History of Detroit and Wayne County and early Michigan: A Chronological Cyclopedia of the Past and Present, Vol. I, Part 92

Author: Farmer, Silas, 1839-1902
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Detroit, Pub. by S. Farmer & co., for Munsell & co., New York
Number of Pages: 1094

USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > History of Detroit and Wayne County and early Michigan: A Chronological Cyclopedia of the Past and Present, Vol. I > Part 92

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By order of the Society, JAMES L. REED, Secretary.

On April 22, 1823, the Governor and Judges gave Lots 55 and 56 in Section 7, on the southeast corner of Gratiot and Farrar Streets, to " Robert Abbott, Philip Warren, Jerry Dean, Robert P. Lewis, James Kapple, John Ramsey, John Farmer, B. F. H. Witherell, and Israel Noble," as the trustees of the society. The deed provided that a church should be erected before March 19, 1826. The erection of the church was commenced soon after the deed was received, but the work moved slowly, and the funds were all gone before the walls were completed.

In September of this year Elias Pattee and B. O. Plympton were stationed on Detroit Circuit, and the next year Pattee was returned with Isaac C. Hunter as his associate. During 1824 Mr. Pattee was com- missioned to collect funds to finish the church, and on April 22, he reported that he had collected in Ohio, over and above his traveling expenses, $291.82, and this amount was paid over to the trustees. In 1825 he was sent on a similar trip, and a story has been put in print that his expenses were $2.50 more than the sum he collected, and that the trustees were obliged to make up this deficit. The official records, however, disprove that story, for they show that he collected "$625.25 over all expenses," and that out of this amount he was paid $175.00 for his services.

Rev. J. B. Finley, in his history of the Wyandotte Mission, gives incidentally the following account of one of his visits to Detroit, during this period :

We set off next morning (December 16, 1823, from Brownstown) for Detroit city. Here we were joyfully received by my old friend, brother Dean. The news got out that some of the Chris- tian Indians were with me, and this called together some who were skeptical on the subject of the possibility of Indians being religious. They conversed with them on the subject and found that they were not at a loss to give a reason for the hope that was in them. They could tell of their conviction, conversion, and progress in godliness as well as though they had been taught to read, or were brought up by Christian parents.

After the conversation ended, in which I took no part, but left them to make the examination for themselves, I asked the Indian brethren to sing a hymn in Wyandott, which they did to the astonishment of the company. Then I asked Mononcue to pray, which he did with great fervor and zeal, and before he was done, the company were affected to tears, to hear a poor Indian pray with such power. When we arose from our knees, they sung again, and with their faces wet with tears, went around the room and shook hands with all present. This put an end to all their unbelief, and they most cordially received and embraced them as children of God, born of His spirit, and bound for the land of Canaan. It was a blessed evening to me and all present.

The next morning (December 17, 1823) we visited Governor Cass, and were received with great kindness, and obtained from him all the information he was in possession of, in reference to the situation of the Indians in that region of country. We were referred by the Governor to Major Baker, commandant of the garrison, who had recently built the military works at Saginaw. Brother Mononcue and myself dined with the Governor, who treated us with the greatest respect. I tried to preach at candle- light, from Romans vi. 23: "The wages of sin is death," etc .; and God owned his word. Many were cut to the heart, and en- quired the way of salvation.

On the morning of the 18th we took breakfast with Brother Lockwood. * * * On the 26th I preached on the Rouge river, at brother Robert Abbott's, from Ephesians v. 15, 16: "See that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." We had a time of feeling, many wept, and a few joined class.

I returned to Detroit (on Sunday, Dec. 28th) and preached at night from Rev. xx. 12 . " I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened," etc. This night will be remembered in eternity. Such were the cries for mercy that my voice was drowned. More than forty came forward to be prayed for, and several experienced the pardon of their sins, while many others resolved never to rest until they found redemption in the blood of the Lamb. This city seemed now

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THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.

to be visited with a cloud of mercy, and it appeared next day as if all business was suspended. I went from house to house and exhorted all to turn to Christ. I went into the barracks among the officers and soldiers, and preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. I prayed in every house which I visited, and there was an awful shaking among the dry bones. About sixty joined the church, as the fruit of these meetings; and, if I could have staid, I have no doubt that many more would have joined ; but it was imperiously necessary for me to return home.

In 1825 William Simmons was appointed to De- troit, and during his ministry services were held in the old University Building, on Bates Street near Congress.

74/20

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Original brick building.

In 1826 Zarah H. Coston was appointed as pas- tor. He undertook to fit up the church, making a pulpit himself ; there was a gallery on three sides, and the seats were rough boards, supported at either end by pieces of short plank piled together. The building, though never formally dedicated, was used from 1826 to 1833. It was far out on the commons, with only an occasional board or stone for a walk, and in wet weather there was no lack of room for those who attended. The society realized, as early as 1828, that the location was an unfortunate one, and sought to exchange with the Governor and Judges for a more eligible site, but no exchange could be made. During 1827 Rev. Wm. Runnells, one of the preachers for Detroit circuit, preached several times in this church. Rev. Arza Brown, who was pastor in 1828-1829, obtained funds for and laid a plank walk to the church, and the attend- ance was greatly increased.

In September, 1829, the membership was seventy- eight. During these years, when the pastor was unavoidably detained, one of Wesley's sermons was

occasionally read by a young man named John Owen. In 1830 Alvan Billings was pastor. He was succeeded in 1831 by Henry Colclazer.

The following full record of the proceedings of one quarterly conference during the pastorate of Mr. Colclazer affords several illustrations of old-time methods :

PROCEEDINGS OF THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH, HELD IN ROBERT ABBOTT, EsQ.'s, OFFICE, OCTOBER 24TH, 1832.

After some consultation, it was

Resolved, 1. That John Owen and Orson Eddy be a committee to prepare the stoves for winter service.

Resolved, 2. That the preacher in charge be authorized to select his place of boarding for the ensuing year.

Resolved, 3. That in order to raise funds we attend, Ist, to our quarterly collection among the members ; 2nd, that we have a penny collection after each service on the Sabbath ; 3rd, that we at a suitable time circulate a subscription amongst the citizens.

Resolved, 4. That we change the manner of sitting in the con- gregation so that the men will occupy the seats on left of the aisle, and the women on the right.

Resolved, 5. That Thomas Knapp, Jerry Dean, and Mr. Owen be a committee to select and purchase a lot for the purpose of building a church thereon, after which the meeting adjourned.

JERRY DEAN,

H. COLCLAZER, Pr. Secretary.

On June 18, 1834, the trustees were authorized by special Act to dispose of the old lot. On May 15, 1833, Mr. Witherell, on behalf of the church, paid $1,100 for the lot on the northeast corner of Wood- ward Avenue and Congress Street. On June 11, 1833, the society ordered that the old church and lots be advertised for sale, and Messrs. Witherell and Owen were appointed a committee to obtain plans for a new church ; and on June 27, this notice appeared in the Journal and Advertiser :

The trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church contemplate erecting a new House of Worship, and offer the one they now occupy for sale, together with the two lots on which it stands. For terms apply to

J. DEAN.

On January 24, 1834, the committee reported the sale of the old church and lots for $1,500, payable one third in cash, one third in six months, and one third in nine months. Prior to this sale, on June 5, 1833, the Common Council had given the society permission to remove the Council House from Larned Street near Woodward Avenue to the lot on Congress Street, in the rear of the church they were about to erect. In this new location the build- ing was used for services until the completion of the church. The new church, built of wood, cost $3,000, and was dedicated July 13, 1834, during the pastorate of Elijah Crane; he came in the fall of 1833 and remained two years. On July 11, 1834, on account of a debt hanging over the building, the trustees resolved to rent one half of the slips in the church at a minimum price of six dollars each, with the privilege of retaining them for five years by

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payment of the rent yearly in advance. The pas- tor's salary, in 1840, was $636.

The successive pastors after Mr. Crane, up to 1850, were : 1835, William Herr; 1836-1838, Rev. (subsequently Bishop) Edward Thompson ; 1838, J. E. Chaplain, 1839-1841, Henry Colclazer ; 1841, A. M. Fitch ; 1842, James S. Harrison ; 1843, James S. Harrison and Jonathan Blanchard ; 1844. James V. Watson; 1845-1847, J. A. Baughman ; 1847, O. Mason and E. Crane (temporary supply) ; 1848- 1850, S. D. Simonds.

Early in 1848 the building of a new church began to be agitated, and on February 16 it was resolved to sell the property then occupied.

In selecting a site for a new church the choice lay between a lot on the corner of Lafayette and Shelby Streets and the lot on the southwest corner of Woodward Avenue and State Street. The trustees finally decided to buy the first- named lot, but as their decision was not wholly satis- factory, the sub- ject was referred to the class leaders of the church, and they reported in favor of the lot on Woodward Ave- nue. On June 26 it was agreed to purchase the lot on Woodward Avenue at $2,000, Er Nijamer Mal and four days after the deed was made.

FIRST M. E. CHURCH, CORNER WOODWARD AVENUE AND STATE STREET.

On March 22, 1849, the lot on the corner of Woodward Avenue and Congress Street was sold for $7,000. The erection of a brick church on the new lot was begun, and on Sunday, April 8, 1849, the basement was first used for public worship. During the previous week the old church was moved to the northeast corner of Lafayette and Fourth Streets to be used as a Mission Church.

The new church was fifty-five by seventy-eight feet and cost $11,000. It had galleries on three sides, and could seat seven hundred persons. The audience room was dedicated on June 2, 1850. The morning sermon was by Dr. Edward Thomp- son, then president of the Ohio Wesleyan University. In the afternoon Professor Seager, of Buffalo, preached. From 1850-1852, E. H. Pilcher was pastor; 1852-1854, W. H. Collins; 1854-1856, A. D. Wilbor; 1856-1858, F. A. Blades; 1858, S. Clements; 1859-1861, S. Reed; 1861 -- 1863, John

M. Arnold ; during the pastorate of Mr. Arnold an entrance to the church on the south side was built, and other improvements made, and on July 14 the audience room was re-opened for service. From 1863 -- 1865 J. M. Buckley was pastor. The sermons of Mr. Buckley were highly appreciated, and during his pastorate many persons who had not been in the habit of so doing commenced to attend the church, and the building became too small for the con- gregations.

It so happened that a few weeks prior to the coming of Mr. Buckley the church building of the Congress Street M. E. Society was destroyed by fire; that society soon decided to build in a new location, and purchased five lots on the northeast corner of Woodward and Adams Avenues for $8,600. Meantime, while arranging their plans, the congre- gation worshiped in various public halls. At the same time the trustees of the First Church had under considera- tion the selection of a site for a new church. Ere long committees from the two churches were in consulta- tion, and after sev- eral conferences, in February, 1864, it was agreed to unite the property and influence of the two societies and build a stone church, to cost not less than $50,000, on the site selected by the Congress Street Church, the building to be erected in the name of the First M. E. Church as the older corporation, but to be known by the name of the Central M. E. Church, which name had been selected by the Congress Street Society. There was also included in the agreement the contribution of $2,500 towards the erection of a chapel on Jefferson Avenue, and the partial support of a pastor there for three years.

On March 14, 1864, the following persons were appointed as a building committee for the new church: John Owen, David Preston, L. L. Farns- worth, John Kendall, Aaron C. Fisher. The esti- mated value of the property possessed by the First Church was $18,000, and that of the Congress Street Church $17,500. The old edifice of the First Church was finally sold for $23,000, and the prop- erty of the Congress Street Society, aside from the lots, netted $13,500.

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THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.

The Sunday schools of the two churches were united, and met together for the first time on Sep- tember 25, 1864. The occasion was observed with appropriate exercises.

It was soon decided to build a chapel as well as a church; this necessitated more ground, and on October 21, 1864, two lots facing on Adams Ave- nue were purchased for the sum of $2,500. The erection of the chapel was commenced, and on Sep- tember 21, 1865, the building was dedicated. The total cost, including the furnishing, was $27,834; the size of the building is fifty-two by ninety-four feet, and it seats five hundred persons.

On the completion of the chapel, as neither it nor the old church was large enough for the congrega- tion, the Detroit conference appointed Rev. J. H. McCarty as associate pastor, and he and Rev. J. M. Buckley preached alternately, morning and evening, to the two congregations. From the fall of 1866 to that of 1867 Rev. J. H. McCarty and Rev. L. R. Fiske were associated in the same way, and then Rev. L. R. Fiske became the sole pastor.

On July 2, 1866, at a meeting of the members and friends of the church, $13,200 was subscribed towards a church building, and on the next day the corner-stone was laid with appropriate exercises. On November 17, 1867, it was completed, and dedi- cated with services conducted in the morning by Bishop M. Simpson, in the afternoon by Dr. T. M. Eddy, and in the evening by Rev. J. M. Buckley.

The burden of soliciting the funds for the erection of both chapel and church fell largely upon David Preston, and his presentation of the claims of the church, and plea for funds, on the day of dedication, was a combination of power and eloquence, born of feeling, probably never excelled on any similar

occasion. In the work of paying for the church, the services of John Owen, its long-time treasurer, were especially valuable; under his management no bills have ever gone unpaid, whether the church was or was not in possession of funds.

The entire length of the church is one hundred and twenty-three feet, general width, fifty-eight feet, width including transepts, ninety feet ; height from ground to ridge of roof, seventy feet, to top of tower, one hundred and seventy-five feet. It seats 1,200 and can accommodate 1,500. Including the furnish- ing, it cost $92,000 exclusive of the ground and not including the cost of the chapel.

In order to insure light on the eastern side of the chapel, and as a site for a parsonage, the church, on September 28, 1868, bought Lots 8 and 9 on Adams Avenue for the sum of $4,800, making the total amount paid for the grounds $13,900. The frontage on Woodward Avenue is 100 feet and on Adams Avenue 238.79 feet.

The pastorate of Mr. Fiske ceased about two years

after the dedication of the church, and from the fall of 1869 to the fall of 1870 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Dr. B. F. Cocker, Rev. I). D. Buck, and Rev. G. G. Lyon. From 1870-1873 Rev. W. X. Ninde, D. D., was in charge, assisted the first year by Rev. C. C. Yemans. In 1873 Rev. L. R. Fiske, D. D., again became the pastor, and remained for three years. He was assisted the last two years by Rev. J. B. Atchinson, who had the morning mission Sun- day school especially in charge.

During Mr. Fiske's pastorate, in May, 1874, the church published five hundred copies of a hymnal of two hundred pages, compiled under its direction by the organist, Professor L. H. Thomas. It found favor with several other congregations, and was used until displaced by the denominational hymnal.

In the fall of 1876 Rev. W. X. Ninde, D. D., (now Bishop), was for the second time appointed pastor, and served until the fall of 1879. He was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Bayliss, D. D., who remained until the fall of 1882, when the Rev. W. W. Ramsay, D. D., entered upon the pastorate. This year, for the first time, the pews were rented for one year with the privi- lege of retaining for three years at the same rental, and they brought a larger price than ever before, In the fall of 1885, Rev. W. S. Studley, D. D., be- came pastor.

As is the case in many of the larger churches, various societies for the promotion of particular lines of church work have been organized among the mem- bers. A Ladies' Missionary Society was organized May 14, 1844, reorganized as a Missionary and Be- nevolent Society on November 7, 1855, changed to a Church Furnishing Society in 1864, and on December 10, 1867, again organized as a Benevolent Society. Its special object is the care of the sick and poor of the church, but from time to time it has turned its efforts in various other directions. The first young people's prayer-meeting in the city was organized in connection with this church in November, 1855. It has been continuously successful, and is now in charge of the Young People's Society.

During 1883 the society erected an elegant par- sonage with stone front facing Adams Avenue. It cost, with its furnishings, about $12,000. The annual expenses of the church average about $8,000. In 1883 $7,000 was realized from pew rents. About $1,000 is received annually from ordinary Sunday collections. The pastor is paid $3,000, the sexton $700, and the choir costs about $1, 100 a year. The value of the property in 1880 was $150,000. The society is entirely free from debt.

The average attendance at morning service in 1880 was 600. The number of members in the several decades has been: 1830, 78; 1840, 241 ; 1850, 198; 1860, 269; 1870, 600 ; 1880, 769. Since January 1, 1879, a paper, called The Central Mirror,

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GW Summer Dre

CENTRAL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CHAPEL AND PARSONAGE.

[568!

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has been published, devoted to the interests of the church and Sunday school. From 1870 the church has had especially in its charge a morning mission Sunday school, organized in 1844.

" Its pastor and founder were both the same, A German brother, Helwig by name, He gathered in from lane and street, He was zealous, and wise, and also discreet. An old wood building, yellow and gray, Sheltered the school on its natal day, On Brush, near Larned, the school began, 'T was founded on the union plan. It flourished there for several years, Its teachings watered with prayer and tears. In forty-nine a home it found

In the German Church new to the ground, On corner of Croghan and Beaubien Street, And memory lingers o'er many a sweet Which came to our hearts while laboring there With souls new filled with joy and prayer. In singing we used the "Sunday School Bell," And then the " Harmonist " as well, And " Chain," and "Shower," and " Censer " all, With " Singing Pilgrim " made their call ; " Fresh Laurels," too, were strewed along, And " Brightest and Best " was full of song, And " Jewels " with setting of " Pure Gold," Shed rays of joy on young and old, And " Diamonds " brighter than the day Lured us on in the upward way And as we sung along the road We never called the work a load, But gladly gave both means and care, For benedictions filled the air ; And many a soul is nearer heaven Because of lessons therein given."

On July 17, 1870, the school was opened in a new location, on the southeast corner of Clinton and Hastings Streets. The original cost of the property was $ 4,000, and $ 2,000 additional was spent in improvements. In June, 1883, the property was sold for $3,458. The school was then reorganized and continued in the same location.

Congress Street Church.

At the conference of 1843, Rev. Jonathan Blan- chard was appointed to Detroit to aid in organizing this church. Under his leadership several members of the First Church, with some new members, or- ganized this society. In 1844 Rev. R. R. Richards was appointed as the first pastor and served two years. Services were at first held in Mechanics' Hall, then in the Capitol, and in May, 1845, the society began worshiping in the United States Court Room, on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Gris- wold Street.

The first meeting of the trustees was held on March 17, 1845. The following persons were present : William Scott, S. W. Higgins, William Phelps, J. S. Trask, Charles Lee, J. H. Van Dyke, and L. L. Farnsworth. At a meeting held on the following day, it was resolved to purchase the lot on the

northeast corner of Congress and Randolph Streets for $900, and to build a brick church at an estimated cost of $3,754.

The church, forty-two by sixty-seven feet, was completed and the basement dedicated with a ser- mon by Rev. Noah Levings, on September 14, 1845. The body of the church was dedicated July 24, 1846, with a sermon by the eloquent and eccentric Rev. John N. Maffitt. Some days after Mr. Maffitt delivered a lecture, as appears from the following newspaper notice :

Rev. Professor Maffitt will deliver a lecture in the new brick Methodist Episcopal Church on Congress Street, this evening, July 28th, at 8 o'clock. Subject : Glory of Mechanism ; the Mechanism of the Heavens and the Earth ; of Man ; of Mortals ; of Religion, and Eternity, and the Phoenix Bird of Immortality. Admission, 25 cents. The lecture for the benefit of the Second Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1846 Rev. James F. Davidson served as pas- tor, and was succeeded in 1847 by Rev. Harrison Morgan. The salary of the pastor at this time was $400, and of course donation parties were made use of to help raise the amount. It is not to be regretted that these misnomers are things of the past in Detroit, and yet they were marked occasions, for the good cheer and friendly intercourse that pre- vailed. The parsonage during this period was on Congress Street in the rear of the church.

In the fall of 1849 Rev. George Taylor became the pastor. During his pastorate, in the spring of 1850, through an introduction from Colonel J. B. Grayson, he made the acquaintance of Lieutenant U. S. Grant, and as a result Lieutenant Grant rented a pew in the church and was a regular attendant during his stay in Detroit. When Gen- eral Grant became President, he testified on several occasions his esteem for his former pastor, both by word and deed.

In the fall of 1851 Rev. John Russell was ap- pointed pastor ; in 1852, Rev. C. C. Olds ; in 1853, Rev. William Mahon, and then for two years Rev. M. Hickey was pastor.

In 1855 the old steps in front of the church were removed, and a new entrance with other improve- ments made. At this time a Library Association, with several hundred volumes, was in existence, regular meetings were held for social intercourse and the exchange of books, and there was much activity and interest in the affairs of the church.

From 1856 to 1858 Rev. A. J. Eldred was pastor. On October 1, 1856, the society purchased the Good- rich property on Randolph Street for a parsonage, at a cost of $6,000. From 1858 to 1860 Rev. F. A. Blades was pastor. Soon after his appointment, on October 18, 1858, it was resolved to take in the old parsonage lot on Congress Street and increase the length of the church fifty feet.

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THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.

The extension was completed and the church re- opened on January 22, 1859. The cost of the im- provements was $2,500, including the fitting up of

CONGRESS STREET M. E. CHURCH.

two stores in the basement. On February 20, 1860, the Goodrich property was sold to Peter Henkel for $6,500. This year Rev. F. W. May was pastor ; in 1861 he was succeeded by Rev. O. W. Sanborn, and during his pastorate, on January 14, 1862, the society bought of Governor Cass two lots on the northeast corner of Second and George Streets for $1,200, and soon after erected a parsonage thereon at a cost of $ 2,000.

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History of Detroit and Wayne County and early Michigan: A Chronological Cyclopedia of the Past and Present, Vol. I, Part 92

Author: Farmer, Silas, 1839-1902 Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Detroit, Pub. by S. Farmer & co., for Munsell & co., New York Number of Pages: 1094

Author: Farmer, Silas, 1839-1902
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Detroit, Pub. by S. Farmer & co., for Munsell & co., New York
Number of Pages: 1094