History Webpage
OWOSSO, MICHIGAN
THE HISTORY OF OWOSSO FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 1890 - 2005
THE HISTORY OF OWOSSO FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 1890 - 2005
Sunday Traditional Worship 10:45 a.m.
Sunday School for all ages 9:30 a.m.
"We supplied ourselves with an axe, a gun, a pocket compass and a map. We marked the trees on the south side, so we could follow the same way hack. When we came to the St. Joseph River we found it very high. We cut a tree which reached nearly across and one went over on that and the others drove the horses through and then followed on the tree. Thus, we continued until night overtook us. Wet and tired, we kindled afire, made a hut of brush, roasted our meat, ate supper and went to bed, my saddle and saddlebags my pillow. Slept some. The wolves howled most hideously most of the night! Thus, I have spent four days, carrying an axe and blazing the trees to make a way to get around our Circuit. My shoulder is so sore and lame that I can scarcely lift my hand to my head. But I am resolved to persevere."
For four years he was the Presiding Elder of Shiawassee County and nine other counties, extending way down to Jackson and as far west as Grand Rapids.
The first sermon preached in Owosso was by Samuel Wilkinson, a Methodist Preacher, in the fall of 1835. He also preached the first sermon in Corunna in June 1836, for the Baptist people. As early as 1837-38, there were two Methodist preachers in this vicinity: Rev. Washington Jackson and Isaac Bennett. Jackson was troubled with rheumatism and preached sitting in a chair. Bennett was a circuit rider and reported that there were eleven Methodists in this vicinity in 1837.
The first appearance in the Conference Minutes of the Shiawassee Mission, which embraced Owosso, Corunna, and all the adjacent neighborhoods, was in 1837. At the close of the Conference in 1838, Bennett reported 188 members. In 1839, Flavell Eritton, preacher, reported 392 members due to conversions and immigration. At this time, Shiawassee Circuit was so large, there was preaching once every two weeks at the following places: Owosso, Byron, Vernon, Shiawasseetown, North Vernon, Venice, Argentine, Perry, Bennington, Chesaning in various school houses. Owosso remained a part of this circuit until 1845.
In the year 1837, Rev. George H. Taylor of Rochester visited Detroit. The Bishop told this story:
He had to visit Pontiac. The roads were very muddy, which made traveling on horseback very difficult. At one very bad spot in the road, the party was commenting on the terrible condition of the road. A man in the party said, The roads were better than they were last year. Right in here last year, we saw a good beaver hat in the mud. On picking up the hat, there was a mans head under the hat. We offered to pull the man out of the mud, but he said, Give me back my hat and go on about your business. I have a perfectly good horse under me, and we have just found solid bottom. We will make it all right without any help from you!"
List of Circuit Riders in the Owosso Area
1830........... Elijah N. Pilcher
1835........... Samuel Wilkins
1837-1838...... Isaac Bennett
1837-1838...... WashingtonJackson
1839........... Flawell Britton
1840........... Flawell Britton and S.C. Stringham
1841........... John Cozart
1842........... John Cozart and Reuben Emery
1843........... Riley Crawford and William Cowels
1844........... Riley Crawford and Francis Blades
1845........... George Hemmingway and Jeremy Boynton
1846-1847..... Seth Reed
The circuit rider never stayed more than a year or two in one place. Riley C. Crawford, who was appointed in 1843, must have been more rugged than most for he lived to be 94. In describing his ministry here, he wrote: "We made the round of this circuit once in four weeks and had 18 regular preaching places. The house we lived in at Shiawasseetown was built for a hotel of vast proportions and with the expectation of a large city in the near future. Provisions were made for the accommodation of a great number of guests. But for some reason, the big city did not get there, and the multitude of guests did not come, and the big hotel, only finished in part, was converted into residences for poor families like us Methodist preachers, who were not able to pay extravagant rents."
"We occupied the large ball room, which was lathed but not plastered. With boards unplaned we made a partition across the hall, so as to give us two rooms; one/or a guest chamber and pastors study, the other and larger one served for kitchen, dining room, sitting room and parlor, with our family being in the northeast corner of the big room. My colleague, Brother Blades, had his home with us, he being a single man, and was obliged to board around. Our receipts upon this charge compared favorably with other ones." (The salary of all Methodist preachers was fixed at $200 per year in those days.)
In looking up these records, I was impressed with the men and women who came to this place from 1835 to the early 1840s. They were truly pioneers. Coming with their oxen and wagons, they literally cut their way through the wilderness with their saws and axes. They had strength of character and determination. They built their homes from the trees of the forest.
They cleared the land, and made farms. Best of all, most of these men and women brought their Bibles with them and used them. They were of all denominations. Protestant and Catholic, Baptist and Methodists, Episcopal and Lutheran, Congregational and Presbyterians. Their moral and spiritual ideals were of the highest because of their work and sacrifices. They helped to make Owosso, Corunna, and all of Shiawassee County a good place in which to live
Seth Reed.............1845
Orin Whitmore.........1857
George Taylor.........1858
James Armstrong.......1859
E.E. Caster...........1860-1863
J.T. Hankjnson........1863
Isaac C. Cockran
Isaac Crawford
James Venning
E.H. Pilcher
John S. Joslin
Thos. Wilkinson
Duke Whitely
Win. J. Clark
H. Hodskiss
Joseph Ashford
C.R. Kellerman
W. I. Osborn
Seth Reed
John M. Gordon
1? J. Joslin
Thomas Stalker
C.B. Spencer
E.B. Bancroft
J.M. Kerridge
John Sweet
J.R Varner
A.B. Leonard
G.W. Jennings
J.S. Steininger
D.H. Glass
Hartley Cansfield
E.J. Warren
Dunning Idle
R.J. Kilpatrick
Guy W. Hoard
Eugene Allen, D. 0.
John Meredith
Clifford E. Dow
T.Leonard Sanders
A.H. Wallschlaeger....1950s
Don A. Morris.......1960s.......built present church
Ivan 0. Gonser.......196? - 1972
Paul T. Hart.........1972 - 1977
Norbert W. Smith......1977 -1985
Carol J. Johns......1985 - 1996
Grant R. Lobb......1996 - 2005
Duane Harris..........2005 - present
ASSOCIATE PASTORS
David Menchhofer
Carl Bielbey
James N. Cobb*
Guy I-Iufman
Arthur Norris
David Knapp............1970s
Thomas Butcher..........1970s
Michael Pearson..........1980s
Susan Bennett Stiles........1980s
Haydon Carruth.............
Peter Harris................
John Simpson *..............
Richard Beemer...............
Eric Kieb...............
*Retired Ministers
The story of this church goes back over 165 years to the very first religious services conducted in Shiawassee County. Services had been held for the Indians and led by a Chippewa Indian by the name of lch-wak-o-mic. However, the first sermon delivered under the Methodist banner in the city of Owosso was by Samuel Wilkinson in the fall of 1835. Two years later, Owosso was reported to have several Methodist members and to be a part of the Shiawassee Circuit.
In 1840, a small frame school house was erected on the corner of Washington and Williams Streets (where the Salem Lutheran Church now stands.) In addition to being used to teach the 3 Rs, it was used by all denominations for church services.
The population of Owosso was 500 in 1852. Up to 1856, Owosso had been a part of the Shiawassee Mission, or Shiawassee and Bennington Circuit, and for 2 years at least had been connected with Corunna, but in 1857 it was made an appointment by itself. Pastor Orrin Whitmore held a revival and at the end of the year reported 41 members, 19 probationers, and a salary of $350. The Methodist society bought the school house, but it was badly in need of repairs.
In 1858, George Taylor was appointed preacher. He told his congregation one Sunday morning that he was going away for some time and would not be back until he had the means to repair the building. Some weeks later he returned with cash, nails, shingles, lumber, etc. to the amount of $300.
The repairs were made and the building was used as their church for seven years. Much of the interior was finished in black walnut, this timber being plentiful at that time.
Until a few years ago, this building still stood at 600 S. Washington Street as a part of the Owosso Elevator and Coal Company. In the meantime, it had been moved to East Mason Street and then to Milwaukee Street and used by the Lutherans as a school and church. It had about 120 years of use.
To become a member of a Methodist Society took dedication! One became a member after a six~month period during which time his conduct was carefully scrutinized. To remain a member, one had to promise to abstain from card playing, dancing, intoxicating liquor, theater attendance, travel on Sunday, elaborate dress, and fancy jewelry.
In 1865, the site at the southwest corner of Washington and Oliver Streets was purchased for $400. A subscription of $2,250 was raised towards the building of the new church. The church was completed and dedicated in December, 1867. At the dedication, $1,640 was pledged to pay the balance of the debt. That building today belongs to the St. John's United Church of Christ....429 N. Washington St.
The Methodist Church reached its lowest level in 1880 and no minister was appointed here. Seth Reed went to the cabinet and asked to he sent to Owosso for the second time and that no help be granted him. On arrival here with his family, the 33 members told him they did not know what to do with him. His answer deserves quoting, "If you will take hold and work and trust in God for guidance the results will be all right.
In 18 months, a great change took place. A house in the 600 block of North Washington Street was bought for a parsonage (probably 651 N. Washington). Reed, on a trip, met Chaplain McCabe of the Church Extension Society. Reed told McCabe of the condition of the Owosso Society. McCabe told Reed, "If you will go home and undertake the recovery of Owosso, I will give you $200.00"
Reed came home to tell the congregation of this good fortune, and work was started. Lecture rooms were built at the rear of the church. The church was thoroughly painted and repaired, the inside papered, the windows improved, a new furnace put under the building, grounds leveled and fenced, shade trees planted, sidewalks laid, etc. The whole cost was $2,300. You can readily believe that the society took on a new lease on life with large congregations, prayer meetings, and new members by letter and conversion.
Seth Reed (1823-1924) was a pioneer preacher, a presiding elder 4 times, District Superintendent, an outstanding preacher, founder and was the first superintendent of Chelsea Methodist Old Peoples Home when in his eighties. He answered the Conference roll call for 79 years consecutively. He lived to be 100 years old and became known as The Grand Old Man of Methodism.
By 1888, the Owosso church was so crowded that a site was purchased on the west side of the river and a small chapel built for Sunday School and prayer meetings. This was named Asbury Chapel, on the site which became Asbury Church, and now occupied by Trinity United Methodist Church.
By 1888, the little church at Washington and Oliver was crowded to capacity and plans began to be made for a new building. In 1890 the plans to change sites and build a new church met with unanimous approval, and the next day the subscription books were opened. Early the next morning, notices were in the stores and business places that the Congregationalists would proceed to build a fine new church, and their friends would be called upon for subscriptions! The circulation of subscriptions for the two churches went on at the same time, and the two were under construction at the same time, in the same block, and almost across the street from each other. Rev. E. B. Bancroft designed the church pictured below.
Mamie Osmer describes the events:
First the pledge cards were circulated and what a joy it was for us to give....not how little but how much. Soon they began to build, and as the work progressed, the pledge cards were passed around again and we gave and we gave. And how we enjoyed watching it grow, slowly hut surely, and great was our joy when at last they told us it was done and ready for its to move in to. Then came the great day of dedication. The choir loft was filled with a great choir, which Mr. Ferry had been drilling for months, and how we did sing! We sang Te Deum. Mrs. Christian sang Hark, Hark, my Soul. Mrs. Curry sang Christian, the Morn Breaks Sweetly over Thee and All the Midnight Shadows Flee.
Many willing hands and happy hearts had made the work pleasant, though so great of finishing, furnishing, and preparing the edifice for its dedication. Bishop Walden preached from 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. Horace Hitchcock of Detroit presented the financial statement and received the contributions of the people. The cost of the church including all its furnishings was not far from $21,000. Of this, $l0,000 yet remained to be secured. The giving commenced and ended cheerfully. Almost every person in the house was giving or pledging something until in the evening the last dollar was pledged and the building was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, November 22, 1891.
The minutes of the Official Board contain many interesting as well as amusing memories. There is discussion of hitching posts and barns, outdoor toilets, the necessity of policeman outside the church on Sunday nights to take care of the stragglers, and of the Janitors salary of $1 per week. In case he could not earn all of his salary taking care of the church, he also had to go out and collect the pledges made by members.
Early in 1950, parking problems began to develop. There were four churches within a block of one another: First Methodist and Congregational (built at the same time in 1891), the Lutheran in 1893 and Baptist in 1895. If you were a little late for worship, you would have to park at the old Owosso High School parking lot two blocks away. Cars were parked in the alley on the east side of the Church, on the lawn between the Church and the parsonage, and on side streets.
The Church needed a great amount of repair, plus the Church School classes were crowded. There were classrooms in the kitchen, choir room, three in the dining room, one in a room off the dining room, four in the Sanctuary, one in the Church Office, nursery, several in the Parish House (a frame house next to the parsonage) and several in the parsonage.
In May of 1955, a 13 acre site was purchased in Owosso Township north of North Street between Washington and Water Streets. The cost was $22,000. This site was obtained as it would include space for off street parking and a recreational area. The Site Committee was George Hoddy, Harold Meier and Milo Lyons. The site was owned by four different parties who all agreed to sell. An agreement was signed authorizing the construction of Water Street to the end of Church property. It was paid for by the Church. The past owners paid for Wesley Drive. At that time there was only one house north of North Street.
In May of 1956, cleaning and bulldozing took place. Then for the next two years, wheat was planted and sold for $1,340. The property became known as Methodist Acres. September 24, 1956, a Loyalty Dinner was held at Central School. It was attended by a large membership. This was the beginning of the first financial campaign for the new Church, with outside help from the Wells Organization, a professional fund-raiser The Adventure of Faith Campaign began with $180,000, the goal headed by George Hoddy. Visiting teams were organized to do an every member canvas. The same year, Washington Street was extended north of North Street, and Wesley drive was built to connect Washington and Water Streets.
Each occasion that found expansion necessary, also found the members and friends of the Church willing to make the necessary sacrifices, and do the necessary work that the Kingdom of God might be expanded.
1957 was the Centennial year celebrating the beginnings of the appointment of the Methodist Church in Owosso. In May, 1957, a resolution was made calling for the Official Board to appoint a permanent building committee and to hire an architect. December 2, 1957, it was agreed by the board there was a need for something definite for building plans.
Some timeline facts of the new building include:
April 7,1958, Earl Confer was hired to do the architectural work and to present a preliminary sketch of a basic church building.
May 8, 1958, a vote of 107 for and 90 against approved a basic sketch. Charles Grace was appointed Building Committee Chairman and Marvin Lyons Assistant Building Chairman.
June, 1958, Dr. Don A. Morris succeeded Rev. A. H. Wallschlaeger as Pastor.
On June 16, extensive surveys completed and building programs were based on these surveys.
June, 1958, Robert Hasselbarts term as Trustee Chairman ended.
June, 1958, Joe Woodbury's term as Trustee Chairman began.
October, 1959, it was reported that $830,633.46 had been collected from previous drives.
November 2, 1959, there were secret ballots by board members as to the types of architecture that was designed for the new church: 29 ballots, I for modern, 2 for American, 26 for Contemporary.
1959 reported of receiving a bill from National Board of Missions, Philadelphia for $316.00 unpaid since 1892, no mention of interest. The bill was paid.
In October of 1960, there had been discussion in regards to completely finishing the building or possibly not building the education wings until later because of cost; but on November 24 it was voted to complete the Church Building including the education wings.
It is required by the Church Conference to have 50% or more in cash and pledges before starting construction of a church. It was voted to borrow $350,000. $250,000 was on hand.
January, 1960, Church plans were approved. During the spring and summer, photographs were taken of the filled Sanctuary (main floor and balcony), classrooms at the Church and the Parish House, and the former parsonage. Photos were also taken of the outside, which showed the cramped parking conditions. This information was used to make brochures for the Every Member Canvas of 900 members.
In December, 1960, the Building, Trustee, and Finance Committees reported that construction could begin.
January 6, 1961, bids were opened. Collinson Construction of Midland was given the contract. Collinson Constructions bid was $50,000 less than others. They agreed that they had covered everything in their bid. Later it was discovered they did not include the tower, so they built the tower at no cost to the Church. The tower cost was $25,000.
The following quotation from The Methodist Discipline (1960) gives this definition of the church: The visible church of christ is a congregation of faithful men in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments duly administered according to Christs ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same. (Paragraph 10) It further states: The local church is a connectional society of persons who have been baptized, have assumed the vows of membership in the Methodist Church, and are associated in fellowship as a local Methodist Church in order that they may hear the Word of God, receive the Sacraments, and carry forward the work which Christ has committed to His church. Such a society of believers, being within The Methodist Church and subject to its Discipline, is also an inherent part of the Church Universal, which is composed of all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and which in the Apostles Creed we declare to he the holy catholic Church. (Paragraph 102).
May 1, 1961, was the beginning of a major financial drive under the leadership of Regional West, a professional fund raiser. The reason for a professional was that more money could be pledged. The other fund drives had been quite successful under the leadership of Harold Meier and George Hoddy.
May 8, 1961, after the Church service, the congregation traveled to 1500 North Water Street for a ground breaking service for the new Church. A variety of Church Committees and Chairpersons look part in the service. Each one had something to say in regard to the future of the new church.
After the service, Dr. Morris gave a prayer and turned the first shovel of dirt. There were even toy shovels for the small children to do as Dr Morris had done, so began the construction of the $750,000 Church.
In June of 1961, water was installed and North Water Street was extended, which the Church paid for.
In August, 1961, the City annexed the Church property.
In August, 1961, electrical lines were brought to the building site.
The former property owners paid for the road connecting Washington and Water....it was named Wesley Drive.
In September, 1961, the cornerstone of the Church was laid. Also in September, Rev. William Leslie Williams, Flint District Superintendent, preached.
The cornerstone from old Williams Street Church was saved and placed in the foyer wall. In November, 1961, it was reported that the building would be enclosed in two weeks.
In May, 1962, the drains and sewers were completed.
June 2,1962 the Church fundraising drive, under the leadership of Regional West, had the theme 'Let's Pay For It.' The goal was set and pledged over three years. Pledges continued until 1975 when the Church was completely paid for. What a great day that was! Children were also encouraged to pledge to the building fund.
Packing began in July, 1962, on Saturdays for the move to the new Church.
The first church service of the new Church was held in Fellowship Hall on August 5, 1962. On August 6, 1962, the first Official Board meeting was held in the Fellowship Hall of the new Church.
The old Church, parsonage, and Parish house sold for $50,000 on September 10, 1962.
On October 14, 1962, after a delay because of wrong pews, the first service in the Sanctuary was held. Also, the consecration of the new Church was held. The speaker was Bishop M. Reed.
October 21, 1962, 1,400 people toured the Church during an open house.
November 5, 1962, the Building Committee was discharged of further responsibilities.
October, 1965, report of the largest amount ever received on Church pledges. This was led by Mr. Rose, a professional fund raiser. This was the last time an outside professional was used.
CORNER STONE................ Crown The crown has always been recognized as a symbol of authority, a mark of victory or distinction, It is also used to denote our Lords Kingly Office. We sing Crown Him Lord of Lords and King of Kings, Crown Him with many Crowns, The Crown of Love and the Crown of Peace.
The Scriptures also tell us of the promise of eternal life through Him:
1 Peter 4:5 And when the chief shepherd shall appear; ye shall receive a crown
of glory that fadeth not away.
James 1:12...... Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown
of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.
CHANCEL.............. Altar The Pelican is shown plucking open her breast feeding her young with her own blood. She died in order that they may live. In like manner, our Lord died upon the cross that we might live. It is one of the most widely used and most striking symbols of our Lords Atonement. Inscribed in each corner and in the center of the mensa are five Greek crosses emblematic of the Five Wounds of our Lord.
Clergy Seat Frontal..... The shepherds crook symbolized Pastoral Leadership. The Shepherd of His flock.
Lectern....The open Bible inscribed with the first letters of the Latin sentence Verhum Dci Manet in Aeternum meaning The Word of God Endureth Forever I Peter 1:25. Thc cross in the background reminds us of the significant words of our Lord recorded in the Holy Scriptures.
Pulpit...... The symbols of the four evangelists maybe traced backward almost to the beginning of the
Christian era. Those most frequently used are the four winged creatures mentioned in the Book of Ezekiel
as well as the fourth chapter of Revelation, namely the winged man, the winged
lion, the winged ox, and the eagle.
The modern explanation of the winged creature is:
I. This winged man is the symbol of St. Matthew, because this evangelist begins his
Gospel by tracing the human descent of our Lord.
2. The lion denotes St. Mark, because he opens his inspired Gospel by describing St. John the Baptist who was the voice crying in the wilderness.
3. The ox is a representation of St. Luke because he gives a very full account of the sacrificial death of our Lord.
4. The symbol of St. John is the eagle, because from the beginning to the end his Gospel soars on eagles wings to the very throne of Heaven.
These winged creatures are always shown with a nimbus denoting sanctity. The symbols are carved on the open Bible, significant of the Gospels diving authorship.
The Cross Patee in the center of the composition symbolized the four corners of the earth and seems to teach us that the four Gospels given us by the four inspired Evangelists shall exist forever upon the earth.
NAVE (Sanctuary)
Font........ The font itself is a symbol of the sacrament of Holy Baptism. It is surmounted by a bronze sculpture depicting a descending Dove symbolizing Baptismal Regeneration as a means of grace through the Holy Spirit.
Communion Rail....... Carved panels on the communion rail depict the wheat, symbolic of the bread or body of our Lord; the grapes and chalice symbolize the wine or blood of our Lord, received by the Communicant at the celebration of the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Pew Frontals..... The lyre is an ancient symbol of music and hymns of praise, while the cross and anchor symbolize our hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is stated thus in Hebrews 6:19, which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.
Pew Ends.... The jeweled crown carved on the pew ends reminds us of the promise of eternal life by the authority of our Lord.
BALCONY RAIL
North Side.... The lamp is the knowledge, truth, and divine inspiration acquired by thoughtful interpretation of the Word of God.
South Side..... The seven-branched candlestick is the symbol of the Christian church. The church is said to be a candlestick, holding aloft a burning candle, symbolic of the enlightening Gospel of Jesus Christ.
CHAPEL
Font.....The fish is one of the earliest Christian symbols. The Greek Word JXOYC means fish. Each letter was regarded as the initial of a word in the Greek sentence meaning Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour, expressing mans need of a saviour, and the fact of salvation only through Jesus Christ. The escallop shell with water dripping from it symbolized our Lords Baptism by John the Baptist, who is pictured pouring water on the head of Jesus, standing in the water of the Jordan river. The three drops of water symbolize the Holy Trinity in whose name we are baptized.
Lectern...... The two carvings (Cross Fleurie) are decorative forms of the Greek cross, and are made by arranging seven perfect squares vertically and horizontally. The arms are all of equal length. A perfect circle may be drawn about them just touching the tip of each arm which terminate in three petals. The seven perfect squares symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Blessing, Glory, Wisdom, Thanksgiving, Honour, Power and Might.
Revelation 5:12. The circumscribed circle signifies eternity, completeness or perfection of the Holy Scripture. The three petal terminals symbolized the three elements in man: body, soul, and spirit.
Pew Frontals..... Two sacred monograms are carved on the front screens:
EAST..... Alpha, Mu and Omega, the first, central and final letters of the Greek alphabet, signifies that our Lord Jesus Christ is the beginning, continuation and end of all things.
WEST..... The JHC monogram is the abbreviation of the Greek word IHOCYC, meaning Jesus. The three letters are connected by the horizontal arm of the cross to denote the abbreviation. The empty cross is the symbol of our Lords atoning death.
Altar..... The CHI RHO symbol is among the most ancient of the so-called monograms of our Lord. It is the abbreviation of the word CHRIST. The name of our Saviour was spelled XPICTOC in the ancient Greek, the letter C having been used instead of the letter SIGMA, which is more familiar today. The CHI RHO symbol then is the first two letters of the Greek work XPICTOC. Five Greek crosses are also carved on the top surface of the mensa, symbolizing the Five Wounds of our Lord.
Chairs..... The Triquetra, a geometric piercing on the chair back is simple in form, yet full of meaning and is one of the finest of all the symbols of the Holy Trinity. The three equal arcs of the circle express the equality of the Three Divine Persons, their union expresses the unity of divine essence, their continuous form symbolized eternity and the fact that they are interwoven denotes the indivisibility of the Blessed Trinity. In the center of the Triquetra, is an equilateral triangle, the most ancient of Trinity symbols.
CHANCEL ALTAR
Candlesticks.... The candlesticks on the altar represent our Lords own words... I am the light of the world. John 8:12. In their primary sense, they set forth this idea. In their secondary sense they represent:
I.... Six candlesticks (in use for all worship services, except the celebration of Holy Communion) represent the six days of creation, and the cross in their midst represents the Day of Redemption.
2...... Two candlesticks (Eucharistic lights) appear on the altar on Communion Sunday and represent the two-fold nature of our Lord His human nature and His divine nature.
by Earl Confer, Architect
In the early years, there were no parsonages as the circuit riders were in one place for only a short time or overnight. Kind parishioners felt it a privilege to have them in their homes.
In 1845, the Shiawassee Circuit became so large that it was divided and Owosso became part of the Bennington Circuit. Since there was no parsonage, the board asked that a single man be sent. Seth Reed was appointed. Imagine the surprise when he arrived the next week with his bride of a few days saying that his previous years salary, including ox, oats, cash, etc. was $59.56, so he felt he could afford a wife! The only house they found was an empty log cabin one mile south of the Grand River Road.
This could be considered Owossos first parsonage and until 1881 there is no record of another. In 1881, Rev. Mr. Reed requested to he returned to Owosso for a second time. The first thing done was to purchase a parsonage at 651 North Washington for $1,000. A small amount was paid down and the Ladies Aid Society assumed the balance.
In the summer of 1890, the home at the southeast corner of Ball and Oliver Streets was purchased as a parsonage. The Ladies Aid assumed the obligation of $1,500 and trading in the old parsonage. This parsonage was used by 17 pastors and their families until 1952. At that time an interested group of members bought a more modern home at 3570 N. M-52 and gave it to the church.
The old parsonage was renamed Wesley House and lised for a church office as well as Sunday School rooms.
The parsonage at 3570 N. M-52 (formerly known as M-47) was first used by Rev. A. H. Wallschlaeger from 1952 to 1958.
Then the next minister was Rev. Don Morris 1958-1968. Dr. Morris gave many a sermon on drinking and smoking. And it was ironic that this home had a bar in the basement, when built by the original owner. A couple of parrishioners recalled having a great time reminding Dr. Morris about it.
That parsonage was sold in 1968, when a parsonage was purchased at 1112 Buckley Drive. This was first used by Rev. Ivan Gonser from 1968-72.
The next minister was Rev. Paul Hart 1972-77.
Susan Bennett Stiles and her husband David.....
In 1980, a new parsonage was built at 1415 North Water Street. Rev. Norbert Smith, 1977-83, was the first to live there, Rev. Carol J. Johns lived there from 1985 to 1996, and Rev. Grant Lobb and family 1996 to 2005. Rev. Duane Harris presently lives in the home.
The associate pastors used the Buckley Street parsonage until 1986, when it was sold.
There was also an associate's parsonage at 608 F. North Street. It was purchased from members Dr. & Mrs. Abbott in 1971 and sold in 1980.
As the organ continues its ministry in worship, little did we realize how those 1,700 pipes were installed, moved, rebuilt and paid for by many men and women who worked and sacrificed during the last century.
In 1891, when the First Methodist Episcopal Church on the corner of Ball and Williams Streets was dedicated, in contained a happy congregation. The Johnson two manual pipe organ was one of the reasons for rejoicing. Its cost, $2,601.18, was an amount to be reckoned with in those days.
Years have brought many changes, but good things endure. For instance, the 83 wooden pipes of the 1891 Johnson organ, ranging in height from a few inches to sixteen feet, are still being used today after being moved to the present church building in 1962. Also being used is the three manual organ and console of the Austin Organ which had been installed in 1945 in the Williams and Ball St. First Methodist Episcopal Church.
This Austin Organ was the culmination of months of effort by the Womans Society of Christian Services Organ Committee, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Corliss (Marjorie) Miller, and the generosity of some 400 donors, using the slogan: The Larger the number the givers, the greater success.
The dedication of the new organ and the redecorated auditorium, with its new rose window, was a tribute to the ones who made possible this $15,000 fully paid gift. The rose window was given by the parents of Lemay Hudson. Two years later, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Orser added chimes in memory of their son, James, and his wife, Jacqueline, who were drowned. With speakers in the tower bells, these chimes can he heard outside as well as inside.
In 1962, the Austin Organ Co. moved the organ into the new church on North Water St. It was rebuilt and 324 new pipes were added at a cost of $29,000. The organ chamber is behind the choir balcony and is approximately 30 feet wide, 22 feet high, and 9 feet deep. In 1982, a further addition was made as the keyboards are divided among three sections .....great, swell, and choir, thus the organist can give support to soloists, choirs, and congregational singing. Many of the original woodpipes from the church built in 1891 are still in use among the 1,910 pipes in our present organ.
The wind to operate the pipes is furnished by a blower, operated by a 3-horse power motor. Contrast this with the time when a small boy was pumping the organ, and on one occasion, when the organist tried to play the final hymn, there was no response. Going into the ante room; she found the lad sound as]eep at his post.
Another anecdote of long ago was told by Miss Lucille Colby, who was the capable organist for several years. Iretha Reed was in the midst of a solo, when the old organ stopped. Lucille quietly slipped off the organ bench, went down the few steps to the piano and continued the accompaniment at the point where Iretha was singing, as she had continued without missing a note.
In retrospect, we must have been very active during the few years that Clifford E. Doty was our minister. In addition to the festivities connected with the new organ, we also had a great celebration for the 50th anniversary of the church building at Williams and Ball. Many who had been active in the early days came back for that event in 1941 but thats another story.
Miss Lucille Colby was our organist from 1919 to about 1947. Marvin Lyons then became our organist in 1947 and remained until he retired after more than 40 years. Marvin had much to say about the location of the organ and choir in the new church on N. Water Street. The organ and choir were moved to the back of the sanctuary, so as not to appear the featured act. Also there were no pew pads until Marvin left, as he felt it would hinder the sound.
The Flemish Master Carillon, made by the Vanburgen Bell Foundries of Charleston, South Carolina, was installed during September 1996. This replaced the 1945 memorial chimes originally located in the old church, but no longer operable.
The sound you hear are electronic reproductions of actual bells with speakers in the Bell Tower and in the organ chamber. The carillon can be heard either inside the Sanctuary, outside, or both. The installation was done by the Fowler Organ Company of Lansing, the firm that serviced our organ for many years. Through electronic programming, the bells toll every hour and half hour every day from 9:00 am, to 9:00 p.m. At noon and 6:00 p.m., hymns are played for 15 minutes.
Many possibilities include a peal of four bells, a single swinging bell, toll, a player system for playing hymns and the ability to play from the organ console. Currently programmed is a 10:30 am. Sunday morning call to worship for five minutes. The hour strike does not occur during the worship service.
We take pride in our music program with superb organists, outstanding individual musicians, accomplished choirs, and a bell choir.
Lucille Colby 1919-1947
John Merrell 1940-1945
Don Plott 1945-1947
Lewis Spencer 1947-1949
Gerald Gilbert 1949-1971
Ray Kindid 1971-1985
Steve Simpson 1985 - present
Marsha Handahl
Bruce Rasmusen
Rosemary Rasmusen
Ian Hansen 1993-1999
Linda King Sept. 1999 present
Margaret Woodhams (Founder) 1975
Holly Hunter
Joan Melzow
Steve Simpson
Pam Harkema
Marsha Norberg
JNet Lawcock
1891................The cost of the Williams & Ball Streets church:
Building site......$ 3,000.00
Building & Furniture.......$21,347.29
Organ..........$2,610.18
TOTAL.........$26,957.47
1894-1896.........Rev. J. Kerridge
1894 July 17,............ the Board of the St. Johannis German Evangelical Church offered the Board of Trustees of our church $2,200 for the old church. After some discussion, our Trustees accepted an offer of $2,650, subject to the action of the Quarterly Conference.
July 19,........ the Quarterly Conference acted favorably, and the deal was closed. The final terms were agreed upon August 21, 1894. $200 down, $300 or more in two years from August 21, 1894, $300 or mote in three years from August 21, 1894, and the balance in four years from the same date with the privilege of paying the whole amount at any time. Interest to be paid at 6 1/2% on all deferred payments. Signed L. Plichinger, Secretary
1911-1913............Rev.J.S.Steininger
November 11, 1911, at 11:00 pm., a tornado caused damage to the church tower and roof. It also damaged the former Methodist Church at Oliver and Washington Street. Salem Lutheran Church and the Episcopal Church also lost their steeples.
1919..........The 64th Annual Session of the Detroit Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church was held in Owosso September 16-22. This is the grontispiece in the Program and Assignments booklet given to each minister attending, including the Rev. William Combellack, who is the father of Theresa Combellack Leitch.
1922..........Church budget was $7,500
1926-1932.........Dr. Eugene Allen
1926..............Church paid hospital for church members! District ask a penny a member to purchase new office equipment for the superintendent.
1927...............November 7, the frame house near the parsonage was purchased and was named Parish House. This was used by Sunday School and small meetings.
1928.............September 4, received $750 from James Oliver Curwood estate. He was an Owosso native and famous author of outdoor books. Some were made into movies.
In the mid 1920s, Scout Troop 75 was started and meeting were held in the church building. They continued until sometime in 1970. In 1948, the Scout Troop went to Washington D.C. The scouts won awards in scouting projects, camping and canoe trips in Canada and much more.
1929 November- Because the front pews were empty, the Official Board voted that the board members should occupy them. There was no report of this actually happening.
During 1929, and through the depression, the church was having financial problems. It became necessary for the Board to put priority on which debts must be paid, and pay the others when they could.
1931............Sunday School classes feed unfortunate members of the church one meal once a week.
1932-1938..........Rev. John Meredith
1932............The first Tuesday of May was the first May Breakfast. (See 1983.)
1939.............First Methodist Episcopal Church became First Methodist Church after the merger with the Methodist Protestant Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
1945..............Plaster at the Ball and Williams Church was coming loose and falling in places. The walls and ceiling were covered with square fiber material. At the same time, a new organ was installed using some pipes installed in 1891. Also a large circular leaded glass rose window was installed facing the congregation. It was very beautiful with the morning sun shining through it during church service. The window was later removed and installed between the Narthex and Chapel at the North Water Street Church. It is interesting to note that the old stain glass windows were not saved and reused in the new building. That was too old fashioned in the early 1960's.
However, Gerald and Lemay Hudson, whose parents had given the rose window to the church years before, demanded that it be saved from the wrecking ball. They kept the window in their garage for 25 years until deciding that the time had come, because of their own advanced age, that they would see it be installed somewhere in the church. Finally, in the 1990's, a wall was found and it again shines as a reminder of the past.
1953.............Rev. Lorenz Stahl and family were refugees from Yugoslavia and Germany after World War II. The First Methodist Church sponsored them by renting a house and helping with their finances for about two years until Rev. Stahl's English had improved. Then he was assigned to be a Methodist minister.
1950s...............Rev. Don Morris
1961................Construction begins for new church building on North Water Street.
1962................The first worship service is held in the new building in August.
In gratitude for the devotion, loyalty and work of those that have made possible the rich heritage that is ours, we must now humbly dedicate our time, talent, and treasure to assure an ever increasing service in the cause of Christ and His Church as presented by Methodism in this community The following persons and many others working for them, are those who have given many, many hours to the great task of planning for the new church.
These have served on the Building Committee:
Charles P. Grace, General Chairman; Arthur Hultin, Mrs. Harold Hammond, Jack Harris, Mrs. John MacGregor, Clifford Noonan, Max Dillingham, Clifford Slocum, Edward Clack, Charles Post, Howard Davis, Royal Vincent, Marvin Lyons, John R. Francis.
Dr. Don A. Morris, Pastor
In addition to this committee, these also have given liberally of their time to make possible the building of our new church: Mr Adrian deBoom, Treasurer of the current budget; Mr L. Arthur Elliott, Financial Secretary,- Mrs. Charles Muster, Church Secretary; and Mr. Joe Woodbury, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Special mention must be made of the splendid work of our architects, Mr Earl Confer and his assistant, Mr. Ralph Dingel. Their work, their co-operation, and their spirit has been of the highest order. It has not only been invaluable, it has been indispensable!
Likewise we are deeply grateful to our builders, the Collinson Construction Company of Midland, for their special workmanship in giving us such a beautiful and well constructed edifice.
We salute our entire congregation, both members and friends,for their generous giving and the fine
spirit and enthusiasm they have shown in this whole project!
Dr. Don A. Morris
1964-1974..............A senior citizen group was organized, called the XYZ (Xtra Years of Zest). They would meet once a month, always had lunch, devotions, sometimes a special speaker, play games, and shared good fellowship. There were 72 members.
1964...............January 6..... Bishop Reed retires after 47 years of service to Michigan churches.
January 6..........Allan Orser resigns after serving as secretary of the Official Board for 28 years.
May 4............There was much discussion about the speaker system in the Sanctuary. They were having an echo problem (speakers were under pews). Speakers in Fellowship Hall are also causing a problem.
1963-1965................Christian Social Concerns are having many discussions about gambling, liquor, moral decay, pornography, etc.
1965 May 5..............Dr. Morris asked that members continue their present pledges because $300,000 still was owed on the new church.
May 3..............Have problem with finish on wooden window frames. Report from two paint companies in regard to outside wood finish. Dupont knew of nothing that would last more than six months. People in California refinish every six months, or paint over it. Martin-Senour had about the same answers except that stain might last 4-5 years. The cost of stain would be $3,500 and would last from 2 to 4 years. Paint was used.
June...Purchased new choir robes.
The first Lavender Luncheon to honor the ladies over 75 years. The food was brought by the younger members followed by a program and gifts were given.
September 12.....Voted to purchase a 1955 school bus. WSCS purchased it for $475. It needed some repairs. It was used only a few years and was sold.
October.................Report of the largest amount ever received on a church campaign. Mr. Rose, a professional fund raiser, was the leader.
A discussion about the public address system. About 1/3 of the members could not hear. It was believed the installation was at fault. Work was done on the PA system and some improvement was made. The complete work was done in 1980.
1966.............February....Had an offer to sell land on the west side of N. Water Street. Offer was declined.
May.............Twenty-four locust frees, 14 maple frees, pine tees, and flowering crab trees were planted requiring two men to water them all summer. There is a secret tree, where the ashes of one of the members is resting at its base.
The Eternal Light was installed above the altar table in memory of Ernest Sanderson by his family.
A garage was built to be used for storage.
1967..................March....Accepted an invitation from St. Joseph Catholic Church to attend their Mass; and in turn they attended our service at the Methodist Church.
1968...............April...The first 0MW Rummage Sale was held.
1968............June... Dr. Morris leaves. He was very important in his leadership, in organizing the committees, and the congregation in the building of the new church. Many thanks to him.
September............It was reported that the building fund down to $164,000.
December...............Rev. Gonser's family had a great tragedy. Their son, who was a Michigan State Policeman, was shot and killed in his car while on duty near Detroit.
1969....................In June 1969, the name changed to First United Methodist Church because of the merger with the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968.
1970..................The Day Care service began and used the south wing of the educational department. The church felt that there was a need to help families where both parents worked or for single parents who were in need of a safe place for their children to be taken care of. The church hoped that some of the children and their parents would become members of First Church.
1972-1977...................Rev. Paul Hart. The congregation continues to pay on pledges.
1975..................September....The final payment was made.
1976....................April.....Dedication of the church by Bishop Dwight Loder Churches are dedicated after they are fully paid for.
May.................After church service, the congregation remained to witness the mortgage burning. Distnct Superintendent Paul Blomquist was the speaker.
1979................October.....First Church welcomes boat people from rural north Laos. First UMC rented and furnished a house at 339 N. Water Street. The congregation had collected enough to help the Salchang family of three for 3-6 months. The church also helped them find work. They were here less than 6 months before moving to Flint to be with other people from Laos.
Rev. Norbert Smith and Basil Henry started Hospice in the area. There is a bronze plaque on the west side of the west drive in memory of him.
December...............We began to make plans for a new parsonage, which was to be built on the south end of the church property on the west side of Water Street.
1980.................The new parsonage was built.
The Sanctuary audio equipment and controls were on the main floor housed in a cabinet on the east wall of the Narthex. This was installed in 1962 and at first controlled the speakers under the pews, later speakers were installed on each side of the Chancel. This improved the sound, but it was not at its best.
In 1980, the new electronic audio equipment was installed in the balcony. A few years later, a wireless microphone was added for the pastor giving freedom from the stationary microphone.
Also in 1980, the wall speakers at the front of the Nave were removed. A large speaker cabinet was built to hang from the ceiling, which they found was too much weight to lift. A hole was cut in the roof, a cable was lowered to the cabinet and with a hoist on the roof, the cabinet was put in place.
1981.............April 26.....Rev. Norbert Smith received an Honorary Doctorate from Adrian College. When asked why he never used the Doctorate title he replied, 'I'm just trying to be humble.'
1983..................After 24 years of use, the felt paper, tar and gravel roof began to leak in the Sanctuary (Nave). A new rubber-like material was used to replace the old roof on the entire building.
May...........The May Breakfast celebrated their 50th anniversary. This began with a breakfast for the women of the church and guests. They had guest speakers, music, devotions, and fellowship. This later was changed from breakfast to a luncheon at about noon.
1984..............200th anmversary of the formation of the Methodist Church in the United States.
1985-1996..............Rev. Carol J. Johns
1985.................Air-conditioners were installed in the Sanctuary.
The first CROP Walk that First United Methodist Church participated in. Members sponsored different walkers. Dave Sheperd organized the walk for many years. The idea was to see which walkers could raise the most money. They walked from Owosso to Corunna. The purpose was to raise money to help stop hunger, support grass roots self-help development programs in more than 80 countries to share $3 million plus (each year) to fight hunger in the US, assist after disaster and much more. This money was given to the Church World Service.
1987................The Church offices were remodeled. The Administrative Assistants office was moved from next to the Pastors office to the location of the library, and the library was moved next to the Pastors office. New carpeting and furniture was installed in all the offices.
1989...............June 6....A Kawai grand piano was purchased to replace the upright piano that was used since the church was built. Rev. Johns can be credited for bringing this beautiful instrument into the church and at a bargain price of S22,500. The name KAWAI was removed from the piano side.
1991................June 8...The church had minister exchange for 6 weeks. Rev. Carol Johns of Owosso First was a guest minister at three Methodist churches: Dene Holm, Shorne, and Gravesend, England. Brian Snellgrove, and his family were our guests from England.
1992................A director of Christian Education was hired, replacing a church school superintendent and an assistant.
1994....................The first LIVING NATIVITY was put on as a gift to the community, a message of the
birth of Christ. This was a large production directed by Marsha Lyttle and Sharon Marsh. There were
2 casts of actors, totaling 62. Each cast was only on the scene for half an hour at a time because
of the cold weather. The costumes were made by the women of the church. Electric lines were run for lighting on
the sets. Women prepared and served wann refreshments for the cast in Fellowship Hall.
The performance was put on the second Saturday and Sunday of December. The following is a list of the scenes:
Caesar Augustus Decree (taxes)
Mary & Joseph on the Road (with donkey)
Angel Gabriel
Shepherds wit their Sheep
Travelers with Cart
Inn (with another donkey)
Heavenly Hosts of Angels
Three Kings
Manger Scene (with live cattle and sheep)
Autos followed the drive in back of the church which was lined with luminaries on both sides of the drive. At times, traffic was backed up on Washington Street beyond Oliver Street. The first year caused the worst traffic jam that Owosso ever had. according to the Argus Press. It is estimated that from 3 to 5 thousand viewed the Journey to Bethlehem each night. Traffic backed up two blocks on M-52. It took 300 members of the church to present the LIVING NATIVITY. The following years, the Owosso Police Department and the CB Club got involved with the church Traffic Committee.
An 8-foot tall camel constructed of grape vines was added in 1995. Debi Lobb began chairing the event in 1999. In 2000, Sherry Goebel and Barb Coffey served as co-chair with Debi Lobb.
1994................The three trees at the south east corner of the Church property symbolize the crucifixion of Christ. They were given by Rev. Carol Johns in memory of her father.
The Parlor was completely refurbished for the first time since the church was built.
1995...................A 1,000 watt flood lamp was installed to light the tower. A photo cell turns the lamp on at night and a clock timer turns it off before midnight. This was given as a memorial to LeRoy McGinn by his wife Elaine McGinn.
Air-conditioning was installed in the choir room.
1996..................The kitchen was refurbished. All appliances (except the dishwasher) and most of the sinks were replaced.
1996..................February....The Stephen Ministry program began training people to develop their gifts for bringing concern and care of Christs community to people in need. This is a 20 week study, which was led by Rev. Carol Johns, Carolyn Barnes, and Jane Hofstra.
1996 - 2005.............. Rev. Grant Lobb
1997................A youth director was hired, replacing volunteer leaders.
Contemporary Worship early church services were offered in the Church Fellowship Hall. Grant Lobb & family along with Steve Simpson & family and many others led the music and service.
A new electronic sound system was installed in Fellowship Hall, replacing the tube type equipment.
1998..................The east parking lot had new black top surface and enlarged islands, with new trees and shrubs.
1999...............September...The DISCIPLE Bible Study program began. It is a 34-week study of the scriptures. Three groups met weekly, led by Kathy Bunting, Debi Lobb, and Rev. Grant Lobb.
2000................March....A 15 passenger van was purchased for Church use.
June/July...... New Boilers Installed.
We must take time to thank Russ Osborne for sixteen years of dedicated service to the Church in maintaining and keeping the heating and air- conditioning systems operating. This is no small job and is a gift to the church.
November..... Storage facility (pole barn) constructed.
2001...............July.... Full-time Associate, Rev. Eric Kieb.
$400,000 refurbishment of the sancuary. Pews refinished and angled. New flooring and sound system. Altar area rebuilt with moveable lectern and pulpit. And much more.
2002.........Associate position was eliminated.
2004.........Over 100 members joined in a bible study which last many weeks.
2005 - present........Rev. Duane Harris