Near Dowagiac in Cass County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Methodist Episcopal Church

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 9, 2023

1. First Methodist Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription. Circuit-riding ministers established a Methodist class in Silver Creek Township in 1843. Five families attended the earliest meetings, held in the home of Leroy L. Curtis, the first class leader. In 1844 the Reverend David Whitlock was appointed minister to the group and conducted services in the Indian Lake schoolhouse. During the ministry of the Reverend John R. Richards, church members used lumber from nearby farms to build this Greek Revival style church in 1869. Two local men, Enos Bowerman and Will Hess, served as contractor and carpenter for the construction. Throughout its history the congregation's societies and charitable fund raising have made it a vibrant particpant in the local community.

Erected 1999 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1977.)

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 year for this entry is 1843.

Location. 42° 1.226′ N, 86° 11.076′ W. Marker is near Dowagiac, Michigan, in Cass County. Marker is at the intersection of Middle Crossing Road and Garrett Road, on the right when traveling west on Middle Crossing Road. Marker is in

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front of Silver Creek United Methodist Church at the northeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31944 Middle Crossing Rd, Dowagiac MI 49047, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Indian Lake Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church (approx. 2.6 miles away); Dowagiac Civil War Monument (approx. 4.2 miles away); Criffield-Whiteley House / Harry and Sara Ethel Whiteley (approx. 4.3 miles away); Willis M. Farr (approx. 4.4 miles away); Dowagiac World War II - Korean Conflict - Vietnam War Memorial (approx. 4½ miles away); St. Paul's Church / Episcopal Church (approx. 4½ miles away); 19th Michigan Infantry Memorial (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dowagiac.

Photographed By Duane Hall, April 22, 2013

2. First Methodist Episcopal Church Marker

View to West Along Middle Crossing Road image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, April 22, 2013

3. View to West Along Middle Crossing Road

First Methodist Episcopal Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, April 22, 2013

4. First Methodist Episcopal Church

Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 540 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 13, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on April 23, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on July 12, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 4. submitted on April 23, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.