings but so far as we know this is the complete list. Not being in leadership in the Confer ence we are unable to pass on the reasons for closing. We assume that they were valid reasons. CHAPTER SEVEN
THE MICHIGAN CONFERENCE NEWS
The Conference News has rendered an important service to the Michigan Conference. For a more detailed history of this publication the reader is referred to page 227 of Volume II of the Conference History. A brief digest is gathered up in the following statement. Founded in 1903 by Rev. F. J. Klump as the Michigan Confer ence Bulletin. Published monthly on a subscription basis. In 1905 the name was changed to "The Evangelical Tidings" with Rev. F. J. Klump as editor and Rev. W. F. Vogel as publisher. A few years later Rev. W. F. Vogel became both editor and publisher. The periodical was published as a private enterprise. In 1918 the Conference took over the paper, re-named it "The Michigan Evangelical," elected an editor and publisher and assumed financial responsibility for the publication. In 1923, due to an inadequate number of subscriptions, the paper was discontinued. In 1939 the Conference approved establishment of a Conference publication which was named "The Michigan Evangelical." It was financed by the Conference and several auxiliaries. It was distributed without charge to member families who were contributors of record to the budgets of the respective local churches. In 1947 the paper was renamed "The Conference News." The paper is now published monthly. The Conference News is mailed to those who are contributors of record to the finance budgets of the Michigan Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Others may subscribe at a price of twenty-five cents per year. The cost of publication is financed through the Conference Budget and a few Conference auxiliaries. For the year of 1967 the publication costs stood at $5,000.00. In 1960 there was a subscription list of 9,801. In 1967 the list stood at 9,558.
The following have served as Editor since publication of the 1961 History: R. R. Fassett 1956— May 1962 R. H. Lindley June 1962— December 1966 R. C. Shugart January 1967— August 1968
[30] of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 31
The following have served as publisher for the same period:
R. H. Lindley ? to May 1962 F. W. Knecht lune 1962— May 1966 R. Myers June 1966 —August 1968
The Conference News is the major communication vehicle and news media of, and for, the Evangelical United Brethren Churches in Michigan. In this area it has rendered, and is rendering, a fine service. By the Conference authorities it has been agreed that the Confer ence News will be discontinued with the July, 1968 issue. Thereafter, the membership of the Conference will be served by "The Michigan Christian Advocate." Prior to that date we will have become a part of "The United Methodist Church." Dr. John Marvin is the present editor of the Advocate. CHAPTER EIGHT
PICTURES OF THE MINISTERS BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
The list of biographical sketches includes ministers who have come into the Conference since 1960. Those of an earlier date appear in Volumes I and II. The list is not complete since a few ministers did not furnish the desired information. To economize in space, the following symbols have been used: B., Born; M., Married; Ch., Children; Ed., Education; R., Recommended; L., Licensed; O., Or dained; I., Itinerancy; P., Pastorates.
BAILEY, PAUL FREDRIC, B.A., Master of Divinity— B., April 26, 1936, Lansing, Michigan. Son of Elmer M. and Esther G. Bailey. M. to Beverly J. Krahn, July 21, 1956, at Lansing, Michigan. Ch., James, Janice and Jean. Ed., Lansing, Westmar College, United Theological Seminary. Conversion —January 1960. United with Lansing Church in 1950. Call to ministry, 1960. R., Lansing congregation. L., Michigan Conference, 1962.
O., 1967. I., 1967. P., (Student) Spencer, Iowa, 1962-63; (Stu dent) East Raisinville, Michigan, 1963-64; (Student) Good Shep herd United Pres., Piqua, Ohio, 1964-66; Full time, Pontiac Northeast, 1966.
BOHNSACK, BENJAMIN, B. A.— B., September 20, 1943, at Flint, Michigan. Son of Joseph and Alice Jane Bohnsack. Not married. Ed., Lapeer Public Schools, North Central College and Evangeli cal Theological Seminary. R., Oregon E.U.B. Church. L., Michi gan Conference at Buchanan in 1965. Worked for General Church
Board of Evangelism and Education as a youth ambassador, 1965-66.
BURKETT, DAVID, B.S.— B., December 31, 1945 at Garrett, Indi ana. Son of Rev. M. E. and Frances Burkett. Not married. Ed., rural school, Sierra Leone, West Africa; South High, Grand Rap ids, Michigan; Grand Rapids Junior College and Eastern Michigan University. Converted at five years of age in Africa under father's ministry. United with East Raisinville Church. Called to the minis
try as a boy in Africa. R., East Raisinville congregation. L., By Michigan Conference in 1967. P., East Raisinville, 1965-68. Mis sion field in prospect.
[32] of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 33
BURKETT, MARION ELIAS— B., April 15, 1922, Monroe Coun ty, Michigan. Son of William Adam and Nettie Lorain Burkett. M., Frances Helene Coulter, August 14, 1942, Clare County, Michigan. Ch., David Lynn, Stephen Paul, Mark Allan, Philip LaMarr. Ed., rural schools, Monroe County; High School, Monroe and Clare counties; College, Hillsdale; University at Ypsilanti; Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Converted April 15, 1937. United with church, 1937. Call to ministry, 1938. R., LaSalle U. B. Church. L., 1940. O., 1946. I., 1947. Credentials to Michigan Conference E.U.B., 1967. P., Clare, 1941-43; Hudson, Indiana, 1943-48; Hillsdale, Michigan, 1948-51; Misionary work August 1951-August 1958; Wheeler, Michigan, August 1958-September 1961; September 1961-1963 Banner St., Grand Rapids; Monroe, June 1964-August 1966; Kalamazoo E.U.B., 1967—. Also, Prin cipal of Bumpe Institute, Sierra Leone, West Africa, 1951-56; Superintendent Mission Field, Sierra Leone, West Africa, 1956, 58. Conference Superintendent, Michigan Conference U. B., 1960-62; Conference Evangelist, 1963-64; Secretary of Church Extension, 1960-63.
CHERRYHOLMES, J. EDWARD, A.B., B.D.— B., July 25, 1931, at Columbus, Ohio. Son of Joseph and Ruth Cherryholmes. M., to Naomi Gettig, June 23, 1956, at Columbus, Ohio. Ch., Charles and Lee Ann Cherryholmes. Ed., Public Schools of Columbus, Otterbein College and United Theological Seminary. Converted, 1946. United with church in 1940. Call to ministry, 1950. R., by Washington Avenue Church, Columbus, 1950. L., Ohio Southeast, 1952. O., Elder, 1958. I., 1958. P., East Linden, Columbus, 1955-58; Whittaker (Michigan), 1958-64; Landing Faith, 1964—. Credentials to Michigan Conference, 1958. Member of Conference Council, 1963-71.
CONINE, RALPH JUNIOR, B.A., M.A.— B., July 21, 1922, at Leipsic, Ohio. Son of Ralph and Abigale Conine. M., Huldah Margaret Longbrake, July 14, 1940, at Covington, Kentucky. Ch., Ralph Leroy, Richard Alvin, Cheryl Marie, Terry Lynn and Patricia Ann. Ed., Rural at Ottawa, Ohio, Findlay High, Bluffton College, and Michigan State University. Conversion, 1948. R., St. Johns Salem. L., Michigan Conference, 1963. P., Lima, Ohio, 1952-55; Salem E.U.B., 1962-68.
CRUFF, CURTIS EDWARD, B.A.—B., December 13, 1939, at Valley City, North Dakota. Son of Lloyd Gerald and Thelma 34 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
Blanche Cruff. M, Mary A. Butler, August 28, 1959 at Prescott, Michigan. Ch., Lonny Curtis, Lynnette Marie. Ed., Harbor Springs rural, Lapeer and Harbor Springs High, Roberts Wesleyan (N.Y.) College and Evangelical Theological Seminary. Converted, 1955. R., Boyne City, Free Methodist. L., Free Methodist, 1961. Credentials, Michigan Conference, 1965. P., Horton Bay, 1962-64; Bainbridge, 1964—.
DAVIS, RAY M., B.A.—B., Flint, Michigan, May 29, 1928. Son of Fred R. Davis and F. Faye (Roberts) Davis. M., Elnova Williams, at Clare, Michigan, May 15, 1948. Ch., Peggy Ann, Thomas Ray, DeLynn Sue, Michele Kay, Collette Fay and Lori Lou. Ed., Bard, Beaverton, Huntington, E.T.S., Naperville and now working on M.D. Converted at Bard in 1940. United with Gladwin Church in 1946. Held various offices in the Church before entering ministry. Call to ministry, July 22, 1961 while riding a tractor discing a field. R., Gladwin Bethel. L., Michigan Conference, 1963, at Grand Rapids. P., June, 1963 to present at Bippus Charge, Indi ana North Conference. Sermons, 301. Highest salary $4,000.00, 1968; lowest $3,300.00 in 1963.
DIMOS, LOWELL EDWARD— B., April 26, 1928, at Osceola, Indiana. Son of John W. and Flossie May Dimos. M., Joyce Elaine Cline, March 18, 1953, at Osceola, Indiana. Ch., Terrie Lee, Cindy Jo, Marcia Lynn, and Timothy Wayne Dimas. Ed., High Schools, Elkhart, Indiana; Fort Wayne Bible, Bob Jones, Grand Rapids Baptist and U. S. Armed Forces Institute. R., E.U.B. Church (Brooks) Evart. L., Michigan Conference, 1967. P., Woodland U. B., 1961-63; Boyne City circuit E.U.B., 1964-65; Evart Circuit, 1966—.
FALL, E. DALE, A.B.— B., March 31, 1937, at Owosso, Michigan. Deceased February 28, 1967. Son of Rev. F. W. and Alice V. Fall. M., to Marlene Bass, September 12, 1958. Ch., none. Ed., Public schools at Pontiac and Reed City, Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary. Conversion, 1956. Call to the min istry, 1956. R., Traverse City E.U.B. Church. L., Michigan Con ference, 1961. P., none. Passed away while still at school.
FLEMING, GEORGE, B.A., B.D.— B., September 14, 1939 at South Haven, Michigan. Son of Jesse O. and Marg (Barden) Fleming. Ed., Buys Rural school, South Haven High School, North Central College and Evangelical Theological Seminary. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 35
United with church as a young man. Call to the ministry was gradual awareness of God's will. R., by West Casco E.U.B. Church. L., Michigan Conference, 1963. O., Elder, 1965. I., 1965. P., Greenville —Turk Lake Church (also assist at First Methodist Church), 1965 —.
FOSTER, WILLIAM LEE—B., April 3, 1939. Son of William F. and Dorthea G. Foster. M., Sonja Nelson, September 19, 1958, at Fremont, Indiana. Ch., Hope, Dana, Rebecca and William H. Foster. Ed., Rural schools and High Schools at Jimtown, Indiana; College at Manchester and Bethel College at Mishawaka; also, at Evangelical Theological Seminary at Naperville, Illinois. Converted as a teenager at Osceola Church, Indiana. Student pastor while in college. Military service, 1954-57. R., Galien Church. L., Michi gan Conference, 1963. O., Elder in 1965. I., 1965. P., Galien, 1962-65; West Mendon, 1965 —. Worked as vice chairman of the St. Joseph County Migrant Ministry, 1966-68.
FRIESEN, EUGENE W., Th.B., B.A., M.A., Ph.D.— B., September 13, 1929, at Madrid, Nebraska. Son of Edward M. and Leona (Wiens) Friesen. M., Leta M. Loew, December 21, 1948, at Burnips, Michigan. Ch., Linda Marie, Robert Arthur and Edward Alan Friesen. Ed., Rural schools, Madrid, Nebraska; High School, Colorado Springs; College, Owosso, Michigan, Taylor University, Upland, Indiana. Michigan State University, Lansing. Converted, 1944. United with church, 1944. L., Pilgrim Holiness Church, 1949. O., 1952. I., 1965. Credentials to Michigan Conference E.U.B., 1965. P., Columbia, South Carolina, 1952-53; U. S. Chaplain, 1953-58; Sunfield Methodist, 1961-65; Center Park (E.U.B.) . 1965-66; St. Johns, 1966—. Has written professional articles in field of counseling. Served as "paratrooping Padre" with 82nd Airborne Division.
GETTIG, WILBUR A.— B., March 22, 1902, at Braddock, Penn sylvania. Son of Jacob A. and Minnie E. (Gurumd) Gettig. M., Daisy F. Denney at Monroe, Michigan (Evangelical parsonage). Ch., Naomi Gettig Cherryholmes. Ed., Public schools at Brad- dock, Otterbein College and Capitol University for special course. Converted, 1921. United with church, 1911. U. S. postal clerk, 41 years. R., Miller Avenue E.U.B. Church, Columbus, Ohio. L., Michigan Conference, 1965. P., Chesaning, 1964-67.
GILROY, WILLARD—B., April 5, 1930. Son of Nelson J. and Ida 36 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
B. Gilroy. M., Grace Joann Ash, November 18, 1949. Ch., Ste phen Willard, Jann Elizabeth, Bernice Tersia, Timothy Russell, and Paul Eric Gilroy. Ed., Schools at Brinley, Sault Ste. Marie and Owosso College. Study course in E.U.B. Conference. Converted at Sault Ste. Marie. United with Pilgrim Holiness Church, 1944. Factory work before starting college. R., Lansing Pilgrim Church. L., 1950 by Michigan Conference Pilgrim Church. O., Elder, 1960. I., 1960. Credentials to Michigan Conference E.U.B. Church. P., Evart, 1958-64; Six Lakes, 1964-67.
HEPNER, THEODORE W., B.S., B.D.—B., April 6, 1935 at Mil waukee, Wisconsin. Son of George W. and Theodosia R. Hepner. M., to Willie Mae Bailey, July 19, 1958, at Detroit, Michigan. Ch., Douglas W., David S. and Diana L. Hepner. Ed., Eastern High School, Detroit; United States Military Academy, West Point; Wayne State University. Converted, 1947. United with Mack Avenue Church, 1948. Officer in U. S. Army before enter ing the ministry. Called to ministry, 1960. R., First E.U.B. Church, Colorado Springs. L., June 1961 by Rocky Mountain Conference. O., 1965. I., 1965. P., Trinity E.U.B. Church, De troit, 1965-68 (Assistant).
HIGDON, CONRAD LEE, B.A., B.D.—B., March 20, 1934, at Evansville, Indiana. Son of Ezra Lee and Dorothy Marie Higdon. M., Judith Ann Lloyd, September 13, 1953, at Evansville, Indi ana. Ch., Kevin Michael Higdon. Ed., Springtown Rural, Evans ville High, University of Evansville and United Seminary. Conver sion, 1947. R., 1952. L., Indiana South Conference, July 1953.
O., Elder, August 26, 1959. I., 1959. Credentials to Michigan Conference. P., Decker-Ionia (Indiana Conference) 1952; Somer- ville, Indiana, 1953; Rockport, 1954-55; United Seminary, 1956-59; Terre Haute, 1959-61; Connerville, 1961, 63; Faith- Detroit, Michigan, 1964-68. Conference Chairman, Christian So cial Action. District Leader, Richmond District.
HINKLIN, ROBERT L., B.A., B.D.— B., September 5, 1941, at Chicago, Illinois. Son of Robert L. and Carole H. Hinklin. M., January 20, 1968 to Jean Mary Tipton Ed., Chappell rural school, Middleville high school, Grand Rapids Junior College, Western Michigan University and Evangelical Theological Semi nary. Conversion at Riverside Camp. United with church in 1959. Call to ministry in 1960. R., Leighton E.U.B. Church. L., 1963. O., 1966. I., 1966. P., Jasper, 1966—. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 37
HOLLOPETER, JASON P., B.S.— B., September 30, 1913 at Rock- ton, Pennsylvania. Son of Jason B. and Pearl Ray Hollopeter. M., to Nellie D. Wright, August 23, 1942, at Trumansburg, New York. Ch., Jason C. Hollopeter, Nancy R. (Mrs. Edward Shearer), John E. and Jeryl W. Hollopeter. Ed., in public schools at Sheaser and Luthersburg, Pennsylvania; College, Central Michigan and Syracuse University; Correspondence work in Crozer Seminary, Moody Bible Institute and Philadelphia Bible College. Conversion, 1924. United with Church of the Brethren, 1924. Call to the ministry, 1941. L., Novesta Baptist Church, Decker, Michigan,
1945. O., Elder, 1946. I., 1960. Preached for Baptists and Metho dists, 1945-60. Credentials from Methodist to Central Pennsylva nia E.U.B., 1960. Grover— East Point, 1960-62; East Point- Liberty, 1962-65; Michigan Conference —Nashville, 1965-66;
Fremont —East Gilead, 1966 — .
HOUSER, LLOYD OLIVER, A.B., B.D., D.D.— B., January 22, 1915 at Canton, Pennsylvania. Son of Clifford and Bertha Houser.
M., Thelma Denbrook, September 1, 1940, at Dalton, Ohio. Ch., Dennis Robert, David Barrett and Margaret Ann Houser. Ed., Public Schools, Bradford, Pennsylvania, Otterbein College and United Theological Seminary. Converted, 1934. R., Quarterly Conference, August 1935. L., Erie Annual Conference, September
3, 1939. O., 1942. I., 1942. P., Costine, Weaver Station, 1939-42; Miami, Ohio Conference, Friendly Lake, 1942-46; Clarence Cen ter, 1946-50; Buffalo First, 1950-67; Detroit Calvary, 1967 —. Credentials to Michigan Conference, 1967. Awarded Good Neigh bor Award by City of Buffalo. One of two clergymen ever to get this award. Many awards from Negro congregations in Buffalo.
HYNES, JAMES LYNN, B.A., M.Div.— B., July 30, 1938 at Lan sing, Michigan. Son of William S. and Evelyn B. Hynes. M., 2, August 1957 to G. Bernadine I. Brock at Newberry, Michigan. Ch., Jamie Lynn, Julie Lynn, Robert Wayne and William James Hynes. Ed., Nashville public schools, Olivet College and Evangel ical Theological Seminary. Conversion, 1959. United with church, 1954. Call to ministry, June 1965. R., Carlisle Church (E.U.B.). L., Michigan Conference, 1966. P., First Community E.U.B., Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Lay delegate to General Conference, 1965.
IRELAND, WILLARD, A.B.—B., May 7, 1929 at Lakeview, Michigan. Son of Wilbur and Mary Ireland. M., Mayme Ruth Bruckart, September 11, 1948, at Clare, Michigan. Ch., Kathleen 38 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
Ann and Kristine Marie. Ed., Clare high school, Central Michigan University. United with church, 1961 —Gladwin Bethel. Before entering ministry —Production Control. R., Gladwin Bethel. L., Michigan Conference in 1962. P., Gladwin Bethel, August 1961 — June 1964. Probationers license, 1962-67.
JOHNS, RICHARD EUGENE, B.A., B.D.—B., January 11, 1932, at Bucyrus, Ohio. Son of Franklin M. and Grace G. Johns. M., Marlene Anne Bassett, June 20, 1953 at Detroit, Michigan. Ch., Richard, Douglas Mark, Diane Lynne and Jodi Michelle Johns. Ed., High School at Bucyrus, North Central College and Evangel ical Theological Seminary. R., Grace E.U.B. Church, Bucyrus. L., August 19, 1954, Sandusky Conference. O., Elder, August 12,
1956. I., 1956. P., September 1954-August 1956, Congregational Church, West Chicago, Illinois; August 1956-June 1966, Walnut Grove, Kenton, Ohio; June 1961 to August 1964, Winchester Village, Michigan; August 1964 to present, St. Joseph, Michigan. State Director of CYYA work for Michigan Conference. Member of Board of Christian Education, Michigan Conference, 1961-68. Member of Adult Work Council for Michigan Conference, 1961- 68. Member of various Committees and Councils in community.
JONES, DAVID EARL, B.A.—B., May 26, 1946 at Owosso, Mich igan. Son of Earl G. and Alta Jones. M., to Rosa Lee Collard,
September 7, 1963, at Oakley, Michigan. E.D., Chesaning public schools, Westmar College, Owosso College and United Theological Seminary. Converted November, 1953. Call to ministry, 1957. R., Chesaning E.U.B. Church. L., 1965.
KEEGSTRA, BRUCE H, B.A., M.Div.— B., December 27, 1941 at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Son of Gerald V. and Margaret
Keegstra. M., August 7, 1965 to Linda Price at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ed., Middleville, Michigan, Michigan State and Evan gelical Theological Seminary. United with church in 1961. R., Leighton Church. L., 1963, by Michigan Conference. O., Elder,
1967. I., 1967. P., Wyoming Park, (Associate) 1967—.
LO CICERO, RICHARD— B., August 20, 1934 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. Son of Charles and Gertrude Lo Cicero. M., to Norma Burkett, June 20, 1953, at Benton Harbor. Ch., Joseph R., Cyn thia A., and John C. Ed., Benton Harbor public schools, Ferris State College and Western Michigan University. Converted, 1957, Arden, Michigan Church. United with Scottdale Church, 1958. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 39
Before entering ministry was a meat cutter. Call to ministry, 1963. R., Evart Church. L., Michigan, 1966. P., Evart Circuit, 1964-66; Center Park, 1966 — .
LITCHFIELD, DAVID LAWRENCE, B.A.— B., March 14, 1940, Lansing, Michigan. Son of Rev. Carl J. and Ethel M. Litchfield. M., to Vera Mae Blumenshine, July 3, 1960, at Washington, Illinois. Ch., Debra Sue and Kathleen Ann. Ed., Public schools at Fremont, Indiana, Shipshewanna —Scott, and South Haven; North Central College and Evangelical Theological Seminary. Conversion 1949 at Riverside Camp. United with church, 1953. Call to the ministry, gradual. R., Gilford E.U.B. Church. L., May, 1966 by Michigan Conference. P., Scottdale, 1966 — .
LUDMAN, DONALD WILLIAM, B.A.—B., May 30, 1945, at Toledo, Ohio. Son of George and Hazel Phillips Ludman. M., July 21, 1967 to Naomi Stine, in Blissfield, Michigan. Ed., Blissfield public schools, Asbury College and Evangelical Theological Semi nary. Converted, 1962. Call to ministry, 1962. R., by Blissfield Church. L., Michigan Conference, 1966. P., Marcellus Circuit, 1967 —. Author of short stories and articles published by three denominations. Spent honeymoon in Europe and Africa.
MAC CANON, F. RICHARD, A.B., B.D.— B., October 6, 1925, in Iowa. Son of G. E. and Edna MacCanon. M., Ruth Dalbey, June 27, 1948, at Barnes City, Iowa. Ch., Stephen Richard and David Mark. Ed., Technical High School, Des Moines, Iowa, Kletzing College, University of Iowa. United Seminary. Converted in Sum mer Camp. United with church in 1937. R., St. Andrews, Des Moines, Iowa. L., Quarterly Conference license, 1943. O., Elder,
1952. I., 1952. P., Nebraska, 1944-45; Laurel, Iowa, 1947-49; Center Point, Iowa, 1952-57. Historian of Iowa Conference, 1954-57. Member of Masonic Lodge, O.E.S. and Rotary Club.
MATHIS, JAMES, A.B.—B., August 21, 1942 at Saginaw, Michi gan. Son of Alvin and Rosamond Mathis. M., to Joan McAlister, December 18, 1965 in New Jersey. Ed., Saginaw public schools, Taylor University and Asbury Theological Seminary. Conversion, August, 1959 at Bayshore Camp. United with church, 1956. Call to ministry in 1959. R., Saginaw E.U.B. Church. L., Michigan Conference, 1964. P., Congregational Christian Church, Bryant, Indiana, 1964.
MONTEI, J.D., JR.—B., November 30, 1919, at Fairgrove, Michi 40 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
gan Son of John D. and Sarah Ellen Montei. M., Gladys Lanione Kidd, August 26, 1942, at Utica, Michigan. Ch., Betty Lanione, Lawrence John Montei. Ed., Graham rural, Fairgrove high; two years, Michigan State, Conference course of study. Converted, 1938. R., Fairgrove. L., 1964. O., Elder, 1967. P., Owendale, 1964-67; South Whiteford, 1967. Worked for several years at Red Bird Mission in the Kentucky Mountains.
NUSZ, GORDON WAYNE, B.S.— B., March 3, 1941, Bay City, Michigan. Son of John George and Lulu M. Hoermann Nusz. M., August 27, 1966, to Shirley Ann Fesch, Watertown, South Dako ta. Ed., Care High School, Westmar College, Wayne State Univer sity and United Theological Seminary. United with Caro church, 1954. Call to the ministry, Bay Shore, 1963. R., Caro E.U.B. Church. L., Michigan Conference, 1966. P., (Part-time) Minister to Youth, Community Methodist Church, Dayton, 1966-67.
ROTHFUSS, WALTER, B.A., M.Div.— B., June 25, 1936 at Sebe- waing, Michigan. Son of Fred and Clara Rothfuss. M., to Evelyn Hampton, August 2, 1958, at Leslie, Michigan. Ch., Dawn Elaine, Danny and Douglas Rothfuss. Ed., Snell rural, Pigeon High, Ven- nard and Bethel Colleges and Evangelical Theological Seminary. R., Kilmanagh congregation. L., 1961. P., Epsilon, 1961-62; Adamsville-Kessington, 1962-68.
RULE, GEORGE B.—B., October 9, 1939 at Laingsburg* Michi gan. Son of Lyman H. and Viola May Rule. M., to Mary Ellen Arntz, June 25, 1960. Ch., Clay Harlan Rule. Ed., St. Johns Public Schools and Lansing Community College. Conversion, 1955. United with church, 1967. Call to the ministry, 1957. R., Bengal E.U.B. Church, St. Johns Circuit. L., Michigan Confer ence, 1967. P., Mt. Pleasant Circuit, 1967—. In U.S. Air Force Prior to entering the ministry.
SHERWOOD, JAMES H.— B., February 13, 1930. Son of Clinton and Leola Sherwood. M., June 24, 1950 to June Lindley, Suttons Bay, Michigan. Ch., Rebekah and Jamie Sherwood. Ed., Flint Northern, Taylor University, Anderson College and Vennard Bible College. Also, Conference Course of Study. United with Methodist Church, Flint, 1942. R., by Marion, Indiana First Church. L., by Indiana Conference South, 1957. O., 1963. I., 1963. P., Indiana- North Vernon Circuit; Wilmore Memorial; Michigan Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 41
Benton Harbor First, Ogden, Leighton. Vice President of Board of Evangelism.
SMITH, JOHN R.— B., June 2, 1946 at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Son of Russell J. and Vivian A. Smith. Ed., Schools at Corning, Caledonia and college at Michigan State. Conversion at age of nine years. United with church at twelve years. Call to ministry during a revival meeting at Leighton Church, Rev. G. R. Bates, pastor. R., Leighton congregation. L., Michigan Conference, 1967.
SMITH, LESLIE DAVID— B., September 7, 1938 at Charlevoix, Michigan. Son of Clayton and Maude Smith. M., Rosemary Helen Smith at Boyne City, Michigan, August 28, 1959. Ch., Kaye and Mark Smith. Ed., Rural Schools at Horton Bay; High School at Boyne City; College —Bethel, Mishawaka, Indiana, and Michigan Tech at Houghton, Michigan. Converted at Sault Ste. Marie in Free Methodist Church. United with church at Horton Bay in 1963. Called to ministry at Sault Ste. Marie. R., Horton Bay Zion. L., Michigan Conference at Buchanan in 1965. P., at Galien 1965 —present.
THOMPSON, JAMES W., B.A., B.D.— B., February 20, 1931, at Titusville, Pennsylvania. Son of Max A. and Naomi Thompson. M., August 13, 1955 to Paula M. Ries. Ch., Eric Paul and Pamela Lynn. Ed., Malone College, Houghton College, Western Reserve, Wayne State and Evangelical Theological Semi nary. Three months of urban training. R., Pleasantville, Pennsylva nia, E.U.B. L., Erie Conference. O., Elder in 1957. Credentials to Michigan. P., Eppards Point, Illinois (Seminary), 1955-57; Degol- ia, Pennsylvania, 1957-60; Tonawanda, New York, 1960-67; Hill- crest, Detroit, 1967 —. Assistant Conference Secretary; Secretary, Program Council; Director of Campus Christian Life. Member of numerous other Boards and Commissions.
TRURAN, DAVID, B.A.—B., May 7, 1944 in Detroit. Son of Charles and Laura Truran. M., to Donna Eberling, July 29, 1967, at Elmhurst, Illinois. Ed., Guest grade and Cooley high, Detroit, Michigan; North Central College and Evangelical Theological Se minary. R., Detroit Calvary E.U.B. L., Michigan Conference, 1967.
WOOD, IRA LESLIE— B., March 15, 1909, Wetzell, Michigan. Son of James S. and Ellen S. Wood. M., to Eunice B. Fredrick, 42 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
December 27, 1932, in Detroit. Ch., Joyce and Ira Lawrence Wood. Ed., Port Huron and Pontiac. Conversion at Pontiac, 1930. United with United Missionary Church, Detroit, 1931. Called to ministry in 1934. R., Dakota Avenue United Missionary Church, Detroit. L., by the United Missionary Conference in Michigan 1934. O., Elder, 1937. P., Elkton, 1937; Orange, California, 1939-40; Petoskey, 1947-51; Detroit Calvary (U.M.) 1951-58; Brown City, 1958-64; Cass City (E.U.B.) 1966—. Credentials to Michigan Conference E.U.B. , 1966. Also served in following posi tions: Conference Secretary; Vice District Superintendent; General Secretary of United Missionary Church 9 years.
WOODRUM, LON— B., December 8, 1901. Son of Sherman and Laura Woodrum. M., to Eilene Frishkorn, July 23, 1953, at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Ch., Lon Ruby, II and Robin Jon Woodrum. Ed., Bonner Springs, Kansas. Converted June 1927. United with Nazarene Church 1928. Call to ministry July 1927. Before entering ministry, a newspaper man. R., Rosedale Nazarene Church. L., Kansas City Nazarene Church 1928. O., Deacon 1932; Credentials to E.U.B. Church 1954. Evangelist and writer, author— "Of Men and Of Angels" and "If You Hear a Song." As evangelist, 75,000 conversions. CHAPTER NINE
IN MEMORIAM 1960-67
L., License; C, Credentials
Date Date and Place Received Years of Date of Death and Place Name of Birth and How Service of Burial
Schurman, J. T. 1876 Michigan 1911 L. 39 1960 Gilford, Michigan Boettcher, W. F. 1876 Michigan 1909 L. 39 1961 Snover, Michigan Knechtel, G. 1878 Ontario 1904 L. 46 1961 Royal Oak, Michigan Krumling, F. C. 1876 Michigan 1906 L. 12 1962 Blissfield, Michigan Hoffman, H. K. 1877 Germany 1910 L. 10 1961 Oakwood, Michigan Moyer, T. A. 1889 Michigan 1921 L. 37 1962 Prairieville, Michigan Wolfe, F. J. 1883 Michigan 1923 C. — 1962 Detroit, Michigan Frye, G. I. 1879 Michigan 1919 L. — 1962 Flint, Michigan Gee, Ira G. 1883 Wisconsin 1923 L. 4 1961 Howell, Michigan Riebel, E. D. 1887 Ontario 1912 L. 11 1962 Naperville, Illinois Pchly, F. L. 1887 Michigan 1911 L. 43 1962 Blissfield, Michigan Kirn, F. W. 1891 Michigan 1915 C. 48 1962 Nashville, Michigan Richards, C. R. 1875 Indiana 1903 L. 14 1962 Pompeii, Michigan Bandeen, W. T. 188S Ohio 1921 L. 25 1963 Midland, Michigan Barr, J. E. 1869 c 6 Glass, C. A. 1873 Ontario 1910 C. 4 1963 New Carlisle, Indiana Smith, P. J. 1881 Germany 1943 c. — 1963 Delray Beach, Florida Young, S. S. 1886 Ohio 1909 L. 34 1963 Traverse City, Michigan Sanders, C. A. 1881 Indiana 1907 L. 38 1963 Riverton, Ludington Ostroth, D. C. 1880 Michigan 1903 L. •22 1963 Nashville, Michigan Saxton, R. C. 1938 L. 11 1964 Flint, Michigan Niergarth, J. R. 1868 Ontario 1895 C. •25 1965 Cleveland, Ohio Uhrig, R. E. 1897 Ohio C. — 1964 Dowling, Ohio Albig, O. M. 1882 Michigan 1920 C. 5 1965 Lansing, Michigan Beardsley, J. A. 1885 Michigan 1921 L. *24 1965 Lake Odessa, Michigan Nelson, W. S. 1893 New York 1925 L. 22 1966 Milan, Michigan Koteskey, C. E. 1878 Germany 1916 L. 26 1967 Boyne City, Michigan Kellermann, G. H. 1890 Ontario 1913 L. 22 1967 Monroe, Michigan Fall, E. Dale 1937 Michigan 1961 L 1967 Spafford, Dr. A. L. 1882 Michigan 1923 L. 34 1967 St. Johns, Michigan Binder, D. F. 1891 Michigan 1913 L. 50 1967 Coleman, Michigan Brannan, H. A. 1905 Ohio 1927 L. 33 1967 Coleman, Michigan
* Years in Michigan Conference
[43] CHAPTER TEN
THE PLACE OF EVANGELISM IN THE CHURCH by Gerald H. Fisher
Evangelism from historical perspective has had priority in the Evangelical United Brethren fellowship. However, in the middle part of the 20th Century, many have the uneasy feeling that its priority is in name only rather than an urgent and winsome witness: that we have become bogged down in the machinery of "institutionalism"; that this formerly young lithe David is trying to fight in "Saul's" armour. Thus there has been a serious reappraisal of the churches "mission"; —the necessity of being "involved"; of meaningful con frontation with the "world" out where "the action is." The prevailing conviction is that the God of History is alive and at work in the world. That the organized church must be with him in the world or forfeit its right of existence. Specific areas of God's action in this period is in social revolution. An awareness of inequality of races with special reference to the negro because of riots in Watts and Detroit. The marches in Wash ington and Montgomery; the words "Black Power" and "open occu pancy" are in the headlines. Thus there has been a greater reluctance for churches to move from the "inner city" to smug suburbia. "Population explosion" is becoming a stark reality in the greater part of the world. The percentage of Christians is becoming smaller with each decade. As these lines are penned the United States has hit the 200 million mark. That the "fields are white unto harvest" few deny; that the "laborers are few" is too true to be mentioned. That lawlessness is condoned under the guise of freedom is the conviction of many. The assassination of President Kennedy is a grim reminder of tragedy in the midst of unprecedented affluence and scientific advance. These and other social pressures have brought into being two great facts of our day: The Ecumenical Movement and the rise of the "laos". Re-echoed repeatedly is the need of Christians for two conversions —the first conversion is to Christ, the second to serve the needs of the world. God so "loved the world" is the evangel. Thus the church must constantly be renewed to the New Testament norm. Paul Tillich poses the problem that each generation must seek to solve for its own day. "The perennial question has been: Can the Christian message be
[44] of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 45 adapted to the modern mind without losing its essential and unique character."1 To this question the Michigan Conference Board of Evangelism has responded with "Yes." Accordingly it has sought to reach others for Jesus Christ not only in traditional methods but also in new approaches. The following is a digest of our efforts in the years 1961-1968: 1960—A. The Conference Board of Evangelism met in each of ministerial groups to discuss a strategy to reach others for Christ. These meetings were represented by pastors and their committees on Evangelism from their respec tive churches. After a period of general discussion the local committee on evangelism planned their years pro gram and reported to the assembled group. B. The Secretary of Evangelism, with help of his church, acted as a clearing house for all non-resident members for the Conference. 1961 —There was increased emphasis on and assistance offered to local committees on evangelism to stimulate them to do the work of Evangelism in their local community. 1962 —The following was promoted: A. "1 Win 10"—Local churches were encouraged to create groups of ten, each group pledging to win 1 person in a year. B. "4 Nites for God"—A Conference-wide visitation endeavor that resulted in 639 decisions for Christ. C. Conference Bible Camp —Riverside Park, Buchanan, Michigan. 1963 —Local Churches were urged to plan own program of Evan gelism thru Local Committee on Evangelism and report action to Conference Secretary of Evangelism. Ninety churches out of 144 reported. The reports were as follows: 73 churches had weekly group meetings 33 churches had Small "K" Groups 64 churches had Visitation Evangelism 59 churches had Revival Meetings 56 churches had Membership Classes for Adults 61 churches had Membership Classes for Children 1964 —Conducted a Visitation Mission with East- West District ex change of pastors. Dr. John Knecht, General Secretary of Evangelism, was Conference Mission Leader.
1 Paul Tillich —September Theology Vol. 1, p. 7. 46 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
Conference-wide results were: Teams calling 845 Persons contacted 3024 Decisions 262
The Board sponsored a two day training session for all Group Leaders at "Yokefellow House", Richmond, Indiana, under the leadership of Rev. Sam Emerick. These men were introduced to values of disciplined small study groups. The Group Leaders in turn were to share their experiences with pastors of their respective groups. 1965 —Brought Youth Evangelist Teams who had been trained at Dayton, Ohio, to serve in the Michigan Conference. They were scheduled thru the month of October in four local churches. Their purpose was to find new approaches to reach youth for Christ. "Faith at Work" was encouraged in the Conference. This is a lay witness movement that has enjoyed unusual suc cess within the ecumenical framework. 1966—"4-C Mission" was carried out. This was a combination of preaching and visitation evangelism with a Conference- wide exchange of pastors. One of the most appreciated aspects of this endeavor was the day meetings held for groups of ministers who were engaged in the Mission. The Program was produced by the General Board of Evan gelism and enjoyed wide acceptance across the denomi nation. A brief report for Michigan "4-C Mission" was as follows: Participating churches 113 Total attendance at Mission Services . . 32,697 Total Offerings sent to the Board of Evangelism (local expenses taken out first) $2,098.36 Expenses paid by Board of Evangelism Treasurer $ 798.66 1967—A. Our major work was to prepare for another "4-C Mis sion" for early part of 1968. The format was largely the same as in 1966. Guest Directors who lead the day meetings for ministers majored on the two themes: 1 . "How to prepare and deliver an evangelistic mes sage with special emphasis on how to give an ef fective invitation." of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 47
2. "How to train laymen of the church to do their evangelistic tasks." Every evening the Guest Missioners preached in their assigned churches seeking to win others to Christ and encourage new discipleship on the part of those of the Christian community. B. Concerning their program of Evangelism a questionnaire sent to all churches revealed the following information: Churches having increase in membership in 1967 48
Methods of Evangelism used: Public Evangelistic Services 72 Personal Evangelism by the Pastor .... 84 Small Groups 21 Maintained an up-to-date prospective list 85 Conducted a church membership class . . 77 Religious Census conducted in last 5 years 41
Types of Evangelism they would like to use: 22 Churches "Lay Visitation" 17 Churches "small groups" Many said, "Bible study, group study, revivals" 2 said, "Faith at Work"
Suggestions for Conference Board of Evangelism "Pilot projects throughout the Conference" "Lack motive rather than method—need a crusade rather than a tradition" "Conference Board should assign and provide a Conference EUB evangelist to local church" "Help each church develop its own pattern of evan gelism on the basis of local need" "Conference supply or appoint an evangelist to be paid by the conference with each church shar ing in expense" "Give help to pastors and laymen in understanding the meaning of Visitation Evangelism" "Encourage local church to hold its own services" "Offer leadership in training for visitation" "Passing along successful methods of others" "Mission to Members which is being used by Methodists" 48 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
"Area evangelism programs with Methodists or others" "Perhaps some outstanding soul-winner by leader at mid-year retreat" "Keep pastors alert to new resources and methods" "Incorporate lay witness with 4-C Mission"
There were several meetings by the joint Boards of Evangelism of the three Conferences (two Methodist and one Evangelical United Brethren) to unify our programs thus facilitating successful union of our Conferences in the very near future.
Statistical Growth of Church 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967
Total Members—Gain 1,514 1,505 1,559 1,159 727 1,317 1,286 1,255 Total Members—Loss 1,805 1,355 1,450 1,316 1,257 1,425 1,025 1,270 Net Gain or Loss -291 149 109 -157 -531 -108 261 -25 Average Worship AM. 14,992 15,467 15,326 15,142 14,980 14,805 14,593 14,560 Average Worship P.M. 14,360 4,250 3,558 3,471 3,369 3,177 2,723 2,496 Memberships 22,539 22,688 22,797 22,640 22,108 22,000 22,261 22,246 CHAPTER ELEVEN
HISTORICAL STATEMENT
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 1961-1967 By Stanley H. Forkner
The rapidly changing educational emphasis during this period had a direct effect upon the educational work of the Conference and the local churches as it should have. Not only have the teaching methods changed but also the content emphasis. Learning takes place through activities. In the children's divisions, this means working with the hands, being creative through drama and art. Youth and adult groups have become involved in the learning process! Christian behaviour is taught along with Bible history and theology. Every attempt is being made to get the pupils to study, as well as the teacher, and to get away from the lecture process. The Universal decline in church school membership and attend ance has been felt by the Conference. From 1961 to 1967 the church school declined 2,165 in membership and 2,036 in average attendance. Some of this was picked up in through-the-week educa tional activities of small groups, weekend retreats, boys and girls fellowships, choirs, etc. The statistical blanks do not list these areas of educational program. Therefore, the loss may not be as great as indicated on the surface but the matter of a different setting for educational procedures.
PROVISION OF RESOURCES
Increasingly, the Board of Christian Education has accepted the role of providing resources for the various educational activities and attempting to help local churches do significant teaching. The Chil dren's Work Library has provided on a loan basis books for teachers of children and books for children.
An adequate catalog has been published every two years. The Audio-Visual Library served up to 9 1 churches of the Confer ence through a plan—the local church paying an annual fee of $7.50 which gave them unlimited use of the over 1,000 filmstrips. The
[49] 50 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
heavy circulation of this material made it necessary to hire part-time help. A major project in 1966 carried out by the Children's Work Council was the provision of Christmas kits developed by Reverend and Mrs. Marvin E. Rickert. This worship packet, for families with children, included day-by-day worship plans and the building of a creche by the daily addition of parts of the scene. This proved so popular that over 1400 packets were distributed. The departments of the Board have carried out many and varied programs. The Children's Department has encouraged fellowship hours and other through-the-week activities for children. The Youth Department has sponsored an Annual Convention, District Rallies and raised between $3,000 and $4,000 per year for mission projects. They have participated in national Conventions for youth. Training programs have been a major emphasis. Laboratory Schools were developed for the teachers of children. As the church began to face union with the Methodist Church, we joined the Methodist Laboratory Schools, observation schools, local church workshops, group training sessions and similar programs for leaders. After the closing of the Vacation Church School Institutes by the Michigan Council of Churches, this training was done cooperatively with the Methodist Church. A program was developed for the training of local church leaders known as TOEL, "Tools for Effective Leadership." This ten-hour training program was well received and involved over 150 persons in one year for a total of 1500 man hours of leadership development. In 1963 a testing was conducted among 26 of our churches to discover areas of need in theological understanding. Results indicated that theological terminology is not understood. Insight into the person and work of Jesus Christ seemed almost humanistic and moralistic as compared to the Divine Son of God who ministers God's grace for our salvation. In many instances, the Bible was conceived of as magic formulas. The camping program showed a decline of about 10% in attend ance between 1961 and 1967. This was offset by the increase in local church camping and family camping. Increasingly, camp pro grams have gone to small groups. The person-to-person relationship had made it necessary to secure counselors who had a strong Chris tian faith that they could share with the camper. Most of the leaders have been exposed to a week of intensive training under the direction of the Michigan Council of Churches. A Conference-Wide Music Camp was developed at the Riverside Camp. This proved popular and helpful. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 51
The Lakeview Campgrounds provided for the development of tent-trailer family camping that grew from ten families to forty and fifty familes on the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends. Orga nized camping was set up for all weekends during the summer and many families have been involved. Many local churches developed their own camping programs. Family Camps were conducted at Lakeside and Riverside on Labor Day weekends. As the union of The Methodist Church and The Evangelical United Brethren Church became a reality, the educational programs were integrated as rapidly as possible. Training programs were the first to be coordinated on the Conference and Methodist District levels. Camps were integrated in the summer of 1969.
THE PROGRAM COUNCIL MICHIGAN CONFERENCE
The Program Council of the Conference increasingly became a significant agency for coordinating the efforts of the departments of Evangelism, Stewardship, Missions Education and Social Action. The work of the adult, youth and children's work councils was united with the program agencies for the development of significant conference efforts. No department functioned alone but rather united their effort behind major thrusts. One such effort was the Centennial Banquet in 1961. 2,000 per sons from all over the Conference gathered in the Lansing Civic Auditorium. Dr. Paul G. Musselman, Head of the Department of Evangelism for the National Council of Churches was the speaker. The development of an annual calendar avoided major conflicts in field work and gave meaningful direction to program effort around the common goals and purposes of the Conference. Another such effort was the 4-C Mission conducted in 1966 and 1968. Pastors exchanged leadership in local churches and met in morning sessions for their own growth and development under the guidance of guest leaders. The concept of the Program Council was adopted by the Uniting Conference and carried into the United Methodist Church as the Council of Ministries. CHAPTER TWELVE
CONFERENCE BOARD OF MISSIONS 1960-1968 By Gerald Fohly
The past few years have been a period of unprecedented change in American life. The Church, as an integral part of American society, has been deeply affected by these changes. In the midst of these changes, however, the words of our Lord still provide the incentive for mission: "You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." The Conference Board of Missions has tried to keep informed of the rapidly-changing nature of modern society, both in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. It has sought to give guidance to chur ches and make decisions with considered forethought and careful deliberation. The union with the Methodist Church and the ecumeni cal spirit of recent years have been evident in planning and decision making. During this period, the deep missionary concern and efforts of our churches have been strengthened and expanded and the church has launched out in some new thrusts in mission.
NEW MISSION PROGRAM:
One new mission church has been established since 1960. The Annual Session of the Michigan Conference, meeting at Wyoming Park in May 1960, authorized the establishment of a new mission project in the Lansing area, which was to be the Centennial Memori al Church for 1961. Property was secured on Waverly Road, com prising approximately ten acres, for a price of $25,000. The first service was held on October 29, 1961 in the Wainwright Elementary School. Formal organization and the first members were received on March 4, 1962. Twenty-six members were reported in May, 1962. In the beginning stages, attendance and interest were promising. In late 1963, the Lansing Centennial Church, now known as the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Faith Haven Methodist Church, under the direction of the Board of Missions, entered into conversations with the ultimate goal of the union of the two congregations. The 1964 Annual Conference Session voted approval to the union of the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Faith Haven Methodist Church to form the Faith EUB-Methodist Church in Lansing.
[52] of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 53
A beautiful new church edifice was erected by the new congrega tion in 1964 at a cost of $265,000. In the summer of 1965, a parsonage was secured for $29,500. In the beginning stages, before the union of the two congregations the Conference Board of Missions provided the major part of the expense for salary and program. The Conference investment in the church site and parsonage is $40,000. Faith Church has a loan of approximately $100,000 from the Con ference Missions and Church Extension Trust Fund. The future of the Lansing Church is very promising. The present membership is 387. The Sunday Church School enrollment is 336 with an average attendance of 159. The Conference Board of Missions continues to give supervision and financial support to the four new missions established in the late 1950's. These churches are: Calvary Church, Battle Creek; Northeast Community Church, Pontiac; Willowbrook Church, Novi; and Win chester Village Church, Swartz Creek. The total value of these mis sion properties, including both churches and parsonages, in approx imately $580,000. As of December 31, 1967, the total indebtedness on these properties is $246,650. These mission churches have not been without their struggles, but many significant gains and advances have been made. Church build ings and parsonages have now been erected or purchased at each of these churches. Calvary Church, Battle Creek is making significant strides forward in numerical and financial strength and anticipates that it will attain the goal of becoming a self-supporting church within the next four years. Both Winchester Village and Willowbrook have been hindered in growth by the slow development of their respective communities due to the unavailability of adequate public utilities and other community problems. Northeast Community Church, Pontiac is facing some of the problems and challenges of a racially changing community. The Board of Missions commends both pastors and laity of these churches for their continuing efforts and commitment to Christ and His Church.
INNER-CITY PROGRAM:
In response to the urgent needs of the city in modern America, the Board of Missions has directed considerable effort in recent years to inner-city work. The 1967 Annual Session of the Michigan Conference authorized the establishment of Hillcrest Church as an inner-city mission. The beginning stages of this ministry have been exciting. Morning Wor ship and Church School attendance are increasing. Programs are being developed to minister effectively to people both within the 54 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
Church and to the total community. The churches of the Michigan Conference have been involved in the Hillcrest Mission through the "units of support" program. Over $8000 has been received from these churches in the first ten months since the program was begun. Funds for the Hillcrest program come from this support, from other confer ence and denominational funds and the local church. The Conference Branch WSWS gave $3,800 in 1967 and have committed $4000 for 1968. One family, the Lloyd Geyer's, have served as missionaries for one year to Hillcrest Church from their home church, St. Matthew's Church of Livonia. The old parsonage was sold for $6000 in the summer of 1967 and a new parsonage purchased at a cost of $17,500. The budget of approximately $30,000 gives an indication of the scope of the minis try being carried on at Hillcrest Church. Another inner-city thrust has been the financial support of the Grand Rapids Youth Ministry, an interdenominational ministry in the inner-city of Grand Rapids. The Conference Board of Missions sent $1000 in 1968 and an equal amount was received for this ministry from the denominational "Fund For Renewal" program.
NEW SPIRIT OF ECUMENICAL CONCERN:
The Conference Board of Missions recognizes that group ministries and other cooperative ventures are necessary in contemporary soci ety. Recently, the Board pledged financial support to the Waterman Church which has become involved in the Southwest United Ministry in Detroit. The increasing numbers of churches which are uniting with other churches in the same locality is the result of both this ecumenical concern and the union with the Methodist Church. One of the encouraging signs of our times is the intense concern that churches are expressing for mission in their communities and a willingness to enter areas of cooperative ventures and unions where such decisions enhance the church's mission.
SPECIAL SUPPORT OF MISSIONARY PERSONNEL:
There is growing support of the denominational missionary sup port program. In 1967, 25 churches paid $38,840 toward special missionary support.
NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS:
The following churches have erected new buildings from June 1960 to June 1968: Carlisle, LaSalle Zion, Flint Emmanuel, Pontiac of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 55
Northeast Community, Buchanan, Livonia St. Matthew's, Flint First, Detroit Waterman, Lansing Faith, Adamsville, Turk Lake and Lin coln Community.
NEW EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS AND ADDITIONS:
The following have completed new educational buildings or other additions during the same period: Pigeon, South Rockwood, Portage Prairie, Ludington Zion, Pontiac Baldwin, Mt. Pleasant First, Sodus Chapel Hill, Sebewaing Trinity, Traverse City Emmanuel, Bainbridge Zion, Ellis Corners, Detroit Grace, Swartz Creek Winchester Village, Dearborn First and Saginaw Michigan Avenue.
THE CONFERENCE BOARD OF MISSIONS:
The Board consists of 19 members, twelve of whom are ministers and seven laymen. The officers of the present board (organized June, 1967) are: Garfield H. Kellermann, Jr., President; Ronald D. Carter, Vice-President; Gerald A. Pohly, Executive Secretary; W. Prentice Peck, Treasurer.
The Board appoints the following Commissions to assist in its work:
1. Commission on Parish Development and Research. 2. Commission on World and National Missions. 3. Commission on Church Construction. 4. Commission on Deaconness and Parish Work (discontinued in 1967 and a coordinator named to supervise the work of the parish worker) . 5. East District Sub-Committee. 6. West District Sub-Committee. CHAPTER THIRTEEN
PICTURES OF THE CHURCHES, PARSONAGES, ETC. FIELD SKETCHES
The following is a series of brief field sketches from the churches of the Conference. Many of them are very limited in scope due to the responses received from the fields.
ADAMSVELLE CHURCH
The Adamsville Church is located near Edwardsburg, Michigan, and is a part of the Adamsville-Kessington Circuit. The work is growing and a new church became necessary. The new church is a brick structure seating 160 in the sanctuary. There are ten classrooms, housing 200, a kitchen, a fellowship hall and a pastor's study. A good future seems to be in prospect. An every-member canvass was held with good success. The budget has doubled in six years. Since 1960 the following have served as pastor: G. Charles Ball, 1960-62; Walter Rothfuss, 1962-68. The church membership was 98 in 1960; it is 131 in 1967.
KESSINGTON CHURCH
The Kessington Church is located near Edwardsburg, Michigan, and is a part of the Adamsville-Kessington Circuit. No unusual activities are reported for this church during the decade. The following have served as pastor since 1960: G. Charles Ball, 1960-62; Walter Rothfuss, 1962-65; Wayne Palmer, 1965—. The church membership was 34 in 1960; it is 30 in 1967.
ANN ARBOR CHURCH
The Ann Arbor congregation has not experienced any unusual growth during the ten year period. Mostly there have been slight gains in each Department. The large annual turnover in members and families limits growth. The finances of the church have made annual increases. In 1968 the Ann Arbor Church became self-supporting and is no longer a mission station. In addition to bearing the support of its own work the church pays $500.00 (one unit) per year for the
[56] Ministers
P. F. Bailey D. Burkett M. E. Burkett C. E. Cruff
L. E. Dimos G. Fleming W. L. Foster E. W. Friesen
W. A. Gettig B. Grant T. W. Hepner C. L. Higdon
R. L. Hinklin J. P. Hollopeter L. O. Houser J. L. Hynes W. Ireland R. E. Johns D. E. Jones B. H. Keegstra
D. L. Litchfield D. W. Ludman J. Mathis G. W. Nusz
m m
'h I^HnMHR^^r ■^■BwhBHS^^^^^»^»'^^^^n>. W. Rothfuss G. B. Rule J. H. Sherwood J. R. Smith
L. D. Smith J. W. Thompson D. Truran I. L. Wood
L. Woodrum Churches
Adamsville Buchanan
Carlisle Detroit — East ■■
Detroit — Waterman Flint — Emmanuel Flint — Hope La Salle — Zion
Lansing — Faith Livonia — St. Matthew's
AF W fj^^^k. ^k" '^L.
t 1 81 - -•**■-•'>*■■■«* Mil ^
Livonia — St. Matthew's Interior Magnolia
Mt. Pleasant Pigeon • ."- .-..■■
' i**m ^ -i\ i rf^'if
-,—
Pontiac — Baldwin Pontiac — Northeast
Saginaw — Fellowship Hall St. Joseph
Traverse City Turk Lake
Willowbrook Ypsilanti — Lincoln Parsonages
— Battle Creek — Trinity Dearborn Good Shepherd
Detroit — St. Marks Flint — Emmanuel
w ■ *
Flint — Hope Ionia — Zion Leighton Monroe — First
Owosso Pontiac — Northeast
Sebewaing Sharon
St. Johns — Salem Willowbrook Parish Houses
Capac Dearborn
Portage — Prairie Sebewaing — Educational
South Maple Grove — Zion South Rockwood of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 57 support of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Robinson of New Mexico. At the present time (1968) the Church fosters a Youth Club giving three hour week day programs for grades 3 to 8. The club is in its third year. The church membership was 181 in 1960 and is 188 in 1967. The Rev. J. G. Swank was serving the church in 1960. Harold Mann has been the pastor since 1964.
BAINBRIDGE AND UNION
These churches are located in the northern end of Berrien County. Plans are under way looking toward the merger of these churches at a central location. In 1964 a bathroom was added to the Bainbridge parsonage. In 1967 a barn was purchased (known as The Stable) and is to be developed for youth work. A picture is herewith presented. In 1966 both churches conducted an every-member canvass, di rected by Rev. Ray Flessner. These canvasses were considered suc cessful. The field is paying $100.00 per year to the Evangelical Theological Seminary for assistance to a foreign student at E. T. S. Through the use of "The Stable" the churches plan to carry through a work with "teenagers." The membership of these churches in 1960 was 176. The membership in 1967 was 179. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Otto Flachsmann, 1960-64; Curtis Cruff, 1964-to present.
BATTLE CREEK - CALVARY
Battle Creek Calvary Church is located at 25 N. Woodlawn, Battle Creek, Michigan. This is in the northwest corner of the city. This is one of the newer missions in the Conference, being established in 1956. The Burrows property was purchased in 1956; a parsonage was erected in 1964. The church conducts an every-member canvass each year. The tenth anniversary was observed in 1966. The church membership in 1960 was 62 and the membership in 1967 is 124, a 100% gain. The following have served as pastor since 1960; G. A. Pohly, 1960-62; Ivan Niswender, 1962-66; Gerald Bates, 1966—.
BATTLE CREEK FIRST
The Battle Creek First Church is located at the corner of Meachem and Bidwell Streets in Battle Creek. The church has made modest gains in its membership. Plans are under way for a new sanctuary. Two houses have been purchased and the parsonage will be moved to a new site. During the last eight years about $10,000.00 have been 58 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
spent on the church building and about $3,000.00 on the educational plant. Repairs on the parsonage have been kept at a minimum due to plans for moving the building when the new sanctuary is built. A successful every-member canvass was conducted in 1961. An improvement of about $15,000.00 was made in the expansion pro gram. In the ten year period the budget for the church has moved from $18,000.00 to $50,000.00. Two missionary families are being given partial support: to Mr. and Mrs. Duane Dennis, $500.00; and to Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bell, $500.00. In 1960 the church membership was 387 and in 1967 it was 426. Rev. G. A. Steeby is the present pastor, having served this congrega tion for 14 years.
BAY CITY CHURCH
The Salem Church is located at Tenth and Madison Streets in the city of Bay City. Since 1960 the church entry was enclosed, new pews installed and wall-to-wall carpeting laid down. Membership growth has been steady. A financial canvass was conducted with good success. Rev. E. N. Sheridan has been pastor since 1960. The church membership in 1960 was 170; in 1967 it was 186. A catechetical class of six members is maintained.
BENTON HARBOR GRACE
Benton Harbor First Church was merged with Grace Church in 1964. Grace Church is located at 950 Broadway Avenue. The church has had no unusual gains in the last ten years considering the fact that the membership of First Church was merged with this church. During the period under consideration the old parsonage was sold and another house purchased for a parsonage. The kitchen of the new building was remodeled in 1966. An every-member canvass was conducted with very moderate results. The membership in 1960 was 230 and in 1967 it stood at 309. James Timmons was the pastor of the church in 1960. In 1966, Rev. R. R. Fassett was appointed as pastor and still serves in that capacity.
BERRIEN SPRINGS—ARDEN
The Berrien Springs—Arden Church is located on the highway leading from St. Joseph to Niles, a short distance north of Berrien of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 59
Springs. The church has had no unusual development since 1960. In 1962 they purchased the public school building next to the church. In 1967 the Berrien Springs congregation closed their church and many of their members united with Arden Church. The church is considering an expansion program. In 1960 the membership was 116. In 1967 the church member ship is 127. The following have served as pastor since 1960: John Price, 1960-61; Dwight Reibling, 1961-63; C. J. Erickson, 1963-65; Fred Fischer, 1965 to present time.
BLISSFIELD EMMANUEL
The Blissfield Church is located on the near east side of the village. In terms of church membership the church lost some during this ten year period as the statistics will indicate. No marked gains are record ed in any area of the work. The only building done was a remodeling job on the parsonage at a cost of about $3,000.00, plus much donated labor. The kitchen was completely rebuilt, being enlarged by including a back room. The kitchen was modernized with a dish washer, garbage disposal, an eye-level oven, an electric stove and a breakfast area. In 1961 the Centennial year was celebrated by the church entertaining the annual Conference. The church has had two every-member canvasses with outstanding success. In 1960 the church budget was $18,283.00, of which $9,- 200.00 was for others. In 1967 the budget was $31,250.00, of which $17,651.50 was for others. In addition to their regular responsibilities they give the following support to missionaries:
Rev. and Mrs. Wesley Archibald Brazil $1,000.00 Dr. and Mrs. David Hilton Africa 2,000.00 Miss Betty Dietz Philippines 500.00 Rev. Richard Campbell New Mexico 1,500.00 Miss Dorothy Miner, R.N. Kentucky 1,000.00 Rev. and Mrs. Hecter Navas Ybor City 500.00 Airplane Fund for Dr. Hilton Africa 1,000.00 Mr. and Mrs. Harold Berk Brazil 500.00
Total $8,000.00
The membership was 293 in 1960 and 262 in 1967. The following have served as pastor: O. F. Hood, 1960-61; R. H. Lindley, 1961-68. 60 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
BLISSFIELD— OGDEN
The Ogden Church is located about 8 miles southwest from Bliss- field. It is two miles southeast of Ogden Center. This church is in the open country and during the past ten years has made no important record. Two prominent ministers have come from this field in the persons of Andrew Kurth and Norman W. Klump. There may be others that do not come to us as we write. The membership of the church was 128 in 1960 and is 104 in 1967. The following have served as pastor during this period: Clare M. Tosch, 1960-63; James Sherwood, 1963-66; Marvin F. Jewell, 1966—.
HORTON BAY CHURCHES
Horton Bay Circuit consists of two congregations: Horton Bay located in the village of Horton Bay, and North Bay located about four miles north of Horton Bay. The report from these churches indicates that nothing beyond the usual activities has occurred since 1960. A full remodeling of the parsonage is in prospect and the union of the churches is in the talking stage. The membership of these churches in 1960 was 71 and the same figure applies to 1967. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Rollo Grant, 1960-62; Curtis Cruff, 1962-64; to be supplied, 1964; Lowell Dimos, 1965-66; to be supplied, 1966; Donald Silvis, 1967 —.
BROWN CITY CIRCUIT
The Brown City Church is located in Brown City and the Flynn Church is located about six miles northeast of Brown City. The Brown City congregation purchased a lot across the street from the church for parking purposes. Youth work in the church is reported as doing well. The adult program of the church is being affected and helped by the work of the youth. The membership of the church in 1960 was 137; in 1967 it was 161. The following have served as pastor since 1960: M. S. Fall, 1960-64; Keith Laidler, 1964 —.
CARLISLE CHURCH— BYRON CENTER
This church is located a few miles south of Grand Rapids, near the village of Byron Center. The church is making good progress. In 1960 a much needed church building was erected. We do not have a description of the building, but it appears adequate to meet the needs of the congrega tion. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 61
A financial convass for the building fund was conducted with moderate success. During 1968 the church is supporting the Grand Rapids Youth Ministry to the extent of $1,000.00. For three years the church has supported a seminary student on a basis of $1,200.00 per year. The following have served as pastor since 1960: T. J. Wood, 1960-65; C. J. Erickson, 1965-67; R. H. Kretzschmer, Jr., 1967—. The membership of the church was 112 in 1960; it is 136 in 1967.
BUCHANAN
The Buchanan Church is located in the northwest corner of Buchanan. Since 1960 the congregation has constructed a fine new church structure at a cost of about $250,000.00. It is a beautiful structure of contemporary architecture located on a 12 acre plot of ground. It should meet the needs of the congregation for many years. During this period a successful financial convass was waged. The membership in 1960 was 241 and the present membership is 205. The present pastor has served since 1960, A. A. Fall.
CAPAC CHURCH
The Capac Church is located on the north edge of the village. Since 1960 Capac has erected an educational building that very adequately serves the needs of the congregation. Not much else seems to have occurred during this period. The church membership was 173 in 1960 and is 164 in 1967. Since 1960, J. P. Hitchens has served the church as pastor.
CARLETON CHURCHES
The Carleton Church is located in the village of Carleton. The Port Creek Church is located about IVi miles southwest of the village of Flat Rock, Michigan. May 8, 1963, the Port Creek Church observed their 125th an niversary as an organized body. It should be said that the period of organization has not been continuous. A new parsonage garage has been constructed. Aluminum doors and screens have been placed on the parsonage. New folding chairs have been placed in the Carleton Church at a cost of $650.00. A financial convass has been conducted. The Carleton Church has a building fund of $12,000.00. The churches are in process of merger talks with the Carleton Methodist Church. The churches are looking for a suitable site. 62 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
The churches are giving support to Miss Erma Heiss to the extent of $300.00 to $450.00 per year. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Charles R. Fox, 1960-67; John F. Price, 1967—. The church membership in 1960 was — Carleton, 87; Port Creek, 37. In 1967 it was — Carleton, 115; Port Creek, 57.
CARO CHURCH
The Caro Church is located in Caro, and after the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, April 19th (or thereabouts), to form the United Methodist Church, the Caro Church will be known as the "State Street United Methodist Church." The matter of principal concern since 1960 was the union of the former Fairgrove congregation with the Caro Church on Palm Sun day in 1966. On the evening of February 26, 1966, the Fairgrove Church burned to the ground. The cause of the fire has never been determined. Flames were first discovered near the chimney about 11:30 P. M. They called the Fairgrove fire department which re sponded promptly. The fire seemed under control when the depart ment ran out of water. Caro, Akron and Unionviile departments were also called, but the fire was out of control and nothing could be done. Dr. Liesemer, the Conference Superintendent, conducted the uniting service. The church membership stood at 174 in the two churches in 1960 and stands at 182 in 1967. The following have served as pastor since 1960: M. H. Willard, 1960-66; Charles Ball, 1966—.
CASS CITY
The Cass City Church is located in the village of Cass City. In 1967 the sanctuary of the church was rearranged and refurnished. The direction of the seating was changed from facing east to the south. The south wall was paneled, the platform carried across the full width of the building, with a vestry room on the left and a small office on the right. A large wooden cross is hung on the wall with special lighting above. Padded pews were installed in the sanctuary and three pews in the choir loft at the east side of the sanctuary. Two pulpit pews and two usher pews were also installed. New carpeting was laid following the refinishing of the floor. The cost of the project would be about $8,500.00. Following the second explosion of our oil furnace we installed a of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 63
new natural gas furnace in the church. The cost was about $2,- 400.00, part of which was cared for by insurance. The parsonage was completely redecorated in 1963, which in cluded painting, decorating, carpeting (living room and office), a new kitchen stove and a new oil furnace. The Sunday School average attendance has advanced from 66 to 103. The Women's work has advanced from 29 to 43. The church observed its Centennial year in 1964 with two days of activity. The Cass City congregation gives $500.00 annually toward the support of Miss Iva Mae Hildinger, a missionary. The church membership was 157 in 1960 and 162 in 1967. The following have served as pastor since 1960: S. R. Wurtz, 1960-63; R. E. Betts, 1963-66; Ira Wood, 1966—.
CHASE CHURCHES
The Chase Church is located in the village of Chase. Barton is a rural church located a few miles to the southeast of Chase. The two churches are in the process of uniting into one church. Work in the churches is beginning to grow—eight first-time conver sions so far this year ( 1967-68) . An every-member canvass has been made with good success. The pastor is encouraged with the work. The following pastors have served the field since 1960: L. R. Smith, 1960-63; Donald Totten, 1963 —. The church membership in 1960 was: Chase, 53; Barton, 17. In 1967 it was: Chase, 65; Barton, 28.
CHESANING CHURCH
This church is located in the village of Chesaning. The pastor reports no significant happenings during the past ten years. The congregation is small and it is hoped that it will unite with the Methodist Church soon. The following have served as pastor since 1960: W. Howland, 1960-62; Keith Somers, 1962-64; Wilbur Gettig, 1964-67; Harold Gunsalus, 1967—. The membership in 1960 was 46; in 1967 it was 30.
CLOVERDALE— IMMANUEL
The Cloverdale Church is located in the village of Cloverdale. During this period since 1960, a number of things have happened. 64 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
The church has been painted, a new chimney constructed and an inside toilet installed. A successful revival among the children occurred in 1965 under the leadership of Miss Edna Lahr of Spring Arbor. Fifteen children accepted Christ in this meeting. Other evangelistic campaigns were waged by Reverend Lloyd Scheifele and Rev. Chester Erickson. The church membership was 33 in 1960 and 23 in 1967. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Haldon Ferris, 1960-63; George Marshall, 1963—.
COLEMAN GENEVA— HOPE
The Geneva-Hope Church is located south and east of the village of Coleman. It has been the recipient of members from two closed churches. During this period the church sanctuary has been remodeled, new carpeting has been laid on the floors, the inside of the church repaint ed and new pews installed. The following have served as pastor since 1960: H. A. Brannan, 1960-67; Dale Holloway, 1967—. The church membership was 40 in 1960; it is 63 in 1967. (Remember the merger.)
OREGON, SALEM CHURCH
The Oregon Church is located in Lapeer County, a few miles north and a little west of Lapeer. The congregation observed their 90th anniversary in September 1964 with Rev. H. I. Voelker, son of a former pastor, speaker. In September 1965 a Baldwin Chapel organ was given to the church by an interested family. (Their name is withheld at their request.) Dr. N. C. Liesemer was guest speaker at the dedication and his sister, Mrs. A. A. Weinert, was guest organist for the occasion. The offering taken on the Sunday of the Organ Dedication was announced for the retirement of the debt on the parsonage. The amount received was over $500.00 which, with a small amount from the treasury, liquidated the debt. Bishop Mueller came for a Sunday in June 1966 for the liquidation service. The church membership was 73 in 1960 and is reported at 89 for 1967. The following have served as pastor since 1960: S. P. Kirn, 1960-64; H. R. Krieg, 1964—. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 65
DEARBORN CHURCH
The Dearborn Church is one of our older congregations. The church building is located at Monroe and Mason streets in old Dearborn. During the period under consideration a new parsonage has been erected {see picture). Plans are under way for a new educational plant (see picture). The estimated cost is approximately $250,000.00. They hope to begin work soon on this project. There have been no marked gains in the work since 1960. The church membership stood at 519 in 1960 and at present stands at 411. The following have served the church as pastor since 1960: Robert Schurman, 1960-63; Grant Wessel, 1963-66; Raymond Roe, 1966—.
DETROIT BETHANY
The Bethany Church is located at Kercheval and Lakewood ave nues on the east side of Detroit. Since 1960 a new ceiling has been put in the church basement, the parsonage and garage painted and the church debt paid off. They have shared in an exchange student program. In 1964 the 50th anniversary of the church was observed and in 1966 a Homecoming service was held. Bethany Church community is changing with the result that the church is suffering losses. The church membership in 1960 was 197 and in 1967 it was 118. The following have served as pastor since 1960: James Dempsey, 1960-61; C. J. Erickson, 1961-63; M. R. Everett, 1963-67.
DETROIT CALVARY
The Calvary Church is located on Hubbell near Fenkell Avenue. Since 1960 the church lounge has been re-done and improvements costing $3,000.00 made on the parsonage. A changing community is bringing losses to the church. An every-member canvass was made with good success. The "Faith at Work" movement has been active in this church. Partial support is being given to two missionary families: Rev. and Mrs. Howard Mueller in Africa, and Rev. and Mrs. Javan Corl in Japan. Since 1961 an intern minister has served as assistant pastor. In 1960 the church membership stood at 729; for 1967 it stands at 596, a loss of 133. The following have served as pastor since 1960: R. M. Stressman, 1960-64; G. H. Kellermann, 1964-67; Lloyd O. Houser, 1967—. 66 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
DETROIT FAITH
The Faith Church is located at the corner of Chelsea and Annsbury streets on the east side of Detroit. This church did not get a new church as soon as it should have and its progress has been rather slow. Since 1960 extensive improvements have been made on the church. An every-member canvass was made with fair success. In recent months some new people have come to the church from the Bethlehem Methodist Church, which closed its doors. Bethlehem had been a struggling mission church for many years. The church has developed a Civil Air Patrol project for youth. The following have served the church as pastor since 1960: A. A. Weinert, 1960-62; Larry Dutenhaver, 1962-64; Conrad Higdon, 1964 —. The church membership in 1960 was 183; in 1967 it was 125.
DETROIT GRACE
The Grace Church is located at the corner of Chandler Park Drive and Neff Street. It is a beautiful colonial type of building. During the period under consideration a new educational building has been erected at a cost of $95,000.00. This building includes five class rooms, a large fellowship room, three bathrooms and a fireproof storage room. An enlarged parking lot costing $12,000.00 was also secured. The total parking space accommodates 75 cars. Every-member canvasses were made in 1963-65 and 1967 with fair success. The church gives $1,000.00 annually for the support of Miss Vivian Olsen of Sierra Leone, Africa. The educational building was dedicated in 1966 and the congrega tion entertained the annual Conference the same year. The following have served the church as pastor since 1960: R. H. Kretzschmer, Sr., 196,0-64; R. D. Carter, 1964 — . The church mem bership in 1960 was 435; in 1967 it was 389.
DETROIT HILLCREST
The Detroit Hillcrest Church is located at 7125 Fenkell (or Five Mile Road), just west of Livernois Avenue. The Hillcrest community has changed drastically in recent years and the church has declined markedly. A large part of its former membership has left the commu nity. The Conference is trying to save the church with a new type of program and assistance from various sources. During this year a new parsonage is being purchased. Some encouragement is felt but in of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 67
some areas the decline continues. An every-member canvass was conducted with reasonable success. The following have served as pastor since 1960: R. F. Joop from 1960-67; James Thompson, 1967 —. (Rev. Joop had served the church for a total of 19 years.) The membership was 611 in 1960 and 390 in 1967.
DETROIT IMMANUEL
The Immanuel Church is located at 19130 Beaconsfield Avenue in the city of Detroit. The sanctuary has been painted, also fellowship hall. A new rug has been placed in the church. In 1966 a new kitchen costing $20,000.00 was installed. Included were new cabinets, a dishwasher, a garbage disposal, new dishes and carts, a deep freeze and a refriger ator, three new sinks, new cabinets and counters, a new oven, a new stove and two fish fryers. Youth work has been very successful. Five financial canvasses have been conducted with good success. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Paul Truran, 1960-66; James Timmons, 1966 — . The church membership was 437 in 1960; the membership in 1967 was 413.
DETROIT ST. MARKS CHURCH
This church is located on Evergreen Road just north of Eight Mile Road. A much-needed new parsonage was secured for this church. An every-member canvass was made and the church became self- supporting. Reverend R. S. Burkett has been the pastor during the entire period. The church membership was 109 in 1960; it is 140 in 1967.
DETROIT TRINITY
The Trinity Church is located at the corner of McNichols and Plainview avenues. The church is located in a good residential com munity and is well supplied with building and equipment, and is well staffed. A porch was enclosed to make a family room on the Trinity parsonage. The church maintains two ministers on the church staff. For 1967 the church has adopted a "New Thrust Program" through which missionary support is given to the following: Mr. and Mrs. Lester Bradford, Bo, West Africa Mission, Sierra Leone 68 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
Mr. and Mrs. David Burgett, Santa Cruz, New Mexico (The church pays for the home they are living in) Miss Deloris Hostler, Nurse, Beverly, Kentucky Rev. and Mrs. Richard Hundrieser, Jos, Nigeria, West Africa Rev. and Mrs. Noel Osborn, Baguio City, Philippines Mr. and Mrs. Dale Robinson, Santa Cruz, New Mexico Mr. and Mrs. William Senn, Zoodohou Pigis, Athens, Greece The following have served as pastor since 1960: L. R. Taylor, 1960-65 (assist. Elwood Berkompas, 1962-63; Robert Horton, 1965 —. (Theodore Hepner, 1965-67) The church membership was 594 in 1960 and 694 in 1967.
DETROIT WATERMAN AVENUE
This Church is located about one-half mile north of Lafayette on Waterman Avenue. The former properties at 775 Waterman were taken by the Highway Department for the Fisher Expressway. A farewell service was held in the former church May 16, 1965, and for two years the congregation worshipped with the Olivet Presbyterian Church. After much debate a decision was reached to build a new church. Vacant property was purchased at 1270 Waterman Avenue. Work was begun March 1, 1966; the cornerstone was laid May 15, 1966, and the new church was dedicated January 8, 1967. Bishop R. H. Mueller, assisted by Dr. N. C. Liesemer and other ministers, conducted the dedication services. A home-coming was held May 16, 1965; an anniversary service was held January 7, 1968. Waterman Church is seeking to serve the community in which it is located and should not fail to find an important place of leadership in the community. A used home was re-conditioned for the use of the minister, as a parsonage. The Sunday school has shown small gains. Youth work shows some gain and women's work is doing very well. A financial canvass was made in 1964 with satisfactory success. The following have served as pastor since 1960: James Varner, 1960-61; Otto F. Hood, 1961-68; Richard L. Myers, January 1, 1968 —. The church membership was 332 in 1960 and is 273 in 1967.
EAST DETROIT
The Church is located at East Nine Mile Road and Nevada avenues in East Detroit. The street number is 16200. A very fine new church was erected in 1959-60. Plans for a new church had been discussed for some years. A picture of the new church is herewith of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 69 inclosed. The dedication occurred September 11, 1960. Women's work is doing well. The other departments are making no marked gains. An every-member canvass was made in 1962 but did not have a lasting effect. The old East Detroit Church was razed in 1964. The following have served as pastor since 1960: L. F. Putnam, 1960-64; G. D. Everett, 1964 — . The church membership in 1960 was 45 1 and the present membership is 420.
EAST RAISINVILLE CHURCH
The East Raisinville Church is located about four miles west of Monroe, Michigan, on North Custer Road. It is a rural church with a challenging history. In 1963 the congregation celebrated 100 years of service at this location. One of the main improvements since 1960 is a red carpet down the center aisle and the chancel area. No unusual growth in any of the departments has been recorded. An every- member canvass in 1963 is reported. The measure of success is not indicated. The parsonage debt has been liquidated. The following have served as pastor since 1960: R. H. Kretzschmer, Jr., 1960-62; George Gordorhazy, 1962-63; Paul Bailey, 1963-64; R. J. Steeby, 1964-66; David Burkett, 1966 —. The church membership was 87 in 1960 and is 80 in 1967.
EATON RAPIDS CHURCH
This church is located about five miles south of Lansing (west of Mason) . The basement floor and ceiling of the church have been tiled during this period. A new well has been driven at the parsonage. The following have served as pastor: Louis Reyner, 1960-62; W. P. Peck, 1962—. The church membership was 26 in 1960; the membership is 31 in 1967.
ELKTON CHURCH
The Elkton Church is located in the village of Elkton in Huron County. For fifty years it has been one of our better rural congrega tions. Not much by way of special activity is reported to us. The parsonage was extensively improved at a cost of $7,500.00. The following have served as pastor since 1960: M. E. Bauman, 1960-65; T. J. Wood, 1965 —. The church membership in 1960 was 275 and the present membership is 278. 70 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
ERIE CHURCH
The Erie Church is located at 1100 on M. 151, about four miles northwest of the village of Erie. This church is a prosperous rural church with a good future ahead for it. Efforts are immediately directed toward future expansion. Three acres of land have been purchased and the building fund now stands at $2 1,000.00. Only limited repairs have been put on the old build ing. The average per member giving has advanced from $80.00 in 1962 to $99.00 in 1966. Possible merger with Samaria Methodist Church is being presently discussed. An annual Harvest Festival is observed. In 1966 the congregation observed its 110th anniversary. The church membership was 179 in 1960 and 188 in 1967. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Bernard Hearl, 1960-65; Louis Reyner, 1965—.
EVART CHURCHES: NORTH EVART
This church is located about 2Vi miles north of the village of Evart. This congregation remodeled their church basement for Christian Education purposes at a cost of $700.00. This included a new floor and new church school furniture. They also placed a new oil-fired furnace at a cost of $1,200.00. The church membership was 54 in 1960; it is 52 in 1967.
BROOKS CHURCH
The Brooks Church added a new carpet to their sanctuary at a cost of $600.00. The church basement (Fellowship Hall) was remodeled at a cost of $1,500.00. This included new ceiling and new paneling on the side walls. The church also installed a new oil furnace at a cost of $900.00. This church is now in the process of further re modeling, including a rear exit from the basement and the remod eling of the entrance of the church. The church exterior recently had a paint job. The church has overcome her financial limitations during the past six years and is now able to meet all her responsibilities. Her budget has moved from $1,827.95 in 1960 to over $6,000.00 in 1967. The church membership in 1960 was 32; the membership in 1967 was 44.
The parsonage (belonging to the North Church) kitchen has been of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 71 remodeled at a cost of $500.00. This included new floor and floor covering and new cupboards. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Willard Gilroy, 1960-64; Richard LoCicero, 1964-66; Lowell Dimos, 1966—.
FERNDALE CHURCH
The Ferndale Church is located one block east of Woodward Avenue, in Nine Mile Road. The church seems not to be experienc ing much change. A new parish hall is indicated in the limited report to us but no information is volunteered. The church has been served for the past 38 years by its present pastor, Rev. O. G. Knechtel. That stands as a record in our Conference. The church membership in 1960 was 230. The present membership is 209.
FLINT EMMANUEL (Formerly Kearsley Park)
This church is located at 4323 Davison Road on the far east side of Flint, Michigan. It is a re-location of the Flint—Kearsley Park Church. The new parsonage was dedicated September 24, 1961. The new church was dedicated January 19, 1964. We are sorry that a detailed description of the church was not furnished us. It is a square type of building providing sanctuary and educational facilities. It also has an adequate parking lot. The work seems to be doing well in the new location. Several financial canvasses have been conducted. Church bonds were also sold for the building of the church. The following have served as pastor since 1960: L. S. Scheifele, 1960-61; James Dempsey, 1961-65; J. W. Murbach, 1965 —. The church membership was 343 in 1960 and is 326 in 1967.
FLINT FIRST CHURCH
This church is presently located at the corner of Beecher and Mill Roads, on the west side of Flint. This real estate was purchased in December 1963 as the location for a new church site. In June 1965 plans were approved for a new sanctuary. Also, the congregation voted to buy a new parsonage at 1403 Autumn Drive. This new modern church building is designed to take advantage of the hilly site overlooking the Flint River Valley. The structure is on two levels. The upper level contains the sanctuary, parlor, offices, and pre-school and adult Sunday school facilities. The lower level contains fellowship hall, the kitchen, and Christian Education classrooms. The sanctuary seats 320 in the nave and is designed for future expansion by means 72 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference of a balcony. Fellowship Hall will seat 280 in chairs for dining and is served by a kitchen with 500 square feet. There are eight Christian Education rooms with capacity for 136 children and 70 adults. The structure contains 18,500 square feet of space and was built at a cost of $290,000.00. The parsonage cost $24,000.00. The church has conducted one financial canvass with fair success. Since moving to the new location, morning worship attendance has increased about 25 and the Sunday school attendance, 10%. Youth and women's work has also shown some increase. February 4, 1968, the Graham Methodist Church began worship ping with this congregation. The first morning worship service was attended by 392 persons. October 22, 1967, First Church celebrated their Centennial Ser vice. The following have served as pastor since 1960: R. D. Carter, 1960-65; R. H. Kretzschmer, Sr., 1965-67; G. H. Fisher, 1967—. The church membership in 1960 was 395. The membership in 1967 was 308.
FREMONT CHURCH
This church is located in the village of Fremont, Indiana. The church has remained in the Michigan Conference because it is part of a circuit, the other portion being in Michigan. A financial canvass was conducted with fair success. A vacation Church school was shared with the Methodist Church. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Blakely Grant, 1960-62; L. E. Willoughby, 1962-66; Jason Hollopeter, 1966 —. The church membership was 70 in 1960; it is 54 in 1967.
STOKES CHAPEL
This church is located about 4 miles north of Fremont and is a part of the Fremont Circuit. A new roof was put on the church and the church was painted by the men of the church. Stokes Chapel will be celebrating their Centennial in 1968. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Blakely Grant, 1960-62; L. E. Willoughby, 1962-66; Jason Hollopeter, 1966—. The church membership was 54 in 1960 and is 44 in 1967.
GALIEN CHURCH
This church is located about three miles southwest of the village of Galien in Berrien County, Michigan. The work of the church remains of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 73 rather static. A remodeling project is on with the parsonage. An every-member canvass was conducted with moderate success. The following have served as pastor since 1960; James Timmons, 1960-61; Jack Mulder, 1961-62; W. L. Foster, 1962-65; Leslie Smith, 1965 —. In 1960 the church membership was 102; in 1967 it is 112.
GILEAD—ZION CHURCH
This church is located south of Coldwater, near the Indiana state line. Little information is available for this church. An every-member canvass was made for this church with fair success. The church recently disapproved a merger with the United Church of Christ, located nearby. Two years had been spent on merger plans. The following have been pastor since 1960: Jack Mulder, 1960-61; David Morton, 1961-63; Harold Slater, 1963-66; Jason Hollopeter, 1966—. The church membership in 1960 was 29; it is 33 in 1967.
GILEAD—BETHEL
This church is an appointment on the Gilead circuit and is located within a few miles of the Gilead church. We have no information regarding this church except what we find in the Conference Journal. The following have been pastor since 1960: Jack Mulder, 1960-61; David Morton, 1961-63; Harold Slater, 1963-66; Jason Hollopeter, 1966—. The church membership was 20 in 1960 and is 14 in 1967.
GILFORD CHURCH
The Gilford Church is located in the village of Gilford, Michigan. The church reports small declines in church and Sunday school memberships. Two every-member canvasses have been held without marked success. Financial gains have been made so that budgets have been met. Some informal talks of merger have not produced results. Two homecoming occasions have been observed. The following have served as pastor since 1960: D. F. Binder, 1960-63; S. R. Wurtz, 1963-65; C. J. Litchfield, 1965—. The church membership was 144 in 1960; the present membership is 139.
GRIGGS STREET CHURCH— GRAND RAPIDS
Griggs Street Church is located at 111 Griggs Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The church is one of the stronger churches of the Conference. Since 1960 a new front and narthex has been construct 74 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
ed. This adds much to the convenience of worshippers. The church has a strong missionary program. The following is their 1968 special report:
Rev. and Mrs. A. W. Archibald Brazil $ 1,000.00 Rev. and Mrs. Robert Bruns Japan 500.00 Rev. Richard Campbell New Mexico 2,000.00 Rev. and Mrs. Walter Erbele Nigeria 3,500.00 Rev. and Mrs. Clyde Galow Sierra Leone 1,500.00 Miss Jean Kellerman Japan 500.00 Rev. and Mrs. Noel Osborn Philippines 500.00 Mr. and Mrs. William Senn Greece 500.00 Mr. and Mrs. Dean Spencer Sierra Leone 500.00 Rev. and Mrs. Harry Zech Puerto Rico 500.00 HOREMCO Japan 500.00 Mel Trotter Mission Grand Rapids 800.00 Miss Norma Jean Kehrberg India 500.00 Hillcrest Church, Detroit 500.00 Bible Literature International 200.00
$13,500.00
Mrs. Marjorie Hager is employed as a part-time parish worker for the local church. The following have served as pastor since 1960: G. H. Fisher, 1960-67; Robert Grigereit, 1967 — . The church membership was 386 in 1960 and is 356 in 1967.
NORTHLAWN— GRAND RAPIDS
This church is located at 1157 Northlawn N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is one of the newer churches in the Conference. Progress since 1960 seems to be static without much by way of gains. The church conducted an every-member canvass with mediocre success. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Elwood Berkom- pas, 1960-62; Charles Ball, 1962-66; Ivan Niswender, 1966— . The church membership was 247 in 1960 and is 286 in 1967.
OLIVET—GRAND RAPIDS
This church is located at 1933 Buchanan Street in Grand Rapids, S.W. Established in 1891 the church has had a long period of able service. Since 1960 several interesting experiences have occurred in the life of the congregation. Sunday, August 14, 1960, lightning of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 75 struck the cupola of the church and caused a fire which damaged the structure and contents to the amount of $42,119.52. With good courage the congregation voted to rebuild the old church. The cost of rebuilding was $56,777.13. The congregation now has a fine new structure to serve its needs. An every-member canvass was conducted with excellent results. Two missionaries receive support as follows:
Dr. and Mrs. A. J. Faust Africa $ 500.00 Rev. and Mrs. Javan Corl Philippines 1,500.00
Total $2,000.00
Nine young men have gone into the ministry from Olivet. They are: Glenn D. Spafford, A. La Verne Spafford, Dudley J. Miller, Benjamin F. Brinkman, Delphus S. Berry, Charles M. Brown, Rich ard Mitchell, C. Guilford Cosselman and Herbert J. Buwalda. The Cosselmans were commissioned as missionaries to the Philippines in February 1947, and gave a number of years of consecrated service during which time they were supported by the Olivet Church. In 1965 the church observed its 75th anniversary with an exten sive program. The following have served as pastor since 1960: G. H. Keller- mann, Jr., 1960-64; O. M. Bailey, 1964 — . The church membership in 1960 was 598 and in 1967 is 521.
GREENVILLE TURK LAKE CHURCH
This church is located about six miles north of Greenville, Michi gan, on Colby Road in the midst of the Turk Lake community. For a building site, a three-acre plot of ground was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Swartz. For a number of years the congregation has contemplated more adequate church facilities. A temporary parson age was provided in 1961. In December 1966 the congregation, with 27 members, voted to proceed to build. Ground was broken April 30, 1967, and the work was under way. The Michigan Conference voted to match the giving of the local church up to $25,000.00. To date the congregation has raised $30,000.00, so that it is believed that the church debt will not be large. The building is to be 100 feet long by 71 feet wide. The church will provide a nave seating 160 persons, plus seven class rooms, a kitchen, a fellowship hall and inside toilets. The cost will be about $75,000.00. Dedication is planned for April or May 1968. It now 76 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference appears that at least 20 people will have united with the church in 1967, an all-time record. Two financial canvasses were conducted. Both were successful. The pastor serves part-time with the Greenville Methodist Church. The following have served as pastor since 1960: A. J. Lewis, 1960-61; Raymond Flessner, 1961-65; George Fleming, 1965 —. The mem bership was 56 in 1960; it is 82 in 1967.
HASTINGS CHURCH
This church is located at 502 East Grand Street in the city of Hastings. The year of 1960 found the Hastings Church just beginning the use of their new educational building, which had been dedicated the preceding fall. The task ahead was the challenge of enlarging the attendance and membership. Some steady gains in growth were made and when Rev. L. E. Lee was moved in 1964, a solid foundation had been laid—a completed building, a good finance program, a Bible study program, a library of 850 (now 938) catalogued books, a newly organized E.U.B. men's group and with good organization in all areas. Everything was in order for a great spiritual and numerical growth. Soon after Rev. H. J. Buwalda's arrival a need for transportation arose and the first bus of a fleet of four was purchased. The E.U.B. men have canvassed many of the unchurched outlying districts, espe cially our many lake areas, where people are now building year- around homes. These children coming in soon raised the Sunday school enrollment, then doubled it until it reached 570, with a high attendance of 417 in 1967. Soon many of the parents began to at tend and most found their way to an open altar to make their com mitments. Morning worship services have a strong evangelistic appeal and the evening services emphasize Christian witness and growth to over-flow audiences, many times. The pastor's trip to Korea in the summer of 1967 as an evangelist, sponsored by the Scandinavian Foreign Mission, has been a spiritual and missionary inspiration for the congregation as they face a future of promise and challenge. The following have served as pastor since 1960: L. E. Lee, 1960-64; H. J. Buwalda, 1964 — . The church membership in 1960 was 210; the present membership is 237.
HERSEY CHURCH
This church is located in the village of Hersey in Osceola County. Since 1960 the bell tower has been removed, the stained glass win of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 77
dows re-leaded and a new kitchen constructed. Plans for an every- member canvass are laid for this year. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Ivan Niswender, 1960-62; H. J. Buwalda, 1962-64; Otto Flachsman, 1964 — . The membership was 90 in 1960; it is 81 in 1967.
GRANT CENTER
This appointment is in Mecosta County, about 6 miles from Her- sey. No activity is reported except for a financial canvass which was made. For several years the church has been served with Hersey. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Ivan Niswender, 1960-1962; H. J. Buwalda, 1962-64; Otto Flachsmann, 1964 — . The church membership was 17 in 1960; in 1967 it was 25.
MAPLE HILL— HOWARD CITY
The Maple Hill Church is located about IVi miles southeast of Howard City. For many years it was a part of a circuit, the other half being Turk Lake. In 1961 the field was divided and Maple Hill became responsible for the support of their pastor. In 1965 the church celebrated its 90th anniversary. In 1961 the church erected a fine new parsonage located beside the church. The cost was $20,000.00. The church is giving this year (1967-68) $200.00 for the support of Hillcrest. The following have served as pastor since 1960: A. J. Lewis, 1960-62; Fred Fischer, 1962-65; Joseph Shaw, 1965-67; Raymond Flessner, 1967 —. The church membership was 89 in 1960; it was 98 in 1967.
HOWE— INDIANA
The Howe Church (Lima) is located one mile south of the Indi ana-Michigan line. A survey several years ago indicated that more than one-half of the members were on the Michigan side of the line. No unusual activities were reported for this period. However, in 1966 the congregation purchased a five-room house with 36 acres of land. The house was used for a parsonage. It was enlarged by adding another bedroom, bath, new kitchen, utility room and a two-car garage. The entire house was redecorated. The men of the church farm 12 acres of the land. The church membership was 145 in 1960 and 148 in 1967. The following ministers have served since 1960; Mark Matter, 1960-63; Arthur Norris, 1963-66; John Newberg, 1966—. 78 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
HOWELL CHURCH
This church is located in the city of Howell. A new parsonage was erected in 1961, in a new location in the city. The congregation will probably be merged with the Methodist Church in the near future. The following have served as pastor since 1960: D. H. Thomson, 1960-61; Charles Kolb, 1961-65; Richard Myers, 1965—. The church membership in 1960 was 92; in 1967 it is 86.
COHOCTAH CHURCH
This church is located about 8 miles northwest of Howell, Living ston County. It is a small struggling church and will ultimately be merged with another church. For several years it has been served with Howell. The following have been pastor since 1960: D. H. Thomson, 1960-61; Charles Kolb, 1961-65; Richard Myers, 1965-68. The church membership in 1960 was 24; in 1967 it was 14. Cohoctah pays $200.00 toward the support of missionary, Mrs. Jean Mitchell.
BOA CHURCH
The Ida Church is located in the village of Ida, Monroe County. In 1962 the basement was partitioned for three class-rooms and an office. A lot, for future expansion, was purchased for $7,000.00. The house was sold from the lot. An every-member canvass was conducted and giving increased by about 10%. October 16, 1966, the 75th anniversary was fittingly celebrated. The response was good. Since 196"0 the church has been served by one pastor, Paul R. Crabtree. The church membership in 1960 was 134 and in 1967 it is 161.
IONIA CHURCH
The Ionia Church is located at 423 West Washington Street, Ionia, Michigan. A great deal of activity has gone into the Ionia Church during the years of 1960 to 1968. We list the following: 1960 A new electric water heater installed in the parsonage. 7967 New oak flooring was installed in the sanctuary of the church and new carpeting was laid on the chancel floor and in the sanctuary aisles, October 29, 1961, a note-burning ceremony. the note was for $40,000.00 which covered the cost of the of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 79
educational unit and $4,000.00 in improvements and remod eling work. On the same date the new parsonage costing $14,000.00 was dedicated. A debt of $1,514.00 remains on the parsonage, to be liquidated in 1968. 7962 Thirty-six folding chairs and four folding tables were pur chased for the church by the Dorcas Society. The church parking lot was black-topped at a cost of $800.00. 1963 The ceiling of the church basement (Fellowship Hall) was lowered and the room redecorated at a cost of $325.00. 1964 A new (one-way vision) window was installed in the church nursery room. 7965 Thirty additional feet of land was purchased for church park ing. The cost was $5,000.00. The church steeple was remod eled and repaired at a cost of $1,500.00. 1967-68 New church furniture and furnishings, communion table, pulpit, lectern, choir pews, nave pews, choir screen, altar, and chancel cross, with indirect lighting were purchased at a cost of $4,395.00. The furniture was dedicated February 11, 1968. The front hall and stairway of the parsonage were redecorated and wall-to-wall carpeting laid in the living room, dining room, front entrance and stairway of the parsonage. The cost was $500.00. New swinging doors were installed at the rear of the church sanctuary at a cost of $32.00. An every-member canvass was made increasing the giving of the church slightly. The church gives $300.00 per year for the support of the Rev. Walter Erbele family in Nigeria, Africa. The following have served as pastor during this period: R. R. Fassett, 1960-66; Lloyd Walker, 1966-67; C. J. Erickson, 1967 — . The membership of the church was 229 in 1960 and 235 in 1967.
FRANCIS STREET CHURCH-^FACKSON
This church is located at 2102 Francis Street, Jackson. Probable merger of this church with Greenwood Park E.U.B. and Greenwood Methodist, possibly in 1968. The following have served as pastor since 1960: H. R. Krieg, 1960-64; George A. Belknap, 1964-66; Mark Matter, 1966 —. The church membership in 1960 was 106; the membership in 1967 is 115.
JACKSON ZION
The church is located about 6 miles north of Jackson, near Rives 80 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
Junction. In 1960 new walls were put in the church basement, with new pulpit chairs and new storm windows. 7967 New parish hall constructed. 7962 September 9th, Dedication of new hall. New piano is gift. 1963 Crushed stone in driveways and walks; flatware for dining room; vestibule remodeled. 7964 Ventilating fans in rest rooms. Kitchen cupboards built. 7965 Water softener installed; new doors on old building; base ment divided into three class-rooms; screens for kitchen windows; and two dozen chairs. Most of items donated. 7966 Two dozen chairs donated. Candelabra given in memory of Daniel Seaman. Merger talks now going on between Zion Church and Pleasant Lake Methodist Church. Note-burning service, September 24, 1967—Dr. N. C. Liesemer, the guest speaker. The outlook is good for this church. The following have served as pastor since 1960: H. R. Krieg, 1960-64; George A. Belknap, 1964-66; Mark Matter, 1966—. The church membership was 61 in 1960; it is 62 now.
JACKSON— GREENWOOD PARK
The Jackson Greenwood Park Church is located at the corner of Greenwood and Wilkins. We have had no report from the pastor and must fill in without materials. The following have served as pastor since 1960: W. P. Peck, 1960-62; J. G. Crosby, 1962—. The membership of the church was 131 in 1960; it was 125 in 1968. Since writing the above we have learned that the Jackson Green wood Avenue Methodist, the Greenwood Park E.U.B. and the Francis Street E.U.B. churches are worshipping together and plan union of the churches soon, with plans for a new church plant.
JASPER CHURCH
This church is located in the village of Jasper in Lenawee County. It is near the Ohio line. The present new church was erected in 1959 and dedicated in October of that year. A new memorial organ, costing $2,700.00 was purchased January, 1967. It was purchased in memory of Gary Boss, an outstanding Christian leader among youth. At age 18 he died in an auto crash. The entire sanctuary was carpeted during October-November 1967. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 81
Through the W.S.W.S. $100.00 is being given to the Hillcrest Church. Since 1960 the following have served as pastor: D. E. Reibling, 1960-61; James Varner, 1961-65; Robert Hinklin, 1965—. The church membership in 1960 was 113; the membership in 1967 is 101.
KALAMAZOO CHURCH
The Kalamazoo Church is located at the corner of March and Lane Blvd., in southeast Kalamazoo. The former district parsonage was purchased by the congregation for a parsonage. The congregation has conducted an every-member canvass with fair success. Support to the extent of $500.00 is being given Dr. and Mrs. Donald Megill, Rotifunk, Sierra Leone. The 50th anniversary was celebrated October 1 1th. The following have served as pastor since 1960: O. M. Bailey, 1960-64; L. G. Walker, 1964-66; L. S. Scheifele, 1966-67; M. E. Burkett, 1967—. The church membership in 1960 was 293; the membership in 1967 is 331.
KILMANAGH CHURCH
This church is located near the village of Kilmanagh, about 6 miles east of Sebewaing. The entire church was redecorated; the kitchen was completely rebuilt with new cupboards, an electric range and refrigerator installed. Recently a new work table was added. The church has an Anniversary and Homecoming every five years. Another is due in 1968. One full Sunday is devoted to this feature. The church has become quite active in inter-church work including the following: Christian Rural Hospitality Council; Huron-Tuscola Migrant Mission; Huron Evangelistic Crusade; Huron County Minis terial Association; World Gospel Mission; Crop and other charitable concerns. The finances of the church show a gradual yearly increase. The church contributes $500.00 to Miss Iva Hildinger of New Mexico. The church has been served by Rev. H. E. Blakely since 1960. The membership of the church in 1960 was 112; the membership in 1967 is 107.
THE LAKEWOOD CHURCH
This church is the merger congregation of the former Lake 82 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
Odessa and the former Woodland congregations. The merger of the congregations has been completed but the churches worship separate ly until a new sanctuary is completed. When completed, the church will be located at the present site of the Lakewood Church, which is on M. 50, a short distance west of U.S. 66. Lake Odessa has a new parsonage, bought in 1962 or 1963. The writer has a copy of the basis for union which seems quite complete. At a later time, the Lake Odessa Church will be sold. We wish these congregations success in their merger. The Lake Odessa Church has been served by the following pastors since 1960: John Crotser, 1960-61; C. R. Turner, 1961-65; Raymond Flessner, 1965-67; Wilbur Williams, 1967—. The Lakewood Church was served by the following: R. E. Betts, 1960-63; Charles Nesseth, 1963-65; Carl Silvernail, 1965-67; Wilbur Williams, 1967—. The Lake Odessa Church membership was 77 in 1960 and 58 in 1967. The Lakewood Church had a membership of 87 in 1960 and 99 in 1967.
SOUTH WHITEFORD CHURCH
The South Whiteford Church is located on the Whiteford Center Road, about a half mile north of the Ohio-Michigan line. A new furnace was installed in the church since 1960. In recent months tithing has been emphasized with good results. Possible merger with the Methodists have been discussed, with no definite results to date. Two radio programs are now conducted by the church —one from Detroit on Saturdays, 1:00 to 1:30 P.M., over WMUZ FM, and the other from Toledo on Saturdays over WPOS FM, 6:30 to 7:00 P.M. This is an ambitious program and we wish it well. The following have been pastor since 1960: James Underwood, 1960-62; Fred Knecht, 1962-67; J. D. Montei, 1967—. The church membership in 1960 was 83; in 1967 it was 100.
LANSING CALVARY CHURCH
The church is located at Mt. Hope and Pennsylvania avenues in southeast Lansing. In anticipation of the 50th anniversary service in October 1966, the entire church was redecorated. Also, the basement of the church was carpeted with Viking Carpet (a finely woven nylon material bonded to a rubber backing) in the spring of 1967. The parsonage living room, dining room, hallway, den and stairway were also carpeted at the same time. Cost of both projects was $5,099.00. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 83
Parsonage was also decorated inside and out. Three modern fold doors were purchased for Sunday school rooms. October 7th to 9th, 1966 were given over to a 50th anniversary celebration. Bishop Harold R. Heininger was the guest speaker. The congregation had moved from a temporary frame building in 1916 to its present fine church property. The church finances have taken a fine upward turn. In 1966 giving per member for missions moved from $16.00 to $20.00, and for all purposes from $81.00 to $113.00. The church paid $10,697.00 on church debt and wiped out the parsonage debt of $3,404.00. The church debt remains at $53,654.00. A successful every-member can vass was conducted, reflected in the above. Koinonia Sunday school class gives between $300.00 and $500.00 per year for Nigerian scholarship to train native evangelist. Held a joint day camp Vacation Bible School with Mt. Hope Methodist Church. The following have served as pastor since 1960: J. W. Murbach, 1960-65; M. E. Bauman, 1965—. In 1960 the church membership was 396; in 1967 it was 401. Morning worship attendance moved from 177 in 1965 to 192 in 1966, Sunday school from 139 to 170.
FAITH CHURCH— LANSING
This church is located at 4301 Waverly Road, south Lansing. In 1960 the Michigan Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church voted to start a mission church in Lansing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their work in Michigan. Early in 1961, the 10 acre Lyons Farm on South Waverly Road was purchased as a site, by the Conference. The original name was Centennial Church; this was changed to Community Church, and then to Church of the Good Shepherd. When union with the Faith-Haven Methodist Church be came serious, the name "Faith Church" was decided upon. On Sep tember 24, 1964, Faith Church became a reality when members of the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Faith-Haven Church voted unanimously to merge after more than a year of studying and plan ning. The final design for the church has over 17,000 square feet at a cost of $280,000.00 for building and furnishings. The sanctuary will seat 340, with a 40 seat choir area. The educational unit has separate classrooms and other facilities for 250 pupils. The fellowship hall has dining space for 250. Other facilities are entirely adequate to serve a large congregation. Finances are covered in the following manner. Ten acres of land 84 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference and $50,000.00 from the Michigan Conference of the E.U.B. Church. The Conference will also supply a loan of $20,000.00 and a first mortgage of about $100,000.00. Faith-Haven Church brings about $45,000.00 from sale settlement; $5,000.00 from Methodist Union of Greater Lansing, and a loan of $28,000.00 from the Albion-Lansing District. Plans are to pay the debt within 15 years. The Michigan Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church was entertained in this church in 1967. A new parsonage was secured in 1966. The giving of the church advanced from $271.00 weekly to $408.00 in three years. Plans are for every-member canvasses in 1965 and 1968. The following pastors of the E.U.B. Church have served this mission: Louis Reyner, 1960-64; Edward Cherryholmes, 1964 — . The church membership in 1967 was 129 (E.U.B.).
LA SALLE ZION CHURCH
This church is located 6 miles southeast of Ida, Michigan, at the corner of Yargerville and Strassburg Roads. The original church, which still stands, was built in 1871. In 1875 this church entertained the Michigan Conference, Bishop Reuben Yeakel, presiding. A new church was built in 1960. The dedication occurred January 15, 1961. Bishop Paul M. Herrick officiated. The cost of the new build ing, including furniture, was $77,122.00. Youth work is prosperous. A financial canvass was made in 1966, with some success. One person from Zion gave $500.00 to support Wm. Senn in Athens, Greece, in 1967. The church spent a helpful week observing their Centennial, May 6-10, 1964. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Raymond Yenkel, 1960-62; Jack Kraklan, 1962-67; Darrel Osborn, 1967—. The church membership in 1960 was 64; in 1967 it is 87.
LEIGHTON CHURCH
This church is located in Leighton Township, Allegan County, about six miles northwest of Middleville, Michigan. Added to its fine equipment as a rural church, it recently added a fine new parsonage. The total cost of the parsonage, including carpet and kitchen range, was $30,685.74. A good view of the parsonage is inclosed. The work was completed December 15, 1966. This appears to have been the main project during this decade. Those who have served as pastor since 1960 are: G. R. Bates, 1960-66; James Sherwood, 1966 — . of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 85
The church membership in 1960 was 225; the present membership (1967) is 256.
LIVONIA ST. MATTHEWS CHURCH
St. Matthews Church is located at 30900 Six Mile Road in Livonia, Michigan, near Farmington Road. Two congregations, Hope Chapel of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and Livonia Methodist Church merged to form St. Matthews. The church was dedicated May 16, 1965. Originally, Hope Chapel began as a Sunday school under the auspices of the Hillcrest E.U.B. Church, June 9, 1936. Mr. Cleo Bagwell gave leadership to the church for several years. In 1952 the church spent $75,000.00 on a remodeling program. The church made rapid progress during the years of 1952 to 1962. The Livonia Methodist Church began in 1945 at Shadyside Street at Seven Mile Road in Livonia. Under the leadership of Dr. Halmhuber, a building was secured and the work gotten under way. Their temporary building is now a court building. Through negotiations by the pastors, Rev. James Lange and Rev. John Grenfell, merger plans were made. The size of the new building is 26,000 square feet. The seating capacity in the sanctuary is 550, plus 60 in the choir. The education al space has 11,971 feet for classes. Provision is made for 25 classes, 40 teachers. The average attendance in 1966 was 326. The cost of the new building was $356,000.00 plus another $30,000.00 for equipment. The following have served as pastor since 1960: James A. Lange, 1960-68; associate, John Grenfell. Four ministers have come from Hope Chapel and St. Matthews. They are Ronald E. Ellis, and John A. Newberg, and newly declared Perry Foor and James Engle. The membership at Hope Chapel in 1960 was 449. The member ship at St. Matthews in 1967 is 653.
ST. PAUL'S— LUDINGTON
The St. Paul's Church is a rural church, comprehending the former Riverton Circuit. It is located about 8 miles south and a little east of Ludington. It is a recent merger of the Grace and Zion churches. The formal union of the two bodies occurred January 1, 1967. Negotia tions were carried over a period of two years. No further actions of note are reported by this field. The following have served as' pastor since 1960: Grace Church — Gilbert W. Olson, 1960; Richard Myers, 1961-63; W. E. Eldred, 86 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
1963-65; Robert Grigereit, 1965-67; Jack Kraklan, 1967, both churches. Zion Church —Fred Bennetch, 1960-62; Robert Grigereit, 1962-67. The church membership in 1960 was 245; in 1967 it is 284.
MARCELLUS CIRCUIT
The Marcellus Charge has two appointments. Bethany, which is in town; and Pleasant Valley, located a few miles in the country. The congregation reports no unusual activity during the years under dis cussion. An every-member canvass was made but the success is not indicated. The Pleasant Valley Church observes an annual homecom ing service. The church membership was 120 in 1960 the present membership is 110. The following ministers have served this charge since 1960: Dale Ferris, 1960-64; Donald Silvis, 1964-67; Donald Ludman, 1967 —.
SHARON CHURCH
The Sharon Church is located about 2Vi miles north of Man chester in Washtenaw County, Michigan. The following activities are reported since 1960: In 1961 the balcony was glassed-in for a cry room, with audio speaker system. The W.M.S. and L.A. Society were unified. Sharon cooperated in Conference Historical display. The kitchen was im proved with new cupboards, sink, stove, air-conditioning and re frigerator. An evening group of W.S.W.S. was organized. Lighting was improved. In 1962 the parsonage was insulated. In 1964 the Bennett-Root Legacy of $2,000.00 was received for capital improvement. It was used for altar rail, choir pews, pulpit, lectern, piano, pulpit chairs and communion table. In 1964, new hymnals and dining tables and metal chairs for church; also a new ceiling in the parsonage. In 1965, redecorated the sanctuary; sent clothing; and helped purchase motorcycle for missionary in South America. In 1967, storm-screen windows in Sunday school rooms; steeple repairs and painting; purchased new house for parsonage and sold old parsonage. Lucy Feldkamp, a young lady from the church, traveled through Europe as a member of Musical Youth International. Vaca tion Bible Schools were held each summer. The following have been pastor since 1960: C. R. Turner, 1960-61; John Price, 1961-67; Charles Fox, 1967—. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 87
The church membership in 1960 was 157; the membership in 1967 is 160.
MARSHALL— ELLIS CORNERS
This church is located about 8 miles southwest of the city of Marshall, in a rural community. Since 1960 the following has hap pened to this church: A new educational unit has been added; new carpet and a new organ in the church. Church membership has increased 20%; Sunday school attendance, 15%; and youth work, 20% . About $500.00 a year is given for the cause of missions above the Conference budget. The possible merger of Ellis Corners with a Methodist circuit is contemplated. Since 1960 the following have served as pastor: Vern Polmiter, 1960-61; Ken Snyder, 1961-62; Logan Weaver, 1962—. The church membership in 1960 was 18; the membership in 1967 is 29.
MENDON— WEST MENDON
The West Mendon Church is located northwest of the village of Mendon. Since 1960 the following has happened—A new parsonage was built and dedicated in 1961. Finances have improved. The Centenni al will be celebrated in 1968. Former pastors and members will be guests at that time. The following have served as pastor since 1960: L. R. Hansen, 1960-63; Ross Geiger, 1963-65; W. L. Foster, 1965—. The church membership in 1960 was 98; the present membership is 111.
MONROE CALVARY
This church is located at 790 Patterson Drive in the city of Monroe. The following improvements were made in the sanctuary—wood paneling, new lighting, balcony glassed in, and carpeting of the aisle and chancel. A new roof was put on the educational unit. In the parsonage a new gas furnace was installed, the side porch was en closed and new carpeting was laid. A new range and a gas incinerator were also installed. This was done in 1968. The following have served as pastor since 1960: H. J. Buwalda, 1960-62; James Underwood, 1962-66; Paul S. Thomas, 1966-68; Otto F. Hood, 1968—. The church membership in 1960 was 171; in 1967 it was 182. 88 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
MONROE FIRST CHURCH
The church is located at 207 West Third Street in Monroe, Michi gan. A new parish hall is in the planning stage. A new parsonage is to be constructed in the summer of 1968. Two additional pieces of property have been purchased for expansion and parking. Congregational giving was at $120.44 per member for 1967. A Conference-directed financial canvass is planned for 1968. The church carries one $500.00 unit for the support of the Lester Brad ford's in Sierra Leone. The question of merger of the churches has been studied by a joint committee which recommends that St. Paul's Methodist Church move to the west side of the city and First Church remain to care for the downtown ministry. The following have served as pastor since 1960: H. L. Mann, 1960-64; Meredith Fall, 1964-65; Elwood Berkompas, 1965 —. The church membership in 1960 was 418; the membership in 1967 is 396.
MT. PLEASANT CIRCUIT: FIRST CHURCH
The church is located at 208 Elizabeth Street in east Mt. Pleasant. An educational building at First Church was dedicated March 10, 1962. A modest effort at a financial canvass made without much success. The following have served as pastor since 1960: S. C. Walton, 1960-64; L. R. Hansen, 1964-67; George Rule, 1967—. The church membership was 88 in 1960; it is 85 in 1967.
CHIPPEWA CHURCH
This church is located about four miles east of Mt. Pleasant. The following have been pastor since 1960: S. C. Walton, 1960-64; L. R. Hansen, 1964-67; George Rule, 1967—. The church membership was 72 in 1960; it is 55 in 1967.
NASHVILLE CHURCH
This church is located in the village of Nashville. The Nashville Methodist Church and our church are discussing possible merger. Cooperative projects are being carried out by the youth, men and women of these churches. In 1967 the note incurred in the building of the addition was of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 89 burned. Also during 1967, Rev. C. C. Gibson was installed as pastor emeritus of Nashville Church. Our church instituted a Catholic-Protestant musical program in 1967, and held a Catholic-Protestant dialogue in 1968. The following have served as pastor since 1960: J. E. Shaw, 1960-65; Jason Hollopeter, 1965-66; B. J. Varner, 1966—.
NORTH AND SOUTH MAPLE GROVE CIRCUIT: NORTH CHURCH
This church is located about four miles southwest of Nashville, Michigan. We have no report from this church. The following have served as pastor since 1960: F. W. Kirn, 1960-61; E. F. Rhoades, 1961—. The church membership in 1960 was 43; in 1967 it is 43.
SOUTH MAPLE GROVE
This church is located about ten miles southwest of Nashville, Michigan. June 26, 1960, ground-breaking for addition built on the church. Seventy-fifth anniversary observed in 1962. June, 1967, 80th anniversary observed. Note-burning in June, 1967. A note for $5,000.00 paid off. August, 1967—Homecoming service. The following have served as pastor since 1960: E. F. Rhoades, I960—. The church membership in 1960 was 29; in 1967 it is 34.
NBLES FIRST CHURCH
This church is located on the west side of the city of Niles, Michigan. A fine new parsonage, costing $40,000.00 was constructed in 1967. In this home there will be four bedrooms, a family room, a double garage and a full basement. The church parking lot was enlarged and blacktopped at a cost of $13,000.00. The mortgage on the new church was burned in 1962. A financial canvass was conducted in 1965, with good success. There has been a good increase in giving. The church pays $500.00 annually to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hundrieser in Africa. A student pastor in Michi gan receives $ 1 ,000.00 from this church, in support. 90 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
The following have served as pastor since 1960: G. D. Everett, 1960-64; L. F. Putnam, 1964 — . The church membership was 310 in 1960; in 1967 it is 333.
NILES— PORTAGE PRAIRIE CHURCH
This church is located at 3310 Chicago Road, about five miles west and south of Niles, Michigan. Portage Prairie is one of the older churches of the Conference. Since 1960 they have constructed a fine educational plant beside the church. We lack a description of the facilities it provides, but it will be a fine addition to those facilities already available in the old church. An every-member canvass was conducted in 1965, with some success. The following have served as pastor since 1960: W. L. Eldred, 1960-63; Mark Matter, 1963-66; Haldon Ferris, 1966—.
NOVI CHURCH
This church is located at 41261 West Ten Mile Road in the village of Novi. It is one of the newer churches of the Conference. Youth work seems to be prospering. Other branches of the service seem to be marking time. A financial canvass was conducted with increased giving. This church is considering its relationship with the local Methodist Church. Nothing definite has developed thus far. Miss Marie Shelly is serving as parish worker, beginning with September 1967. The followng have served as pastor since 1960: Marvin Rickert, 1960-66; Arthur Norris, 1966—. The membership in 1960 was 106; in 1967 the membership was 156.
OWENDALE CHURCH
The church is located in the village of Owendale, in Huron Coun ty, Michigan. In the eight-year period new furnaces, of modern design, have been installed in both church and parsonage. An "Upper Room" has been completed upstairs in the church in 1967. This was done by the Youth Fellowship of the church. In June 1967 the parsonage was completely remodeled and much improved. There has been much improvement in finances. In 1965 the pas of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 91
tor's salary was $2,424.00 in 1968 it is $4,264.00. The total budget in 1965 was $5,100.00; in 1967 it was $9,196.00. The Methodist and E.U.B. churches have committees on fellow ship and study. No steps toward merger as yet. Those serving as pastor since 1960 are as follows: Francis Silver- nail, 1960-61; Ted Eby, 1961-62; Wesley Howland, 1962-64; J. D. Montei, 1964-67; Howard Somers, 1967 —. The church membership was 38 in 1960; it is 51 in 1967.
OWOSSO CHURCH
This church is located at 521 North Ball Street, in the city of Owosso. The following activities are reported: In 1966 the parsonage was remodeled at a cost of $5,000.00. Missionaries are supported as follows:
Rev. and Mrs. Roy Bell Brazil $ 500.00 Rev. and Mrs. Javan Corl Japan 500.00
Total $1,000.00
The following have served as pastor since 1960: Marvin Jewell, 1960-66; Robert Betts, 1966—. The membership in 1960 was 264; it was 246 in 1967.
NEW HAVEN CHURCH
This church is located about six miles north of Owosso, Michigan. The church has suffered some losses in membership due to deaths and removals. The debt on the church, erected in 1957, was liquidated, with a small balance left over. Some support is given to Rev. and Mrs. Warren Crawfis, in Sierra Leone, Africa. The amount approximates $40.00 per quarter. On March 12, 1967, the church celebrated their Tenth Anniver sary since the new church was built. Bishop Mueller was present and gave two challenging messages. The note-burning service was in charge of Rev. N. C. Liesemer. The following have served as pastor since 1960: C. J. Erickson, 1960-61; Howard Somers, 1961-67; Fred W. Knecht, 1967—. The church membership in 1960 was 114; in 1967 it is 98.
PETOSKEY— EPSILON CHURCH
This church is located about eight miles east of the city of Pe- toskey. The church is now being served alone and seems prosperous. 92 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
In 1965 the property across the road from the church has been purchased. It was constructed by the church in 1919 for a parsonage and is now the property of the church. Many improvements have been made in the property since it was purchased. A new furnace has been installed. The members are very proud of this achievement. The church has also been painted, a cross added to the steeple, a new roof and new front doors and a new oil furnace added. A new gas cooking range has been placed in the basement and new rugs at the pulpit and kneeling rail. They have hopes of expanding the sanctuary in 1968. In 1967 they graduated a catechetical class of eleven members. The oldest in the class was 70 and the youngest 11. The church is now using catechism and Bible study for the evening service, with the congregation participating. Attendance has increased from 35 to 50. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Walter Rothfuss, 1960-62; Jack Mulder, 1962-66; P. E. Chamberlain (supply), 1966—. The church membership in 1960 was 90; in 1967 it is 81.
PETOSKEY TRINITY
This church is located at 219 State Street in the city of Petoskey. To the questions asked by the historical questionnaire, there were 16 "No" replies which indicate that not much, of an unusual nature, has happened during this eight year period. The church does give $125.00 annually for the support of Rev. Clement P. Heyenburk, in Iran, who is a member of this church. Friendly meetings have been held between the pastors and parish group of the Methodist and E.U.B. churches. No mergers are im pending. The following pastors have served the church since 1960: R. H. Lindley, 1960-61; Keith Laidler, 1961-64; L. A. Ruegsegger, 1964—. The church membership in 1960 was 125; in 1967 it is 88. The church was closed in 1968.
PIGEON CHURCH
This church is located in the village of Pigeon, Michigan. Since 1960 the church has enlarged the sanctuary, the educational rooms and the fellowship area. The added structure provides—a minister's study, a nursery, a ladies' room, a men's room, five individual class rooms, a kitchenette, a boiler room, enlarged sanctuary and chancel, a convenient entrance for all occasions, and halls on both levels for of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 93 convenient flow of crowds. The cost of this improvement was $9,000.00. A property north of the church was purchased. The house was moved off and a parking lot developed. The worship attendance has increased while the Sunday school has declined. The annual budget in 1958 was $11,500.00; the present budget is $32,000.00. Rev. and Mrs. Clyde Galow are supported by one unit, $500.00 per year. This comes from the Sunday school. The following have served as pastor since 1960: B. E. Chapman, 1960-63; C. M. Tosch, 1963—. The church membership in 1960 was 169; the present membership is 203.
PONTIAC BALDWIN AVENUE CHURCH
This church is located at 210 Baldwin Avenue, Pontiac. In 1964 this congregation erected a fine new educational building and parish hall at a cost not indicated. On the street level there is a kitchen, fellowship hall with dividers for class rooms. On the second level there is a nursery, kindergarten, adult class rooms, lounge and kitch enette. The church now employs a part-time church secretary and has the beginning of a library. The church is engaged in a seven-month observance of their 50th anniversary, ending March 17th. The following have served as pastor since 1960: M. R. Everett, 1960-63; Dwight Reibling, 1963-66; M. E. Rickert, 1966—. The church membership in 1960 was 300; in 1967 it was 278.
PONTIAC NORTHEAST CHURCH
The church is located at 620 University Drive in northeast Ponti ac. This is one of our new mission projects of the Conference. It represents a relocation of former Calvary Church, located in south Pontiac. A new church building was completed in 1961 and a new parson age was completed in 1967. During this period additional land was acquired adjacent to the church. A financial canvass was made with uncertain results. The church is located in a growing community and should have a good future. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Harry Schlosser, 1960-61; L. S. Scheifele, 1961-65; Ross Geiger, 1965-67; Paul Bailey, 1967—. The church membership was 66 in 1960; it was 106 in 1967. 94 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
REED CITY CHURCH
This church is located in the south end of Reed City. No activities are reported for this church for the period of 1960-68. The following have served as pastor for the period since 1960: L. A. Ruegsegger, 1960-64; S. C. Walton, 1964 — . The church membership in 1960 was 197; for 1967 it is 168.
SAGINAW— MICHIGAN AVENUE CHURCH
This church is located at 1810 W. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan. In order to provide room for a new educational plant the old parsonage was demolished and a new house purchased at 1756 W. Michigan Avenue. Extensive improvements have been made in this building. In the church edifice the nave, chancel and balcony were carpeted. A new educational unit was constructed with the following facilities: Lower level—a large central meeting hall, 38 by 54 feet; a south room, 32 by 16 feet; and the kindergarten and nursery at the north end, 26 by 40 feet. A fine view of sunken gardens may be had from this level. Upper level—a large fellowship hall, 38 by 70 feet, with a folding stage; at the north end a parlor, 22 by 24 feet, with a wood fireplace; and beside the parlor, a kitchen, 20 by 25 feet. Provisions are also made for storage and toilets. When completed and equipped the facility will cost about $200,000.00. An adult Sunday school class sends special support to Rev. Ash ley—$1,000.00 for 1966, and varying amounts in previous years. The following have served as pastor since 1960: R. J. Lautner. Brother Lautner has served Saginaw for 24 years. Church membership was 388 in 1960 and is 455 in 1967.
SCOTTPALE CHURCH
This church is located about four miles south of the city of St. Joseph, Michigan. Since 1963 the charge is classified as a student charge. An every-member financial canvass was held with poor success reported. The following have served as pastor since 1960: LeRoy Fassett, 1960-63; David Morton, 1963-66; David Litchfield, 1966—. The church membership was 82 in 1960; it is 67 in 1967.
SEBEWAING CHURCH
This church is located on the east side of the village of Sebewaing. In new buildings this church has been productive during this of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 95 period. A spacious Christian Education wing was added to the church in 1963. The building was dedicated just prior to the Conference session in 1964. The building program was begun under Ray Kretzschmer, Jr. and completed under the ministry of Wilbur Williams. An all-purpose room, complete kitchen, lounge, office area, storage space and three large multi-use classrooms were added at a cost of $115,000.00. At the time of dedication the indebtedness was $67,000.00. In October, 1967, the remaining debt was $30,000.00. This will be paid in about three years. In 1965, the church became a beneficiary of the estate of John C. Fredup in the amount of $31,000.00. This money was used to construct a modern ranch-style parsonage. There are four bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry area, one full and two half baths, basement recreation room with fireplace and two-car garage. The total cost of the parsonage was $33,762.22, and it was dedicated free of debt on October 16, 1966. The parsonage was built under the ministry of Rev. Arthur L. Spafford. The church had an every-member canvass with good results. The church budget has gone from $18,781.00 in 1960 to $39,410.00 in 1967. The church gives one unit ($500.00) for the support of Don Anderson, in Brazil. Sebewaing entertained the annual Conference in 1964. The following have been pastor since 1960: J. G. Crosby, 1960-62; Ray H. Kretzschmer, Jr., 1962-63; Wilbur Williams, 1963-66; A. L. Spafford, 1966 — . The church membership was 340 in 1960, and is 325 in 1967.
SIX LAKES CHURCH
The church is located in the village of Six Lakes. Since 1960 the interior of the church was redecorated with new chancel and furni ture. An adjoining house was purchased and the house removed. Sunday school and youth work is reported good. A mortgage-burning service was held with the liquidation of debt. The following have been pastor since 1960: Wayne Palmer, 1960-61; John Crotser, 1961-64; Willard Gilroy, 1964 —. The church membership was 109 in 1960 and is 96 in 1967.
SNOVER— MOORE CHURCHES: SNOVER— TRINITY
This church is located in the village of Snover. In 1964, Trinity Church remodeled their chancel, installing new lighting, a new back 96 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference lighted illuminated cross, redecorated the church, rebuilt the chimney and built a new brick bulletin board, at a cost of approximately $2,500.00. Since 1960 the church has been served by: G. B. Ball, 1960-62; A. J. Lewis, 1962—. In 1960 the church membership was 84; in 1967 it was 80.
SNOVER— MOORE
This church is located a few miles east of Snover. In 1964 the Moore Church installed a new back-lighted illuminated cross. It was manufactured by the Kawkawlin Church Furniture Company. They also purchased new tables for the basement in memory of Rev. and Mrs. W. F. Boettcher. A new outdoor lighted bulletin board was erected in memory of Dan Jurn. The cost of the board was $500.00. Since 1960 the church has been served by G. B. Ball, 1960-62; A. J. Lewis, 1962—. The church membership was 61 in 1960; it was 51 in 1967. Both churches are facing declining rural populations and higher operating costs. There are five Methodist and Evangelical churches within a seven square mile area.
SODUS— CHAPEL HILL CHURCH
This church is located in the village of Sodus, Michigan. This church dedicated a new educational unit October 13, 1963. Dr. Stanley H. Forkner officiated at the dedication. The new educa tional building houses eight class rooms, a pastor's office, and a women's lounge. There are also rest rooms and a furnace room. The new building is accented by a 60 foot aluminum cross, erected as a memorial to deceased members of the congregation. The building encompasses 6,000 square feet of floor space and, with furnishings, cost $59,000.00. Improvements were made in the parsonage and two acres of adjoining land was purchased for expansion purposes. The cost was $3,200.00. A financial canvass was conducted with finances improving. The W.S.W.S. is supporting a Korean orphan at a cost of $120.00 per year. In July, 1966, the Naomi Church of the Pipestone Circuit merged with Chapel Hill. October 1, 1961, a centennial service was held celebrating 100 years of service for Chapel Hill. Bishop R. H. Mueller gave the sermon. Dr. W. C. Bassett and Rev. Myron Williams shared in the service. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 97
The following have served as pastor since 1960: Myron Williams, I960—. The church membership was 207 in 1960; it is 276 in 1967.
MAGNOLIA CHURCH-^SOUTHFIELD
This church is located across from the John Lodge Expressway, west of Northland. Developments to the East, West and South have pretty well hedged the church in. During the period covered by this supplement the following has transpired. A new church spire was erected in 1961 at a cost of $5,000.00. It was dedicated June 25, 1961. The twentieth anniversary was observed November 21 and 22, 1964. The anniversary banquet was held Saturday evening, Novem ber 21st. Former pastors, superintendents and other ministers closely identified with the beginning and development of Magnolia Church were invited and present. The first full-time pastor, Chaplain LeRoy Lewis, preached the sermon on anniversary Sunday, November 22, 1964. It was a memorable experience in the life of the church. The parking lot was paved in the fall of 1967 at a cost of $5,500.00. The church conducted an every-member canvass with good success. The church gives $1,500.00 annually for the support of Rev. and Mrs. Noel Osborn in the Philippines. The membership of the church in 1960 was 167 and in 1967 it was 197. The following have served as pastor during this period: R. C. Campbell, 1960-63; G. A. Pohly, 1963—.
EAST AND WEST CASCO CHURCHES
These churches are located near South Haven and are known as the South Haven Circuit. In 1965 the East Casco church sanctuary was extensively remod eled with new furnishings throughout at a cost of $7,000.00. In 1966 the circuit built a new garage at the parsonage, at a cost of $900.00. Much of the labor was donated. The size of the garage is 20 by 24 feet. Beginning December 1, 1966 we have been in a yoked relationship with the Casco Methodist Church. Since February, 1967, the West Casco E.U.B. Church and the Casco Methodist Church have been worshipping together with a changing off of the use of the buildings every three months. The present plan is to study the possibility of merging the two E.U.B. churches of the circuit and the Methodist Church and build in a central location. November 7, 1965, the Circuit celebrated their 100th anniversary with a one-day observance, including the morning worship services, a 98 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference carry-in dinner at noon and the Centennial Service in the afternoon. Rev. Lawrence R. Taylor, West District Conference Superintendent, was the speaker for the day. The following have served as pastor since 1960: C. J. Litchfield, 1960-64; John R. Crotser, 1964 — . The church membership in 1960 was 169; in 1967 it is 153.
SOUTH ROCKWOOD CHURCH
The church is located in the village of South Rockwood. A new educational unit was erected that added an office for the pastor, a kitchen, three classrooms, and two rest rooms. A parking lot was secured with a crushed stone surface. This will soon be black- topped. The sanctuary was redecorated, new drapes in the basement and educational unit, new dishes and cupboards, folding doors to divide classrooms and zoned heating. The total cost was about $18,- 000.00. At the parsonage—a new furnace, new drapes, complete redecorating, carpeted living room, dining room and hall and new plumbing. Total cost about $2,500.00. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Fred Knecht, 1960-62; G. B. Ball, 1962-67; J. E. Shaw, 1967—. The church membership in 1960 was 103; in 1967 it was 150.
ST. JOHNS CHURCHES: BENGAL CHURCH
This church is located south and west of St. Johns. The following have been pastor since 1960: Norman Crotser, 1960-66; Eugene Friesen, 1966 — . The church membership in 1960 was 91; it is 101 in 1967.
WEST BINGHAM
This church is located south of St. Johns. The following have been pastor since 1960: Norman Crotser, 1960-66; Eugene Friesen, 1966 — . The church membership in 1960 was 136; it is 168 in 1967.
A financial canvass has been conducted on the circuit with good success. A lovely new parsonage valued at nearly $40,000.00 was dedi cated in May 1967. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 99
ST. JOHNS SALEM CHURCH
St. Johns Salem Church is located on U.S. 27 and East Gratiot Road, which is the county line road. This congregation built a fine new parsonage of recent date. The dedication came November 6, 1966. The church also improved the church with a basement, front and back entrys, a new roof, new lighting system, a P.A. system, and also redecorated the church. This is fine for this rural church. Church membership has increased 45% and Sunday school by 50%. The 1967 Daily Vacation Bible School enrolled 95. The finances have doubled in the past six years, all by local leadership. The mid-week service averages 50% or more of church membership. The following have served as pastor since 1960: L. E. Willoughby, 1960-62; Ralph Conine, 1962—. The church membership was 37 in 1960; it is 75 in 1967.
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH
The St. Joseph Church is located at 601 Main Street in the city of St. Joseph. A great deal has been done on the church building —A complete new front has been put on the outside of the church, a new bulletin board has been installed, a new roof on the church, a new gas furnace for heating, new drains around the building, new sidewalks, plastered and patched inside walls, painted the church school class rooms, basement and kitchen, a new floor with carpet in the choir loft, pipe organ repaired, also repaired church steeple, purchased much new church equipment, all at a cost of about $12,000.00. A new parsonage was purchased at a cost of $22,000.00. An additional bedroom was constructed at a cost of $600.00. The old parsonage was sold at a price of $16,000.00, leaving the net cost of the new building at about $6,000.00. Sunday school work has suffered a decline, but youth work has picked up. Five financial canvasses, locally directed, have been conducted in ten years. They have helped greatly with the finances which have grown from a budget of $22,000.00 for 1960 to above $30,000 for 1968. The local Methodist Church is located less than two blocks away. Attempts are being made to unite the two congregations at a new location. The St. Joseph congregation will be celebrating their 100th an 100 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
niversary in the fall of 1968. Extensive plans are being made for the celebration. A full historical statement will be found in the 1961 Conference History. The following have been pastor since 1960: L. G. Walker, 1960-64; Richard Johns, 1964 to present time. The church membership in 1960 was 232; in 1967 it was 258.
KESWICK CHURCH
The Keswick Church is located near Suttons Bay in Leelenau County. Since 1960 the church has been painted on the outside and new carpeting installed. The parsonage has been decorated inside, with a new roof and a new oil furnace added. A financial canvass was conducted with excellent success. The following have served as pastor since I960: Frederick Fischer, 1960-62; Blakely Grant, 1962—. The church membership in 1960 was 56; the membership in 1967 is 63.
WINCHESTER VILLAGE COMMUNITY CHURCH
This church is located near the village of Swartz Creek, Michigan. The Conference has built an educational building at a cost of $56,000.00. We do not have a description of the facilities provided. A financial canvass was conducted with some success. In the last three years giving has increased from $87.00 to $139.00 per week. Anniversary services have been observed. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Samuel Seizert, 1960-61; Richard Johns, 1961-64; L. E. Lee, 1964 —. The church membership was 105 in 1960; it is 100 in 1967.
THREE RIVERS— CENTER PARK CHURCH
This church is located about six miles northeast of Three Rivers, Michigan. Work was done in the sanctuary—ceiling, panelling and carpeting. Women's work has grown in scope and membership. A financial canvass was conducted with fair success. Annual Homecomings were held until 1965. They were dropped because of lack of interest.. The following have served as pastor since 1960: H. T. Zumbaugh, 1960-65; Eugene Freisen, 1965-66; Richard LoCicero, 1966 —. The church membership in 1960 was 71; it was 89 in 1967. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 101
TRAVERSE CITY CONGREGATION
This church is located at 402 West Ninth Street in Traverse City. Since November 1961, three Sunday school classes sponsor bi monthly parties for one of the men's wards at the Traverse City State Hospital. The local Conference on June 7, 1965 voted to enter a "yoked" relationship with the Fourteenth Street Methodist Church. This was continued to March 5, 1967 when both groups joined in the worship services held in Emmanuel Church. This step was planned on a trial basis, but was continued after a favorable vote by the people. Cur rently, finances are handled by one treasurer. Members of both churches appear on committees and as soon as possible there will be one church. In 1960 a down payment was made on the property adjacent to the church in anticipation of adding an educational unit to the church. On December 22, 1963, an indoor ground-breaking was held as work was to begin on this unit. The dedication service for the completed educational unit and remodeled sanctuary was held on July 11, 1965 with Bishop Reuben H. Mueller officiating. Rev. C. C. Gibson, former pastor, was also in attendance and spoke at the evening service- In July of 1962, it was voted in a congregational meeting to purchase the property at 416 W. Ninth Street to be used at a future time as a parking area. This has since been paid for in full. Beginning with May (1968) there will again be two morning worship services during the summer months, except that this year they may not stop with Labor Day. The church had financial canvasses in 1962 and again in 1965. The church is supporting Miss Margit Froseth, a nurse serving in Rotifunk Hospital, Sierra Leone. They have supported: Miss Ann Carpenter, one unit ($500.00); Rev. and Mrs. Cecil Findley, Rev. and Mrs. W. Brownlee, one unit each. The following have served as pastor since 1960: R. F. Roe, 1960-66; George Belknap, 1966 —. The church membership was 179 in 1960, it was 183 in 1967.
VICKSBURG CHURCH
This church is located in the village of Vicksburg. The church conducted an every-member canvass with negligible results. 102 Supplement to History of the Michigan Conference
Support is being given to missionaries as follows:
Dr. and Mrs. Megill Sierra Leone $500.00 Anne Carpenter Viet Nam 200.00
Total $700.00
This congregation and the Methodist Church have voted to unite. The churches are in the process of exploring the ministry of the United Church in the community. The 80th anniversary was observed May 7, 1967, with Rev. Harold Krieg as speaker. The following have served as pastor since 1960: A. L. Spafford, 1960-66; David Morton, 1966—. The church membership in 1960 was 207; in 1967 it was 206.
WATERLOO CIRCUIT
This circuit consists of two churches, First Church which is located about six miles north and slightly west of the village of Waterloo, and the Village Church which is located in the village of Waterloo. Since 1960 the First Church has installed a new furnace in the church and refinished the basement. The Circuit has remodeled the parsonage and installed a new furnace at a cost of about $2,000.00. A new Allen organ was installed in the Village Church. One financial canvass was conducted with good success. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Wilbur Silvernail, I960—. The church membership in 1960 was: First Church, 52; Village Church, 73. The membership in 1967 was: First Church, 57; Village Church 58.
WYANDOTTE CHURCH
This church is located on Riverbank Avenue in Wyandotte. The church kitchen was remodeled and basement re-arranged; the sanctuary was carpeted and the sides of the church bricked. Alumi num siding was put on the parsonage in 1964. A financial canvass was conducted with poor success. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Paul S. Thomas, 1960-63; Raymond Yenkel, 1963—. In 1960 the church membership was 167; in 1967 it is 116. of the Evangelical United Brethren Church 103
WYOMING PARK CHURCH
This church is located at 2244 Porter Street, Wyoming Park, Michigan. The church has purchased a second home which is now used as a parsonage. Special missionary support is given as follows:
Miss Doris Schneider, Japan, $500.00.
In September, 1967, the church became a multiple-ministry church with the addition of Rev. Bruce Keegstra to the staff. The following have served as pastor since 1960: R. E. Horton, 1960-65; James Dempsey, 1965 — ; Bruce Keegstra, now associate. The church membership was 493 in 1960 and is 601 in 1967.
GREENWOOD CHURCH
The Greenwood Church is six miles east of Yale, Michigan. June 27, 1965, the Greenwood Church celebrated their centennial year. It was a full day of services and a very profitable occasion. The speakers were:
Morning — Dr. W. H. Watson Afternoon — Rev. M. R. Jewell Evening — Rev. Kenneth Pohly
The following have served as pastor since 1960: D. T. Bills, 1960-62; Chester Walters, 1962-63; Telford Russell, 1963-64; Rob ert Mattison, 1964 — . The church membership was 34 in 1960 and was 26 in 1967.
LINCOLN COMMUNITY (WHITTAKER)
This church is located two miles north of the village of Whittaker and is a relocation of the Whittaker Church. The pastor reports a general face-lifting on all properties, a steady but slow growth. The former Seybert and Whitaker churches merged at the Lincoln Community site. The following have served as pastor since 1960: Edward Cher- ryholmes, 1960-64; Bernard Heart, 1964 — . The church membership was 105 in 1960 and is 169 in 1967. (Remember the merger with Seybert.)
INDEX
Ackerman, G., 6 Dennis, J., 7, 34 Albig, O. M., 8 Dempsey, J., 4, 6 Albright, Jacob, 2 De Vries, A. C, 9 Altimos, Solomon, 3 Dimos, L. E., 9 Annual Conference Dates, 12 Dutenhaver, L. G., 6, 7
Bailey, E. F., 4 Ellis, R. F, 7 Bailey, Earl, 5 Evangelical Church, 3 Bailey, Paul, 6, 9, 32 Evangelism, 44-48 Bailey, M. E., 7 Ball, G. C, 5, 9 Fall, E. D., 5, 9, 34 Bandeen, W. T., 6 Fassett, R. R., 4, 5, 6, 30 Barr, J. E., 6 Fassett, L. H., 6, 7 Bassett, W. C, 5, 7, 8, 10, 13 Ferris, H., 4, 9 Bauman, M. E., 9 Ferris, Dale, 7 Baughman, L. L., 5 Friesen, E. W., 8, 35 Field Sketches —56— Beginnings in Michigan, 3 Beardsley, J. A., 8 Flessner, R. D., 5 Beers, M. C, 9 First U.B., Conference, 3 Berkompas, E., 4 Flessner, Karl, 5 Bennetch, F. E., 5, 6 Fischer, F. H., 5 Binder, D. F., 7 Fisher, G. H., 44 Bohnsack, B., 8, 32 Flachsmann, O. F., 6 Boehm, Martin, 1 Fleming, G. W., 6, 34 Black, D., 5 Forkner, S. H., 49 Boettcher, W. F., 6 Foster, W. L., 6, 35 Burkett, D., 9, 32 Frye, G. I., 6 Burkett, M., 9, 33 Frye, Edith S., 4 Burkett, R. S., 4, 6, 7 Burmeister, W. H., 4 Gilroy, W., 5 Gee, I. G., 6 Cherryholmes, E., 5, 33 Geiger, R. M., 6, 9 Chamberlain, L. E., 5 Gettig, W., 8, 35 Churches Closed, 25 Grigereit, R. C, 6 Christian Education, 49 Glass, C. A., 7 Carter, R. D., 8, 9 Godorhazy, G., 6 Conference Finances, 10, 16 Conference News, 30 Higdon, C, 7, 36 Conference Missions, 52, 55 Hinklin, R. L., 6, 8, 36 Conine, R. J., 6, 33 Hepner, T. W., 6, 36 Cosselman, A. G., 5 Hollopeter, J., 8, 37 Crotser, J. R., 5 Hoffman, H. K., 6 Crotser, N. C, 8 Horton, R., 6 Cruff, C, 8, 33 Howard, Mrs. J. G., 8 Houser, L., 9, 37 Davis, R. M., 6, 34 Hughes, E. B., 5 Delegates, to General Conference, 12 Hynes, J., 8, 37
[105] 106 Index
In Memoriam, 43 Newberg, J., 4, 9 Ireland, W. R., 6, 37 Newstifter, R., 6 Niergarth, Dr. J., R., 8 7, 5, I., Johns, R., 38 Niswender, 8
Jones, D. E., 8, 38 Norris, A., 7
Joop, R. F., 9 Nusz, G, 8, 40
Keegstra, B. H., 6, 9, 38 Otterbein, P. W., 1
Kellermann, G. H., Sr., 9 Ostroth, D. C, 7 Kellermann, G. H., Jr., 9, 12 Kirn, F. W., 6 Palmer, W. M., 8 5 Kline, B., Peck, G, 5 Knecht, F. W., 31 5 Peck, W. P., 4, Knechtel, 6 G., Pohly, F. L., 6 Koteskey, C. E., 9 Pohly, G A., 52 5 Koteskey, R., Praetorius, E. W., 8 Klump, N. W., 13 Kolb, C, 8 Rader, B. B., 7 Krachlan, J., 6 Reyner, L., 5 Kreh, B. L., 5 Reeves, R. M., 8 Kretschmer, 7, 8, R. H., Jr., 6, 8, 9 Rickert, M. E., 9
Krumling, F. C, 6 Richards, C. R., 6
Richards, J. W., 4
Lahr, R. H., 5 Riebel, E. D., 6 Laidler, 5 D. K., Roberts, W. M., 8
Lamb, F., 7 Rough, T., 5 Lee, Stephen, 3 Rothfuss, W., 5, 40
Liesemer, N. C, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13 Rule, G, 8, 40
8 4 Lempke, M. F., Runk, I. E., Lautner, V., 9 Ryan, H. E, 13
Lewis, K., 9 Russell, T., 7 Lindley, R. H., 30, 31 Litchfield, 8, 39 D., Sanders, C. A., 7 LoCicero, R., 8, 38 Saxton, R. C, 7 Ludman, D., 8, 39 Schlosser, H., 5
Schurman, J. T., 5 Mac Canon, R. R., 5, 39 Sherwood, J. H., 6 Mayer, P. S., 6
Sherwood, J., 5, 40 Membership Gains, 14 4, 5, Sheridan, E. N., 6 Ministerial Appts., 19
Shreffler, M. L., 5 Montei, J. D., 7, 9, 39
Showers, J. B., 6 Morton, D., 8
Shaller, G L., 6 Moyer, T. A., 6, 31
Silvis, D., 4, 8 Mathis, J. J., 7, 39
Seizert, S., 5 Moore, F., 4, 8
Slater, L., 6 Mueller, R. H., Intro., 4 to 9 H.
Mulder, J., 7 Scheifele, L. S., 8 J. Murbach, J. W., 6, 7, 8, 9 Smith, R., 9, 41
Myers, R., 5 Smith, L. R., 7
Smith, P. J., 8
Nesseth, C, 4, 6 Smith, P. M., 7
Nelson, W. S., 5, 9 Smith, L., 8, 41 Index 107
Somers, K., 8 Weinert, A. A., 6 Stamm, Mrs. J. S., 8 Westfall, C. B., 5 Wingate, L., 4 Totten, D., 4 Williams, W. A, 7 Timmons, J., 5 Williams, A., 9 Taylor, L. R., 8, 9, 12 Willard, M. H., 8 Thompson, J., 9, 41 Willoughby, L. E., 8 Truran, P. C, 9, 41 Wolfe, F. J., 6 Truran, D., 9 Wolverton, M. F., 7 Wood, Ira, 8, 41 Underwood, J. W., 5 Woodrum, L. R., 6, 42 Union, Methodist and E, U, B, 4 Wurtz, S. R., 8 Uhrig, R. E., 8 Yenkel, R., 6 Warner, I. D., 7 Young, S. S., 7 Waltz, J., 6
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