Nelson in Muskegon in Muskegon County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Central United Methodist Church

— United Methodist Church Registered Historic Site No. 271 —

Photographed by Lugnuts, July 19, 2020

1. Central United Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. In 1859, Muskegon Methodists built their first church at Clay and Jefferson streets. Congregationalists met in the church, which also served as the county court. In 1887 a larger church was built on the same site. The present Neo-Gothic-style church, built in 1928-1930, was designed by denominational architect, Thoralf M. Sundt of Philadelphia. This Indiana limestone church seats 1,000 persons. The tower rises 100 feet.

Reverse
The first Protestant society in Muskegon began as a mission station served by itinerant preachers. In 1843 the Reverend M. Warring held Muskegon's first service in Martha Ryerson's boardinghouse. Deacon Abner Bennett, a black lay preacher, and his wife, Mary, a former servant of President James K. Polk, formed the White Lake Sunday School. Bennett frequently preached in Muskegon. This church was formally organized on November 20, 1856.

Erected 1980 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number 1659.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission, and the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location.

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43° 14.058′ N, 86° 15.023′ W. Marker is in Muskegon, Michigan, in Muskegon County. It is in Nelson. It is on West Webster Avenue 0.1 miles west of 2nd Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Muskegon MI 49440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan

and specifically in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Muskegon Woman's Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Hackley Public Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Torrent House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Buster Keaton (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Indian Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Hume House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hackley House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Adelphia Grace Ward (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Muskegon.

More about this marker. The actual address of the church is 1011 Second Street but the marker is mounted near the entrance to the parking lot on West Webster Street. It is an enormous church that fills the entire block of 2nd Street between Webster Street and Muskegon Avenue.

Photographed by Lugnuts, July 19, 2020

2. Central United Methodist Church Marker

Photographed by Lugnuts, July 19, 2020

3. Central United Methodist Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2020, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 609 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 7, 2020, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on August 8, 2020, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the other side of the marker • Can you help?