Church History
The First Congregational Church of Central Lake Michigan was organized on March 12, 1884. Rev. Warren P. Wilcox was chosen as the church's first Pastor. The church's original building was erected on the corner of East State and Lake Streets. The Church originally was a member of the Cheboygan Association of Congregational Churches.
Pictorial History 1884-1912
In May of 1901, the building was moved to its current location on the corner of West State and Chestnut Streets and a new Sanctuary addition was added. The older part of the building, located on the north Side now housed a fellowship room and the pastor's study.
Pictorial History 1922-1950
Pictorial History 1951-1984
The basement was dug out for the fellowship hall in the 1950's. In 1957, this church reaffirmed its adherence to the Congregational principle of independency and voluntary fellowship among churches and so voted not to accept a merger with the United Church of Christ. The Church did vote in 1962 to unite with the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches and is still active today. The Church also maintains fellowship with the Michigan Conference of Congregational Christian Churches and the Western Michigan Association of Congregational Christian Churches. An Education wing was built in 1967.
Pictorial History 1985-1995
In 2007, a parking lot was added to the north of the Church. In 2008, the Church Building again changed as the Chestnut Street entryway was removed and replaced with a larger entryway that is off the parking lot and contains a chair lift to all levels of the church.
Pictorial History 1996-2010
The Church has called 34 pastors in its 125 years. The Reverend H. Don Schleicher had the longest tenure serving twice, from 1951-1955 and then again from 1957 - 1977. In 2009 the Church is celebrating 125 years of Christian fellowship.
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