Inscription
Circuit-riding ministers established a Methodist class in Silver Creek Township in 1843. Five families attended the earliest meetings, held in the home of Leroy L. Curtis, the first class leader. In 1844 the Reverend David Whitlock was appointed minister to the group and conducted services in the Indian Lake schoolhouse.
During the ministry of the Reverend John R. Richards, church members used lumber from nearby farms to build this Greek Revival-style church in 1869. Two local men, Enos Bowerman and Will Hess, served as contractor and carpenter for the construction. Throughout its history the congregation’s societies and charitable fund raising have made it a vibrant participant in the local community.
Location
Sources
More markers in Cass
Sumnerville Mounds
Niles, MI
Between the first and fourth centuries A.D. Hopewell Indians built nine burial mounds near here.
Episcopal Church
Dowagiac, MI
The first recorded Episcopal gathering in Cass County was conducted by Bishop Philander Chase in 1832.
Poe's Corners
Jones, MI
In 1835 George Poe (1779-1851) emigrated from Crawford County, Ohio, and settled on land deeded to him by the U.S. government.
Cass County Courthouse
Cassopolis, MI
Completed in 1899, this wooden frame building with limestone veneer is the third courthouse to serve Cass County.
Chain Lake Baptist Church and Cemetery
Calvin Township, MI
In the 1830s southern runaway slaves bound for freedom in Canada came into Michigan near Cassopolis.
