Central Business District in Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
First United Methodist Church
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2022
1. First United Methodist Church Marker
In 1830 the Reverend James T. Robe, a young Methodist circuit rider, delivered the first sermon in the village of Bronson, later Kalamazoo, at the home of the town’s founder, Titus Bronson. After his appointment to the Kalamazoo Mission in 1832, Robe preached throughout a circuit that extended from Niles to Allegan. In 1833 the Reverend Richard C. Meek formed a local Society of Methodists, and this eight-member congregation became Kalamazoo’s first organized church.
The Kalamazoo Methodist Society met first in the home of George Patterson and later in a schoolhouse. The congregation built its first church in 1842 at Academy and Church streets. A second church, built in 1866, burned in 1926. Ernest Batterson, a church member and architect, designed the present Late Gothic Revival building, dedicated in 1929. An educational wing was added in 1949. The congregation assisted in founding a number of area Methodist churches.
Erected 1988 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1528.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. 42° 17.42′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lincoln at Kalamazoo (within shouting distance of this marker); Kirk Newman Sculpture (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kalamazoo Bicentennial Memorial (about 400 feet away); First Women's Club in Michigan (about 400 feet away); Kalamazoo Disabled Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); First Baptist Church (about 500 feet away); Spanish War Veterans Monument (about 600 feet away); In Memoriam U.S.S Maine (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalamazoo.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2022
2. First United Methodist Church Marker Reverse
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 30, 2014
3. First United Methodist Church Marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 30, 2014
4. First United Methodist Church Marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 30, 2014
5. First United Methodist Church
Photographed By Craig Doda, February 12, 2023
6. First United Methodist Church Cornerstone
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 517 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 20, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 16, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 6. submitted on February 16, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.
