Third Avenue M. E. Church

Third Avenue M. E. Church

By the Reverend E. S. Boyer

It is to the credit of Methodism that it has not always followed the lines of least resistance in the establishment of its societies and instutions. If there is one factor above all other which would figure in its greatness; if there is one thing which is pre-eminently notable, outranking all other virtues of Methodism, it has been, the undaunted aggressiveness which has marked its every advance into untried territory of American frontier. Regardless of hardship, both for layman and leader; regardless of privation, sometimes keenly felt, it has forged ahead ever voicing a free and unstinted gospel through which it has always felt that salvation would come to the society, as well as the individual.

The moving spirit which prompted the establishment of the Third Avenue Methodist Episcopal church was no exception to this general idea. For long years while church history was in the making in Big Rapids, the need of a church on the east side of the river was keenly felt. Those who saw the real situation in church affairs then, as now, realized the fact that the Muskegon not only divided the city geographically, but also to a certain degree socially, especially in matters of church life. They saw that however well it might be arranged, one large church on one side of the river could in no wise supply the spiritual need of the opposite side.

With this situation in view and feeling the need of church facilities for a large population on this side, J. W. Hallenbeck, then pastor of the First M. E. church, organized a society on this side of the river in the Spring of 1884, at the same time effecting plans for a church building. The site was chosen on the corner of Adams and Third Avenue, being surveyed by Hallenbeck himself. Then operations began on the construction work and in the summer of 1884 the dedication took place. From the time of organization of the society until the church building was completed, class meetings were held in the homes of of the members, wither Brother Drake as their first class leader. After the church building, which was half its present size, was finished, the meetings were held in the church and also a Sunday school was immediately started, which had a wholesome influence upon the young people of that time.

Much credit is due Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Thorp and other friends of that time for their uniting efforts in behalf of the young church and its society which which stood much in need of their prayerful and financial support. The interest so evidently shown by their good works then has never died away and is plainly manifest still.

Methodism of Big Rapids saw much to do at this time. J.W. Hallenbeck at one time had eleven Sundsy schools in operation in and around the city. A fireman's hall was used for one place of meeting, a vacated school house for another, a lumber camp was used as another place, while the church buildings were continually being used as meeting places for worship and study of the Scriptures.

The Third Avenue Society was under the guidance of the pastor of the First M. E. church, Brother Tompson, being one of its foreceful leaders, until it was generally felt by the District Superintendent, as well as the people, that by a division of work could be formed with Third Avenue as its head which would give a pastor labor and make the Third Avenue society his chief work. This plan was effected anbd in September of the year 1891 U. E. Partridge was sent as pastor of what was to be known as the Big Rapids circuit.

THE PASTORS

U. E. Partridge was sent by the abbual conference of 1891 and he stayed one year. G.H. Hill followed him and stayed until the fall of 1893. J. H. Tanner was pastor from 1893 to 1895. Then L. H. Manning came and served two years. J. C. Jewell followed until 1900. W. P. Manning had the pastorate for one year and was followed by D. R. Lee. Then came D. C. Nichl, who served until 1903. D. Streeter followed for one year. Then A. C. Parsons was sent by the conference and stayed three years. H. L. Phillips and James Catterail together made out a year, of service of the church. Dr. N. L. Bray then took charge of the pastorate for a year followed by F. G. Westphall and L. E. Holmes, each working a year. In 1911 the conference sent the present pastor, E. E. Boyer.

It was during the administration of L. H. Manning that things so shaped themselves that with the united effort of Evangelist Morehouse a great ingathering of souls took place and the church materially advanced by leaps and bounds. D. C. Crawford then a local preacher, was of great assistance to Manning and aided in keeping together those who had made the stand for the Christian faith. J. C. Jewell showed his executive ability by caring for the large number of young converts in the years following Manning's work.

It was during L. H. Manning's work that the church was remodeled and enlarged that the south addition was then built on to care for the large attendance upon the means of grace. The works of D. C. Riehl, A. C. Parsons and Dr. N. L. Bray were perticularly effective for the charge and will of lasting support along with the others of who have done their part in the upbuilding of Christ's Kingdom in this place.

To attempt realizing what has been and will be the fruit of the labors expended in Third Avenue will only be told in eternity. One thing stands out pre-eminently certain to those who who have been witnesses of the workings of the Spirit in the months past and who have observed the same workings in years past the church has done a mighty work and in the sight of God still has a mighty mission before it. Unwise and unknowing critics may make snap judgements and comparisons of God's work in different localities, but it is true that His work is not always weighted in the balance of man's momentary reflection.

The church has a good number of diligent workers, a fair membership which is growing, and a wide circle of friends. To them is dedicated the unfinished work plainly before them. May the Christ spirit so mark the onward growth of Methodism in the Third Avenue church that the eternal will have no cause for regretting the establishment of a house of Worship there and that no plans of His shall ever be thwarted. But may it ever be a cause for rejoicing that God has thus honored and blest us.

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