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

First Congregational Church

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023

1. First Congregational Church Marker

Inscription. Soon after white settlers came to the area in 1856, J.K. Miller held religious gatherings at the home of Daniel and Sarah Carter. These meetings evolved into the First Congregational Church, which was organized on March 2, 1862, with the Reverend Charles G. Bisbee as pastor. Deacon Samuel Hitchcock, an Alpena developer and a charter member of the church, promoted the acceptance of people of all faiths. The first church was built on this site in 1868. Jesse and Anna Besser donated funds for the present concrete masonry church, erected in 1955. In 1961 the congregation joined the United Church of Christ.

Erected 1999 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number 2005.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is March 2, 1862.

Location. 45° 3.704′ N, 83° 26.09′ W. Marker is in Alpena, Michigan, in Alpena County. Marker is at the intersection of Lockwood Street and South Second Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Lockwood Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 S 2nd Ave, Alpena MI 49707, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Daniel Carter Family

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Alpena City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); U.S.S. Maine Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alpena’s Second Avenue Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); Treaty of Saginaw (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Bernard Catholic Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Tragedy in the Mist: The Schooner E.B. Allen (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alpena.

Also see . . . Our History. This page includes photos of the old church building.

The first church building was a wooden structure completed in 1868 with Daniel G. Bisbee as the founding pastor.

The second church building was completed in 1892. This building incorporated the first structure and was constructed of brick and stone. It was completely removed to make way for the third church building.

The third building, the current church home, is constructed of concrete masonry and was completed in 1955. The building was made possible by the generosity of Jesse H. and Anna M. Besser, industrialists and philanthropists. Jesse Besser, who invented concrete block manufacturing equipment, had a strong interest in seeing what could be
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023

2. First Congregational Church and Marker
accomplished in building a monumental structure in the Gothic style, using concrete products manufactured by the Besser Company.

(Submitted on September 28, 2023.)

First Congregational Church, Alpena Michigan image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023

3. First Congregational Church, Alpena Michigan

Marker is on the left under the trees.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 28, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.