Downtown in Holland in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First United Methodist Church

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

1. First United Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. When the Reverend Albertus Christiaan Van Raalte and the first Dutch settlers came to Michigan in February 1847, they were aided by two Methodists who had settled earlier in the Holland area. George Harrington, Sr., brought the Dutch settlers from Allegan by ox cart; and Isaac Fairbanks welcomed them to his cabin, where they stayed during the building of their own log homes. Later, in 1861, Fairbanks and Harrington helped found the Holland Methodist Episcopal Church (now First United Methodist Church), which became the first English-speaking church organized in the Holland community. In 1986 the congregation celebrated its 125th anniversary at this site, its fourth church home.

Erected 1986 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1350C.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1847.

Location. 42° 47.314′ N, 86° 6.629′ W. Marker is in Holland, Michigan, in Ottawa County. It is in Downtown. It is on West 10th Street 0.1 miles east of Pine Avenue (Business U.S. 31), on the left when traveling east

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. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 57 W 10th St, Holland MI 49423, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan,

specifically in Greater Grand Rapids,

and 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: Hope Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kraker (about 500 feet away); Holland Post Office (about 600 feet away); Dutch in Michigan (about 700 feet away); Tower Clock (about 800 feet away); Fris’ (about 800 feet away); 8th Street Grille (approx. 0.2 miles away); Third Reformed Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Holland.

First United Methodist Church and Historical Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

2. First United Methodist Church and Historical Marker

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

3. First United Methodist Church and Historical Marker

First United Methodist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John Garman, June 4, 2021

4. First United Methodist Church

The marker can be seen on the far left hand side of the photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. This page has been viewed 576 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 17, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.