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Historical Account of Local Methodism

Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church

Charlotte, Michigan

Methodism in Eaton County dates from 1834, when the first Methodist sermon was preached at Bellevue by Rev. Hobart from Marshall, before a church was in evidence. In the fall of 1834 the first Methodist class was formed at Bellevue by the Rev. James F. Davidson, a traveling preacher. There were five in the class.

In October, 1835, Jonathan and Samuel Searles came from Bellevue on foot. It took five days and they settled on what is now Eaton Rapids Road. It was first known as Searles Street. The Searles walked and worked for those five days cutting a track through the forests so that later they could hire a team to bring Mrs. J. Searles and their few, but precious, household possessions to their new home.

In 1838 the Michigan and Ohio Conferences were separated (they had been one). So this part of Michigan was included in the ecclesiastical domain of Methodism, known as the Ingham Mission, belonging to the Marshall District, which probably included Calhoun, Eaton and Ingham counties. So before the soil was tilled and while virgin forests abounded the itinerate preacher passed and repassed the site of our city, Charlotte; "a beautiful prairie surrounded by forests."

In 1838 the first place of worship and the first sermon was at the home of Jonathan Searles, two miles southeast on the Eaton Rapids Road (the Dymond Farm which is located in Eaton Township). There were seven members. The Rev. Washington Jackson was the preacher and he was in charge of the Ingham Mission. Services were held here for one year.

The Jonathan Searles home consisted of one room plainly furnished and accommodated thirteen members of the family; Father, Mother, and eleven children. The nearest trading center was Marshall, twenty-five miles away, and often the early settlers had to make the trip on foot and would return with their purchases on their backs. The Searles home also served as post office and court house, as well as church. The Dymonds once plowed up a piece of headstone believed to be a grave marker for one of the Searles' children.

In 1839 the Rev. Isaac Bennett followed Rev. Jackson and the services were moved from the Searles home to the court room in the Eagle Hotel, a hewn log building which had just been erected on the site now occupied by the Charlotte Hotel, on the northeast corner of Lawrence Avenue and Cochran.

The Searles brothers built this Eagle Hotel and it is reported the woodwork and floors were beautifully done, and "the finished building looked like fine cabinet work."

Here, at the Eagle Hotel, the first sermon in Charlotte, as we know it now, was given by the Rev. Isaac Bennett in 1839. Here also, the Rev. Bennett performed the first marriage in Charlotte. The bride, Susan Searles, 17-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Searles, and the groom, Rollo Cushing. Later she married Amos Munson, prominent in early Charlotte history.

In 1841 the name of the Ingham Mission was changed to the Eaton Mission and the Rev. Levi Warriner was put in charge. The services were now held in a hewn log building 16x20 feet which stood just east of the Pythian Temple Building (now the Green Light Restaurant) or just a half block west of the present Methodist Church. There were twelve members now. The building was also used as a printing shop, school house, chapel and dwelling.

The Rev. Warriner was very successful in evangelistic work and a church class was organized including the following members: Mrs. Arian Shepherd, Calvin Ludden and wife, David Darwin Hughes, Carrie Hughes, Frederick White. Later the class was joined by County Treasurer Simeon Harding and wife, Rev. Peter Featherstone, A. C. H. Maxson and afterwards became an eminent jurist in Michigan legal circles.

Next the meetings were held in the Block School House, standing where the Beach Market is now located. Sunday School was held at this time and A. C. H. Maxson was superintendent, and his wife his assistant.

In 1845 the Eaton Circuit was formed--termed a two-weeks circuit. The Circuit included Charlotte, Bellevue, Kalamo, Carmel, Kalamo Mills, Vermontville, Oneida and Hovey's Settlement.

In 1846 a frame Court House was built and the services were held in a room in this building for thirteen years.

The Methodist and the Congregational churches both held meetings in the Court House alternating one Sunday in the morning and the next in the evening. The Sunday Schools were merged. This continued until the Congregationalists erected their "Basswood" church on West Seminary at the end of Bostwick Street in 1856. In 1846 the Eaton Circuit was enlarged and had two pastors--called a four-weeks circuit. Four times annually official board members met somewhere in the circuit to transact business. They went on foot or horseback. In 1848 Henry Robinson came to Charlotte as register of deeds and holding a local preacher's license, he frequently preached "and always with great acceptability."

February 28, 1849, when the Rev. J. F. Collins was in charge of the Eaton Circuit, the first trustees were appointed: Vincent Lee, Osmyn Childs, Henry Robinson, William Johnson, John F. Tirrill, George F. Merrill, Isaac Turner, G. B. Griffin and Joseph Gridley.

In 1852 Eaton Circuit was changed to Charlotte Circuit under the care of Rev. S. P. Parker.

In 1855 during Rev. Thomas Lyon's pastorate the following resolution was adopted, "Resolved that we need a Methodist Episcopal meeting house in Charlotte." The following committee was appointed to estimate the expense of such a building: Jordan Johnson, William O'Bryan and Henry Robinson. They reported $2,500 to $3,000 was necessary. This building was to be made of brick.

The clay for the brick was procured on the Meach Farm just back of 734 North Cochran Avenue (the Warren place). The bricks were made in the brickyard there. At this time Charlotte consisted of a village of 52 dwellings.

Land was purchased of Henry Robinson for a church site, September 4, 1857. The society still owned the old parsonage at this time. (See History of Parsonages)

In 1857 Charlotte became a separate charge, "enjoying the undivided labors of its own pastor."

In 1859 after much sacrifice and struggle the membership of fifty saw the fruits of their labors realized. The first Methodist Episcopal Church, a white brick structure 40x60 feet was erected; at the cost of $3,000 on the west side of the lot where the present Methodist Church stands. The brick church was dedicated Saturday, April 23, 1859. The Dedication sermon was given by Rev. M. A. Daugherty of Marshall. The choir was led by William Piper. The musical instrument, a mellopean, loaned by Hiram Shepherd, for the occasion, was played by Miss Annetta Shepherd, later Mrs. M. Holcomb. Sunday School was started at this time and Henry Robinson was Superintendent and served many years.

The brick church is of particular interest as Henry Robinson mortgaged his own property, across the street, so that the church could be built. As a member of his family, Mrs. Murl DeFoe put it--"He practically built the church, physically and financially." A parsonage was also built at this time on the east side of the lot. A hitching rail was located along Washington Street for the convenience of members.

In the winter of 1874-75, sixteen years later, during the pastorate of Rev. C. S. Fox, the brick church was enlarged to accommodate the growing society. A white frame transcept was erected across the south end and a vestibule and steeple put in front. The main building was also reseated, recarpeted and frescoed. The seating capacity was now 285 and the church was valued at $7,000.

"In 1879 the membership was reported at Conference as 222. The Sunday School had a membership of 300 with an average attendance of 225. A. P. Green was the Superintendent. The Sunday School library had 400 volumes. Money has been subscribed to build a tower to the church which work will soon be accomplished."

In 1885 when Rev. W. H. Thompson was pastor here the trustees were: Hon. C. M. Jennings, T. M. Foote, H. Cooper, S. Collins, Joseph M. Haslett, Charles Bennett, George Foreman, Andrew P. Green and George Ward. The stewards were Jerrie Mikesell, F. G. Warren, A. P. Hartson, A. P. Green, J. F. Tirrell, A. W. Bates, George Foreman, W. Vickery, S. C. Holbrook, Mrs. George Ward, Mrs. A. Shepherd, Mrs. George Foreman and Mrs. S. C. Holbrook.

In June, 1888, a New Pedal Organ was installed. It was purchased from O. C. Klock. A wonderful concert was held at this time.

The church grew and many outstanding and devoted Ministers gave their talents and energy. The membership flourished and was now 400. The brick church so sacred to so many was outgrown after it had served for nearly forty-three years as a place for divine worship.

Plans for the present Methodist Church were started in 1900. The Rev. D. F. Barnes was pastor. Ways and means for financing the $40,000 temple of worship were started. There were about 500 who attended the closing feast held in the auditorium after all the seats were removed on Wednesday, March 5, 1902. A prayer meeting in the lower rooms closed the event before the old church was taken down to give place to the new.

In March, 1902, the brick church with so many memories was torn down, and the parsonage moved across the street to 209 East Lawrence Avenue. On March 20, 1902, The Charlotte Republican stated "The old M. E. Church is rapidly disappearing, and will soon be lost to sight forever."

Ground was broken for the new edifice in March, 1902.

During the building program services were held in the upstairs court room at the Court House.

May 26, 1902, the cornerstone was laid.

May 26, 1902, The Charlotte Republican gave the following account: "Dr. Samuel Dickie, President of Albion College, will give the formal address. The cornerstone, which will be laid at the northwest corner of the building at the base of the tower, is a block 2 feet 6 1/2 inches square and will bear on its face the following inscription; cut by Foreman, A. B. Mills:

LAWRENCE AVENUE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1849-1902

The stone is about 8x10 inches in thickness, and at the bottom and on the inside, is cut an opening which will set over the copper box into which will be placed a Bible, a copy of the Church Discipline, Church papers, the name of the Pastor, Dr. D. T. Barnes, the trustees: John L. Dolson, Jerrie Mikesell, J. W. Munger, Richard Smith, Daniel Huber, John F. Tirrill, Fred Schneckenberger, Dr. A. R. Stealy and J. M. Powers, the first three constituting the building committee, whose efficient work is shown in every step of the building's progress as well as it was in the preliminary effort to engage in the undertaking of securing a new church. The box will also contain The Charlotte Republican and other city papers."

There was such a large crowd gathered to hear this program and so many crowded on the cement steps leading to the sanctuary, that the steps settled about a foot. No accident occurred. These steps have given trouble ever since and every now and then have to be repaired and recemented.

The Virginia sandstone work was all done by the Prindle Brothers. The building committee was John L. Dolson, Jerrie Mikesell and J. W. Munger. Practically every day they were at the building site. The rest of the trustees were: Dr. A. R. Stealy, Richard Smith, Daniel Huber, John F. Tirrill, J. M. Powers and Fred Schneckenberger. They all worked untiringly.

The work of completing the building and the dedication arrangements fell to Rev. W. J. Wilson, who was appointed to Charlotte in 1903.

On December 20, 1903, the Dedication of the present Lawrence Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church was held. An event of genuine interest to the history of the city. "It is one of the most expensive and one of the most beautiful churches in the County and State." A Charlotte Leader of December 10, 1903, reports, "The beautiful and commodious structure of Gothic architecture stands bold and massive against the fair background of the sky, a monument to the intelligence, industry, and faith of the Methodism of Charlotte. For sixty-five years there have been Methodists in Charlotte and they always been earnest and enterprising. The new church is here; grand in outline, magnificent in proportion, exquisite in decoration and practical in construction. The finished building is 98 feet long and 96 feet wide. The basement is done off in cherry and lighted with gas and electricity. Here is a commodious kitchen, a large dining room, a spacious lecture room and halls and lobbies of convenient size. The infant class room is also below, large and attractive and well lighted. The first floor of the east wing is occupied by the ladies' parlor, hall, and a spacious Bible School room of beautiful finish, with galleries on either side for class work. The auditorium is a gem of elegance, richness of decoration and color, superb arches meeting in a dreamy dome in the center, and fine cornices. The arches are supported by four massive pillars done off in mahogany. The art windows, all memorials, representing different scenes in the life of Christ, add much to the beauty of the room while the delicate blending of blue and pink and green and gold in arch, alcove and dome gives the most pleasing effect. The main entrance presents a massive effect from without increased by the stateliness of the Gothic tower. The altar and choir loft are finished in mahogany while the pulpit suite is solid mahogany. Back of the pulpit and on either side are found two rooms--the pastor's study and the choir room. The pipe organ has been recently examined and replaced by Messrs. Hammer and Son, of Detroit, and presents an imposing appearance back of the pulpit and under the arched ceiling. The entire building is heated by steam."

The plans for the church called for a steeple or spire. Mrs. Wilson Geddes suggested that the spire not be added, leaving the tower square. the building committee decided to finish it that way. This has given the outside of the church a very distinctive appearance.

Mr. Joseph W. Powell of Buffalo, New York, was engaged as dedication day leader, a national figure. Dr. Samuel Dickie, President of Albion College, gave the dedication day sermon. The music for the occasion was directed by Dr. F. W. Chace, Director of the Conservatory of Music at Albion.

The years have passed and now there are so few who know of the love and sacrifice and service that went into the building of this church. So few who even know and recognize the names of the men and women who built so well.

In 1905, the new Church at Charlotte had the honor, and was host to the Michigan Annual Conference.

During the pastorate of the Rev. R. J. Slee, in 1912, he organized a group called the Besiegers. They worked diligently and the last $11,000 of indebtedness was pledged and paid.

A banquet was held to celebrate and the mortgage was burned.

When the Rev. Alfred F. Way was pastor from 1916 to 1921 he found sixteen country churches closed. He developed the Parish plan by which the different churches were opened and worship services held in rotation. The plan worked so well he had two assistants and a woman worker working with him. They were the Rev. Richard Wearne (who retired in 1959), Rev. Abram Jaggers, and Miss Fern Wheeler (who retired in 1956).

A write-up about this Parish plan may be found on Page 290 of "The World Service of the Methodist Episcopal Church 1920." This plan was an outstanding achievement. (Rev. Richard Wearne is the brother of Mrs. Rosalind Merritt.)

In March, 1934, the One Hundredth Anniversary of Methodism in this vicinity was celebrated with a historical pageant and outstanding services. Rev. Wesley B. Oldt was pastor at that time.

A chapel was made in the first Ladies' Parlor and a stage built in the Sunday School room for plays and programs. The arch and dome lights were changed. This took place while Rev. George A. Mooers was here during 1934-38.

When our church was first organized it was called the Methodist Episcopal Church. A division occurred in 1828 when a group separated and became the Methodist Protestant Church. In 1844 another division occurred over slavery. After years of negotiations a Plan of Union was agreed upon, and on May 10, 1939, The Methodist Episcopal Church; The Methodist Episcopal Church, South; and The Methodist Protestant Church united to form "The Methodist Church."

"The Carillonic Tower chimes dedicated to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Jerrie Mikesell by their daughter, Mrs. Lula L. Evans, AD 1943," as the Memorial Plaque states, were given during the ministry of the Rev. Leon Manning. The sacred hymns and music pealing forth from them is not only a source of joy and uplift to the church but the entire community.

While Rev. William E. Beckett was pastor a new organ was dedicated on October 20, 1946, in memory of Wilson Geddes. A new chancel was also completed. Many memorial gifts were given at this time to add beauty and dignity to the chancel. The auditorium and parlors were redecorated and is indeed a place of worship.

For a complete list of memorials and names, see Memorial List.

A much needed pastor's study was furnished and remade during Rev. J. Ray Gillham's pastorate. A Prayer Group was also organized at this time and was active in many areas.

In 1953 the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Dedication of our present Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church was celebrated while Rev. Claude W. Satterlee was pastor. At this time a new Bulletin Board in front of the church was installed. A gas heating system replaced the steam heating plant in 1955.

So many improvements have been made from time to time that it is impossible to name them all, but they have all helped in the service of the Church to the community and to the members.

In 1956 the large Sunday School room on the east was refurnished and made into a very inviting and pleasant parlor. This was done by the Woman's Society of Christian Service, a very active and helpful organization in the work of our Church through all the years.

Beginning in the fall of 1956 the morning Church Service was broadcast over WCER. What a challenge and an opportunity this gives the Church in reaching so many homes in the area. A spiritual program for an unseen audience! In April 1958, the property adjacent to the Church on the south (Washington Street) was purchased by two of our faithful members, Mrs. Fred Murray and Mrs. Bernice Curtiss. It was dedicated on Rally Day, September 25, 1958, as the Children's House.

In 1959 the chapel was redecorated and refurnished by the Woman's Society of Christian Service. It is indeed a place a beauty for spiritual and sacred use. It was dedicated June 21, 1959. (See Memorial List)

The membership was reported at Conference in 1960 as 702. All this has taken place since the appointment of the Rev. Philip R. Glotfelty, Jr. in 1955.

Methodists love to sing, and mention must be made of the devoted service of the choirs, five in number; also the organists and choir directors who have served so faithfully. All of them have given so generously of their time, ability and talent, adding joy and inspiration to every service. Our beautiful stained glass windows inspired one of our organists (Mrs. E. E. Chapman) to compose an organ number, entitied "Rose Windows."

The Choir Directors, since 1903

Mr. David Stamm	Mr. William Stirling
Mr. W. S. Lybrook	Mr. Ed Nies
Mr. Howard Tirrill	Mr. C. Layman
Mrs. Edith Haslett Bryan	Mrs. Max Keeler
Mr. Harlan McCall	Mr. Arnold Koch
Mrs. Hilding E. Krusell	Mrs. Pauline Shaull
Mr. Herbert Hengst	Mrs. F. O. McGuire
Mr. Stanley Bartilson	Mrs. Ed A. Fremody
Mr. Robert Powell

The Organists, since 1903

Mrs. Merlin Resch	Miss Jennie Munger
Miss Lillian Preston	Miss Erminda Ford
Miss Olive Boyer	Miss Inez Snavely
Mrs. Edith Haslett Bryan	Mrs. Walter Chevalier
Mrs. Lyman Chamberlain	Mrs. Donald Sexmith
Miss Dorothy Snoke	Mrs. E. E. Chapman
Mrs. Jerre Fredenburg	Mr. Charles Schaefer
Miss Joellen Bonham	Mr. George Hanson
Miss Brenda Clay	Mr. Charles Young
Mr. William Blanding

The Sunday School has played an important part in the church life since 1903. The attendance has been good, at times outstanding. The many dedicated and consecrated teachers and workers who gave so liberally of their time and helpfulness, only history will have a place for them. The General Superintendents need special mention for their burden was heavy.

The General Superintendents, since 1903

Mr. M. R. Parmalee	Dr. C. S. Sackett
Miss Ettie Dennie	Mr. John Richey
Mr. Ernest Chapelle	Mr. Charles Smallwood
Mr. Wendell Anderson	Mr. Harrison Walden
Mr. Raymond Wilson	Mr. Harold Weaver
Mr. Harold Fleming	Mr. Edward Folsom

On October 22, 1950, a Church School Library was dedicated for the use of all. It has 406 volumes. (See Memorial List)

Vacation Bible School has been an important project. It started in 1950 as a Community Bible School sponsored by the Inter-Church Council and continuing until 1954. Since 1955 we have held our own with over 100 average attendance. Mrs. Clarence Fullerton has been the Director with the exception of one year.

So the Church continues to grow, calling all to serve the Master's cause. The years have seen the ordinary ebb and flow of interest and the pastors with their dedication to their task, their consecration and loyalty have served notably with the people for God and community.

What a list of names we would have if it were possible to compile one, of the men and women who have given so unselfishly of their time and effort to the different organizations that make up our church. Those who have worked so diligently, giving their all, with devotion and real dedication to all the tasks in the church. How memory loves to recall the names of those people who sacrificed and witnessed for Christ and their Church. Their sacred memories will live on, inspiring us to follow in their footsteps.

This history is brought to a close for history is to bring to the present the highlights of the past so that the present and future may accomplish even greater things. Our Methodist Church has a great heritage which may be proudly carried into the future.

The history has been made as accurate as possible from available records. The Charlotte Leader, The Charlotte Republican, Charlotte Tribune, Charlotte Republican-Tribune, History of Ingham and Eaton Counties by Durant 1880. Also research in reading many articles so generously given by so many people. Sincere thanks to all those who have been so kind and helpful in sending pictures, clippings, and giving valuable information without which it would have been impossible to write this history.

Names of those who have gone from our Church into Christ's Service and whose work encircles the globe:

Grace Crooks Wetsteon

1904-1912, Chinkian, China

Jessie Marsh

1906-1914, Rosario and Montevideo, South America

Bessie Wood

1911-1913, Cawnpore, India, (Died of Smallpox)

Lulu Tubbs Roberts

1917-1957, Umtali, Rhodesia, Africa

(Retired in 1957 but still lives and works there)

Lennis Wheeler - Minister

1908 - Retired 1953 (Health did not permit him to preach continuously)

Fern Wheeler - Minister

1913 - Retired 1956

Glenna Tubbs

1921-1923, Bennett Academy, Mathiston, Mississippi

James Lavengood - Minister

1959

Douglas Tripp Holden - Minister

1960

PASTORS

1838 - Washington Jackson	1839 - Isaac Bennett
1841 - Levi Warriner	1842 - David Knox
1844 - L. Noble - Joseph Chapman, Asst.	1845 - Reuben Reynolds
1846 - Samuel Osborne	1848 - I. F. Collins
1850 - Amos Wakefield	1851 - Henry Harris
1852 - S. P. Parker	1853 - O. H. Day
1854 - G. W. Hoag	1855 - Thomas Lyon
1857 - E. D. Young	1858 - T. J. Congdon
1859 - L. M. Edmonds	1860 - Nathan Mount
1861 - Joseph Jones	1862 - Frances Glass
1863 - Eli Westlake	1864 - F. B. Granger
1865 - N. L. Otis	1866 - A. Steele
1867 - David Burns	1869 - W. Baldwin
1871 - B. F. Doughty	1872 - L. W. Earl
1874 - C. S. Fox	1877 - George W. Sherman
1878 - William Doust	1880 - George D. Lee
1883 - T. J. Jacokes	1884 - J. W. Reid
1885 - W. H. Thompson	1887 - C. L. Barnhart
1891 - A. D. Newton	1892 - E. G. Lewis
1896 - G. D. Chase	1899 - D. F. Barnes
1903 - W. J. Wilson	1907 - M. D. Carrel
1911 - R. J. Slee	1915 - S. F. Tincher
1916 - Alfred F. Way	1921 - R. E. Meader
1923 - M. W. Duffy	1925 - W. W. Diehl
1928 - L. Winston Stone	1930 - Wesley B. Oldt
1934 - George A. Mooers	1938 - Leon W. Manning
1943 - William E. Beckett	1949 - J. Ray Gillham
1953 - Claude W. Satterlee	1955 - Philip R. Glotfelty, Jr.
1961 - Donald L. Warmouth	1966-70 - Forrest E. Mohr
1970-74 - Lester Bailey	1974-87 - Verne Summers
1983-87 - James Mitchum, Associate	1987-2002 - George W. Fleming
1987-88 - Don Entenman, Associate	1988-91 - Gary Bondarenko, Associate
1995-2002 - Edna Fleming, Associate	2002 to present - Karen Wheat
2002 to present - Kendall Lewis, Associate