Ortonville- In 1850 the U.S. population totalled about 23 million, California was admitted to the Union and the Ortonville Methodist Church Society gathered in a small stone church about three miles north of town.
During the next three decades the small gathering grew and in November 1879 a new Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated on the north side of Ortonville.
The new church featured a bell calling locals to Sunday worship’the same echoes still invite churchgoers more than a century later.
Although undergoing significant upgrades to the structure including additional offices, air conditioning and a host of modern conveniences?125 years later the white church on the north side of town has endured’a tribute to the faith of its members.
From 4-7 p.m. on Aug. 28, The Ortonville United Methodist Church, 93 Church St. Ortonville, will celebrate 125 years with a chicken barbecue dinner. At 10 a.m., Aug. 29 a special worship service including the district superintendent, a former pastor, special choir music and a potluck is also scheduled.
While more than a century has past, and the building has changed, the church members continue to remain at the core of the Ortonville United Methodist Church.
Helen Jencks started attending the church in about 1920 and officially joined the church Sept. 17, 1928.
‘My first Sunday school teacher was Mrs. Kingsley, I was just a little girl,? said Jencks, 87. ‘I remember a hand water pump in the church basement and a big coal furnace to keep us warm in the winter.?
In 1947 Jencks was married in the church parsonage then located in the south church parking lot.
‘The women of the church always had turkey dinners in the Fall, and we always had a pretty good turnout. The fellowship was great.?
Brandon Township resident Raymond Harris and his family have attended the church since 1961 after moving to the area from Lansing.
‘The church has changed and grown over the years,? said Harris. ‘We still have a nucleus of families that attend and new people are coming all the time. It’s a close knit church. The church holds its numbers.?
Betty Owen became a church member in 1949 and says it’s been a blessing to her family.
‘Its been a wonderful church and we’ve seen lots of progress through the years,? said Owen. ‘I only live a block away so it’s just a short walk to church.?
Rev. Suzanne B. Walls, pastor of the Ortonville United Methodist Church refers to the proclamation of the old hymn, ?…through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God…?
‘For 154 years the congregations of the Ortonville UMC have celebrated birth and death, opened their hearts to their community and at times struggled through adversity,? said Walls. ‘Through it all they have kept their doors and minds open to be a witness of Christian love. Our church was founded on God’s Word and will remain firmly planted for years to come.?