On November 8, 1944, the Grand Rapids Station or circuit was organized. The following were the official brethren:

STEWARDS TRUSTEES

William C. Davidson Gaius S. Deane

James Ewing Henry Dean

Gaius S. Deane Daniel Van Allyn

Samuel B. Ball Samuel B. Ball

Henry G. Stone Henry G. Stone

Horatio Brooks Charles P. Babcock

Charles P. Babcock

Under the pastoral care of Rev. Andrew Mason Fitch, the local membership was increased to 130. He began his pastoring in 1839. From 1856 to 1861 he was United States Indian agent for Michigan. Later, he entered pastoral work again and was a trustee at Albion College for fifteen years.

He was followed by Rev. J. E. Parker and then Rev. Myron A. Camburn. Rev. Camburn was presiding elder from 1860 to 1862. He labored in the conference for twenty-nine years, being its secretary for six years.

Under Rev. Reuben Reynolds the church was weakened by a considerable number of the members, including three former official members, joining the new Swedenborgian Society early in 1849. Rev. Reynolds withdrew from the conference at the end of his year here, going to the Congregationalists, as did a number of our lay members.

Rev. Sommerville, our next pastor was unordained. Frances A. Blades was the pastor in 1850-51. He built up the membership and strengthened the society. An addition was made to the meeting house during his pastorate. He later transferred to the Detroit conference.

He was followed by Rev. A. J. Eldred. A great revival moved Grand Rapids during his pastorate begun by an eloquent sermon of his in 1853 after being ill. It was estimated that over 300 were converted out of a city of 3,000. This resulted in 94 probations for our church out of which 57 became full members after six months. When he came there were 115 full members and 12 probationers and when he left two years later, there were 196 members and 33 probationers. The membership increased further under the ministry of Resin Sapp to 242 full and 32 probationary members. Rev. Sapp preached for 34 years in this conference.

Second Methodist Episcopal was organized during Rev. Sapp' pastorate.

The Rev. Amos Wokefield was appointed pastor in September, 1855.

The following were elected:

STEWARDS TRUSTEES

Baker Borden, William A. Berkey

Henry G. Stone, Rec. Sec'y Baker Borden

William Green, William Harrison

Frederick Rice, George R. Congdon

Jonathan Blair, Hugh Mc Cullouch

Warren C. Congdon, George G. Graves

Edward Roberts, Philip F. Covell

William Dunnett

Celba Rathbun

Our First church records show 57 members were transferred to Second church in 1855 (21 per cent or our entire membership). Among them Henry G. Stone who served our church faithfully for ten years and Baker Borden who had been a steward for eight years and in later years, returned to First church and worshiped there regularly until his death in 1907.

Those transferring were as follows:

MEMBERS 1844,1858

Arbor, Emiline Foote, Elijah Rice, Sylvia

Arbor, B. P. Foote, Olivia Ridout, Lucy

Borden, Baker Groves, Lebbeus Roberts, Electa

Borden, Hannah Green, William Roberts, Edward

Bidwell, A. B. Green, Ellen Roberts, Eliza

Bidwell, Laura Hall, Anson M. Rawson, Sarah

Bigelow, Harriett S. Hall, Mary Stone, Henry G.

Bigelow, Commodore D. Hall, Elias Stone, Nancy

Belknap, Joshua Hilton, William A. Sleighter, Mrs.

Belknap, Sally Hilton, Harriet A. Scott, James H.

Belknap, Mary A. Kenyon, Ephriam G. Spees, Mary J.

Congdon, Warren H. Kenyon, Nancy J. Smith, George

Congdon, Amanda Lockwood, Eliza Smith, Susan

Davidson, Wm. C. Morehouse, Zachuis Turner, Eliza

Davidson, Diantha Mayhew, Amanda(Congdon) Turner, Eunice

Davenport, John Potter, Mary Jane Turner, Lydia

Dunning, Eliza Jane Rice, Amanda Winterburn, John D.

De Long, Moses Rice, Sylvia A. Winterburn, Martha

Delong, Sophia Rice, Frederick

Rev. Harrison Morgan became our preacher in 1857 and served for two years.

The first mention of a ladies' organization was on June 20, 1844 when the Ladies Benevolent Society was praised "for the efficient means taken in carpeting the House, trimming the Pulpit, and procuring lamps".

The next mention is "the Ladies' Social Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Grand Rapids, was organized on October 14, 1857" with Mrs. Morgan elected president. One month later Mrs. John Ingraham became president and served for two years. The object of the society was "to assist the church socially and financially." In 1866 it was renamed "Ladies' New Church Furnishing Society." Rev. Morgan was presiding elder on this district during the war, from 1861 to 1865.

Mrs. Morgan was chosen president of the relief society, serving one year. In later years, Mr. Morgan became a member of our church and worshiped with us until his death, in 1892.

Our Presiding Elders from 1850 to 1860 were: David Burns, Henry Penfield, and John K. Gillett. Elder Burns spent 44 years as a Methodist preacher, retiring to Albion in his closing years.

Rev. Myron A. Dougherty served for two years. He had been a successful lawyer before his conversion. During a revival held during this time, a large number were converted and Rev. Dougherty remembers baptizing thirty persons in the Grand River by immersion at the foot of Monroe Street. During the Civil War, Grand Rapids was turned into a camp for soldiers. At this time, there was a two-year limit on staying in any church so he was transferred to Jackson, Michigan in 1861, later he became Financial Agent for Albion College. Later, in Texas, his wife, Sarah Crane Dougherty died and all four of his children died before him. Our Sunday School increasE from 177 to 282 while he was pastor.

Up to this time all church members were assigned to classes, and each assessed by the stewards for the support of the church.

Rev. David R. Latham was our next pastor who first served in the country lying east of Traverse City. While he was in Grand Rapids, there was quite a stir as some of the Indians that he had helped came to visit him, all the way from Pentwater.

Rev. Wm. W. Rork was the pastor appointed on October 1, 1862. He first served at a sawmill camp on Traverse Bay.

Rev. James Wilkerson Robinson was pastor at Second Methodist before being transferred to our church September 23, 1863 and served for two years. He received into the church "on trial", 1,231 persons during his ministry. He died 13 Jan 1881, at 53 years of age.

Rev. Joseph Jennings succeeded Rev. Robinson. His health was failing and, while serving out his year, he died. On October 17, 1864, "On motion Brother J. Berkey was chosen to seat the folks on the north side of the church, and Brother F. Shriver on the south side. Also, Brothers L. Shultus and J. A. King assistants.

On motion Brother J. Berkey was requested to deliver two cords of dry slabs to the church. Brother Tradewell resigned as collector for the musitian."

In 1864 the church was becoming too small and on April 14, 1864 a committee was appointed to estimate the amount necessary to build a church for the future needs. Subscriptions were started in May, 1864 for a new church. Christmas Day, 1865, it was decided to have a subscription circulated by a committee consisting of Pastor Jennings, Presiding Elder Cogshall and Brother L. R. Atwater. The matter rested for a year until Rev. A. J. Eldred became pastor.

A lot was bought with money borrowed from the Ladies Society. The Ladies also had an iron fence placed about the church in 1866.

Andrew Jackson Eldred served our church twice - 1852-53 and 1866-69. He worked for 46 years with a break. He was an army chaplain (12th Michigan Infantry), being at the Battle of Shiloh and the siege of Vicksburg. Late in life he was appointed chaplain to the Ionia State Prison and held that position for 3 and 1/2 years.

The new church was built in 1867-69. A committee to procure plans or designs was appointed, being L. R. Atwater, Thomas Tradewell, J. C. Simonds and J. Berkey; E. U. Knapp was to arrange for stone; Wm. Green was to arrange for shingles; C. W. Hurt to arrange for brick; L. R. Atwater to arrange for timber; J. Berkey to arrange for seasoned lumber; and the committee on subscriptions, payable 10 per cent per month-Pastor Eldred and Presiding Elder Cogshall. On April 15, 1867 was then elected, consisting of Julius Berkey, Thomas Tradewell and O. R. Wilmarth. D. S. Osgood was selected as the architect, then of Kalamazoo. The foundation was completed before November, 1867.

Mrs. Eldred, then president of the Ladies' Society, secured exclusive booth and eating privileges at the fair held in the fall of 1867, on the old fair grounds on Hall Street and Jefferson Avenue. They solicited donations from the country brethren and decided to have roast ox. There was a large attendance for those days and the society made a profit of $1,011.87.

The cornerstone was laid on May 16, 1868 with Presiding Elder Israel Cogshall presiding (1865-1869). The walls were erected, the work being finished early in September. It was determined to get the church inclosed before winter and to finish the basement, ready for use. They were able to take possession of the basement of the new church on Sunday, January 1, 1869. The last service held in the "Old White Church" was the last day of the old year.

At the time he came in September, 1866, the church had 125 full and 15 probationary members and by the end of three years there were 343 full and 38 probationary members.

The formal opening of the new church took place June 23, 1869, Bishop E. R. Ames officiating. The building had cost $33,181.25 up to this time.

Our next pastor was George B. Jocelyn who served us for two years. He had been the president of Albion College.

The church was dedicated June 20, 1870 by the Rev. Thomas M. Eddy. It was completed except for the furnishings.

In September, 1870 the official board was as follows:

STEWARDS TRUSTEES

Deane, Gaius S. Deane, Gaius S. Atwater, L. R. Atwater, L. R. Berkey, Julius Berkey, Julius Greene, William Green, William Tradewell, Thomas Hurd, Charles W. Shriver, Fred Knapp, E. U. Foote, E. H. Wilmarth, O. R. Beckwith, W. G. Antisdel, A. R. Capon, William F. Carpenter, C. D.

Rev. Jocelyn was our first minister in the new church building. In September, 1871, Henry F. Spencer became the pastor, serving for three years. His wife was elected president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Owing to his failing health, Rev. Spencer was released from his duties six months early.

Not only were the pews rented out for many years, but for two or three years they were "auctioned off." In 1873, the church indebtedness was wiped out.

Thomas F. Hildreth succeeded Rev. Spencer in September, 1874, coming from Ionia and stayed for three years, the term limit.

Due to a number of members residing in the eastern part of the city,on January 19, 1874, East Street M. E. Church was organized by electing the following trustee:

Paul H. Richens Levi S. Boynton

Charles B. Foster Peter Yokum

Charles Barclay Charles W. Hurd

James B. Gulliford

In all fifty-six members, many of them very active in our church, were transferred from the Division Street to the East Street church. In 1880 the church was incorporated August 4, 1880, with the following trustees:

Lewis Benjamin George W. Perry

Henry P. Bement Erasmus Uz Knapp

W. G. Saunders John Trauger

Jesse T. Rice

The members transferred from First church, were:

Beckwith, Peter Jackman, Mrs. Cinderella Beckwith, Mrs. Sylvonia Knapp, Erastus U. Beckwith, Miss Cynthia Knapp, Mrs. Mary Beckwith, Lysander T Lark, Annie Houghteling, Eliab S. Page, Mrs. Mary E. Houghteling, William O. Parker, Emma Green, Caroline Saunders, Mrs. Sarah B. Jackman, A. C. The Plainfield Avenue M. E. Church was "set off" in 1880.

Among the members transferring were Erasmus and Mary Knapp. They had come to First church by letter November 7, 1847. He served many years on the official board, was a member for 33 years of First and for 25 years of Plainfield Avenue. Some of their pastors have been Wm. M. Puffer,

1886-88, Wm. A. Frye, 1891-94, G. C. Draper, 1897-99 and Charles Nease, 1904-11.

Rev. Doctor F. Barnes was the presiding elder from September 1873 to 1877 and then became our pastor, 1877-79. Ashmun A. Knappen succeeded Rev. Barnes.

In 1880 a lot was secured on Tenth Avenue and the "Ames M. E. Church" was organized. Thirty-two of our members transferred to the new society. Under the five years pastorate of Rev. J. R. Wooten, closing September, 1910, the church has prospered. For years known as the "Tenth Avenue M. E. Church", upon completion of the present church building, the name was changed to "St. Paul's M. E. Church."

Isaac Crook was transferred from Winona, MN, and became our pastor in September, 1880.

In 1908 the name was changed to Trinity M. E. Church. Rev. Russell H. Breadly was the pastor in 1911.

Joy Memorial Church was established in 1889 - named for Rev. H. M. Joy who served the congregation from 1881-85 and was killed in 1885 when he was thrown from his carriage.

In the summer of 1887 the church spire was taken down; the church painted by Brother Burch; and a new iron roof was put on the church.

In 1891, the gallery was regraded and 172 opera seats replaced the existing seating. Also a hydraulic motor to "pump the organ" was installed April, 1897. Before this an organ boy was paid $3 a month to pump for the organ. The last to hold this position was Ralph Apted (now a doctor). A telephone was installed in the parsonage February, 1893 at the cost of $45 per year.

The Aldrich Memorial Deaconess Home was dedicated November 16, 1894.

In 1896, Feakin Memorial and Dickinson Avenue Church joined together. Epworth M. E. Church was dedicated April, 1896 with 18 of our members transferring.

A weekly bulletin was begun September, 1897. In 1898 the church was renovated. A request was made to the Ladies Society that they remove their hats during the preaching service.

George D. Chase was the last Presiding Elder. He was replaced by Dr. Lathrop who was to be the new District Superintendent.

New property was purchased at Barclay and Fulton on September 1, 1910 at a cost of $29,000. There were a record 722 members.

In September, 1905, Mr. & Mrs. M. J. Clark gave a gift of 20 acres of land on Sherman Street to be used to build the M. J. Clark Memorial Home. They also provided a church in August of 1908. The first Board of Managers were – M. J. Clark, Mrs. Charles Berkey, Rev. James Hamilton, J. W. Blodgett, Mrs. M. R. Bissell, Rev. N. L. Bray, Rev. A. M. Gould, John Widdicomb, Rev. John Graham, Rev. D. G. Chase, Rev. G. G. Whitworth

Sunday School Attendance -

1844 - 1 Superintendent, 5 teachers, 30 scholars

1845 - 3 officers, 8 teachers, 40 scholars

1851 - 14 officers and teachers, 80 scholars

1866 - 27 officers and teachers, 90 scholars

1869 - 35 officers and teachers, 210 scholars

1911 - 20 officers, 22 teachers, 345 scholars

In February, 1913, Keeler Brothers bought the church at the corner of Division and Fountain Street for $50,000. The church was razed to build a seven-story furniture exhibition building. They wanted to take possession of the church by April 1, 1913. The St. Cecelia Society Building was used for services. The decision was made to build the new church at Barclay and Fulton. There were special programs in the old church and the cornerstone was opened.

The architectural firm for the new church was Robinson & Campau, Mr. Wm. Holt was the interior designer, and John McNabb was the contractor. The costs were to be held to $160,000. Work began on February 22, 1915. The cornerstone was laid on April 26, 1915. The new church was a modified 14th Century Gothic. A Felgermaker organ was purchased. The first service was held in the Sunday School section in January, 1916.

The dedication of the new church was held on April 9, 1916 and the final costs were $205,562.49. The indebtedness was paid in full on November 1, 1919.

The chancel window was given by Edward Lowe in memory of his parents James and Eliza Ellen Lowe and was dedicated December 24, 1916.

In 1968 the Methodist churches and the United Brethren churches united to become the United Methodist Church. Our church's official title being "The First United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan" and so we continue to serve the Lord and our fellow man.