Seventh Day Adventists
Fountain Street Baptist Church
Second Baptist Church
Wealthy Avenue Baptist Church
Messiah Baptist Church
Cavalry Baptist Church
Bible Christians
Children of Zion Church
First (Park) Congregational Church
Second Congregational Church
South Congregational Church
Smith Memorial Church
Church of Christ - Disciples
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Grace Church - Episcopal
St. Paul's Memorial Church - Episcopal
Trinity Church - Episcopal
Oakdale Park - Episcopal
Hebrew Congregation - Temple Emanuel
German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Immanuel
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church
Swedish Evangelical Missionary Congregation
Free Methodist Church
Wesleyan Methodist Church
Division Street M.E. Church
Second Street M.E. Church
East Street M.E. Church
Plainfield Avenue M.E. Church
Ames M.E. Church
German M.E. Church
African Methodist Episcopal Church
African M.E. Zion Church
First Presbyterian Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Mission Wood Presbyterian Church
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
First Reformed Church
Second Reformed Church
Third Reformed Church
Fourth Reformed Church
Fifth Reformed Church
Oakdale Park Reformed Church
Christian Reformed Church
Nederduitsche Gereformeerde Gemeente ­ Dutch Reformed Church
Holland Reformed Church
Spring Street Holland Christian Reformed Church
East Street Holland Christian Reformed Church
Coldbrook Holland Christian Reformed Church
Alpine Avenue Holland Christian Reformed Church
Fourth Holland Christian Reformed Church
Fifth Avenue Holland Christian Reformed Church
Crosby Street Holland Christian Reformed Church
True Reformed Church
St. Andrew's ­ Roman Catholic
St. Mary's ­ Roman Catholic
St. James ­ Roman Catholic
St. Adalbert's  ­ Roman Catholic
St. Joseph's ­ Roman Catholic
St. Alphonsus ­ Roman Catholic
The Salvation Army
The Spiritualists
Swedenborgian
Unitarian Church
Liberal (Unitarian) Holland Church
United Brethren
Universalist Church
German Evangelical Zion's Church

THE religious history of the city of Grand Rapids does not suffer by comparison with the gratifying story of its material developments. Fron1 its earliest settlement the churches have exerted a decided influence in forming the character of this community. The characteristic enterprise and aggressiveness evinced in all other departments have always marked our religious progress. The churches have, therefore, steadily kept pace with the rapid increase of the population, and the extension of the city within and beyond its boundaries. Our church edifices are, with but few exceptions, modest structures of moderate cost, but commodious and tasteful, and in their ample accommodations and fine equipments quite comport with the tastes and needs of the people. In estimating the religious status of our city, comparisons with that of the leading cities of the Union are largely in our favor. The summary appended to this chapter demonstrates that in this regard we are "citizens of no mean city." The exhibit is quite remarkable, and should not escape the attention of those who would recommend this as a place of residence that combines with all other urban advantages exceptional religious privileges and moral influences. All of our mixed population are provided with adequate church privileges, and, with a considerable diversity of denominations represented here, sectarianism is happily at a minimum among us. It is gratifying to note that our leaders of public and commercial affairs have generally been the stanch friends of the churches. The past decade has been conspicuously one of missions, new organizations and material improvements, and to the present houses of worship that adorn our city, the early execution of present projects will add many such noble proofs of the religious spirit so prevalent among all classes.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS.
GOOD TEMPLARS HALL, MCMULLEN BLOCK, SOUTH DIVISION STREET

On the first of May, 1886, a mission was established in this city under the Superintendency of Elder H. W. Miller. The work was begun with six Bible-readers, whose number increased to twenty-five during the first year. A course of scriptural study was pursued in the Training School at the "mission" house, then and for two years at 294 Sheldon Street, and six were educated and sent abroad. Encouraged by this successful commencement, the State Conference held its large annual; Camp Meeting here that year, beginning Sept. 17. In August, 1887, Elders Van Horn and Wales were commissioned to hold a series of meetings here, which assembled in a large tent on the west side of South Division Street, between First and Second Avenue s. These continued for six weeks, with a large attendance, and won a considerable number to this faith, in consequence of which a church was organized with about forty constituent members, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. McPherson, Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Long, Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Rose, Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Gildersleeve, and others. They held their regular worship and Sabbath School at Ringuette's Hall, southeast corner Fifth Avenue  and South Division Street, until May 5, 1889, when they rented their present capacious and central place of worship, at which service and Sabbath school are held on Sabbath (Saturday), and worship also on Sunday. During the summer of 1888 tent meetings were held for several weeks, on Summer Street, near West Bridge Street under the pastoral direction of Elder F. D. Starr. He was succeeded in the fall by Elder L. G. Moore, at present in charge of the mission. The Mission House, hired for residence of the pastor and three Bible readers, was from the fall of 1888 until May, 1889, at 345 Crescent Avenue . The pastor now resides on Sinclair Street. The strength acquired by this mission is represented by the statistics, which report seventy members, and Sabbath school membership 11O. The church, while not making it obligatory strenuously holds and teaches that the members should contribute one-tenth of their income for the Lord's work, and these local tithes realized for the past year over $600. the total revenue being $753, and expenditures $800. Still being a mission, the State Conference provides for it, but the tithes go into the Conference fund, out of which the pastors are comfortably maintained, not at a fixed salary, but according to their real needs.

FOUNTAIN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF FOUNTAIN AND BOSTWICK STREETS.

As early as 1822 a Baptist mission was located here among the Ottawa tribe of Indians, which bore the name of the Thomas Station, in honor of one of the early English Baptist missionaries to India. Little, however, was done in the way of missionary work until about 1826, when the Rev. Isaac McCoy came and organized a school of twenty-five pupils. Soon after this, the Rev. Leonard Slater, a laborious, devoted and patient Christian worker, took charge of the mission. In 1832 a church was formed among the Indians. Judge E. W. Davis has left the following interesting memorandum of this mission:

The Baptist station consisted of two or three block houses, and a school-house near what is now Bridge Street. At the foot of the rapids were twelve or fifteen Indian board houses and a good-sized meeting house The Indians connected with the mission owned a sawmill at the head of the rapids. The church contained twenty-five members. The head chief of the tribe, Noonday was an eminent Christian, who delighted in religious exercises speaking with great force, concluding, often by saying he was weak and ignorant, knew, but little therefore he should say no more.

In 1836 the mission, together with the Indians, was removed to Gull Prairie. The next year after their removal, 1837, the first Baptist church was organized in Grand Rapids, composed of immigrants to the Territory. It was gathered by the efforts of the Rev. S. D. Wooster, and contained seven members: Henry Stone, Thomas Davis, Ezekiel W. Davis, Abram Randall and wife, Zelotis Bemis and a Mr. Streeter -- all of whom have passed away. Mr. Wooster remained with the church but a short time, and for the next four or five years they were without a pastor. Several of the members moved away and the church virtually became extinct.

In 1842 the Rev. T. Z. R. Jones was sent into this part of the State by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society, and the church was resuscitated. Mr. Jones remained only two or three years, making Grand Rapids his headquarters and preaching in the towns and settlements about; when he left, the church was again without a pastor, struggling along, few in numbers weak in resources. They met for worship sometimes in private houses; for awhile in the old Court-house which stood in the Park; in the school-house on Prospect Hill, and again in an upper room in the National Hotel. In Judge E. W. Davis they found a natural leader, who did much to keep up their meetings and their courage, and whose exhortations supplied the place of preaching. Of those who belonged to the church then, the only surviving members are Lewis C. Davidson and J. C. Buchanan.

About this time a lot was purchased on the West Side as a site for a church edifice; and materials were collected for building it. But the church was not able to procure a title to the property, and the project failed. The church was supplied at different times by the Rev F. L. Batchelder, who organized a church at Indian Creek, now the Alpine and Walker church. This took a number of members from the Grand Rapids church.

In 1848 the church purchased the old Episcopal house of worship at the corner of Bronson and North Division Streets, where now stands the residence of Julius Berkey. About the same time the church called the Rev. C. A. Jenison to be its pastor. He was a young man of promise, and a time of brighter and better things seemed to he opening for the church. But Mr. Jenison's health soon failed, and he was obliged to resign. In 1849 came the Rev. A. J. Bingham as pastor. He was an earnest preacher and faithful pastor. He remained only two years, and in his turn was followed by the Rev. Francis Prescott, a man of unselfish life and missionary zeal, whose stay with the church as its pastor was about the usual two years.

In 1856 the Rev. L. M. Woodruff became pastor. At his suggestion the church was disbanded, for the purpose of a somewhat different organization, and the Tabernacle Church was formed. This led to an unhappy division of interests, to separation, and the reorganization of the First Church. After Mr. Woodruff resigned, the Tabernacle Church called the Rev. S. F. Holt to become its pastor a man energetic in character, and of much force and ability as a preacher. The First Church was statedly supplied by the Rev. Abel Bingham; a man whose fidelity and spirit of sacrifice had been long and well tested in missionary work at the Sault Ste. Marie, and who died and was buried here in November, 1865, honored and full of years. A short time before Mr. Holt's resignation, which took place in 1860, the two churches came together and Mr. Holt w as pastor of the reunited church. But in 1861 the Second Church was formed and the Revs. C. C. Miller, A. Stanwood and others supplied the pulpit until May, 1863, when the Rev. C. B. Smith, D. D., was called to be its pastor, a man of power, still residing here in his old age. The Rev. Mr. Bingham and the Rev. Mr. Fay continued to supply the First Church until 1862, when the Rev. Peter Van Winkle became its pastor. During the pastorates of Dr. Smith and Mr. Van Winkle, the churches built houses of worship; the First Church a brick structure on the site of the present one, and the Second Church on North Division Street between Fountain and Pearl Streets. Both these pastors were very earnest men and did their work with a will that did much to inspire the churches in their undertakings. During the pastorate of Mr. VanWinkle the church in the adjoining town of Paris was formed from members of the First Church, but even after this loss it remained the stronger of the two city churches. In January, 1867, Dr. Smith resigned, and the Rev. Nathan A. Reed was called to the pastorate, who entered upon his duties in the following Mas. He served the church well and ably for two years.

Following Mr. Van Winkle, the First Church called the Rev. Isaac Butterfield, in April, 1867. Messrs. Butterfield and Reed worked heartily together and did much in laying the foundations on which the prosperity of the Baptist cause here has risen. Two churches so near together, both weak, were manifestly not meeting, nor did they seem likely to meet, the prospective demand upon the Baptists of the city and these brethren had the wisdom to see it. Accordingly, on the 11th of January, 1869, a meeting was held by members of the two churches for the purpose of forming an organization which should consolidate them. To bring about this transition, twelve brethren, with the mutual understanding of all parties concerned, organized the present church, to be known as "The Baptist Church of the City of Grand Rapids." Of these twelve brethren six were from the First Church: John Whitmore, J. C. Buchanan, Abram Randall, Orris Bonney, C. A. Wall and B. F. Gouldsbury; and six from the Second Church: James S. Crosby, R. B. Loomis, Geo. W. Hewes. John Calkins, D. McWhorter and J. Frederic Baars. Thereupon the two former churches dismissed their 250 members to the new organization in April, and an era of greater prosperity was entered. Mr. C. A. Wall was chosen Clerk, and has since retained that office.

The united church called the Rev. I. Butterfield, but he declined, whereupon the Rev. Samuel Graves, D. D., was secured as their pastor, and entered upon his long and successful pastorate the first Sunday in January, 1870. The Doctor found 260 members in his new charge. For a short period they had worshiped in the brick edifice of the old First Church, but this proving unsatisfactory, the late Wm. Hovey suggested that they increase the seating capacity by constructing a roomy gallery on three sides of the house belonging to the Second Church on North Division Street, which was done. There the new pastor found them housed. But the place was soon too small, and in the middle of the year 1870 steps were taken for the building of a suitable house. The spot already hallowed in the affections of many who formerly belonged to the First Church was happily agreed upon for the site. In the fall of 1871 the old brick church building was torn down - the material being given to the contractor in addition to $60,000 for which the work was let -- ground was broken and the stone foundations built. In May, 1872, the corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies. The pastor then obtained leave of absence, and in June began a vacation of seven months, which he enjoyed in the Holy Land and European countries. While he was abroad the Rev. Butler Morley supplied the pulpit, and the new house was enclosed. In the summer of 1873 the society disposed of the old property on North Division Street to the Trustees of the First Reformed Church for the sum of $6, 500, but continued to occupy the building until October. On the 21st of December, 1873, the capacious and finely furnished and decorated basement was dedicated. Meanwhile there was slow progress toward the completion of the Church, for the resources of the people were drained and various measures and devices were adopted to raise the funds required to finish the auditorium. It was, consequently, not until April, 1877, that they could assemble for worship in the magnificent audience room. The financial report then stated that no less than $80,000 had been expended upon the structure with all its equipments and that there remained a debt of $20,000. While Dr. Graves remained, the greatly increased current expenses of the church were met and $7,000 of this debt liquidated. The membership constantly grew and the church acquired great prominence in the community under the labors of this eminently able and earnest pastor, who was universally beloved in this city. But in May, 1885, he severed his connection with the church by resignation, and in June following the Rev. Kerr B. Tupper, D. D., pastor here from that time until March 23, 1890, was elected, who accepted and in July was recognized, and assumed the pastoral charge. Since then three thriving mission Sunday schools have been established: The Calvary, on South Division Street, in Ringuette's Hall; the Immanuel, on Sinclair Street, in the Swedish Lutheran Church (in March,1889, one of the members gave a lot on North College Avenue , near Hastings Street, upon which a chapel was completed in May and then occupied by this mission), and the Berean, on Plainfield Avenue  in New England Hall.

The latter two schools, together with the parent school, enroll about 90 scholars. The second Baptist Church, on Gold Street, and the Wealthy Avenue Baptist Church are also the offspring of this church, which, because of this additional number of organizations, and for sake of distinction, two years ago adopted its present name. The 2d of December, 1888, was a notable Sunday in their history. It was the jubilee most joyously celebrated together with its two ecclesiastical children just named on the occasion of the final payment of that debt which until recently retained the huge and ugly proportions of $13,000, and then the auditorium was at last dedicated.

The pew-renting system is adhered to by the church, from which most of the annual revenue of about $11,500 is derived, out of which, besides generous contributions of individual members, it has liberally aided and fostered the Wealthy Avenue Baptist Church in its infancy. The Baptist Record is a monthly paper published and supported by the church and devoted to her various interests. In February, 1889, the church employed Miss Hattie Mulhern as a missionary, to be an assistant to the pastor. The present membership is 713, and numerous organizations materially assist in the extensive and varied work of the church; such as the Woman's Home Mission Circle, Woman's Foreign Mission Society, Woman's Industrial Society, Young People's League, Pastor's Training Class, Young Helpers and King's Daughters, Tens. The following serve in official capacities: Cornelius A. Wall, Clerk; James S. Hawkins, Treasurer; Deacons - Cornelius A. Wall, Robert Davidson, Nelson W. Smith, Wm. W. Gould, Robert B. Loomis, John C. Buchanan, Orsamus W. Horton, James K. Johnston, Alfred A. Stearns, Wm. N. Rowe. Deaconesses (an office introduced about 1875, and very similar to that of Deacon) - Mrs. Esther Potter, Mrs. Sophia Buchanan, Mrs. Lucy E. Steketee, Mrs. Jane Stearns, Mrs. Amelia Crosby, Mrs. Charlotte Davidson, Mrs. Anna Morley, Mrs. Eliza Daniels, Miss Ella C. Smith. Board of Trustees - Enos Putman, Perrin V. Fox, Wm. D. Talford, Moreau S. Crosby, Roger W. Butterfield, Geo. G. Steketee, J. Frederic Baars, James K. Johnston, Orson A. Ball, D. B. Shedd. Sunday-school Superintendents - Of the Fountain Street school, M. S. Crosby; of Calvary Mission, R. B. Loomis; of Immanuel Mission, W. C. Sheppard. At Berean Mission, a chapel is now building.

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF GOLD AND CALIFORNIA STREETS.

The father of this church is Deacon J. W. Converse, of the First Baptist Church of Boston, Massachusetts, who has for many years had large business and real estate interests in this city, and is withal a zealous Baptist. In 1883 the liberality of Deacon Converse toward this church commenced by the donation of a lot 132 feet square and the building and furnishing of a house of worship thereon, which was appropriately ded8cated September 30, 1883. The first Baptist mission school on the west side was then organized to occupy this edifice, and on the 8th of October a church was organized with fifty-six constituent members, who were previously connected with the Fountain Street Baptist Church. The Rev. E. H. Brooks then became its pastor and remained in that relation until January 20, 1889, when he was compelled to resign on account of ill health. The progress made by this church may be gathered from such figures as these: Membership I46, Sunday School scholars 226, and about 100 families belonging to the parish. Besides this, a prosperous mission Sunday School, of which W. N. Rowe is superintendent, is established in the old Sixth ward engine house, recently purchased of the city, and has 200 members. The value of the property is $8,500, and toward the annual expenses of the society Mr. Converse has ever contributed generously. From the first he has also maintained an able choir at his own charge. The receipts of the past year were nearly $1,700. The 350 sittings are free, and there is no debt. The officers are as follows: Deacons, Geo. W. Gay, John Rooks and Alexander Odds; A. Odds, Treasurer, and Wm. A. Hanes, Clerk; Trustees, Wilber A. Study, H. C. Edwards, Geo. W. Gay, John Rooks, John A. Boyar, R. W. Merrill. Sunday School Superintendent, J. E. Cheyenne. Societies: Woman's Home and Foreign Mission, Ladies' Social Society, Young People's Literary, Y. P. S. C. E., and Children's Mission Band. The present pastor, the Rev. R. W. Van Kirk, assumed charge October 13, 1889
 

WEALTHY AVENUE  BAPTIST CHURCH.
NORTHEAST CORNER OF WEALTHY AVFNUE AND EAST STREET.

This owes its existence to a Mission Sunday School established in the summer of 1875 by the Fountain Street Baptist Church. Soon after a Chapel, worth, with site, $1,200, was built on Charles Street, near Wealthy Avenue, where the school and other Sabbath services were held until after the organization of the church on January 12, 1885. At this time the Rev. E. R. Bennett became its pastor. Prominent among the first members appear the names of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Fisher, L. C. Remington, Mrs. Ira Remington, Mrs. Stewart, H. K. Stewart, Mrs. O. M. Dunham, Mrs. Frank Maybee, Mrs. and Miss Freeman, Mrs. Emily Ford, Mrs. Cole and her son Harry, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Barr, and Mrs. Miles Barber. The first Trustees were: A. W. Fisher, L. C. Remington, A. E. Barr, A. W. Donaldson, Frank Maybee. First Deacons: A. W. Fisher, S. E. Curdy, John Calkins. Treasurer and Clerk, L. H. Stewart. The energetic pastor soon interested his people in a building project, the fruit of which is the present noble structure, having a seating capacity of 700, erected at a cost, including the site, of $10,000. The corner-stone was laid Oct. 19, 1886, and the chapel, their old home, was incorporated with the parlors of the new building. The dedication occurred Jan. I6, 1887. The growth of the church has been rapid, its present membership being 160, with a Sunday school of 250 scholars. The bonded indebtedness of the church is $4, 000, and the annual income nearly $1,800, the seats being free. Besides Ladies' Home and Foreign Missionary Societies, the church has a Y. P. S. C. E., claiming the largest membership in the city, also a large, useful Literary and Musical Society. The Monitor a small journal in the interest of the local church, was published for a time by the pastor, afterward conducted by Dr. Donnelly as the Wealthy Avenue Baptist. In the spring of 1888 Mr. Bennett was compelled to leave his work for a season in quest of health. He returned from California after a rest of three months able to rescue his labors, but toward the end of the year a settlement in that mild climate appeared necessary, and when a call from Pomona, Cal., was extended, he promptly, though reluctantly accepted and resigned his pastorate here December 31, 1888. The Rev. John Donnelly, D. D., of Owosso, Michigan, then came, and labored here from March 1, 1889, until his death, February 17, 1890. The present officers are: Deacons. John Calkins, A. W. Fisher, William E. Calkins, S. E. Curdy and E. G. Edwards: Clerk, Milton F. Osborn: Treasurer, C. S. Weatherly: Trustees, A. W. Fisher, J. W. Baldie, A. E. Remington, Wm. E. Calkins, Chas. W. Pickell and the Clerk. Sunday School Superintendent, S. E. Curdy.

MESSIAH BAPTIST CHURCH - (AFRICAN)

This was organized at Ringuette's Hall. On South Division street, with twelve charter members, October 28, 1889 when Messrs. W. H. Brown, Thos. Walker and Geo. W. Smith were chosen Deacons; C. J. Minissee, Clerk, and Geo. Boyer, Treasurer. With the financial aid of the Missionary Board and the Fountain Street Baptist Church, they secured as their pastor the Rev. J. W. Johnson, who entered upon his charge December 22, 1889. This new church worships in the hall where it was organized, morning and evening, the congregation reaching the maximum of ninety attendants, and the membership has grown to the number of thirty-one. The Sunday School was organized January 12, 1890. The estimated outlay of the first year is about $400, in addition to about $100 received as aforementioned.

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH.
RINGUETTE'S HALL, SOUTH DIVISION STREET.

The mission conducted for two years past by the Fountain Street Baptist Church was organized as a church November 8, 1889, with thirty-five constituent members. It is largely under the care of the mother church for the present, in the hope of securing suitable grounds and a chapel in the spring of 1890, and of an increase of strength that shall soon render it independent. Messrs. W. P. Smith, J. S. Henson and C. A. Balcom are the Trustees, and R. B. Loomis the Superintendent of a flourishing Sunday School which enrolls 160 scholars. The Rev. E. H. Brooks assumed the pastoral charge of this enterprise January 1, 1890.

BIBLE CHRISTIANS.
AT 176 JACKSON STREET.

A Mr. Baker began to hold undenominational Sabbath services on the ground floor of the store at 331 West Bridge Street, in September, 1886. Various elements gathered around hill. The Rev. Thomas T. Brown, who was pastor of the African M. E. Zion Church on Fifth Avenue from 1879 to 1881, but who has for some time resided here without charge or ecclesiastical connection, became the preacher of this congregation December, 1886, when there were nineteen Free Methodists and eleven without any church relations or preferences. The former formed their own church at this time. In February 1887, there was a further separation, owing to dissentions, when the remaining eleven were organized by the colored preacher under the name of "The Bible Christians Associated in Christ." On March 1 they began to hold their meetings at the house of Henry Porter, 176 Jackson Street, and remained in their brother's dwelling until November, when they returned to the store, occupying it six months. Then they found a room in Filbert's block, corner Davidson and Fifth Streets, but in November, 1888, they felt unable to pay rent any longer and were once more welcomed by Mr. Porter to his home. The congregation varies from thirty to fifty, of whom only fourteen are members of "the class," representing eight or ten families of steady adherents, with fifteen in the Sunday School. Messrs. Porter, Mason, George Webb and Charles Miller are the officers, and Allen G. Davidson local preacher. They have conceived a dislike to the sects and believing in Christian union, hope to promote it by this organization. They present the remarkable instance of a white congregation with an African minister, who serves gratuitously, laboring with his own hands for his livelihood. The prospect of their permanence and influence is not flattering.

THE CHILDREN OF ZION CHURCH
SCRIBNER STREET, BETWEEN NINTH AND TENTH STREETS

A brief sketch of the body of which this society is the center and most flourishing congregation, seems necessary here. Among those who, early in this century, in considerable numbers, left other denominations on account of their views of the second coming of Christ, were the founders of this sect, which at first bore no name, and by some was called "Trine-Immersionists," by others "Adventists." Until 1870 they were located in different parts of the New England States, and chiefly in Boston. In 1874 a church was organized at Listowel, Ontario, Canada by Elder J. B. Brown, of Laconia, N. H. and in March, 1878. a Conference was held at Preston, Ontario, at which they adopted the name of "The Children of Zion." Shortly afterward a monthly paper called The Day-Star of Zion was published which was enlarged in 1880, and issued under its present name, The Dawn of the Morning, which has ever since been published here, having a circulation of some 3,500, and was until recently edited by Bishop Paterson.

In May, 1881, the Conference assembled in this city and elected Elder D. D. Paterson, then pastor here, Bishop of the entire sect, with full oversight thereof; and Grand Rapids became its headquarters.

The leading peculiarities of their creed are: Belief in the one God, opposed to the doctrine of a trinity; that Jesus Christ is His only begotten Son, who had no existence as an entity prior to that begetting; that the one Spirit is an immortal influence or power emanating from the Deity and connecting man with his God, which Spirit is the witness of God that we are His children, which operates in the church in gifts and signs following them that believe, as of old. They believe in the mortality of man, who can live through eternity only by the gift of eternal life through Christ, and hence in the annihilation of the wicked. The earth will be the future home of the redeemed, and we are upon the eve of Christ's return to earth. Congregations adopting these views are found in Ontario, Canada; Spring Lake, Michigan; Cherokee, Iowa, and Glasgow, Scotland; besides small flocks and isolated families scattered over our continent.

The church in this city had its origin in the efforts of Elders James Evans, J. B. Brown and D. D. Paterson, who labored, in the order mentioned, between 1875 and 1878. In the fall of 1878 the work had assumed such proportions that Elder D. D. Paterson moved his family from Canada to settle here as pastor.

The member of its charter members was thirty-four, of whom Charles A. Haines, William Young, Charles E. Revell, George F. Hawley and Andrew Holmes were elected as the first Board of Trustees. The society held its first meeting in Lincoln Hall, on West Bridge Street, and from that time for several years the growth of the church was marked. In 1881 they erected a fine church edifice on Scribner Street, having a seating capacity of about 400 which was dedicated May 7, 1882, and, including the site, is valued at $8,000. The seats are free. In 1886 Bishop Paterson left for Europe and never returned. His death occurred in France in the autumn of 1887, and was followed by shocking disclosures of gross immoralities of which he had been guilty for several years, and his imposition upon his people here, at whose expense largely he lived abroad, was a revelation that profoundly disturbed and threatened the church during the ministry of the Bishop's brother, Elder John Paterson. The latter officiated from August, 1887, until November, 1888 having been preceded by Elders Northrop and Spencer, who acted somewhat alternately during the previous year. There had been a marked falling off in numbers since 1886, on account of certain suspicious conduct of the Bishop; but his fall so unsettled their affairs for a season that the church was constrained to clear itself before the public, and reorganized its society, with Elder H. A. Olmstead as its pastor, from November, 1888, throughout 1889, and now reports 175 members, a few more adherents, 75 Sunday School scholars, and an annual income of $2,000. Elder S. McIlraith superintends the Sunday School. Elders, S. McIlraith and T. H. Truscott; Deacons, C. E. Revell, James Eddy and F. Harmon; Trustees, T. H. Truscott, S. McIlraith, Edward Manly, C. E. Revell and Charles Blakeslee, were the officers of the church in the fall of 1888.

FIRST (PARK) CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
CORNER PARK AND EAST PARK STREETS.

The organization of this church took place September18,1836. The first service was held in the dining-room of Myron Hinsdill, whose house stood on the ground now occupied by the Morton House, the Rev. S. Woodbury, of Kalamazoo, officiating. Twenty-two persons became charter members and adopted the Presbyterian form of government, constituting the Session by the choice of George Sheldon and Samuel Howland as Elders, and Ebenezer Davis and Myron Hinsdill as Deacons. For several months public worship was maintained at Deacon Hinsdill's by the rearing of sermons and the occasional preaching of a minister, and a Sunday school was organized. A marked step of progress was taken when, in 1837, April 10, the infant church hired the Rev. A. D. McCoy for one year. The Presbytery to which they belonged was spread over magnificent distances, and hence the pastor and Elder Howland were about two weeks attending the only meeting of that body at which this church was ever represented. They made this journey to White Pigeon, 100 miles south, on horseback. The Rev. James Ballard came here to reside about the time that Mr. McCoy's year expired, and by request preached for them until he became their stated supply by vote of the society March 29, 1839. The meeting of this date, held at the Court House on the Public Square just opposite the present church, marks an era in their history, since they then and there reorganized as the First Congregational Church of Grand Rapids. Articles of Faith and Covenant were also adopted, and Samuel F Butler and Ebenezer Davis chosen Deacons, and W. G. Henry, Clerk. The new society was composed of sixty members, ten or twelve of whom were dismissed the following year in August to found the First Reformed church.

Until then they had been quite nomadic of necessity. In April, 1837, the church, worshiped in a building belonging to W. G. Henry adjoining the house of Myron Hinsdill. From there they moved to a room over the store of A. H. Smith, on Waterloo Street, where their Sunday school was more formally organized and improved under the superintendency of Mr. Smith's brother. Here they remained until April, 1839, and next we find them in the Court House aforenamed, of which, however, they had no monopoly on Sunday, as other denominations just springing up at this time also occupied it by turns. Sometimes they used the Prospect Hill schoolhouse, which stood on the site now occupied by the Ledyard block, and occasionally found their way back to their starting point in the old dining-room of Mr. Hinsdill, till a room in a house of Amos Roberts, on the site of the present Peninsular Club House, gave them shelter. But in 1841 the Roman Catholic house of worship, built in 1837-38 for St. Andrew's parish by Louis Campau, but never deeded was by him offered for sale. Stephen Hinsdill appears to have been most eager, and to have had the greatest confidence in the ability of the society to get possession of it for his church, and soon after visited Eastern churches and was so successful in his solicitation of aid as to secure the deed of the coveted property December 21, 1841, on making the first payment out of funds he had collected. The price paid was $3,700, and individuals gave their notes for the unpaid balance, annually reported as a debt for fourteen years after. An effort was made to liquidate this debt by once more appealing to churches in the New England States. This time it was done by the Rev. James Ballard, who spent nine months in 1842 in the effort, and raised a considerable sum, but by no means equal to their obligations. During Mr. Ballard's absence a Baptist minister occupied his place. Possession of the house was taken and on the 2d of January, 1842, the church was dedicated, the Rev. J. P. Cleveland D. D., preaching the sermon. On the 10th of January a board of nine Trustees was elected. The building was still incomplete, seats were placed in it during the year, and at once became a source of revenue, the terms being "quarterly payments in grain, shingles, lumber or cash."

Mr. Luther Beebe, on January 3, 1842, circulated a subscription for a church bell, and the largest amount pledged was $25, the smallest $1, and the first funereal tolling done by this bell was for the death of Mr. Beebe. But the bell, too, had but a few years of life, being cracked one frosty morning, and was returned to Troy, N.Y., to be recast. On resuming its place it did good service for this community until the present church was built, when it was exchanged with the Meneely firm for a larger one, the difference in price being given by the Hon. T. D. Gilbert. This church edifice, with the parsonage adjoining, in the rear on Fulton Street, stood on the ground of the present Porter Block, corner of Monroe and South Division Streets. It was used, with various additions and changes, for twenty-seven years. It perished in the flames, on the morning of November 26, 1872, only a photograph of it and the key remaining.

The Rev. James Ballard served the church until December 29, 1847, having never, during his nine years here, received a stated salary, owing largely to the fact that the church was far from self-sustaining, receiving annually about $200 from the Home Missionary Society.

Mr. Ballard left his lasting impress on the new settlement and the church, for he was a man of great zeal and energy, and with great devotion fostered the cause of religion and education. The Rev. Thomas Jones succeeded him, serving as pastor for two and a half years with a previously unequaled success, the fruit of which was the accession of 140 members during his brief stay. During his time the rotatory system of electing Deacons was adopted. His successor, the Rev. H. L. Hammond, was installed June 15, 1851, and served until April 4, 1856, when he resigned on account of a bronchial trouble that disqualified him for the pulpit. Several noteworthy events fell within his pastorate here. I first, letters of dismissal were granted to several to form a Second Congregational Church, which, with the Rev. James Ballard as its pastor, worshiped in the edifice belonging to the Swedenborgian Society, and was disbanded about 1856; secondly, letters of dismissal were granted in October, 1855, to Sarell Wood and eleven others to found the First Presbyterian Church on the west side, thirdly, in 1855 the house of worship was enlarged to accommodate the growing congregation; thirdly, an organ was purchased for $1,000, which, with the additions made to it on its removal to the new church, was in use until 1886 when it gave place to the finer one which they now have: and, fifthly, through the exertions of this efficient worker the debt of fourteen years standing was paid in full.

The next pastor, not easily forgotten by those who knew him, was the Rev. S. S. N. Greeley, of Great Barrington, Mass., who commenced his labors here May 10, 1857. In December, 1862, he joined the army as a Chaplain, retaining his relations to the church until July, 1863 the Rev. Wm. L. Page supplying the pulpit during the half year's absence of the pastor. During this pastorate 190 were admitted to the church.

The late Rev. J. Morgan Smith followed, beginning his labors, as stated supply, in September, 1863, which were terminated by his death, at Dansville, N. Y. October 1,1883. Beautiful memorial tablets, suitably inscribed and recording the appreciation of the church of their former pastors, the Revs. James Ballard and J. Morgan Smith, adorn the paneled walls on either side of the pulpit. During Mr. Smith's pastorate of twenty years there was prosperity and growth in all departments of church work. The two missions, which have become independent churches, viz: the Second Congregational Church on Plainfield Avenue, originally located on Canal Street just south of East Leonard, and the South Congregational Church, on the northeast corner of Center and McDowell Streets, were begun and fostered to their present prosperous condition. The society also outgrew its old building as early as 1867, when it was sold, together with the residence upon the same grounds, for the sum of $12,000, which was to be used for a new building, upon which they decided to expend $75,000. The balance was raised by subscription. The present fine structure, having a seating capacity of 1,100 erected, and the last payment upon it was made in 1879, leaving the organization without any debt. Great credit is due to the ladies who for the furnishing of the sanctuary raised nearly $8,000, besides making the carpets and cushions. The baptismal font was given by Mrs. Gregory and her class, and the pulpit Bible was the dying gift of Mrs. Elizabeth T. Gilbert.

This building was dedicated November 28, 1869, the Rev. William De Loss Love preaching the sermon. The whole number of persons admitted to membership up to the close of 1884 was 1,405, and the present actual resident membership is about 575.

For one year after the loss of their greatly lamented pastor, J. Morgan Smith, the church was without a minister of its own, but Prof. James T. Hyde, of the Chicago Congregational Theological Seminary, supplied the pulpit until the present incumbent, the Rev. Alexander R. Merriam, of Easthampton, Mass., was installed on September 30, 1884. At the opening of his pastorate here there was set on foot and carried into execution a movement to rear a monument to the memory of their late pastor, and the ''Smith Memorial Church," northwest corner of Wealthy Avenue  and Finney Street, is the beautiful and worthy result. It was built by the generous mother of three of our city churches, and named in honor of the late Rev. J. Morgan Smith, and a society of fifty members was organized to occupy it. Late in the summer of J887 an extensive renovation of the church took place at an outlay of $7,500. In May, 1889, the commodious residence on North Lafayette Street, occupied by the pastor for two years previous, was purchased for $7,500 as a parsonage. The annual income of about $7,000, derived largely from the rental of the pews, is about double the average additional contributions for benevolence. The number of families connected with the congregation is 470. The Sunday School, under the superintendency of Prof. F. M. Kendall, has 470 scholars.

The following are the officers of the church: Deacons -- S. Judd, Wm. Haldane, E. Hoyt, Jr., James Gallup, H. J. Hollister (also Treasurer), the Rev. I. P. Powell, N. L. Avery, S. Luther. Trustees -- L. W. Wolcott, Chairman; James Gallup, Secretary; N. L. Avery, C. W. Coit, D. D. Cody, J.H. Martin, C. E. Perkins, H. D. Brown, F. B. Wallin, E. Boise. Church Clerk -- McGeorge Bundy.

SECOND CONGREGATION CHURCH.
NORTHWEST CORNER OF PLAINFIELD AND GROVER STREETS.

The mother church, the First Congregational, has, from its founding, affectionately and generously nurtured this, its first child, the story of whose birth and development runs thus: In the spring of 1869 the First Church established a Sunday School Mission in the northern part of the city, and in the fall erected a small frame meeting-house for this purpose, on Canal Street, just north of East Leonard Street, for at that time it was hoped that the mission services would draw a congregation from the west as well as from the east side of the river. The Sunday school work prospered, and though the attendance at the preaching services was small, it was resolved, in July, 1870, to organize a church, with the Rev. John Holloway as pastor, and the following members: Magilvray Norton (the first Deacon) Mrs. M. Norton, Miss Anna Norton, Mrs. Fidelia Quimby, Mrs. J. Holloway and Mrs. Barbara Comstock. Deacon Norton, Chas. Bacon, John D. Boyd, S. French and Scott E. Curdy successively superintended the young Sunday school with great devotion and efficiency. It was the misfortune of the society to be often without the stated services of a pastor, hut the parental care of the First Church supplied not only most of the financial support, but timely assistance during such vacancies. The Rev. J. Morgan Smith was ever interested in their welfare, and often conducted their worship at such times; others also of the gifted members' notably Messrs. James Gallup, James B. Willson and Harvey J. Hollister held lay services, that were very acceptable, and the Rev. C. B. Smith, D. D., a well known retired Baptist minister, resident here, is gratefully mentioned as such a helper. Nor must the statement be omitted that self-help was cultivated when so situated, for Deacon Norton, Chas. Bacon, and John McKay, who joined them in 1872, often conducted a public "reading service."

The second pastor was the Rev. Robert Hovenden, who remained about a year, and the third was the Rev. John R. Savage, for the same length of time. Both were blessed with a measure of success. The Rev. E. C. Olney agreed to accept a call extended to him early in 1874, on condition that the church building be moved to its present location. To this a favorable response was given and the transfer effected that summer. The labors of the new pastor and the wise change of location, made it necessary a year later to enlarge and improve the building, and the present bell was also procured. After two years and a few months, Mr. Olney resigned, but was recalled in 1877, and continued two years longer, as pastor of this and the South Congregational Churches. The interval was filled by the supply labors of the Rev. George Candce for six months and of the Rev. J. G. Freeborn for one year. The Rev. Henry Utterwick succeeded Mr. Olney, and began his pastorate in March, l880, continuing until May 1, 1887. The church bears testimony that under his supervision the Society became well organized; the work was systematized and the church gradually improved. He also performed some missionary work, a mission being formed about June 1, 1886, in the town of Plainfield, four miles north, under the name of "Oak View Congregational Mission." Soon after, services were there conducted by Mr. H. A. Shearer, and next by the Rev. M. S. Angell, who had the pleasure of organizing it into a Church, March 8, 1888, and remains its pastor. The Rev. E. F. Goff labored successfully as pastor from May, 1887, till September 18 of that year, at the same time caring for the "Smith Memorial Church." He was succeeded by the Rev. H. A. McIntyre, who likewise served the two churches, and continued pastor of the Second until June 30, 1888, when the present incumbent, the Rev. J. T. Husted, entered upon his labors, July 1, as stated supply, as all before him had been. The church is now reported as in a prosperous condition and striving hopefully to become self-supporting. Mr. William K. Munson is the superintendent of their flourishing Sunday School of 325 scholars; the membership of the Church is 165; the annual income about $1,000; the sittings are free, 300 in number, and the property, free from debt, consisting of a frame church building and the grounds, is vah1ed at $3,000. The Woman's Missionary Society and a Young People's Missionary Society, entitled "The Opportunity Club," a "Social Society" and a Y. P. S. C. E., all flourishing, are connected with the church. The officers for 1850 besides the pastor, are: Deacons -- N. B. Kromer, S. S. Bacon, C. Adams and J. W. Hull; Clerk -- Seymour W. Wartrous; Trustees -- S. S. Bacon, N. B. Kromer, G. S. Clark, J. W. Berry, W. K. Munson, A. W. Buchanan, C. Adams, H. Leffingwell and J. Weda.

SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
NORTHEAT CORNER OF CENTER AND M'DOWELL STREETS

In the winter of 1874, the Ladies' Home Missionary Society of the Bark Congregational Church of this city, were looking for a new field of mission labor. Their attention was called to the southern part of this city; there was then neither church nor Sabbath school -- save the African M. E:. Zion Church -- south of the center of the city. This vicinity was then but sparsely settled. There were many families whose children were by their distance from the central churches deprived of Sabbath school instruction. To meet this want, the African Church, on Fifth Avenue near Jefferson Street, was fixed upon as the place for holding the school. This was rented, and on the first Sunday in March, 1874, the South Mission Sabbath School was organized. Mrs. L. A. Boise was elected Superintendent. Eighty-six children forn1ed the school at its first session. Of teachers Mrs. Edward Hanchett, Mrs. E. P. Pierce, Mrs. M. T. Hess, and Mr. and Mrs. Marcus W. Bates, were with the school from its beginning. Those from the Park Congregational Church present during the first years of the Mission, were: Madams J. Morgan Smith, Immen, McKay, Winchester, Sanford, Mosely, and Boise; Misses Reed, Hanchett, Morrison, Henshaw, Nichols and Field; and Messrs. C. H. Gleason and A. B. Carrier. The school increased until too large for the church. It was then proposed to erect a more capacious building. Suitable ground was offered by Francis B. Gilbert, where the chapel stood for some years a little east of the present church, for $600, half the price at which it was valued. Finally Mr. Gilbert gave, not half, but the whole of the site, and solicitation for funds with which to build a plain frame chapel of 30 by 50 feet was begun. Through the efforts of Mrs. Montague and Mrs. Boise, on behalf of the Park Church, and of Mrs. Bates, Mrs. Hanchett and Mrs. Pierce, on behalf of the South Mission, $1,900 was subscribed. Building was begun in the fall of 1875, and the work was completed in the spring of 1876. Here the Sabbath school flourished and grew to an average attendance of 150. About that time the M.E. Sabbath school was established at the Fair Grounds, and many children of Methodist families withdrew to join that, reducing the average attendance here to I25.

In 1876 the Rev. Mr. Brown commenced preaching in this chapel. After six months he left the field, and until the end of 1877 this people were without stated service. For the most part, the Sabbath school and prayer-meeting, which were always kept up, were the only services held.

In December, 1877, the Rev. E. C. Ohley commenced a pastorate with this Church, in connection with the North Church of this city. For one year he preached each Sunday evening, and attended the prayer meeting each week; doing pastoral work among the families here. So much encouraged were he and the congregation, that a church was organized December 12, 1878, with a membership of forty-three twenty-five of whom came from Park Congregational Church. This took place in the parlors of Park Congregational Church, where the Council was assembled, which recognized this new church. Mr. Olney remained another year, the morning and evening services alternating between this and the Second Church, the pastor residing with this church for six months of the year. In December, 1879, he resigned, and on January 1, 1880, the Rev. Benjamin F. Sargent assumed charge. The congregation grew rapidly, hence an addition of 30 by 18 feet to the chapel was secured for its accommodation; hut in 1886 the present site was purchased, in August the old church was moved to this location and wholly reconstructed, much after the Queen Anne style at a cost of $6,000, and was dedicated December 12, 1886. The building is 60 by 87 feet in size, containing, besides the elegant auditorium with its 300 opera chairs, other convenient rooms that open into the audience room, enlarging the seating capacity, if need be to 600. It is furnished in excellent taste, and the property is now worth $8,000. The annual receipts are $2,000, and the numerical strength as follows: Number of people in any way connected with the congregation, 1,200; members, 210; Sunday school scholars, 198. The seats are practically free. The officers are: Deacons, O. E. Belden, John T. Miller, Albert Smith, Albert Robinson; Deaconesses, Mrs. Helen M. Pollard, Mrs. Mary Smith; Advisory Committee, the foregoing, and Wm. H. Kinsey and M. W. Bates; Trustees, J. K. Failing, Myron Hester. E. E. Hanchet, John T. Miller, Frank P. Smith, W. N. Fuller, H. A. Turner, O. E. Belden, E. J. Carrel; Clerk and Treasurer, Fred. Macey; Collector and Secretary, W. H. Wood; Superintendents of Sunday School, Wm. H. Kinsey and W. N. Fuller. The Rev. B. F. Sargent resigned July 1, 1889, after a successful pastorate of nine and one-half years. The Rev. Franklin Noble, D. D., assumed pastoral charge October 1, 1889.

SMITH MEMORIAL CHURCH.
NORTHWEST CORNER WEALTHY AVENUE AND FINNEY STREET

In February, 1886, the Park Congregational Church rented Stevens' Hall, 15 and 17 Grandville Avenue, and organized a Sabbath School there, under the superintendence of Forrest M. Priestley, assisted by Miss Anna Locher and Millard Palmer. Sunday evening services were also held here by the Rev. Charles El. Shear, who was employed by the ecclesiastical mother of this enterprise, and for a short time cared faithfully for this mission. His labors were followed by those of Mr. Mead, then a theological student at Olivet College. After a few months of acceptable work, he resumed his studies, and the vacancy was filled by James Gallup, to whose zeal, energy and efficiency the church is greatly indebted. After the lapse of several months, the Rev. E. F. Goff was secured, in September, 1886, as pastor, whose services of one year largely promoted the development and prosperity of the mission. The Rev. H. A. McIntyre succeeded him, October 10, 1887, and is the present Stated Supply. For some time previous it was the cherished purpose of the mother church to build a church home for this rapidly growing congregation, and to name it as above, in loving memory of their late pastor the Rev. J. Morgan Smith, who died October 1, 1883. In this they were materially assisted by the relatives. friends and admirers of the late pastor, and on the 27th of September, 1887, the corner-stone of the church was laid, the dedication following on the 27th of May, 1888. This beautiful brick structure, with an auditorium that seats 500, and which, with the lot, also occupied by a $1,500 parsonage, is worth about $10,000, is a fitting monument, and an ornament to the city. The only debt remaining is one of $1,300 on the parsonage.

The formal organization of this mission as a Church took place in September, 1887, with thirty nine members, to which seventeen have since been added, who elected the following officers: Deacons-Daniel Vanderboegh, L. J. Niel and E. W. Miller; Trustees -- H. D. Brown, H. L. Locher, H. T. Kniffin, H. Miller, M. Frost, John Van Dommelen (who is also the Clerk), J. Reelman, and F. B. Wallin. The Sunday School, now superintended by Van A. Wallin, enrolls 180 scholars. A Christian Endeavor Society, J. Van Dommelen, President, and a Ladies' Helping Hand Society. Miss Anna Locher, President, are valuable aids in the work of this young church. The congregation or parish now consists of fifty-six members and 150 more adherents, and the annual income of their treasury is about $1,000. A good share of this revenue is derived from the rent of the pews, which are free, however, to all who are unable to pay for seats.

CHURCH OF CHRIST -- DISCIPLES
NORTHWEST CORNER OF LYON AND BARCLAY STREETS.

This society was organized in July, 1874 with nineteen members. The officers then chosen were: I.J. Whitfield, T. D. Haight and William Bellamy, Elders; and L. C. Stow, R. J. Stow, S. G. Milner and Milan Hibbard, Deacons. For several moths the infant congregation met for worship at the homes of members, but early in 1875 the Swedenborgian Church, corner of Lyon and North Division Streets, was rented, and the Rev. S E. Pearre, D. D. secured as their first pastor. With the exception of one year, during which they occupied the old brick house of worship vacated by the Westminister Presbyterian Church, which stood on the northeast corner of the present post office site, the congregation had the use of the Swedenborgian house until September, 1887, when they entered their own. Dr. Pearre had the pleasure of witnessing some growth of his charge during his pastorate of a little over a year. His successor, the Rev. J. S. Hughes, served hut six months, when a vacancy of nearly a year ensued. Early in 1878 the Rev. T. D. Butler, of Detroit, began his year of successful labor, at the close of which the church was again dependent upon visiting pastors or the lay services of its members, chiefly those of Dr. Whitford. However, in May, 1880, they rejoiced in the advent of a pastor, the Rev. J. H. Hammond, whose four years among them accomplished much for the development of the church. The membership numbered160 when he resigned in 1884.

In December following the Rev. W. F. Richardson came as their pastor, and remained until February 1, 1890. Under his zealous ministry the church has been brought to its now flourishing condition. In the summer of 1887 their efforts to have a worthy home of their own were crowned with success, and the dedication of their elegant sanctuary took place September 18, 1887. Built in fine modern style, it has an auditorium with 400 seats, and a lecture room, connected by doors, with 200 seats, making the seating capacity 600. Its cost including the site, was $11,500, and after furnishing, its value is at least $12,000, upon which there is a debt of $4,000; but as the annual income is about $3,000, and the resident membership now 230, this burden is light. The number of parishioners is about 600; the non-resident membership 51. M. H. Sorrick superintends a growing Sunday School of 300 scholars. Besides this the church conducts a mission school of 100 members, in Zion Evangelical Church on West Bridge Street, of which Charles W. Stillwell now has charge, and another on East Leonard Street, with forty scholars, under the care of Mrs. Addie Lewis. An industrial School for Girls, Ladies' Aid, Ladies' Missionary, Young People's Literary, and Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, contribute to the prosperity of the church. Present Elders -- I. J. Whitfield, T. D. Haight and William Bellamy; Deacons -- L. C. Stow, R. J. Stow, N. H. Coleman, S. G. Milner, G. H. Wilmot, D. I. Thomson, J. Hiestand and A. Per Lee. A peculiar feature of this church is its Deaconesses, who are: Mrs. William Bellamy, Mrs. T. D. Haight, and Mrs. L. C. Stow. They care for the sick and the poor, and visit and comfort them in time of need. Trustees -- I. J . Whitfield, L. C. Stow, and G. H. Wilmot; Clerk -- C. H. Winchester; Financial Secretary -- W. H. Muir; Treasurer -- C. M. Camburn. The present pastor, February 1890, is the Rev. W. J. Russell.

ST. MARK'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NORTH DIVISION, OPPOSITE PEARL STREET.

The Rt. Rev. Samuel A. McCoskry, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Michigan who was consecrated July 7, 1836, sent David J. Burger to Grand Rapids as a lay reader in August of that year. Mr. Burger prosecuted his work in the village and vicinity for several weeks, and on Thursday, October 6, 1836, pursuant to a call previously circulated, St. Mark's Church of the village and County of Kent, was duly organized. The call referred to bore the signatures of seventeen villagers, as follows: John Almy, S. M. Johnson, George Coggeshall, John P. Calder, Henry P. Bridge, D. A. Lyman, John Thompson, John Beach, James Thompson, John W. Peirce, Samuel L. Fuller, Adams N. Lothrop, William Annis, James Annis, Michael Deemes, C,. C. Nelson and C. I. Walker. Mr. Burger presided as chairman of the meeting, and John Almy was chosen Secretary. George Coggeshall and Jefferson Morrison were elected Wardens; and John Almy, John Thompson, Charles Shepard, Wm. A. Richmond, Simeon M. Johnson, D. A. Lyman, Edward Emerson and Henry P. Bridge were elected Vestrymen. Mr. Coggeshall was elected Treasurer: Mr. Burger was chosen to represent the newly-formed parish in the convention then to be held in Detroit. Mr. Burger was ordained a Deacon while in Detroit, but did not return here, and the parish languished. Yet the records state that the Bishop visited the parish and conferred the rite of confirmation upon a class of two persons on Sunday, June 17, 1838. This was the first service here of the kind.

In July, 1838, a paper was circulated looking to the reorganization of St. Mark's, and fourteen signatures were appended thereby; but no official action was taken in the premises.

Early in November, 1839, the following advertisement appeared in the Grand Rapids Times.

Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the friends of the Protestant Episcopal church, in this town, will be held at the office of Geo. Martin, on Monday, the 18th inst., at two o'clock P.M., for the purpose of the organization of a church, and for the election of Wardens and Vestrymen.

The election resulted in the selection of Geo. Coggeshall and Charles I. Walker for Wardens, and John Almy, H. K. Osborne, Charles Shepard, F. J. Higginson, J. M. Smith, Janles M. Nelson and Henry B. Bridge for Vestrymen. The Rev. M. Hoyt was called by the vestry to assume charge of the parish, as its first rector, at a salary of $600 per annum, which for those times was really extravagant. and he entered at once upon the duties of the position. During the winter of 1839 and 1840, regular services were held in a frame building on the northeast corner of Canal and Bronson Streets, in a room given free of rent.

In the spring of 1840 measures were adopted toward the construction of a suitable church edifice. To this end Charles H. Carroll and Lucius Lyon had given a piece of ground on the northwest corner of Division and Bronson Streets, and the society enlarged the site by the purchase of the lot adjoining on the west, paying therefor $100. The building erected was a frame, twenty-seven by forty-one feet in size, with posts fourteen feet high, at a cost of $800; and it furnished seating capacity for 170 persons. Subscriptions from the congregation for building purposes were sometimes paid in money, but more frequently in material, labor and store orders. The house was consecrated by the Bishop on Sunday, April 25, 1841. The chancel was at the north end of the building; while from a little loft over the entrance at the south end, a vocal quartette, with violin, bass viol and flute accompaniment, furnished music for the services. There were forty pews, of which about three-fourths were rented, producing an annual income, when collected, of $450. The communicants numbered eight. Among the names connected with the parish, in addition to those already mentioned may be found those of John T. Holmes, Henry R. Williams, T. B. Church, A. Hosford Smith, P. R. L. Peirce, James H. Morse, Charles P. Calkins, E. B. Bostwick, Robert S. Parks, S. O. Kingsbury, Wm. A. Blackney, Amos Roberts, Aaron Dikeman, Damon Hatch, Henry Martin. Ezra T. Nelson, Lovell Moore and others.

Mr. Hoyt had resigned the rectorship April 1, much to the regret of his parishioners, for he was beloved and popular among them. He is still living, and now rector at Hurley, Dakota. The financial condition of the church may be inferred from the fact that committees were appointed to solicit subscriptions to pay arrearages of the salaries of pastor and sexton and other obligations. In September Dr. Alonzo Platt was chosen to fill a vacancy as vestryman, and April 17, 1843, he was chosen warden together with William A. Tryon. For a year and a half all efforts to secure a rector were fruitless. The salary now offered was $300. The Rev. M. Schuyler, of Marshall, visited the parish and prepared a class of nine for confirmation at this time, upon whom the Bishop soon after laid hands, which then made the membership thirty in number. A brighter day was dawning, and the Rev. Francis H. Cuming, of St. Andrew's, Ann Arbor, was called May 24, 1843, a salary of $400 promised him, to be paid quarterly in advance, and the expense of transporting his goods from Jackson or Detroit to this place. A house had been rented, with five acres of land, for one dollar a week; and the Doctor was advised to bring with him everything he might need.

On the first of October, 1843, he entered upon this field of labor. Within the first year of the new rectorate it became necessary to increase the seating capacity of the church building. This was accomplished by adding an extension of twenty feet in length, or, more properly speaking, by cutting the building in two and inserting a section, which gave a total of sixty pews, with an aggregate rental value of $791 per annum.

The rapid development of the lower town induced the parish officers to secure a site for church purposes farther south , and two lots on "Prospect Hill" were purchased, which were soon after exchanged for the present site. Early in 1847 the Ladies' Sewing Society loaned to the vestry for this purpose $200 which was to be refunded as soon as there was a surplus in the treasury. Mr. E. B. Bostwick gave a lot on the same terms. The present church building was first occupied in October, 1848. In shape it was a parallelogram, having the same width as now, but in length extending from the front only about twenty feet beyond the transept corners. The corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies in the southwest corner. The forr.1al consecration of the edifice took place September 9, 1849. Erastus Hall was the first sexton in this building. For his services in that capacity, and as collector of pew rents, he was paid an annual stipend of $100, and was expected to furnish, at his own expense, fuel and lights during his incumbency. The towers were erected in 1851, and four years thereafter the building was enlarged by the addition of the choir and transepts, bringing it substantially to its present cruciform plan. The entrances at the front were near the towers. The old structure on Bronson Street was sold, and subsequently removed to the northeast corner of North Division and Park Streets, where, much changed, it is now used as a shop.

In the fall of 1849 the first pipe organ brought here was placed in this church. The organ now in the loft was placed there in the autumn of 1867, at a cost of $4,000. It replaced the earlier one which for seventeen years had occupied the position and was sold to the Reformed Church of Zeeland, which still uses it in services. In the little building on Bronson Street Mrs. T. B. Church was a member of the choir, and since the first occupancy of the present edifice, with few brief intermissions, she has presided at the organ. About the year of the occupancy of the new building Peter R. L. Peirce organized a choir with the following members, in addition to the organist: Soprano, Mrs. P. R. L. Peirce; altos, Misses Thirza Moore and Emma Rathbun tenor, Fred. McConnell. bass, P. R. I. Peirce and A. Hosford Smith. The first bell was purchased in 1850, and weighed 1,020 pounds. The one now in use was substituted for it in 1865. Its weight is 1,327 pounds, and it cost $500 above the value of the metal in the old bell.

Early in 1850 a charter was obtained from the State Legislature, authorizing the establishment of an institution for academic, collegiate, and theological learning, to be located in Grand Rapids, and known as St. Mark's College. The incorporators were the Bishop of the Diocese, who was ex-officio President of the Board of Trustees, and seventeen others, the Rector of the Parish and James M. Nelson, George Kendall and Alonzo Platt representing Kent county, the remaining thirteen being chosen from ten other counties to the eastward and southward. This was immediately put into active operation, so far as pertained to the female branch, under the supervision of two young ladies as teachers, in a house on Lyon Street, east of Division. There were fifty pupils in attendance. In September of the same year the trustees elected the Rev. Charles C. Taylor, who had been Dr. Cuming's assistant for a couple of years, President of the College, and completed arrangements for opening the male department, with D. D. Van Antwerp as principal, and forty pupils enrolled. The vestry and Sunday School rooms adjoining the church were used for this branch of the preparatory school. For a year or more the college seemed to flourish. The catalogue for 1851-52 shows an enrollment of 224 students, of whom 98 were males and 126 females. The faculty were as follows: Charles C. Taylor A. M., President, Professor of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy and Astronomy, Francis H. Cuming, A. M. Professor of Moral and Intellectual Philosophy; David D. Van Antwerp, A. B., Professor of Latin, Greek and Hebrew; Daniel B. Lyon, A. B., Professor of Geology, Evidences of Christianity and Political Economy; Aaron R. Van Antwerp, Principal of the Primary Department; Mis. Jeanette A. Hollister, Principal of the Female Department and Teacher of French; Miss Thirza Moore, Assistant. The curriculum embraced a full course of instruction in literature, science and the arts, ancient and modern languages and theology. Other departments, embracing law and medicine, were projected. This institution did excellent work for two and a half years. In the second year the prospect of development and permanence was so fair that suitable college buildings were deemed necessary, and a site was obtained near the corner of Lyon Street and College Avenue, but the patronage fell off, and as there was no endowment to sustain the enterprise, and the income fell short of the required sum, its career was terminated.

In May, 1861, Dr. Cuming was granted leave of absence to accept the chaplaincy of the Third Michigan Infantry, and went with his regiment to the front. He tendered his resignation in October following, and the acceptance closed a pastorate of eighteen years, during which time he had labored assiduously, day and night, summer and winter, in season and out of season, for St. Mark's. His work had been crowned with success, and he had seen the parish, starting from a single score of communicants, increase to a men1bership of nearly three hundred. His death, which occurred in the following year, is recorded on the mural tablet seen in the south transept placed there in loving remembrance by a society known as the Corban Guild. The Doctor was too advanced in years to bear the continued exposure incident to camp life, and would not accept such indulgences as from his position he might have enjoyed, but lived as his men did. This brought on an illness from which he never recovered.

FRANCIS H. CUMING was born at New Haven, Conn., October 28, 1799. When a youth he was adopted into the family of the Rev. J. C. Rudd, D. D.. at Elizabethtown, N. J., and educated for the ministry. He was ordained as Deacon at 19 years of age, and in 1820 advanced to the priesthood at Rochester, N. Y. Afterward he was pastor successively at Binghamton, N. Y., Reading, Pa., and LeRoy, N. Y.; and in 1833, and for several years, in New York City, where he was the first Rector of Calvary Church. In 1839 he removed to Ann Arbor, Mich., and in 1843 came to Grand Rapids. Here he at once won recognition as a devoted and energetic church leader, and also as a sagacious business man: and here he maintained a prominent and influential position, in both religious and secular society while he lived. In 1855 he was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by an eastern college. He was an earnest and impressive preacher, an energetic business man, a steadfast friend, and in his family and among neighbors affectionate, warm-hearted and generous; positive and unbending but courteous in manner, yet familiar, frank and social upon acquaintance and intimacy. When the Rebellion broke out he went with the Third Michigan Infantry as Chaplain but shortly was compelled by failing health to retire and come home, where he rapidly sank to his death, which occurred August 26, 1862. Mr. Cuming married Jan. 31, 1822, at Auburn, New York. Caroline A. Hulbert. She died at Rochester, N. Y., Dec. 26, 1827, leaving one son, Thomas B. Cuming, who died at Omaha in March, 1858, being at the time Secretary and acting Governor of Nebraska Territory. He again married, April 6, 1831, Charlotte Hart, who survived him, and died in this city in 1883, leaving five daughters, of whom two, Mary H. and Emily J., occupy the homestead on Bostwick Street, now known as "Crescent Heights," just northeast of Crescent Park.

During the vacancy occasioned by the absence of Dr. Cuming,, the pulpit was ably filled by the Rev. David Clarkson until the spring of 1862, when his failing health compelled him to withdraw from active duty.

Dr. Josiah P. Tustin accepted a call to St. Mark's in July, 1863, and remained until 1870, when he resigned in order to enjoy the benefit of foreign travel. During his pastorate St. Paul's Memorial Chapel on Turner Street was established as a mission, for which St. Mark's church erected the present church building in 1869. It was consecrated by the Bishop in 1870, and in 1871 its congregation became an independent parish. This Rector greatly endeared himself to his flock and others by his zeal, culture and Christian character.

For four months the pulpit was supplied by the Rev. Gerrit E. Peters, and in October following, the Rev. Samuel Earp entered upon a rectorate of six and a half years. The Rector felt that immediate, persistent endeavor should he made to secure for the church an abiding place in the outlying portions of the city. Grace Mission was started in 1871, and organized as Grace church in 1875. The chapel of the Good Shepherd was built in 1873, which in 1886 became a distinct and separate parish, organized under the name of Trinity.

The year 1872 was given to enlarging, repairing, and beautifying St. Mark's church edifice, and the erection of the chapel at the southeast comer. These involved an expenditure of about $36,000, one-third of which sum was provided by voluntary contributions, the other two-thirds remaining as an indebtedness, secured by mortgage upon the realty. While the repairs were in progress, services were conducted in the Holland church building on Bostwick Street now VanDriele's warehouse, which had been vacated by the Second Reformed Church in November, 1871. St. Mark's Church occupied it in May, 1872, and until their return to their own renovated sanctuary. St. Mark's was formally reopened on the 16th of February, 1873.

At a special meeting of St. Mark's Vestry, May, 13, 1873, it was unanimously "Resolved, are in favor of a division of the Diocese." The subject was brought to the notice of the Diocesan Convention of that year, by P.R.L. Pierce, a delegate from this parish supported by Dr. L. C. Chapin, of Kalamazoo; discussed, and laid over to the next convention. The Fortiest Annual Convention of the Diocese of Michigan was held in St. Mark's Church and the division was then agreed upon, under a resolution offered by Mr. Peirce, seconded by S. L. Fuller. The constitution and canons relative to such cases being complied with, the Bishop signified his assent, and the new Diocese, called "Western Michigan," was created. Pursuant to a call by the Bishop, a special convention was held in this church, December 2, 187l, to perfect its organization and elect a Bishop. The choice fell upon the Rev. George DeNormandie Gillespie, D. D., rector of St. Andrew's Church, Ann Arbor, who was consecrated in this building, on St. Matthias' Day, February 21, 1875.

The pastorate of the Rev. Samuel Earp was one of remarkable aggressiveness. He was a man of unusual physical and mental vigor and of untiring zeal. But the parish was overtaken by the financial panic of 1873 with a debt of $20,000 on its hands, incurred for church improvements and enterprises. On Easter Day, 1877, Mr. Earp bade his parish farewell, and was immediately succeeded by the Rev. George D. E. Mortimer. The circumstances just mentioned had produced a depressive effect. The indebtedness was somewhat reduced, but the varied and urgent claims upon the church for pecuniary help prevented its removal. The liberality of the parishioners was great, but the load was not a light one; and notwithstanding the fact that in four years, 1877 to 1880, the sum of $48,000 passed through the church treasury, the secured indebtedness, at the end of that period, remained at $22,000 including a mortgage of $4,000 on the rectory at 41 Sheldon Street. Mr. Mortimer retired in November, 1880, having rendered earnest, faithful service to this people for the space of three and a half years. The vestry extended a call to the Rev. Spruille Burford, of Jamestown, N. Y., who accepted and entered upon his duties on the second Sunday of Advent, 1880. He at once declared war against the church debt. The effect was seen at Easter when $16,500 found their way into the offertory. The valuable rectory already mentioned was turned by sale into assets to meet their liabilities. The liquidation of this indebtedness brought great relief and inspired new hope. On All Saints' Day, 1883, the "surpliced choir" made its appearance, being the first of its kind in the Diocese. The present rectory, northeast corner of Lyon and Bostwick Streets, was purchased in the spring of 1884 of D. P. Clay. On the third Sunday in the Epiphany tide of 1886 Mr. Burford ended his rectorship to accept a call to St. Timothy's Church, New York city. He was assisted from November, 1881, till January, 1883, by the Rev. James B. Mead, a young clergyman, and from January, 1883 until October, 1884, the rector's classmate, the Rev. Peter MacFarlane, rendered him valuable assistance, and organized and trained the surpliced choir. During his five years there were added to the church 214 members by confirmation, the voluntary subscriptions for church purposes aggregated nearly $57,000 and the charitable and benevolent associations and societies connected with the parish were augmented and strengthened, while others were set in motion. For sixteen months prior to the resignation of Mr. Burford, the Rev. Frederick A. DeRosset was assistant minister, but after Dr. Fair was installed he accepted a call South, and the new Rector of St. Mark's, who came from the Church of the Ascension, Baltimore, Md., was alone in his care for this flock.

The Rev. Campbell Fair, D. D., assumed charge of the church on the 6th of November, 1886, and Mr. DeRosset remained until January, 1887.

A mission had for several years been founded and nurtured under the auspices of St. Mark's in the village of Newaygo. Several new fields have since been entered. Services are held in Sparta and Rockford, and missions have been established and maintained in Walker township and the town of Paris. Mission work was in 1888 begun in New England Hall on Plainfield Avenue . The suburban mission in Oakdale Park was new ground also occupied in 1888. The Rev. W. Ball Wright was the Rector's assistant from March, 1889, until the end of the year, since which Dr. Fair performs the labors of the parish, with only the aid of lay readers of his own church.

The last census of the parish reports 667 communicants, of whom 235 are male and 432 female: 400 families, and 1,400 adult and 550 young parishioners; a total of 1,950, of whom 1,870 are baptized. The Sunday school enrolls 483 pupils. The receipts for the year for parochial and diocesan purposes were over $18,000 and the stipend for 1889 was met by free will offerings sent to the Rector personally, amounting to $3,600. The property owned by the church is -- the church and grounds, valued at $65,000; the rectory, worth $12,000, upon which there is an indebtedness of $3,000, and the Church Home and Hospital, $50,000. Of the 1,300 sittings, 800 yield an annual revenue of about $6,500, while 500 are reserved as free seats.

The church is officered as follows: Wardens, Wm. R. Shelby and Edwin F. Uhl; Vestrymen, W. F. Bulkley, C. W. Calkins, J. W. Champlin, E. Crofton Fox, P. C. Fuller, F. Letellier, T. J. O'Brien, and C. G. A. Voigt. C. A. Torrey superintends the Sunday school, and his wife is President of the sewing school that meets weekly on Saturday, at 9 A.M. At the head of the North Grand Rapids Sunday school, in "New England Hall," is J. Huntley Russell.

The educational idea of 1850 has so far revived that in 1888 the Rector's wish was carried out, and a scheme set in operation which gave existence to St. Mark's Academy for Girls and Boys. In 1887 a beginning was made with a small class of children, and in the fall of 1888 a school was fully organized, which was attended by 47 pupils, whose tuition fees defrayed the expenses. The school is under the religious care of the Rector, and the present departments and teachers are: English Course, and Latin, Miss M. B. V. Martin (Principal); Kindergarten, Miss Bella Webster; General Assistant, Miss Nellie Campbell; Vocal Music, Mrs. Cora Bliss Wenham.

GRACE CHURCH -- EPISCOPAL
NORTHEAST CORNER OF CHERRY AND SOUTH LAFAYETTE STREETS.

The Rev. Samuel Earp, then Rector of St. Mark's, in October, 1873, instituted a mission work in the old Public School building, northeast corner of Wealthy Avenue and Prospect Street, which was the origin of Grace Church. It received some aid from, St. Mark's, more from its Rector, and the balance required from interested persons. Thus fostered, the enterprise succeeded, and February 15, 1875, was organized as a Church, with thirteen charter members, and the following vestryman chosen: T. I. Tanner, C. B. Mosher, A. J. Mitchell, William Luther, J. M. Crane, G. W. Hardy and C. Tanner. The present grounds, having a frontage of l l5 feet on South Lafayette Street, were then bought. The founder of the mission was its leader and minister until March, 1874. Since then the following Rectors have labored here: The Revs. Seth S. Chapin, from March, 1874, to September, 1875; W. H. Knowlton, September, 1875, to March, 1879; Charles W. Ward, June, 1879, to September, 1880; F. C. Coolbaugh, December,1880, to September, 1886; G. W. West, February 1887, to September, 1887: T. J. Knapp, D. D., January, 1888 -- now in charge.

The present brick house of worship, that will seat 340, and which its site is estimated at $10,000 built in 1877-78, the corner stone being laid in September, 1877, and in 1884 a pleasant rectory was aided, situated south of the church, at a cost of $2,500, making the total value of the property now about $15,000. The strength of the church is as shown in its statistics here given: Number connected with the paris 415, of whom 225 are communicants, and 155 Sunday school scholars. The annual income is $2,000, the seats are free, and there is a small debt on the rectory. List of officers: Wardens, Jacob Kleinhans and William Raigttel; Treasurer F. C. Stratton; Superintendent of Sunday School, H. C. Johnson. The societies that are performing effective work in their various departments bear of the Ladies' Society, The Young People's Guild, and The Pansy Guild.

ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL CHURCH -- EPISCOPAL
TURNER STREET, BETWEEN THIRD AND FOURTH STREETS.

The name of the Rev. Josiah P. Tustin, D.D., is connected with this church as its founder when he was Rector of St. Mark's Church. A mission was established there in 1869, and the building of a chapel then begun, which was consecrated February 3, 1870, and received its name from the fact that it contains ten memorial windows, one of which commemorates the devoted life and faithful labors of the Rev. Francis Cuming, D. D.., and another the character of the Rev. Dr. Clarkson, a venerable and beloved retired army chaplain, who resided here during the closing years of his life, and in 1861-62 supplied St. Mark's Church. Its seating capacity is 250, and the present value of the property is about $3,000. On the 17th of May 1871, the church was organized, the following eleven gentlemen signing the articles of association: Nathaniel Fisk, M. Thistle, W. R. Scribner, Geo. M. Stuart, E. Anderson, John B. Folger, A. T. Leggett, N. B. Scribner, Wm. R. Walker, E. Marvin, and R. H. Fowle. The Rev. Sidney Beckwith was their first Rector, and the succession in the pastorate is as follows: The Revs. S. Beckwith, 1871-79; Eugene Babcock, 1879-80; A. Wetherbee, 1880-82; P. MacFarlane, Assistant at St. Mark's, 1883; Norman Jefferson, 1883-84; J. Rice Taylor, 1885-88. After Easter, 1888, until March, 1890, the services were conducted by C. A. Eaton, a lay reader, who also superintended the Sunday school, under the direction of the Rev. T. J. Knapp, D. D., Rector in charge since October, 1888. The seats are all free, and the church is without debt. The membership numbers 98, the congregation 185, and the Sunday school enrollment 94. The receipts for 1889 were $855.44.

TRINITY CHURCH -- EPISCOPAL.
NORTHEAST CORNER OF EAST BRIDGE STREET AND COLLEGE AVENUE.

This is one of the children of St. Mark's Church. The house of worship was erected in 1873. The corner-stone was laid by the Bishop of the Diocese, May 3, and on September 10 it was consecrated by him as The Chapel of the Good Shepherd, where a Sunday School was maintained and occasional services were given by the Rt. Rev. George D. Gillespie, Bishop of the Diocese, and the various rectors of the city, chiefly by those of St. Mark's Church. The original seating capacity was about 175, but the mission Sunday School grew in importance and numbers, consequently the edifice was so much enlarged in 1883 as to accommodate 275 persons. The title of the property, now valued at $6,000, and held without any debt, is vested in "The Association of the Diocese of Western Michigan." In 1885 the present parochial organization was created, and the Rev. Sidney H. Woodford became its Rector, assisted in the management of the temporal and spiritual affairs of the church by Wardens Andrew W. Johnston and Remey Jares, and Vestrymen Thomas Friant, Zenas G. Winsor and D. O. Sproat. The strength of the church may be gathered from the statistics which follow: Families fifty-six, parishioners 250, communicants fifty-eight, and a Sunday School; enrolling sixty-two scholars, of which Andrew Johnston is the Superintendent. The annual income for all purposes amounts to $1,500, no part of which is derived from pew rentals, as the free seat system is in operation. The entire parish is further organized into a single society called Trinity Church Guild, the details of whose work are managed by committees. The Rev. S. H. Woodford resigned in July, 1889, and was succeeded November 17 by the Rev. H. H. Johnston.

OAKDALE PARK -- EPISCOPAL

Soon after the platting of this Park, St. Mark's Church, through its pastor, was the pioneer in establishing a mission there. There being no accommodations for a Sunday school, the regular church service was held in the residence of John Nelson, the Post Office of South Grand Rapids. This met with such encouragement that a suitable house of worship became necessary. Accordingly Messrs. Wilson Brothers gave a lot 50 by 125 feet on the corner of Seymour Street and Cottage Grove avenue for a chapel; the residents of that sect on built the stone foundations in March, 1889, and on its completion, furnished the house, leaving the mother church to furnish the materials and defray the expense of building. It was dedicated in May, 1889, and, as a mission, still belongs to St. Mark's parish, whose Rector or assistant has conducted its regular services. The Church edifice is built in cruciform shape, modern style, adorned with a tower 65 feet in height, and has 240 sittings. The congregation numbers 70 worshipers.

HEBREW CONGREGATION -- TEMPLE EMANUEL

This organization dates from October 2, 1871, when a meeting was held for this purpose at the residence of Benjamin Geis, at No. 1, Bronson Street (now Crescent Avenue). The seventeen gentlemen who founded the church were the officers first chosen, to-wit: President, Julius Houseman; Vice-President, Benjamin Geis; Treasurer, Jacob Barth; Secretary, Jacob I. Levi; Trustees, Moses May, Nathan Rodman and Henry S. Pressburg; and besides these, Jacob Wolf, A Leavitt, B. Heart, J. Kuppenheimer, D. M. Amberg, Henry Weil, Isaac C. Levi, A. Rodman, S. A. Hart, and H. Kuppenheimer. Their first place of worship was Peirce's Concert Hall on Canal Street, which was formally dedicated July 19, 1872, by the Rev. E. Epstein of Milwaukee, and which they occupied until Sept. 1, 1875, then removing to Godfrey's Block, second floor, on Ionia Street, one door south of Monroe Street. In this capacious and neatly furnished hall they grew prosperously and remained until August 28, 1882, when they entered their beautiful synagogue, whose dedication, according to the ritual, and with other interesting services, made September 15, 1882, a most memorable day in their history. This edifice has a seating capacity of 300, and a debt of only $2,500. Of the 300 Hebrews in this city, about 250 are attached to this congregation, thirty-six of whom are enrolled as members, and forty as Sunday school scholars. In the Sunday school, of which G. A. Berwin is Superintendent, Hebrew is taught, thus educating the entire congregation for its worship, as conducted in Hebrew,  German and English. The members are obliged to pay a fixed amount annually, which entitles them to a family seat. Their yearly income ranges from $1,500 to $2,000. The following Rabbis have been their pastors: Revs. W. Weinstein, from October 13, 1872, to October 1, 1874; E. Gerechter, from Nov. 1, 1874, to August 1, 1880; N. I. Benson, from August 1, 1880, to August 1, 1881; M. Moses, from August 1, 1881, to August 1, 1882; B. Cohn, from November 1, 1882, to August 1, 1885; N. Rosenau, from March 1, 1886, and still in charge. The present officers are: D. M. Amberg, President; A.S. Davis, Vice-President; Isaac C. Levi, Treasurer; A.M. Amberg, Secretary; Joseph Houseman, B. Allen, Abraham May and J. Wolf, Trustees. Mrs. Joseph Houseman is the President of the only society connected with the church, viz: The Hebrew Ladies' Benevolent Association. Between Orthodox and Reformed Judaism, this congregation have made choice of the latter, which aims to modernize the creed, ritual and customs of their worship, and claims to be the progressive wing of the Jewish Church of our day.

Some fifteen gentlemen and their families, residing mostly on the West Side, however, remain attached to the Orthodox party, and hence have no ecclesiastical fellowship with Temple Emanuel, but secure the services of Orthodox Rabbis to conduct the solemnities of their annual holy days, which fall in the months of September and October.

GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF IMMANUEL.
CORNER OF EAST BRIDGE AND NORTH DIVISION STREETS.

The founding of this church dates from 1856. On the 11th of May their first pastor entered upon his office here, and the church was incorporated June 15, 1856, as St. Immanuel's Church,' by fifty-two members. The first Trustees were Christian G. Blickle, Christoph Kusterer, Henry Bremer, John Schneider, Christian Kusterer and Frederick Oesterle. This church, belonging to the Synod of Missouri, adheres to the unaltered Augsburg Confession and all the symbolical books of original Lutheranism observes monthly communion, the Church Year, and the 31st of October as Reformation or Luther's Day. The terms of admission are very strict, requiring previous instruction in the parochial school, and under the personal care of the pastor, in Bible History, the Confession and Catechisms of the church. In accordance with these views of the necessity of thorough preparation for church membership, are their practices. The pastor instructs the entire congregation every Sunday afternoon, except the first of the month, in the catechism, which takes the place of the Sunday School. The parochial schools of the church provide for a course in German and English, and all the ordinary studies of those languages, and thorough daily drill in Bible History, the Catechism, Scripture recitations and hymns of the church. This system, so popular among the Lutherans, and believed by them to be indispensable to the welfare of the church, aims to furnish a Christian education, such as our public school system renders impossible.

The officers of the church include four Church Wardens, at present Adolph Messerschmidt, Daniel Buehler, Gottlieb Blickle and Albert Schroeder, and five Trustees, now John Sehler, William Herpolsheimer, Henry Fiebig, Charles Stein and Frederick Krekel. These, with the School Board of three members, now Julius Faenger, Julius Friedrich and Robert Bauer, and the pastor, constitute the Church Council, having advisory and executive power, the congregation meeting the first Sunday afternoon of every month for the transaction of business.

The building of a small church edifice was begun in September, 1857, and finished early in I 858. Henry Bremer and Christoph Kusterer were the building committee, the plan was designed by Peter R. L. Peirce anc1 Friedrich Killinger, a member of the church was the builder. A transept was added in 1872, making its seating capacity 450, and in the basement a school room for ninety pupils.

The numerical growth of the school and the prosperity of the congregation have led to the acquisition of valuable property and equipments for their work. The congregation owned until April, 1889, three lots on Fast Bridge Street, corner of North Division, 150 by 180 feet, upon which, besides the church, were a commodious frame building for the residence of the pastor and the principal of the school; also a frame school house on East Bridge Street, having two rooms for 160 pupils, and apartments for the teacher. In May, 1889, plans first formed in December preceding, and now matured, began to be carried out. The house and lot directly south was bought for a parsonage for $5,400; the old church was moved to a temporary site, loaned gratuitously by W. G. Herpolsheimer, on North Ionia Street, in rear of Kusterer's brewery; the old residence of pastor and teacher was moved to the westward of the school house on Bridge Street, and work was commenced in Jun on a new brick house of worship on the old site, to cost about $20,000, and $5,000 is to be expended for bell and organ. The sum of $30,000 was raised to provide for this outlay. This property has a value of about $45,000.

A few years since they purchased three lots, at the comer of Second and Pettibone Streets, to establish a mission on the west side, and erected upon this site a two-story brick veneered school house, 40 by 80 feet, whose first floor will accommodate 100 children, and the second is the residence of the teacher. The value of this property is $5,000, one-half of which is paid. During the winter the pastor holds regular services here on the second Sunday evening of every month.

The following six pastors have ministered to this people: The Revs. F.W. Richmann,1856 to 1858; W. Achenbach, 1859 to 1863; J. L. Daib, 1863 to 1870; A. Crull, 1871 to 1873; H Koch, 1873 to 1884; C. J. T. Frincke, the present able incumbent, since 1884.

The church has been weakened, numerically, twice in its history. First, in 1858, when a number of members, holding views inconsistent with the standards of the Church. seceded and organized the German Methodist Church on the west side, now on Scribner Street. However, several of these returned after a season. Again, in 1880, when the German Church of St. John, on Mt. Vernon Street, was organized out of elements dissatisfied with the discipline of this church. Yet the church is strong, as appears from these figures: Number of male voters, 105; of communicants, 650; and of adherents, 1,200. Since its origin, 1,686 children have been baptized and 572 persons confirmed, and it has sent out members who have founded churches of this order in Grand Haven, Caledonia and Lisbon.

ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
ON MT. VERNON NEAR WEST BRIDGE STREET.

A party dissatisfied with the discipline of the church of Immanuel, German Lutheran, with which they had long been identified, came out of that Church and were organized under the above name, June 20, 1880, by the Rev. F. Mueller, who became their pastor and served until October 1, 1884. This congregation is connected with the German Evangelical Synod of North America. Prominent among the leaders of this new movement were the present officers Frederick Schuster, Emil Rebentisch, Edward Rebentisch, Wilhelm Groggel, Wm. Fritz, Samuel Heruth, Henry Bohne, and also Paul Waltz, John Zinzer, Peter Weber, Wm. Echternach and Frederocl Faulhaber. A house of worship was completed and dedicated in June, 1881. It is a substantial brick edifice surmounted by a spire, seats 400, and cost $10,000, on which there is an indebtedness of $7,000. The seats were made free, and the revenues of the church are about $1,200 per annum. In 1888 a parsonage, costing $2,000, was built on the lot adjoining the house of worship on the north, No. 10 Mt. Vernon Street. After the first pastor, the Rev. Carl Grauer served them until July, 1885, and was followed by the Rev. Louis Bach, from October of that year until October, 1886. The Rev. Adolph Schmidt was appointed Nov. 28, 1886, and in addition to his ministerial work, taught the church school of twenty pupils which is held in the basement of the church, five days of the week. The total number connected with the parish is about 400, of whom sixty-five are communicants, and seventy-five are scholars of the Sunday school, of which Frederick Schuster is Superintendent, while the families more closely attached to the church are about fifty or sixty. The Rev. A. Schmidt resigned in October, 1889, and was succeeded Nov. 6 by the Rev. David Greiner, who has charge of the same classes of work as had his predecessor.

SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
SOUTHWEST CORNE OF COURT AND VALLEY STREETS.

In the autumn of 1871, Carl Nordberg, a sea captain, came from New York or Boston to reside here. He forthwith zealously interested himself in the religious welfare of his Swedish countrymen here. He boarded in a Swedish family by the name of Hempel, and in their dwelling gathered his countrymen for religious services. The fruits of his efforts appeared in the following winter or early spring, when the ladies of the circle thus drawn together organized a sewing society, which still exists, to raise funds for missionary work among the Swedes of this city. Soon after, different ministers of the Evangelical Luther Augustinian Synod of America, residing at Chicago and elsewhere, were induced to visit them for this purpose two or three times a year. During one of these missionary visits by the Rev. P. Erikson, of Chicago, and under his direction, on the 25th of April, 1873, sixteen members organized and were incorporated under above name. J. Newberg was elected Chairman of the society, and C. Hakenson, Secretary, each for one year. The next day they purchased the site of the old church on Sinclair Street for $500, the first payment of $50 being made by the sewing society, and a committee was appointed to solicit for a building fund. A constitution was adopted and signed by five gentlemen, to wit: John Newberg, Chas. Hakenson, Emil Kilstrom, A. J. Anderson, and C. J. Lindberg. In January, 1874, they secured the services of the Rev. N. A. Yongberg, pastor of the churches at Whitehall and Lisbon, for one day every other week, at a salary of $150 per annum, and it was resolved that the meetings, before held in private residences, should be held in the German Lutheran Church at the corner of East Bridge and Division Streets, they paying a rent of $2 for every meeting held therein. This movement proved so satisfactory that the society resolved on September 7th of same year to erect a Church edifice, 36 feet by 60, 20 feet high. Its cost was $3,500. In 1880 the Rev. A. Hult, pastor of the church at Sparta, was secured at a salary of $300, giving to this church half his time. In the fall of 1884 their pastor moved to this city to devote his chief attention to this church. Accordingly the congregation raised his salary to $400, and the Conference for one year granted missionary aid in the sum of $250. Mr. Hult resigned in the autumn of 1885, and was succeeded by the Rev. J. A. Norlin, who commenced labor here in July, 1886, and is still in charge. In 1888 the church had an income of about $900, of which $125 was devoted to benevolence. The 250 sittings of the old church were free. The communicants are ninety in number, and the total number of parishioners one hundred and forty. The Sunday school has forty scholars, of which J. A. Wennerstrom is Superintendent. The officers are: the pastor, Chairman; Emil Kilstrom, Treasurer; John Newberg, Secretary.

In June, 1889, the initiatory step toward a change of location was taken, by the purchase of a new site at the corner of Court and Valley Streets upon which the building of a church was begun in July. The corner-stone was laid according to their ritual, and with appropriate addresses, August 25. This is a brick veneered building, 40 by 70 feet, with a basement, adorned with a spire ninety-five feet in height, which contains a bell. It will seat 600, and cost about $6,000, making the property worth about $8,000. Having worshiped in the old home until the new was completed, the congregation entered the latter December 22, 1889.

SWEDISH EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CONGREGATION.
NO. 43 BROADWAY OPPOSITE FIRST STREET.

This congregation is composed of Danes and Swedes, who for a considerable time held religious meetings in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church of Scribner Street. An organization was founded June 12, 1880, which belongs to the Lutheran body known as The Swedish Evangelical Mission Confederation of America. In the year 1883 their church edifice was erected which is a small, plain, frame structure, but well adapted to their needs. It has seats for 300 worshipers, and cost $2,000. With the grounds attached it is worth $3,000. This sanctuary was dedicated November 2, 1883. The membership is 110, and the number of scholars in the Sunday School of which C. J. Lundgren is superintendent is forty. Its first pastor, the Rev. F. A. Staberg, closed his labors among them May 1, 1889, after which the church was supplied by their own local preacher, J. W. Swansen until October 1, when the Rev. Claus Nyren was engaged as supply until another pastor shall assume charge. J. Rose is President, and John Tournell, Clerk, of the Board of Trustees. The annual contributions of the church for all purposes are about $1,500.

FREE METHODIST CHURCH.
IN HALL OVER 39 WEST BRIDGE STREET.

The first class of this Church was organized in the winter of 1886, and in October, I 888, was incorporated, after the election of a Board of Trustees. They remain without property and without a resident pastor having been supplied by some minister of the rural charges with which they have been connected. At first they were so combined with the church at Sparta, in this county, and the Rev. E. W. Chapman held service here in a private residence on the corner of Fremont and Seventh Streets. The following year the Rev. H. D. F. Gaffin, also of Sparta, supplied the congregation, then worshiping in a hall at 331 West Bridge Street. In the fall of 1887 they were connected with the Sand Creek charge, and receiving the ministrations of the Rev. E. Thirkettle, a local deacon. Soon afterward they removed to No. 55 West Bridge Street, and held their meetings in Mack's photograph gallery, and later to their present place of worship, No. 39 West Bridge Street. The Rev. E. Thirkettle continues to supply them, preaching every Sunday morning, and attending the rest of the day to his other appointments. Their former pastor, the Rev. H. D. F. Gaffin, now Presiding Elder, residing at Coopersville, retains a deep interest in this work and aids it by his counsel and frequent visits. He also conducts their quarterly meetings. With all their drawbacks they have made the gratifying progress shown by a membership of about thirty, a congregation of about eighty, and an average attendance at their Sunday School of twenty-five. In addition to Sunday services under the leadership of their pastor, Sunday evening and week-day prayer meetings are held at the residences of members. The church is officered as follows: Mrs. James Frederick, Sunday School Superintendent; T. F. Easton, Ira Thompson, David Carlisle, Talbot Owen, John Sharrets, James Frederick and S. B. Shaw, Trustees.

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH.
NORTHEAST CORNER OF TURNER AND CROSBY STREETS.

A Band of Hope, organized in April, 1873, for Sunday School work, under the auspices of the denomination of above name, was the origin and germ of this church. The Rev. Harry R. Stevens, then pastor of the "Walker Circuit of the Michigan Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection of America," accompanied by Horace Austin, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, made this beginning. In November following a small building, designed for a Sunday School room, was erected on their present site, but upon its completion the original movers were encouraged to organize a church, which took place November 29, 1873, and it was called the "First Wesleyan Methodist Church of Grand Rapids City." The articles of Association were signed by H. R. Stevens, Otis Smith, Lewis C. Hudson, Van N. Miller, Horace Austin, Daniel Hahnes. On the 15th of the succeeding month the five last named were chosen to constitute a Board of Trustees, when the more formal organization was effected, with the Rev. H. R. Stevens as pastor, who remained until the autumn of 1875. His successors have been: The Revs. J. B. Selleck, from the fall of 1875 until the spring of 1876 "home supply" until the fall of the latter year; Obed Tapley, from 1876 to 1878; H. H. Bement, 1878 to 1880; C. L. Preston, 1880 to 1883 ; William Wing, 1881 to 1883; R. H. Ross, 1883 to 1884, O. S. Grinnell, 1884 to 1885 six months, and S. B. Shaw six months. B. C. Robbins, 1885 to 1887, and the Rev. C. L. Preston since 1887.

At the beginning of 1874 revival meetings were held, which resulted in eighty conversions and so large an accession of members that a Church edifice was built, which was dedicated in the autumn of that year, the Rev. Adam Crooks, of Syracuse, N. Y., officiating. The new house of worship was a building of 30 by 40 feet, to which the original Sunday School room of 18 by 26 feet was attached, and has since served as a parlor and for prayer and class meeting purposes, and can he thrown open so as to increase the seats to the number of 230. This property is now estimated at $2,000. Joined to the rear of the church, but facing Crosby street, is a parsonage worth, with the site, $1,000. The church has enjoyed frequent revivals. Its membership is reported at about 150. The Sunday School, of which J. W. Sherwood has for several years been superintendent, has seventy-five scholars. The amount annually raised, under the free seat system, is $500. For three years past this church has been united with one in the town of Walker, 2 1/2 miles out, forming one charge, and the pastor preaches at each twice a week. A considerable proportion of the members of the city church reside in the country.

DIVISION STREET M.E. CHURCH.
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF DIVISION AND FOUNTAIN STREETS.

The history of this church is the history of early Methodism in this city. It was the pioneer mission, and has been the fruitful mother of several now full-grown and strong churches. In August, 1835, the Ohio Conference, which then embraced the Ann Arbor District, resolved to enter this field and formed the "Grand River Mission," extending nearly the entire length of the river. The Rev. Osbond Monett was placed in charge, and the Rev. Henry Colclazer was made its presiding Elder. Mr. Monett's preaching stations were Portland, Ionia, Grand Rapids, Grandville and Grand Haven. He rode his circuit around once In four weeks, and held services in the primitive log cabins of the settlers, then "few and far between." Eastern people settled here in great number, and among them were a few devout and stanch Methodists, whose arrival was the signal for organized work in the growing town. Accordingly in the winter of 1835-36 Mr. Monett founded the first M. E. Church here, constituted by the following six members: Mehetable Stone, Wm. C. Davidson, Diantha Davidson, Knowlton S. Pettibone, Mrs. K. S. Pettibone and Mrs. Eliphalet H. Turner. Their meetings were held in the upper part of Henry Stone's house on the west side of Kent Street, between Bridge and Bronson Streets. This is, therefore, the oldest English speaking Protestant organization here.

In 1836 the Michigan Conference was created, and at its first session, in Detroit, the Rev. Frederick A. Seaborne was appointed missionary to this charge, but one year later was expelled. He was succeeded in 1837 by the Rev. Orrin Mitchell, whose Presiding Elder, S.P. Shaw had charge of the "Flint River District," then created, which embraced Grand River Valley as far west as Grandville. To innumerable hardships and privations of his itinerant life was added the loss of his horse, and during the remainder of the year Mr. Mitchell gained an extensive experience as a pedestrian on his large circuit. His successor was the Rev. James H. Freese, appointed in 1838, and during his term, in May following, the first Quarterly Conference was held at Grandville, attended by the Rev. E. H. Pilcher, P. E.. the missionary, and James Ewing, class leader. Knowlton S. Pettibone, Moses H. Russell and Thomas Buxton were then appointed stewards of the Grand Rapids church.

In 1839 two missionaries were sent, Ransom R. Richards and Allen Staples, and during their stay, the first reported revival occurred in this field and added many to the membership, reported as fifty-five in September, 1838. The first trustees recorded in 1839 were Wm. C. Davidson, Jas. Ewing, K. S. Pettibone, Robert I. Shoemaker and Harry Vean. In 1840 we find among the stewards the new names of Joseph Brown, Wesley Fallass, H. I. Judson, Cabel Page, Lewis M. Pike ("exhorter"), Thomas H. Castle, Ira H. Maxfield, and Alex. Deane.

The preachers sent in September, 1840 were Elliott M. Crippen and Daniel Bush. At this time the use of the Court House on the Public Square was secured for services, which made Grand Rapids headquarters for the mission and added the privilege of regular Sunday services, nineteen preachers in all serving within the bounds of the mission. As there were no churches and only three school houses to be had, ordinary meetings were held in private houses, but barns were resorted to for the accommodation of the crowds eager to enjoy the spiritual feast of the quarterly meetings. Mr. Bush' s labors and trying journeys through trackless forests, or along trails indicated commonly by blazed trees, through streams forded or ferried, or carried over by his swimming horse, were in that year sweetened by the receipt of $20, all told, "wild-cat" money, which he was happy to sell for 25 cents on the dollar.

The Methodists, in 1841, bought the present site of the Division Street church, of Thomas Smith of New York, for $200, paying one-half in cash, and giving a mortgage on the lot for the balance. Next, steps were taken to build a suitable "meeting-house," which for want of funds was not completed that year. However, a detailed statement of the finances of the church was made June 25, 1842, at the quarterly meeting, showing a total of $840 subscribed for the building, of which $463 had then been expended, and $310 uncollected was considered good. Certainly they did nobly for one year, for the additional sum of $186.49 was raised that year and divided between Presiding Elder Jas. F. Davidson and the two missionaries, as follows: to the first, $24; to the second, $43.57; and to the third, on account of his larger family, $118.92. The rule at this time w as to allow for the preacher $100, for his wife the same, and for young children $16 each. In August the returned Presiding Elder brought with him as circuit preacher the Rev. Franklin Gage, a muscular as well as spiritual laborer. He gave careful attention to his pastoral duties, and also devoted much time and manual labor to the completion of the house of worship, whose dedication he was privileged to witness in June, 1843, though without the comfort of church seats as yet secured. The ceremonies were conducted by the Rev. James V. Watson, a man of ability then residing here in superannuated relation on account of ill health. From 1840 to this date we find among the officers the new names of Anthony Yerkes, "exhorter" Thomas Stocking and Dudley Newton, stewards; Joseph Escott, class leader, and a little later, Matthew Van Amburg, steward, with Milo White, Horatio Brooks, Samuel B. Ball, Henry G. Stone and P. Mulford, stewards, chosen Nov. 11, 1843, and a corresponding accession of members. The Conference in 1843 sent Mr. Gage again, and also the Rev. D. Whitlock, with Larmon Chatfield as Presiding Elder.

In January, 1844, the quarterly meeting held at Grandville estimated the sum required for the year's support of their ministers at $476, and made an assessment upon the several classes of this place and vicinity, but the receipts were not reported. Two accessions, worthy of special mention, reinforced the organization in 1843 and 1844. In 1843 Gaius S. Deane, and in May, 1844, Luman R. Atwater, came with their families from the village of Lyons, where they had been pioneer Methodists since June, 1837. The former was, on January 11, 1845, made a steward, and ever after until his noble life was closed, March 23, 1883, served as an official member. Mr. Atwater was, soon after his arrival, elected to the superintendency of the Sunday School, in which he was uninterruptedly continued by vote of the people for a quarter of a century. In June of that year, the 15th, Seth Reed, a young member of some class in the circuit, was licensed to preach.

The year 1844 was full of interesting developments, among them the displacement of the wooden benches -- used from the day of dedication until that summer. Only by a strong presentation of the financial needs of the treasury and the prospect of great relief to a few of the brethren, who had borne an excessive share of the burden, did the Board carry the day in favor of the rental system. The experiment of one year was remarkably successful, $676 having been raised for current expenses and a neat sum also to pay in part for the new pews. In September, the salary of the preacher, then the Rev. Andrew M. Fitch, was fixed at $350, and for the first time in the annals of the organization the minister was paid in full. He was also provided with a parsonage, a house rented for the purpose on the east side of Kent Street, between Bridge and Bronson Streets, and the further allowance of $100 for table expenses! Such rapid and great strides had been taken by the mission as to beget the conviction that it ought now to become a "station" and self-supporting, which was effected Nov. 8, 1844, at a quarterly meeting held in the church, and the following Board of Stewards was chosen: Charles P. Babcock, Wm. C. Davidson, James Ewing, Samuel B. Ball, Henry G. Stone, and Horatio Brooks; also trustees; Ball, Babcock, D. D. Van Allen, G. S. Deane, Davidson, Stone and Harry Dean. The name then adopted was "First M. E. Church of Grand Rapids." The strength of the Sunday school was then forty scholars and eight teachers. The painting of the church was attended to in the summer of 1845. Both the Presiding Elder and minister were returned in the fall of 1845, and the district, before Shiawassee, took the name of Grand Rapids. Among the stewards of the board then chosen, we for the first time meet the names of Joel Ranney, A. C. Westlake and L. R. Atwater, who was made recording steward, and then began that accurate work which led the Quarterly Conference of his Church, December 22, 1882, to elect him to the new office of church historian.

The mortgage on the lot remained unpaid, and on March 26, 1846, both church and ground were sold under the hammer of Sheriff C. P. Babcock. But, if Mr. Atwater was to record history, he was there also to make history, and give a delightful turn to a disagreeable affair, for he purchased the property and deeded it to the trustees.

In 1846 Mr. Chatfield returned as Presiding Elder, and the Rev. Jacob E. Parker was placed in charge of the station, remaining but one year. It may have been fortunate for him and his people that he was single, for the treasury was so low that two brethren offered their services as sexton free of charge, each for one year, in which position they afterward often supplied fuel from their own wood piles, carrying it to the church on Saturday evening

The Rev. James Shaw came in the fall of 1847 as Presiding Elder, and Myron B. Camburn as pastor -- a single and unordained man. A "protracted meeting" was held that winter under the Rev. W. F. Cowles as leader, which resulted in seventy professed conversions, forty of whom united with this church. In August, 1848, the ladies made the purchase of a parsonage lot, on the northwest corner of Fountain and Bostwick Streets, for $100. We pass on to the conference appointment of Geo. Bradley, Presiding Elder, and Reuben Reynolds as their minister in 1848.

In September, 1849, James Summerfield, a single and unordained preacher of Irish birth, took charge, under the former Presiding Elder. His successor, in 1850, was the Rev. Francis A. Blades, David Burns Presiding Elder. The pastor's salary was fixed at $364, and a house, rented at $90. Mr. Blades was very popular, and so successful that in the summer of 1851 an addition of sixteen feet was built on the front of the house, making the seating capacity 225. There was also a gallery or choir loft, from which G. S. Deane, chorister Miss Ellen L. Deane with melodeon, John Simonds bass viol, Mrs. G. S. Deane, Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Atwater, Mrs. S. B. Ball and Mrs. S. R. Sanford, discoursed music, in which they were heartily joined by the voices of the congregation. Their pastor's term expired by the limitation then fixed by the General Conference at two years, and he was succeeded by the Rev. Andrew J. Eldred --- former Presiding Elder continuing -- under whose ministry there was a great awakening, ninety-four professing conversion. After the regular probationary period fifty-seven of them were admitted as members.

The necessity of building a parsonage was considered by the trustees in March, 1853, when it was decided to erect one of brick, two stories high, 25 by 32 feet in size, on the lot purchased by the ladies, and Mr. Atwater was appointed as the Building Committee. The work was commenced July 6, 1853, and when the frame was enclosed both autumn and the funds were at an end. The ministers of the year succeeded themselves in September. The report at the close of the fiscal year, September, 1853 mentions $52 expended for a sexton and $7 for fuel, indicating a growing appreciation of such important services. In 1854 there was a change of Presiding Elder and pastor; the Elder now sent was the Rev. Henry Penfield: pastor, the Rev. Resin Sapp. The latter was an able minister highly acceptable to his parishioners, and continued to render faithful service for two years. As the manse was not completed, the parson and his family were boarded until the last of December, when they enjoyed a mid-winter removal to a residence provided. The regular expenditures of that year were $653.50, and there is an item of $23 for "melodeon-music." At the Quarterly Conference of June 30, 1855, L. R. Atwater's resolution was unanimously adopted, reading thus:

Resolved, That a second M. E. church be organized on the "east side of the river, and that the next Conference appoint a preacher to the charge, if in the opinion of the Presiding Elder a suitable man can be had for the place.

There had been Methodists on the West Side several years, and in 1853 pastor Eldred began holding service there, when three classes were formed and a Sunday school was organized. These had grown so that the mother church lost a considerable number of her members, who were dismissed to form the "West Charge."

Mr. Sapp's second year was prosperous, thirty-six persons joining during his term. The Rev. Jeremy Boynton followed him in October, 1856, receiving the average stipend of $445, and at the end of the year gave place to the Rev. Henry Morgan, now superannuated and residing here. The years 1856, 1857 and 1858 were a period of decline. In 1860 the Church was bereft of its Presiding Elder, John K. Gillett, who died of hemorrhage of the lungs, at the parsonage, June 27. He received his appointment Sept. 4, 1859. At that Conference the Rev. Myron A. Daugherty was appointed pastor. He was a preacher of extraordinary talent, courage and force. When he returned for a second year, the appreciation of his congregation was evinced by raising his salary to $800, and the use of the parsonage. In 1861, Oct. 17, Presiding Elder M. B. Camburn, their pastor in 1847, died here after one year of service in his new relation beloved and honored as a devoted Christian minister. The second year of Mr. Daugherty's pastorate was prosperous, and at its close the officers adopted resolutions expressing the esteem in which all the congregation held him. The parish had now grown to such proportion and importance as to invite the Annual Conference to accept their hospitalities in 1862 which was done. In October, 1861, the Rev. Harrison Morgan was sent to the district as Presiding Elder, and the Rev. D. R. Latham to this charge to this pastor.

The Annual Conference convened here in October, 1862, Bishop Levi Scott presiding, and the Rev. Wm. Rork was appointed to this charge. He was succeeded in 1863 by the Rev. J. W. Robinson. He had just served two years in the Second Street church of the city. His salary was $700 per annum during the next two years. This brings us to the Conference season of 1865, when the Rev. Israel Cogshall was commissioned Presiding Elder, and for four years made himself felt throughout his district as a power for good. The pastor then appointed was the Rev. Joseph Jennings, who came to his task in broken health and much suffering, so that he could endure the strain but one year, and in 1867, May 23, departed this life. There followed him in September. 1866, the Rev. Andrew J. Eldred, an old friend of 1852-53, and they voted him $1,200 for the first year. His work told in the increase of membership, for in March fifty Sunday school scholars were reported as converts, and the total gain of the year was 129, and notwithstanding the unprecedented outlay of $2,300, there was a balance of $250 in the treasury at the expiration of the year.

This numerical growth and financial prosperity suggested the building of the present Church edifice. During that winter of 1866-67 Julius Berkey, O. R. Wilmarth and T. Tradewell visited several towns to obtain a suitable plan, and recommended one of an edifice to cost $60,000. This was endorsed, and, subscriptions having warranted it, early in the summer of 1867 the old church was moved to a lot in the rear and used until the new structure was ready to shelter them. Before winter the foundation and floor timbers were in place. Work upon the walls commenced early in the spring of 1868. Presiding Elder Cogshall laid the corner-stone May 16, 1868. On the last day of 1868 the Sunday School held a farewell meeting in their meeting-house, and on New Year's Day, 1869, the congregation went "out of the old house into the new," the basement being then ready for occupancy, and the formal opening occurred June 23, 1869, Bishop F. R.