Williamston in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Methodist Episcopal Church
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, June 4, 2021
1. Methodist Episcopal Church Marker
In July 1896, 101 farmers and teams of horses delivered 219 wagonloads of fieldstone to this site. The farmers participated in the “Great Stone Bee,” a contest to gather and deliver “hard heads” with which to build this Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was designed by Detroit architect Wells D. Butterfield and built by C. C. Shafer of Howell. The Jackson Glass Works made the stained glass windows.
“Circuit riding” ministers brought Methodism to Williamston during the 1850s. The congregation organized in 1859 and built a small church on this site in 1871. The growing membership set about building a new church in 1896. The sanctuary of this church was dedicated on October 10, 1897. Lightning struck the steeple in 1919 and later much of the bell tower was removed. In 1999 the church interior was restored.
Erected 2006 by Michigan Historical Commission and Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2182.)
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 month for this entry is July 1896.
Location. 42° 41.277′ N, 84° 16.978′ W. Marker is in Williamston, Michigan, in Ingham County. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Williamston Civil War Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Williamston Area World War II Memorial (about 500 feet away); Downtown Historic District (about 600 feet away); The Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saint Mary Parish (approx. 0.2 miles away); McCormick Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Williamston Wall of Honor (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamston.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, June 4, 2021
2. Methodist Episcopal Church Marker Reverse
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, June 4, 2021
3. Methodist Episcopal Church Marker
Marker just right of the power pole
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 7, 2023
4. Methodist Episcopal Church and Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, June 4, 2021
5. Methodist Episcopal Church
Stained glass made by The Jackson Glass Works mentioned on marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, June 4, 2021
6. Methodist Episcopal Church
Cornerstone
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on September 27, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 5, 6. submitted on June 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
