The History of First Church

Since 1833

Excerpt from "One Hundred Fifty Years; FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF KALAMAZOO MICHIGAN by Henry Ford III" published May, 1983

In 1830 the Kalamazoo area was included in the Methodist charge known then as the St. Joseph Mission. It was a part of the Indiana Conference, and was served by a circuit rider from that conference. The first meetings were held in 1830 with the Reverend James T. Robe, then a twenty-five year old minister, conducting services, In 1831 Kalamazoo Mission appears in the minutes of the conference with Erastus Felton as the missionary. At the next session of the conference, September, 1832, James T. Robe was appointed to this circuit. He continued to preach, traveling from settlement to settlement, preaching the Word of God.

Reverend Robe was succeeded by Reverend Richard Meek in 1833, who organized a society in the fall of that year. This was the first organization of a Christian church in the village of Bronson, the name of which was soon to be changed to Kalamazoo.

(edit: In 1834, Titus Bronson, the founder of Kalamazoo (once named Bronson Village) donated some of his land to what later became known as Bronson Park. He donated space to the first four religions that became incorporated into the village according to law. The land amounted to 64 square feet for each religious dwelling. The first sermon of eachwas held in Bronson's home, which is where St. Luke's Episcopal Church now sits.)

The original five churches that were included in the Bronson Park churches were the Baptist Church, First Congregational Church, First Presbyterian Church, First Reformed Church, and First United Methodist Church. These churches were founded by less than 100 people and have served central Kalamazoo for nearly 736 years

There were eight members when this Church was first started: its leader, William Harrison Coleman, Eliza Coleman, Julia Coleman, Fannie Coleman, Elizabeth Coleman, George Patterson, Rebecca Patterson, his wife, and Hannah Wood.

The society was much increased the following year. Reverend Robe's circuit covered a large area reaching as far as Allegan and Niles.

James Armstrong, a man of great power in the pulpit, was the first Presiding Elder. The first camp-meeting held in this part of the country was under the leadership of James Armstrong and Reverend Robe. This resulted in a great religious awakening. Robe was appointed to this charge a second time in 1834.
The church held its first services in the log cabin home of Titus Bronson, located at what is now the corner of Church and West Michigan Avenue, and also in the home of George Patterson. Later the members worshiped in a little schoolhouse near the corner of East South and Henrietta Streets. In 1842 the little church society was able to build a church. It was a wood frame building at the northwest corner of Academy and Church Streets where the First Reformed Church now stands. The building faced east on Church Street, and had a wide elevated porch in front where children of the members loved to linger until called in by their elders.

1866-A New Building

The church had a continuous growth and soon proved too small for the growing congregation. A lot was acquired at the southeast corner of Rose and Lovell Streets where the Michigan Bell Telephone Company building now stands. The outgrown church building was sold to the Dutch Reformed congregation and the last Methodist service was held there on March 25, 1866.

The Michigan Conference had held two annual sessions there, one in l848 and one in l858.

Reverend Charles Selling was pastor from 1865 to 1867 and it was during his pastorate that the work of building a new church edifice was begun. It was finally completed in 1869 but without the planned tower and spire. They were added in 1873. During the time the church was being constructed, services were held in the court-house and Union Hall until the chapel portion was completed.

It is difficult for us in this period of affluence to appreciate what an undertaking it was for the Church to enter into a building project which meant the raising of about $46,000. It was just at the close of the Civil War; everything in the way of materials was expensive; the church had hardly a wealthy person in all of its membership. The people rallied, however, under the leadership of their pastor, L. H. Pearce, and the splendid church edifice was completed. Thirteen members, later often referred to as "the immortal thirteen" signed a contract guaranteeing that they would see the enterprise through. They were: T. C. Brownell, E. A. Carder, Henry Wood, W. F. Miller, George W. Coleman, James Turner, David J. Pierson, R. M. Northrup, Elisa Gerow, Charles R. Brown, 0. H. Perry, George H. Lyman and E. J. Phelps.

During much of the early period of this church members rented the pews in which their families sat. This practice was discontinued in 1898.
It was during the pastorate of Reverend Washington Gardner that the fiftieth anniversary of the Church was celebrated in 1884-one year late.

The Michigan Conference held its annual session in that building four times: 1874, 1886, 1897 and 1911. In 1900 the church, which had been an unincorporated society, became incorporated under a new 1899 State Act.

In gleaning the history of this church as recorded in the minutes of its business meetings, one must be impressed by the very important position that this church has held in the life and growth of the Kalamazoo community. As the city grew and pushed out its borders, this church extended its Christian influence in establishing and building new churches in the outlying districts on all sides of the city.

In 1882 the church started a campaign to raise funds to help erect a church in Comstock. About the same time steps were taken by this church to start a new church on the north side of the city. A lot on West North Street was purchased at a cost of $500, and a building costing $2,000 was erected. Thus, Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church came into being to serve the north side of Kalamazoo for over 90 years. Then, aid was given in establishing a church at Richland. This was quickly followed by consideration being given to the need for a church on the East side of the city and also on the Southeast side. Our Church actually bought the necessary land and paid for the construction of the East Main and Stockbridge Methodist Churches. It also assisted in the establishment of the Wilson Memorial Church at Recreation Park, the Oakwood, the Westwood and the Sunnyside Churches. It also helped in creating the membership of the new churches by the transfer of memberships of many members of this church to the new churches.

75th Anniversary

In 1908 there was a celebration for the church's seventy-fifth anniversary. In a booklet prepared for that occasion entitled Seventy-Five Years of Methodism, the history of this church from 1833 to 1908 was set forth with the first thirty-five years recorded by Mrs. Ency Coleman Caryl and the next forty years covered by E. J. Phelps. Those two documents, together with a welcoming speech written and delivered on that occasion by M. I. Bigelow, are referred to in a paper entitled "One Hundred Years-an Appreciation" written by Miss Sarah Elder in connection with the Centennial Celebration held in 1933. All of these writings are important historical documents to be preserved for future reference.

The church's congregation and its activities continued to grow in its second edifice. In 1919 in addition to the usual programs of the church, a different type of project was commenced. A motion picture projection room was constructed in the balcony and every Friday evening movies were shown in the sanctuary. This was very popular, especially with the young people of Kalamazoo. They were able to see at reasonable prices films starring Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., Mary Pickford, Harold Lloyd and other old-time movie favorites. The main purpose of this endeavor was to attract young people and others to our church and to provide a wholesome atmosphere for the viewing of motion pictures. This activity was so popular that when our present edifice was constructed a projection room was included in the half-balcony and a movie screen was installed that could be lowered from a concealed place above the chancel. These facilities were used in the years 1945 to 1950 for motion picture travel talks under the sponsorship of the Women's Society of Christian Service. Lois Harvey was the chairperson for this "Travel and Adventure" project, ably assisted by her husband, H. Loree Harvey, and Professor Elmer H. Wilds. The youth of the church were brought into this project and acted as ushers. This enabled them to become better acquainted with each other while at the same time serving the church.

By 1920 the church's activities had grown to such an extent the church building was deemed to be inadequate. The Sunday School was overcrowded. The space for social activities was limited. The Student Friendly, an organization for college students under the direction of Mrs. Jean A. Ayling, had become an important part of our Church, and there was no proper place for it. The name of that organization was changed in 1926 to Wesley Foundation. Mrs. Ayling was succeeded in 1935 by Dr. H. Lewis Batts. Dr. Martin Luther Fox was pastor during the years 1919-1923, and early in his pastorate consideration was given as to ways to remedy the crowded condition of the church.

While talk was commencing about the need for a new church building, something happened that resulted in a major change in the appearance of the old church. The tall, ornate, wood spire above the tower of the church caught fire in 1920 and this steeple that had been a landmark in the city for about fifty years toppled to the ground. The steeple was above the brick tower of the church which included a large clock face on the two street sides of the building. The top of the tower was repaired and altered without adding a new steeple.

In 1921 a committee was appointed to ascertain what could be secured for the church property if offered for sale. Thus began the dream of a new and modern church building. In 1924 a Building Committee was appointed and authorized to take charge of the building and financing of a new church. The members of this committee were: Howard J. Cooper, Jacob Kindleberger, C. G. Bard, William D. Toland, Edward J. Phelps, Dr. Ernest A. Balch, John S. Rockwell, C. Arthur Krill, Dr. Smith Burnham, Mrs. C. W. Best and Mrs. John Fox. The Reverend Richard M. Millard was pastor of this church at that time. Ernest Batterson, a member of the church, was engaged as architect to draw plans and specifications.

In that year of 1924 the church entered into a contract to buy the site known as the Ransom property at the southwest corner of Park and Academy Streets.

The 1926 Fire

Two years later during the pastorate of Dr. D. Stanley Coors, an event occurred that hastened the plans for a new church building. On March 13, 1926, our church was destroyed by a disastrous fire. Without delay, the place of worship was changed to the Masonic Temple. The Building Committee was augmented by. the appointment of Edward C. Vincent, Paul 0. Barr, Dr. Charles E. Boys, William R. Fox, Mrs. Jean Ayling, Mrs. Lena Drake, Ruth Eaton, George C. Gatton and Harold Blair.

On November 3, 1926, at a big church banquet, the congregation started a campaign to raise $100,000 in pledges to be paid by July 1, 1928. The goal was reached in four days.

In September, 1927, the meeting place was changed to the Capitol Theatre and on October 1 ground was broken for the new sanctuary with the cornerstone being laid and dedicated on December 4, 1927.

The end result of the months of planning and hard work that went into the construction of the sanctuary was a Late English Gothic exterior of Bedford stone and slate roof, a nave with a seating capacity of 1,100 and a chancel with fittings of symbolically carved mountain oak, large carved organ grilles, and beautiful stained glass windows over the high altar and in the balcony. The whole was constructed to "make individuals feel themselves in the House of God, and clergy and laity alike should be inspired." Dr. E. A. Balch, a member of the Building Committee, played an important part in the church's success in achieving a beautiful temple.

It was "with hearts filled with gratitude to God and with a spirit of sustained loyalty and consecration" that the members dedicated the beautiful sanctuary on March 17, 1929. Desiring to extend the ministry of the rich windows and chancel symbols, a booklet entitled Symbols of the Christian Faith in The First Methodist Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan was printed by the church in 1946. It was written by Dr. William C. Perdew, pastor of the church from 1934 to 1943.

About a month before the dedication, another building fund campaign was commenced. The goal was $200,000. This was a challenge to the faith and heroism of the members. They met it nobly and on Sunday, March 3, 1929, they celebrated a memorable victory with pledges amounting to over $201,000.

On May 3, 1931, at the Sunday worship service there was a special service of dedication of memorial gifts. These included an Acousticon system, the furnishings of the Pastor's study, the grand piano, the stained glass window of the Burning Candle and the Book of Wisdom, the clergy stalls, the pulpit, the choir stalls and choir screens, the large East window, the Skinner pipe organ, the organ chimes, the altar and reredos, and various special cash gifts.

By these memorials the donors recorded their gratitude to God and as a memorial to the loved ones He had given them.

Our Centennial Celebration

In May, 1933, our church celebrated the centennial of its founding.
Many special meetings were held including a special Young People's Assembly, a community program at which our church was honored by the community, business interests, the professions, the educational institutions and other Kalamazoo churches. There were notable speakers including Marshall R. Reed, later to become Bishop of the Michigan Area, William H. Phelps, editor of the Michigan Christian Advocate, Edgar Blake, Bishop of the Detroit Area, Dr. Lynn Harold Hough and William Fraser McDowell, Bishop, Washington, D.C.

The members of our church in the past had the responsibility of paying the cost of the sanctuary. At the time of the dedication of the third church building there was an indebtedness on it of $207,000, of which $111,000 had been paid by March, 1940. Considering the fact that the Great Depression started just a few months after the dedication this reduction of the debt was a magnificent achievement. There still remained about $96,000 to be provided for. So in 1940, during the pastorate of Dr. William C. Perdew, another building fund campaign was launched to enable the Church to keep its agreement with the church's bondholders. In the depths of the depression the church found it wasn't able to meet the principal and interest payments as they fell due. Negotiations were instituted and the bondholders unanimously agreed to lower the interest rate provided the church would retire bonds at the rate of $10,000 per year. The new interest rate was 2 percent per annum to May 1, 1940, after which it was to increase to 3 percent.

The financial campaign of 1940 was successful and the bonds were eventually paid in full.

Even in 1940 our church, while engaged in a campaign to pay for the sanctuary, had not forgotten its dream for the future. The original plans for the new church building included an educational unit of four stories, but it was realized in the 1920s that construction of the educational unit would have to be postponed for future consideration. The 1940 campaign literature, however, included a drawing of the church not only with the educational unit but also with an imposing tower reaching high in the sky The tower has never been completed.

In 1946 under the leadership of our pastor, Dr. Dwight S. Large, the first WKZO radio broadcast of our Sunday services was commenced. It was not known at that time how successful and popular the broadcasts would become. The fact that they have now continued without interruption for some thirty-six years (edit: now 59 years) proves how much they have been appreciated by not only the church membership but by the people throughout the area covered by WKZO.

The Education Wing

For many years the church had felt the need of increased facilities for the Church School as the membership and attendance constantly grew. During the pastorate of Dr. Large the dream became a reality and the educational unit, which has been variously called the educational wing, the church house and the parish house, was begun. Ground was broken on May 2, 1949, and it was completed in September, 1950, at the beginning of the pastorate of Dr. Thomas M. Pryor. By this time our church membership had grown to 1,919.

The cost of construction of the educational unit was over $300,000. At the time of its opening the dedication of it was postponed because there remained an unpaid debt of $180,000. By 1958 this had been paid in full, so it was decided to combine its dedication with the one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary celebration of the founding of our church. This occurred in September, 1958. The celebration included a Sunday worship service with Bishop D. Stanley Coors as guest preacher, an evening worship service with three past associate ministers as speakers; a dedication service with Bishop Marshall R. Reed, as speaker, and an anniversary banquet with Dr. William C. Perdew arid Dr. Dwight Large, former ministers, as speakers.

The educational wing immediately became greatly used. It was crowded to capacity on Sunday mornings by the many Sunday School classes and other organizations. Rooms on the second floor were designated "Wesley Foundation" and were used by that organization for several years until the Wesley Foundation building was constructed on the campus of Western Michigan University.

Youth Emphasis

This church has always tried to make the youth of the church feel that they are a part of the church body. While it is certain there were youth activities early in the history of the Church, the first record of an Epworth League Chapter appears in the minutes of the Quarterly Conference in 1890. Epworth League was the name of the Methodist youth organizations for many decades. One of its reports in 1894 showed a membership of 105 in the Senior League and 76 in the Junior League.

Efforts have been made throughout the history of the church to get the youth involved in interesting projects. It would be impossible to recount many of them in this brief history, but a fine example of such projects is one which occurred in the 1947-48 year. Although plans to complete the church tower had not been realized, the church senior high department undertook a project which was hoped would produce $70,000, the estimated cost of chimes which could be installed in the completed part of the tower. One of the national magazines was sponsoring a "More Beautiful America" contest with $75,000 as the first prize. Under the leadership of Lois Harvey our senior high group entered that contest. The project was landscaping the Kalamazoo Art Center which at that time was housed in an old house. Our youth, with the assistance of some adults, worked months on this endeavor. Carol Laurence, a member of this church who was a landscape architect, produced a beautiful plan, gratis. The coveted prize wasn't won; but this project was given the fourth place award and national coverage in the magazine, which sent its representative to award a bronze plaque in church one Sunday morning.

When the educational unit was completed the senior high group did all of the planting of the present church grounds. In 1955 it sponsored the planting of the tulip tree in the yard area near the tower doors to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

The youth groups have been engaged in many types of service projects to aid the needy-trips to Mexico; to a Wisconsin Indian area; to Appalachia, and Johns Island, South Carolina. They have also been involved in local work projects, such as house painting for the LIFT Foundation; painting for the Open Door; and house painting for needy senior citizens. Other projects include paper drives to raise money for World Hunger and Lake Louise Camp needs. Several years they have sponsored a Christmas Candlelight Ball for church families.

The church's recognition of the importance of its youth was demonstrated by the purchase in 1969 of the Cady Funeral Home, adjacent to the Church, for the use of Youth Ministries. These young people selected the name of "Youthside" for the building, which is one of the few historic buildings remaining in Kalamazoo's downtown area.

The church organized Troop 20 of the Boy Scouts in 1920. It enjoyed the use of our church facilities until 1979 when we relinquished our sponsorship. Ronald Edmonds was its scoutmaster for many years.

Athletics have always been a big part of this church. The opportunity to participate on teams in various sports has brought into the church fellowship young people, as well as some adults, who, otherwise, might not have become involved. For many decades the church has had basketball teams for different age groups of boys. There has also been an adult men's team and a girls' basketball team. These teams have usually participated in a church league sponsored by the Y.M.C.A.

The church also for many years has had a softball team, a men's volleyball team and a women's volleyball team. Bowling teams have also been sponsored, and the church's golf team has participated in an inter-church league as well as an intra-church league.

Athletics in some instances have even helped attendance! Some of the sponsors of church leagues have a rule requiring team members to attend their church, or Sunday School, at least fifty per cent of the time.

Adult Classes

The church never considered Sunday School to be only for children. Adult Sunday School classes have been an important part of the church life. The oldest existing adult class is the Nautilus Club, organized in 1933.. Other existing classes are the Pathfinders, the Astronauts, the Trailblazers and the 3Cs. Their members enjoy attending their Sunday School classes and social meetings, and participating in worthwhile projects.

Throughout almost the entire history of this church there have been many other organizations helping to carry on the work of the church and contributing to its successful operation. Included among them are United Methodist Women with its several circles; the organizations for men including the Lenten breakfast programs, the Dawn Patrol and the Good Shepherds; the women~s prayer groups; the Methodist Young Couples organization and a young adult study group.

In 1920 a class of city young adults was organized by Lawrence Westerberg under the name of Kal-Yo-Klub. Its Sunday School class was taught by Professor Elmer H. Wilds. It was a service organization sponsoring projects for the benefit of the community. It ceased existing after a few years when its members became active in other organizations.

United Methodist Women has kept its purpose foremost in mind in planning its programs, activities and projects-"to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church."

It has had four areas of concern: (1) Christian Global Concerns (worldwide missions); (2) Christian Personhood (individual growth and spiritual life); (3) Christian Social Concerns (social problems); and (4) Supportive Community (concern for each other-within the church, neighborhood, community, etc.).
Its projects have tended to fall within these four areas. One good example of this is the annual Merchandise Mart. For many years in October this glorified rummage sale has been conducted by the Society. Used merchandise of almost every kind and description is sold, and the proceeds of the sale-sometimes amounting to between $10,000 and $15,000-are used for missions (global concerns). This project provides low cost necessities to people in the area (supportive community). It has given an opportunity for the men and.women of the Church to work together in a warm, loving and caring situation (supportive community and Christian personhood).
United Methodist Women also carries on many other service projects for the benefit of sick and needy persons. It holds Bible study sessions and group prayer meetings. It has also been active in the ecumenical organization known as Church Women United. it has supported financially many church and community organizations. In this church it has given financial support to the Youth Groups. Books have been purchased for the library. Flowers have been. sent to all church members who are hospitalized. The management of the church kitchen has been supervised by this organization. The ability of the church to operate its own food service has added greatly to the social life of the church. Meals are frequently served for various organizations and events. Sometimes as many as 400 people are able to enjoy this service.

Social Concerns

This church has always been interested in social concerns. This has not been limited to the fine accomplishments of the Social Concerns Commission, now known as the Church and Society Commission. Many other organizations in the church have participated in projects having the goal of improving the lot of people in our community needing help. An example of this is the Patwood project which resulted in the construction of apartment buildings for the housing of persons needing assistance. The idea of such a project actually commenced at a Retreat of this church at Wesley Woods in 1967 with Henry Schaberg of the church spearheading this idea. Other members of the church joined him in starting the plans for an organization to carry on the project. The help of other churches was obtained and an Interfaith Council was formed with Schaberg as its first chairman. Later a merger was effected with LIFT Foundation and the construction of subsidized housing for many was finally completed in about 1970.

In 1979 the Church set up a food pantry for the benefit of people having an emergency food problem and unable to pay for food or to make necessary arrangements for public assistance. Since the establishment of the food pantry on the church premises, the cooperation of other downtown churches was sought and the name of the pantry was changed to Bronson Park Food Pantry. Other food pantries were set up by other churches in other parts of the community. This made it advisable to establish a food pantry clearing-house. With the cooperation of other churches an organization known as Loaves and
Fishes was created and office space for it was supplied by this church in its Youthside building.
This church's projects with international overtones have not been limited to its foreign missions programs. It has played an important part in assisting refugees from foreign countries. Two notable projects involved displaced persons from certain Baltic countries and from Viet Nam.

In 1949 this church, with the inspiration of the associate pastor, Paul Albery, created an on-going program for refugees from such countries as Latvia, Hungary, Russia and Poland. The project was headed by Howard and Winifred Bowman. While a great number of members of the Church participated in this program, it should be noted that especially active in it were: Carl and Ethel Snow, William and Agnes Gaut, Loree and Lois Harvey, Zella Kline, Mary Soffrou, Alva and Ruth Summerlott, Walter and Athene Tucker, John and Laura Van Dyke.

Refugee families were sponsored by members of the church, temporary housing and employment secured. Contributions and loans of money were made. Through the efforts of many people in the congregation this church gave down-to-earth practicality to its Christian work. This project gave a long-lasting "lift" to the congregation.

In April of 1975 as the Viet Nam War ground to a halt and Saigon fell to the invaders from the North, human tragedies began to surface. Refugees fled the country by the tens of thousands and an opportunity for Christian witness came quickly to First United Methodist Church. As always, FUMC responded immediately in ministry.

By action of the Administrative Board, a proposal from the Social Concerns Work Area was adopted. This proposal called for immediate funds to provide short term aid to six Vietnamese students at Western Michigan University to meet living expenses. Pledges were gathered for jobs, and a food drive was conducted.

Also at its May 28, 1975, meeting the Board passed a second proposal from the Social Concerns Work Area to commit the church to sponsoring a Vietnamese family. Under the leadership of William Haynes, chairman, plans were prepared to receive and support a family. In a short six weeks, scores of members contributed time and money to prepare an apartment completely furnished. Food and clothing were collected and a job guaranteed for the head of the family.

On June 26, 1975, six members of the Quang Quoc Bui family arrived in Kalamazoo from a refugee settlement at Camp Pendleton, California. In an emotional arrival and reception twenty-five FUMC members who had labored on the "getting ready" project welcomed the Buis to a new home at 141 Burr Oak. Church members warmly received Mr. and Mrs. Bui, their two children, Thai and Van, his brother, Lan, and his sister, Ha. Love abounded in this relationship over the next year.

Mr. Bui was employed in maintenance at Kalamazoo College and later as a counselor in the Kalamazoo Public Schools. In the Spring of 1976 Mr. Bui decided to enter college, accepting a substantial scholarship at Howard University in Washington, D.C. In 1980 he earned a Ph.D. in Toxicology. He is employed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Once again the process was repeated in 1980 under the leadership of Catherine and Marvin Grostic, co-chairmen of the Social Concerns Commission. The board passed a proposal to sponsor another family. This time it was the Trinh family of six coming from a refugee camp in Malaysia. The family lived on Oak Street, later moving to Milham Meadows. Within the year the family moved to Garden Grove, California, to enjoy the warmer climate and live in a larger Vietnamese community.

We rejoice that the Buis and Trinhs have found safety, security and love in a land of opportunity.

Music

Music has been an important part in the life of the church. It has had fine choirs with talented directors. During the last sixty-four years the church has had only two Directors of Music, Leoti C. Britton from 1919 to 1952 and Jack C. Frey since 1952. Mrs. Britton started the Junior, Crusader and Chancel Choirs, and with Dr. Coors commenced the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. She also produced many operettas with the Junior Choir. During that time it has had only three principal organists, each of whom served for many years-James M. Schakleton, Irene Finlay Davis, and Ruth Van DePolder Weenink, the latter having served since 1957. Jeanne Frey for several years directed the Wesley Foundation Choir, which sang at the first worship service on Sunday mornings until the Foundation commenced holding its own worship services in its building on the campus. Under these fine musicians the congregation has enjoyed beautiful music in its worship services and in special programs, including operettas and oratorios. Many members of the church not only had the joy of participating in the production of this music, but benefitted from the musical training they received while being a member of one of the choirs. Through the years the church has been blessed with several different choirs with their personnel based on age and interests-Wesley Foundation Choir, Cherub Choir, Junior Choir, Crusader Choir, and the Chancel Choir. Bell ringer groups have also performed for the congregation. The Skinner pipe organ in the nave was given by Mr. and Mrs. Howard J. Cooper. The organ originally in the Chapel, and its recent replacement, were given by Mr. and Mrs. Cameron L. Davis.

Allen Library

A fine feature of this church is its library. Few churches are privileged to have as extensive a church library as is enjoyed by this congregation. Plans for its creation were commenced in 1951 by a committee headed by Wave L. Noggle, who was the librarian of Kalamazoo College. In starting the library the committee was greatly assisted by Pauline Allen (Mrs. W. Fred Allen) through whose efforts the original material was gathered with some of it donated by the Allen family. It was classified and catalogued by Miss Bessie Jane Reed, retired librarian of Kalamazoo Central High School.

The material in the library has been selected, keeping in mind the purposes of the church, the Sunday School, and all other organizations in the church. This library is more than just a repository for books. It has become a center of valuable information serving the religious needs of the congregation and especially the Sunday School teaching staff.

Pauline Allen, Ruth Clementz, Mildred Hooker and Nancy Crawford served as librarians until the late 1960s when Mildred Hedrick became librarian. She has continued to serve the library in that capacity. The library outgrew its quarters on the second floor of the educational wing, so in 1977, with the help of a large gift from Pauline Allen, new enlarged quarters were created in the basement of that unit of the church. It has been named the Allen Memorial Library.

Mrs. Mary Lou Robinson, librarian at Hillside School, provided valuable help in the planning for the new library, including the selecting of shelving, furniture and decorating, and directing the manner in which it was set up. Many books are given to the library as memorials in honor of deceased members of the church.

1973 Celebration

During the last eleven years of this church's first one hundred fifty years, Dr. Hoover Rupert was the senior minister. Early in his pastorate the church,in the week of October 7 to October 14, 1973, celebrated its 140th anniversary. The theme for the celebration was "Build on the Past for the Future!" At the worship service on October 7 Dr. Dwight S. Large, former minister, gave the sermon. The purpose of this event was to bless the memory of the founders of this church, to pay tribute to 140 years of Christian witness and service, and to praise God for His love and goodness given to fourteen decades of Methodist Christians in Kalamazoo. Following that service a maple tree was planted in the church yard with the belief that it, as a long living thing, would be a symbol of our belief in a future full of hope and promise for this church.

At the anniversary banquet, held October 10 Dr. James W. Wright, former minister, gave the anniversary address. The celebration concluded with the worship service the following Sunday with the speakers being Myron Coulter, Mark Finchem, Rosalyn Newman and Dr. Rupert.

Under the leadership of Dr. Rupert the church continued to be a strong religious center in downtown Kalamazoo. Many physical improvements were made to the church building, including a renovation and modernization of the Social Hall, and the installation of a new sound system in the nave. The many and varied programs of the Church have grown with the ever increasing involvement of its people. As the years have gone by, there has been an increase in the interest of the members in mission work in various parts of the *orld. This has been demonstrated not only by the Church's contributions toward the support of missionaries in the foreign field, but also by the personal participation of members in mission crusade work. Herbert and Chris Ellinger were involved in short term Work Crusade projects twice in Zaire. Chris ElIinger also had a similar assignment in india. Harold and Mary Beth Garman were on similar projects in Costa Rica, Kenya and India. Reverend Mac Kelly was on a work project in India. Carl Walker, Reverend Wayne Reece, Gilbert McWethy, John and Ruth Brewer participated in projects in Africa.

Carl Walker developed such an interest in the mission field he founded an organization under the name of InterSharing. This body, which is now under the auspices of this Church, has the function of developing work teams to operate with United Methodist mission projects throughout the world.

In 1976 the Council on Ministries created a special task force to study the needs of the church and to recommend goals and objectives to meet such needs. C. David Lundquist was appointed chairman. It devoted a great deal of time in holding meetings and gathering information in order to properly perform the assignment given it. In April, 1977, it finalized its reports, which was subsequently approved by the Council on Ministries and the Administrative Board.

The Report of the Task Force clarified the needs of the church, delineated goals and objectWes, and made recommendations for their accomplishthent.

Sanctuary Anniversary

On March 18, 1979, the church celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Sanctuary. At the Anniversary Worship Service on Sunday morning, Bishop Thomas R. Pryor, who was our senior pastor, 1950-64, delivered the sermon. That evening more than 425 persOns crowded the Social Hall for the anniversary banquet. Dr. James R. Wright, senior pastor 1964-72, was the guest speaker. Special recognition was given to. the persons who had been members of the Church for fifty years. Joy and enthusiasm characterized that celebration.

In 1980 a new position was created in the staff of the church, that of educational coordinator, and Shirley Thompson was employed to fill the position. This staff member has the responsibility for the supervision of the operation of the Church School. Her appointment filled a great need in the education department of the church.

In 1979 a new method of determining annual estimates of anticipated receipts to meet the expenses of the operation of the church was instituted. This was the adoption of the Pony Express program-a method which had been used successfully by other churches in this country. In this program an attempt is made to have all families of the church become involved in passing the saddle-bag containing Estimate of Giving Cards on to another family or individual member. The project has been accepted well by the people of the church.

The willingness of the members of the church to support the church and its projects financially and in service has been remarkable. The annual budget of the Church has increased from about $195,000 in 1972 to over $400,000 for 1983. The church has increased its giving to World Hunger, making contributions of from $15,000 to $18,000, in addition to the support of other conference projects.

The successful operation of this church, with a membership in 1982 of about 2,300, has resulted from the combined contributions of its ministers, other staff employees and loyal members. The church could not exist without its laity, the members of which have played such a crucial part in the leadership of the church. It is impossible to set forth in this history the names of all of the persons who have rendered such valuable services over the years. It has also been impossible to relate the contributions made by the various ministers who have served this church during these one hundred and fifty years. Their names, and their years of service, however, are set forth in an addendum attached at the end of this history.
This church has successfully met and surmounted the vicissitudes of the past. It has gone through more than one recession and depression. It has existed through five wars and other military engagements of its country.
In 1900 its edifice was damaged by a cyclone. On May 13, 1980, it miraculously escaped serious damage by a tornado that caused extensive damage to nearby properties. The large, richly designed stone cross located at the apex of the roof at the front of the church was toppled to the concrete steps below. It had to be replaced. The church has defied the ravages of time. It has seen many of its members "suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune," and has rallied to their support. It has felt the loss of loyal, devoted members, and giverr4engictg sympathy to their survivors.

150th Anniversary

Realizing the importance of the 150th anniversary of this church, a committee began early in 1982 to make plans for the celebration of this event in 1983. Appointed as chairpersons of this committee were Dr. Ronald C. DeYoung.and his wife, Nancy DeYoung. There was a general agreement that the celebration should include a strong emphasis on service to others. It was also agreed that the recognition of the anniversary should extend over the period of January to May, 1983, with the culmination to occur on May 22.

Included in the plans were the following events: February 6, the official launching of the celebration by Edsel A. Ammons. Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Michigan; February , a choral presentation by the Albion College choir; March 17, meeting reactivating a men's fellowship organization with presentation of a charter for United Methodist Men of First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, and with Dr. Paul L. Maier of Western Michigan University as the principal speaker; March 20, performance by the Chancel Choir of a cantata entitled, "A Reason to Rejoice" by Allen Pote and Carole McCann; April 10, James Armstrong, Bishop of the United .Methodist Church in Indiana, preaching at both services; May 22, Dr. James W. Wright, former senior pastor, preaching in a special morning worship service, and in the afternoon a sesquicentennial banquet at Western Michigan University Student Center, with all former senior and associate ministers and their families as invited guests. The banquet chairperson was Janice van Blaricom. The program was planned by a committee headed by Reverend Wayne G. Reece.

The church is thankful for the past and rejoices in it. After 150 yeats of continuous Christian commitment it looks forward to the challenges of the future. It believes that the blessings God has bestowed upon it in the past will surely continue in the ages to come.

Excerpt from "One Hundred Fifty Years; FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF KALAMAZOO MICHIGAN by Henry Ford III" published May, 1983

Contact the office | United Methodism