Niles in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Wesley United Methodist Church

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

1. Side One of Wesley United Methodist Church

Inscription. In 1839 circuit riders from Ohio began preaching in Niles, using the barroom of a local hotel. In 1832 nine worshipers formed the Methodist class that grew to be the Wesley United Methodist Church. They dedicated their first house of worship in 1839, and by 1840 they had organized a Sunday School to teach reading and religion. In 1862 the congregation laid the cornerstone for the present sanctuary. The structure was completed in 1863. The Dodge Brothers of motor car fame attended Sunday School here during Joseph S. Tuttle’s twenty-eight year tenure as Sunday School Superintendent. In 1920, out of gratitude for his teachings, John F. Dodge gave Tuttle a life lease to his home on Main Sreet.

The cornerstone of this handsome Italianate style church was laid in 1862. The pastor at that time was the Reverend William Sprague, who organized the first Methodist class in Niles in 1832. Sprague was presiding elder of the district for four years, a member of the U.S. Congress and a state Indian agent. The church’s architect is believed to have been Rufus Rose of Chicago, who designed several other notable structures in Niles.

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Construction was under the general supervision of Cass Chapman of Niles. Measuring forty-six by seventy feet, the original edifice had two corner towers. The square pyramid-roofed tower remains, but the mansard capped tower was removed in 1951. Over the years the church has had several additions and alterations, but the original wainscoting, woodwork and windows have been retained.

Erected 1982 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L0734.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.

Location. 41° 49.736′ N, 86° 15.36′ W. Marker is in Niles, Michigan, in Berrien County. It is on Cedar Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 Cedar Street, Niles MI 49120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Michigan

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

Globally, it is in North America,

Side Two of Wesley United Methodist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

2. Side Two of Wesley United Methodist Church

the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Four Flags Hotel (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trinity Church (about 600 feet away); The Old Fifth Street Viaduct (about 700 feet away); The Chapin House / Henry Austin Chapin (about 700 feet away); U.S.S. Maine Memorial (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niles.

Wesley United Methodist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

3. Wesley United Methodist Church

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

4. Wesley United Methodist Church

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

5. Wesley United Methodist Church

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

6. Wesley United Methodist Church

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,508 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 10, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.