A History
It is passing strange that the Military Arsenal which put Dearborn on the map and the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn which was located on that map should have started almost simultaneously in the 1830's. One symbolizes humankind's volatile tendency to war and conflict while the other highlights the human quest for peace and wholeness. Yet the two movements, warfare and religion, are often juxtaposed on the larger historical stage just as they were on the smaller stage known in those days as Pekin or Dearbornville. The Military Arsenal was authorized by Congress in 1833 with construction beginning the next year. Final completion came in 1839. In 1834 the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn was organized. Since church is at once pilgrimage and process, that story of building is never complete.Setting these events in time and place is not easy since people were more involved in living and doing than they were in writing and recording. Much happened about which we do not know. But this we know, in the last two decades of the eighteenth century two French families, by name Dumais and Cissne, settled along the Rouge River in what is now Dearborn. It was not until the opening of the Erie Canal, around 1825 however, that the trickle of settlers into southern Michigan became a small stream. Native Americans, the Powatomi and other Indians who had previously inhabited the region now moved westward. They were replaced by settlers whom they had earlier probably welcomed and assisted.
In the early nineteenth century in 1806 land on the Rouge River was set aside by the Federal Government as a military reservation. Nothing was done with that land until 1832 when it had passed into the hands of the Department of War. Since Henry Dearborn was Secretary of War under Jefferson when the large tract of land was first set aside his name eventually attached to the region. Construction on the Arsenal, a depository for weapons and ammunition, began in 1833 and was largely complete by 1837 although the last building, an Ammunition Depot, was not finished until 1839.
After having surveyed the general area around Pekin and Nankin, the Presbytery of Detroit decided that organization of a church in the Pekin (Dearbornville) area should be authorized. Prior to that authorization of an organized church a minister named Prince carried on Sunday School work in Pekin. In 1832 he reported 30 pupils with 50 books in the Sabbath School. Later records that same year indicate that the Sabbath School had 25 pupils. There were no Bible classes. But a Temperance Society with 100 members was established about the same time.
On the basis of these earlier efforts and data collected, The Reverend 0. C. Thompson gave notice on March 9, 1834 that a church would be organized the following Sunday. So on March 16, 1834 pursuant to the earlier announcement, The Reverend N. M. Wells and The Reverend 0. C. Thompson held a worship service probably in the school house. At the conclusion of the service 11 persons came forward to join in a solemn covenant of faith and agreed to be members of the First Presbyterian Church of Dearbornville, Michigan Territory. Those who joined together were Gabriel Silcox, John Mintonyea, Hugh Henry, Mary Silcox, Mary Kelley, Caroline Havley, Priscilla Henry, Trudy Bishop, Ann Wills, Elizabeth Parmalee and D.D. Thompson. The congregation elected Gabriel Silcox as the elder of the church.. Immediately thereafter the first Service of Communion was celebrated by the newly organized Church. church.
The Presbytery of Detroit had earlier been authorized and established in 1826 to include churches in Detroit, Farmington, Monroe, Pontiac and Mackinac. In 1833 the Synod of Michigan came into existence. By the time the First Presbyterian Church of Dearbornville began, the larger church in the region was well organized and related to the national structure.
The Reverend N. M. Wills visited the church in Dearbornville on June 8, 1834 to celebrate Communion with the fledgling congregation. That year, 1834, turned out to be a tragic time for the church and the whole Detroit community. Cholera struck with devastating effect in the summer of 1834. In one day, 37 persons died in Detroit. The plague lasted about eight weeks disrupting all social and religious life. Elder Gabriel Silcox was among those who fell victim to the cholera, leaving the congregation without an elder. Because of the epidemic no meetings of the church were held during the remainder of the year.
In early 1835 the Presbytery of Detroit voted to accept the new church into the Presbytery, following a visitation by representatives to the congregation. That official Presbytery visit was finally made in January 1836 and so at the February 1836 meeting of Presbytery the First Presbyterian Church of Dearbornville was accepted as a regular member of Presbytery. Since actions were informal in those days the date for the beginning of the church remained March 16, 1834. In the early part of 1836 Timothy Ladd and Albert Wilcox were elected to serve as elders and Charles Lum was elected Clerk of Session.
Prior to all this official activity, provision had been made in late 1835 with The Reverend Albert Worthington from Nankin (Schwarzburg) to preach for 6 months on a half-time basis. Even earlier a yoked relationship between the churches at Nankin and Dearbornville had been established. When the Committee from Presbytery made its official visit in January 1836 eight additional persons joined the church bringing the total membership to 18. Worship services were occasional as were visits by The Reverend Mr. Worthington. However, Worthington did come for a three day stay in Dearbornville, May 15-17, 1836. After that unusually long visit by a minister there were only sporadic and occasional services until January 1837.
The year 1837 was an important time for Dearbornville and for Michigan. Michigan Territory was admitted to the Union as a State early that year when President Andrew Jackson signed the necessary legislation. That same year the Michigan Central Railroad laid track to Dearbornville which became a fueling center for the railroad. It was also in 1837, as already indicated, that the Arsenal was largely finished. The Arsenal consisted of 11 brick buildings arranged around an open court with the entire complex enclosed by a 12 feet high masonry wall. The structure was built at a cost of $20,000 to house 50 artificers and 2 officers. Sometimes, however, the compliment of men reached 75.
Meanwhile the Methodist Episcopal Church built the first church edifice in Dearbornville located at Park and Monroe. That structure which was dedicated in May 1838 had a capacity of 200 persons. Presbyterians continued to meet in public buildings and in homes, but in 1837 they became better organized. It was in 1837 that The Reverend Reuben Armstrong from Nankin was engaged to preach "half-time for nine months." During the years that followed until 1840 Mr. Armstrong visited, preached and celebrated Communion in Dearbornville with greater regularity. Armstrong concluded his part-time ministry in Dearbornville in May 1840.
Times were not good for the community or the church in 1838. Employment in brick making and construction jobs at the Arsenal were coming to a conclusion. The railroad did not need more workers. Times were hard and life in Dearbornville which was incorporated under that name in 1838 was not easy. Most activity, business and social, centered around the Arsenal which, though small, was important to life of the community. The Commandants of the Arsenal were men from New England and the Snuth who dominated the social activity of the village. The first Commandant, Joshua Howard, after leaving the army, was instrumental in Dearborn real estate development.
Records give a glimpse of what life in Dearborn was like in 1838. Dearbornville is described as a village in the township of Dearborn located on the south branch of the Rouge River about 10 miles from Detroit. It had a Methodist Church, a saw mill, a flour mill, seven stores, two smitheries, an iron foundry, a physician and about 60 families. In the midst of this flourishing village stood the Arsenal, dominated by the splendid residence for the Commandant. Social life in the village was often related to the Arsenal allowing regular contact between the villagers and the Arsenal contingent. Occasional marriages occured between daughters of village families and the personnel of the Arsenal.
After the departure of Mr. Armstrong from the Dearbornville Church, because of his age, the pulpit of the church was supplied by The Reverend Warren Isham and by The Reverend Noah Wells. For more than two years beginning at the end of 1842 there are no records of any meetings at the church. In early 1845 The Reverend Reuben Armstrong returned to serve the church for little more than a month; the latter part of the year saw The Reverend Norman Tucker on the scene. Once more there follows a period of a year (1846) when no organized services were held.
During those early days of church life the members and officers were very serious about both faith and life. Truth was in order to goodness. When any member went astray he was called to account. The record indicates that a member Amos Gage who was adjudged guilty of swearing was suspended. Later Mr. Gage made a full confession and was restored to membership. In 1848, John Evans was accused of covenant breaking and intemperance. Found guilty on both counts, he was suspended from membership. Apparently Mr. Evans continued to become intoxicated so the minister and an elder were to visit him, but John Evans left the state and the case was dropped. Those were days when life quality had to reflect true faith. Sometimes that led to purity of life and at other times, it gave reason for rank hypocrisy.
The year 1846 was a very difficult time for Dearbornville. Because of dwindling population the village incorporation was rescinded by the State. War with Mexico in 1847, however, brought increased activity at the Arsenal. Interestingly no mention of that war is made in the records of the church.
Prospects for church and community happily improved in 1847. The Reverend Ashbel Wells visited the church briefly in that year. Then came The Reverend Norman Tucker under whose guidance the church was better organized and a church edifice was completed in 1848 at the corner of Park and Mason. A plain quadrangular structure it was made of wood, largely donated by members and situated on ground given by the Schloss family. Whether it was painted at first is not known. It was later white with a steeple and a front porch without roof. The building, a single one room structure with two rows of pews served the church well until 1909. The pews in the church were enclosed by doors at the ends and were rented by members. The annual rental ranged between $4.00 and $8.00. Two generous members, Elisha Lord and Nathaniel Ladd, paid $10.00 per year. Among those who rented pews were William Ten Eyck, proprietor of Ten Eyck Inn, and D. Thompson owner of the Live and Let Live Tavern.
The life of the church continued under the leadership of various ministers and elders. A list of the ministers in this long period should suffice for the record although this should in no way reflect on their faithfulness.
1850-1855 The Reverend Noah Tucker
1855-1856 The Reverend 0. C. Thompson
1856-1858 The Reverend Noah Tucker
1858-1859 The Reverend R. G. McCarthy
1860 The Reverend J. D. Pierce
The Reverend Noah Tucker
1862-1867 The Reverend C. Osborne
1867-1868 The Reverend James W. Weed
1868-1877 No recorded meetings
1877-1881 The Reverend Jasper W. MacGregor
1881-1883 The Reverend D. H. Taylor
1883-1895 No regular minister
As one reads the records of this period it is surprising that the church survived. That it did is in large measure due to faithfulness of members and ministers alike and above all, to God's providence. There are indistinct periods in the history when records do not indicate that anything was happening. But apparently people were faithful to their covenant and the church held on. Among the stalwarts in this misty period were Dr. S. P. Duffield who was the son of the famed minister George Duffield of the First Presbyterian Church in Detroit and Mr. A. B. Gulley who served as elder from 1853 to 1886. Dr. Duffield is best remembered as one of the founders of Parke Davis and Company in Detroit.
The American Civil War was fought and victory was won. No mention is made of that historic tragedy in the records of the church although it must have greatly impacted both village and church life. In nearby Springwells (Fordson) records show that a number of young men volunteered. After the war both General Grant and President Andrew Johnson briefly visited Dearborn.
In 1875 the Arsenal was closed and that center for village life was removed. Dearborn remained thereafter a center for farmers living around the area. Attendance at any church service was very difficult especially in winter time. One rather pathetic entry in the minutes of 1883 echoes the minister's regret that "his work had not been greatly blessed." Despite those difficulties and challenges, with the coming of 1895 the church records show the congregation still intact and functioning as a people of God.
The Reverend John B. Hobart was called to serve as pastor in 1895 and was installed in office on January 14, 1896. He served until 1902. In the year 1900 the membership of the church was 23 but it rose to 25 in 1901 and to 30 in 1902. It was at this time that the minister reported that despite evangelistic meetings "no converts professed their sins." Hobart was succeeded in 1902 or early 1903 by The Reverend William Parker from Troy, New York who came as a Stated Supply for an annual salary of $350.00. On May 8, 1904 The Reverend R. C. Galbreath, having been called with a salary of $400.00 per year, was installed. It should be noted that these ministers also served other churches at the same time.
On June 17, 1906 Galbreath resigned and was succeeded by The Reverend E. P. Clarke whose ministry continued until 1911. It was during Clarke's pastorate in 1908 that the first church structure at Mason and Park was sold to Charles Kandt, Sr. to be used as a mill. It was moved to the corner of Michigan and Oakland behind a store. A new church building was erected at a cost of $2,500.00 including equipment. This brick edifice of pleasing design had electricity, central heating and a piano. At the dedication service for the new church Henry and Clara Ford who lived in Detroit were in the worshipping congregation. Mr. Ford contributed $25.00 to the church. Having this new facility marked a major step forward in the church becoming established as a viable institution after decades of uncertainty. The building stood on the corner of Garrison and Mason.
Clarke left the church in 1911 when the church membership was about 29. Some problem seems to have arisen leading to Elder Van Dore's refusal to serve as elder in 1912 and after-wards moving his and his family's membership to Fort Street Presbyterian Church. From 1911 to 1915 The Reverend William S. Buck was sent by the Presbytery to the church which was now under guidance of Presbytery. Subsequently, The Reverend I. J. Van Hee became Acting Supply for little more than a year (1916-1917). Then followed C. G. Sterling for a short period in late 1917. The Reverend Wesley W. Cole was installed as pastor on November 26, 1918; he was minister for two years. He was succeeded by The Reverend J. Homer Alexander who was apparently a Temporary Supply Pastor on a part-time basis from 1921-1926. In 1923 the church facility was improved and expanded with the addition of a basement auditorium. Construction cost together with equipment purchases totalled $6,500.00. That debt was paid off in 1924 and the church served the community with a more adequate facility.
With an increasing number of people moving into Dearborn it became obvious that a full-time ministry would be required. As early as 1915 the Ford Motor Company had begun to relocate in the area, bringing with it new families and many additional homes. Henry Ford, born in Springwells, never lost touch with the area.
Having been served mostly by part-time supply ministers since 1834 the congregation voted on February 2, 1926 to have a full-time minister. The vote was 31 for and 3 against. In a later meeting, February 10, 1926, the congregation gathered but no action was taken on calling Alexander. The next Sunday, February 17, 1926, the members met with 40 present. Of that number only 25 voted to call Alexander on a full-time basis at a salary of $2,000 per year. In part because of that vote, on March 7, 1926 The Reverend J. Homer Alexander resigned; his resignation was accepted. During a short interim a former minister The Reverend 1. J. Van Hee came to moderate the Session. On June 20, 1926 The Reverend Hubert Hall was called as pastor. While his tenure was brief, still he managed to institute regular monthly meetings of Session and to form a Music Committee. Earlier the same year, prior to the coming of Mr. Hall, the Session voted to have church stationary and regular weekly bulletins printed. Under the leadership of Mr. Hall in 1926 the church seemed at last to be flourishing. However, on December 26, 1926 he resigned because of illnes@ and the congregation reluctantly accepted his resignation January 5, 1927. The tuberculosis with which he was afflicted later took his life in Arizona where he moved.
The search for a new minister came to fruition on February 23, 1927 when The Reverend John T. Newell was called with a congregational vote of 31 out of 34 votes cast. His salary was set at $2,400 from First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn and $600 from the Nankin Church which he also served. The coming of Dr. Newell to the church signaled the beginning of the modern era in the life of the church, a time of a remarkable growth and development in the church.
Under the leadership of Dr. Newell the church outgrew its facilities. In 1928 the congregation began to plan for a new facility on the same site where the little brick church had stood. In a spirited congregational meeting April 10, 1929 a motion was made that no new church building should be begun until one half the necessary funds had been raised. The motion failed 13 to 9. A second motion to proceed with the new church building carried 18 to 4. The beautiful old church was demolished and construction begun on June 2, 1929. Ground was broken and on July 21, 1929 the cornerstone was laid. The new church building was dedicated on Sunday, April 6, 1930. It had been built and equipped at a total cost of around $65,000. The Sanctuary seated 400 and featured a pipe organ given by Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church. The facility also included a minister's study, recreation room, a kitchen and many church school rooms. Built in modified gothic style, it was an imposing structure constructed of light colored brick and stone, located just across from the First Methodist Church.
Obviously building a new church edifice in 1929 just before the Stock Market crash was not exactly the best timing. But the structure was up and the debt was a reality. It was difficult at times but with the commitment of members and thanks to some giving of personal financial notes the debt was managed and eventually wiped out.
Dr. Newell continued his faithful ministry in very trying, economic circumstances. One record of those times indicates that Mr. Cameron, a friend but not a member, made a special gift of $500 to the church with the stipulation that the money be used exclusively for the pastor and his family. Because of that gift in the darkest depression days, Dr. Newell and his family did not go hungry.
On December 30, 1929 a letter from The Reverend M, C. McPherson of the Presbytery Board of Church Extension was read. It contained a request that the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn join in "mothering" a Sunday School and Church being organized in Allen Park. The Session upon motion agreed "that we give our full sympathy to this work with the understanding that we do not assume any financial obligations to this work." To this day the church in Allen Park considers itself a daughter church to the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn.
Those were interesting days in Dearborn which had combined with the city of Fordson (Springwells) to form a larger city in early 1929. Voter approval for the merger was given on January 9, 1929. The new Mayor Clyde M. Ford and the City Council werelsworn in on January 15, 1929. Other events of interest and importance include the opening of the Edison Institute on October 21, 1929 with President Hoover, Henry Ford and Thomas Alva Edison present for the occasion. Dearborn Inn opened in 1931 followed by the opening of Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum on June 12, 1933. The city was in a stage of rapid development, but the Stock Market crash cast a pall of gloom over the future.
Within the context of great national turmoil the church continued its work. In 1930 the Philoxenes, a class for women, was organized with Clara Putzig as the first President. The title of the group came from a Greek word meaning "lovers of stangers." During the days of the Depression the Philoxenes served many meals to community groups as a way to raise church funds. Mrs. Pearl Weamer who had been instrumental in creating the Philoxenes persuaded the group to join the Ladies' Union in order to form the Women's Association in 1940. Later the Philoxenes became a fellowship and social group as they are today.
In the year 1931 a group of members signed a petition objecting to card playing and dancing in the church building. After considerable discussion and investigation the Session persuaded those who had raised objections to withdraw the petition. That done, the Session urged all organizations that they "do not do anything that would lower the spiritual standing of our church." With that the troubled waters of church life were calm again.
Some entries in minutes give insight to life and struggle in the church. In 1930 a committee reported to the Session that they had made no progress in obtaining officers to serve in the Church School. Later that same summer, however, Leo DuVall took over leadership of the Sunday School and thereafter it began to flourish again. All during this period from the time he joined the church in 1920 Harold Putzig, now an elder, was instrumental in making sure that a vital youth program be sustained.
One other entry in the records reflects the impact of Depression on the church.
In the January 6, 1932 minutes these words are recorded: "The relief committee reported the distribution of several baskets and some coal." In March another report indicated that funds were depleted and much more funding was needed. Obviously the church was trying with limited means to meet the desperate situation.
In October 1930 the Music Program of the church began to show new vitality with the employment of Mr. Harold Koch as Director at a salary of $10.00 per week. It was specified in agreement with the pastor that there should be two special numbers in the morning service. That together with Christmas, and Easter programs and one Oratorio constituted a rather ambitious music ministry. Koch served the church for 2 years and resigned.
The 1932-33 report to the General Assembly shows that the church had 319 members and an income of $5,532. There were 261 enrolled in Sunday School and $319 was given for Benevolences. By 1934/35 there were 329 members in the church with 245 enrolled in Sunday School. Benevolence giving dropped to $208. These statistics mirror something of the steady but slow progress of the church.
Having begun his pastorate in Dearborn in 1927, Dr. Newell continued until age 70 in 1945 when at a Special Congregational meeting on September 12, 1945 his desire for the status of Honorably Retired be requested of Presbytery was put in form of a motion. That motion with appreciation was passed and Dr. Newell was elected Pastor Emeritus of the church with a continuing salary of $125.00 per month. It was agreed that Dr. Newell's pastoral relationship would end when his successor was chosen. This generous salary for Dr. Newell continued until his death in 1954.
At that same congregational meeting a Pastoral nominating Committee made up of eight persons was elected. The Committee completed its work rather quickly and was ready to report on October 10, 1945. At that meeting of the congregation The Reverend Donald Zimmerman was called to become pastor of the church at a salary of $4,000 per year and $600 for house rent. It was necessary to increase the budget by $3,500 to meet the terms of the call. Dr. Zimmerman took up the charge and entered into the work of the church almost immediately. His installation occurred on December 16, 1945 with Dr. Fred Olert, First Presbyterian Church of Detroit preaching the sermon.
Dr. Zimmerman and his wife Ruth had been interned by the Japanese in the Philippines during the course of World War II. They had gone to Japan with a view to becoming missionaries in China. For some reason they went to the Philippines and were there when the war broke out. Having just undergone that perilous experience he came to Dearborn soon after the war ended to begin a significant ministry.
During the days of Dr. Newell's ministry the officers of the church had bought land adjacent to the church building. A new education building was erected on that ground and was dedicated in 1950. It was also during the Zimmerman years that the manse at 22745 Law was acquired. While Dr. Zimmerman was pastor he was assisted in that ministry for a short time by Emilie Bohnhorst, Assistant to the Minister and later by Richard Rowe, Assistant Minister. The church flourished during the short ministry of Dr. Zimmerman who while he was pastor was granted a Doctor of Divinity degree by Alma College. In 1951 he resigned the pastorate to accept a job with the Synod of Michigan as Director of Church Extension for Detroit Presbytery. Later he moved to St. Louis to serve as Presbytery Executive and after that served the Synod of Illinois. Through the rest of his life he continued to serve "the larger church" but he left behind him a lasting impression and legacy in Dearborn.
A Pastoral Nominating Committee was elected to seek a successor to Dr. Zimmerman. Before the year 1951 was over their quest was rewarded when they agreed upon The Reverend John Vander Meulen, First Presbyterian Church, Lansing, Michigan. Dr. Vander Meulen was installed in the office of pastor on January 13, 1952 in an impressive evening service at which Dr. John Arthur Visser, pastor of Westminster Church, Detroit, was the preacher. During the pastorate of Vander Meulen the church congregation grew so that two morning Services of Worship became necessary. While in Dearborn, he led the church to acquire 2.7 acres of land on Outer Drive with a view to establishing another church site with the same staff and officers as the downtown Dearborn Church. That plan was later abandoned in favor of a different approach.
During the tenure of Vander Meulen as pastor, The Reverend William V. Pietch served as Assistant Minister (1952-54). In 1954, The Reverend Minoru Mochizuki became Assistant with Dr. Eugene Carson Blake preaching the installation sermon on September 27, 1954. The Reverend Rudolph Garypie joined the staff in 1956 for a period of about a year. It was in late August of 1956 that Dr. Vander Meulen tendered his resignation as pastor in order to accept the call to become pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana, California. In late September the congregation concurred in Dr. Vander Meulen's resignation so that he could move west soon thereafter. In the interim, The Reverend Mr. Mochizuki and The Reverend Mr. Garypie directed the services and activities of the church in conjunction with the very able lay leadership.
In many ways 1957 was a water shed year for the church. A Pastor Nominating Committee, having been elected by the congregation, began and completed their search rather expeditiously. Their choice was The Reverend John K. Mitchell who came from the North Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. The nomination of Dr. Mitchell by Elder Grey Firth was unanimously approved. Dr. Mitchell accepted the call and arrived in Dearborn on May 1, 1957. He and his wife Betty together with their two children Mary and Stephen made their home in the Manse on Law. With the installation of Dr. Mitchell on May 1, 1957, when Dr. Kenneth Neigh preached the sermon, there began a new and exciting chapter in the history of the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn.
Soon after the arrival of Dr. Mitchell on the Dearborn scene it became necessary to begin a 3 morning service schedule on Sundays. That development and other factors caused the leadership of the church to conclude that a new church structure was necessary. To that end on January 16, 1958 the congregation meeting in the auditorium of the Ford Administration Building with 500 members present heard the announcement that 5 acres of land was available for acquisition on the edge of the Ford Fairlane Estate. Most of that Estate including the Ford Mansion had been given to the University of Michigan. The land, lying along the Rouge River, was located on Brady Road just to the north of Cherry Hill Road. After discussion, Mr. Jack Sluiter was authorized to proceed with the negotiation for purchase. As a result, the land was purchased for a total of $112,500 on June 24, 1958 when $1,000 was paid in earnest money with the balance of $111,500 being due and payable on June 30, 1959. A committee was formed under the leadership of Mr. Lee Mills to choose an architect for the prospective building. Some 35 architects were interested and involved in the competition. The committee reported to the Congregational Meeting January 21, 1960 their recommendation that Alden Dow be employed to be the architect for the projected facility. The recommendation was accepted. At that same Congregational Meeting two mortgages were symbolically burned representing a free and clear status of earlier building programs. Kathleen Parr represented the Pioneer Church building (Park and Mason), John Baird the second Little Brick Church building (Mason and Garrison), and Dorothy Stewart (Mason and Garrison) the third church building. At the end of the ceremony Dorothy Stewart passed a candle to Gilbert Meyer, President of the Board of Trustees. Thus the die was cast; the congregation was ready to move forward in a major building program. At that meeting of the congregation, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Lawson generously asked to be allowed to donate a pipe organ for the new church sanctuary. Their offer was gratefully accepted.
The Building Fund Campaign was conducted successfully in the autumn of 1960. At the meeting of the congregation held in early 1961, Mr. Alden Dow the architect recommended that an additional 61 ½ acre parcel of land be acquired to make a total site of approximately 12 acres. The congregation approved the purchase and also approved the building plans presented by Mr. Dow.
While these building plans and processes moved along on track, the ministry of the church continued along other spiritual lines. In 1957 the congregation was organized into smaller parishes or zones with a view to closer relationship and unity among the people. A minister was sought to lead this program as a member.of staff. In The Reverend Edward 0. DeHaven the ideal pastoral figure was found. Coming from East Jordan, Michigan, Mr. DeHaven was installed on February 15, 1958. He and Dr. Mitchell combined to provide excellent pastoral care for all the members of the congregation.
In 1962 The Reverend Kenneth Bowser having completed some 3 years as Minister of Christian Education resigned. That position was filled about a year later on October 7, 1963 by The Reverend Ivan Smith who served the church less than 2 years, leaving April, 1965 to become pastor of the Grandale Presbyterian Church in Detroit.
Meanwhile progress was being made in the building program. On April 21, 1963 ground was broken at the Brady site for an ambitious and impressive church to cost about $1,500,000 to $1,750,000. Actual construction work began in October of that year. Progress was such that on April 19, 1964 the cornerstone was laid containing materials from the cornerstones of the Little Brick Church, the Third Church Building, and the Education Building all having been located at Mason and Garrison.
While all this progress was being watched on Brady an important step was taken in creating an outstanding music program. Dr. Alexander Turco was employed on September 20, 1964 to be Director of Music for the church succeeding Harper Maybee who had been Choir Director for 18 years. Dr. Turco came to serve in a combined capacity as Organist and Director. Under his direction the music program has combined high quality with vital spirit.
On January 3, 1965 the last service was held in the church edifice at Mason and Garrison, the building having been sold to the Central Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. On January 10, 1965 the first Service of Worship was held in the new church edifice on Brady with Dr. Mitchell preaching a sermon on the subject "What Mean These Stones?" That sermon was reflective of earlier study done by the congregation on what kind of statement of faith the church structure should make. The result of those earlier church member meetings was recorded in "A Statement of Faith" adopted by the whole church January 17, 1960. Believing that "an expression of the integrity of this congregation is woven from several strong strands of faith" these strands were identified as the sovereignty of God, the Lordship of Christ, the church as the Body of Christ and the congregation as a Family of Faith. That latter emphasis on "Family of Faith" became thereafter a theme of ministry in the church.
Subsequent to the first service in the church a congregational meeting was held at the new church on January 21, 1965 at which time Messrs. Lee Mills and Jack Sluiter, co-chair men of the Building Planning Committee made their final report. The following Sunday, January 24, 1965 the church building was dedicated. Two former ministers, Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Vander Meulen were present for the memorable ceremony. The sermon was preached by Dr. Kenneth Neigh, Executive Secretary for the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.
Still later in that same auspicious year on May 23, 1965 the Aeolian Skinner organ given by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Lawson was dedicated. On the evening of June 6, 1965, the wellknown organist Jack Ruhl played a dedicatory recital. The events of that climatic year continued with dedication of the great white oak cross in the sanctuary, designed by Alden Dow and fashioned by Theodore A. Garzdula. The same craftsman also fabricated the cross that graces the front of the Chapel.
So a great, modern church building became a reality, reflecting in its solid construction the firm basis on which the church stands and in its light airy texture an openness to the movement of God's Spirit in moving times. The triangular design reiterated throughout the edifice emphasizes the Trinity which is basic in Christian faith. Christians experience and express God as Father - Source of Life, Son - fellow human being, and Spirit - unseen but real abiding presence in all that life is. The crosses outside and inside the sanctuary call attention to the central theme and emphasis of Christian faith. The main sanctuary opening out on the world with green carpet picking up the color of grass outside, reminds worshippers that they live and worship in God's world not apart from it. And in the Chapel worshippers experience sanctuary, a place to be away from the world with God alone. The arrangement of seating in the two rooms used principally for worship is a reminder that Christians gather around table in the presence of Christ who calls them together. So the building does, in fact, body forth the faith that members profess.
Oftentimes when church congregations and ministers complete a building program, the question rises: "What now?" The new facility was not so much a completion of process but represented an opportunity to extend and intensify ministry and mission, In order to fulfill the ministry and meet the challenge, the ministerial staff was enlarged. On July 1, 1965 The Reverend Donald Wright came to the church to serve as Minister of Christian Education and on January 22, 1966, The Reverend Allen Ward Beach joined the staff. Both men were installed as Associate Ministers in the impressive ceremony the evening of February 20, 1966. The staff of four ministers was thus completed, but before the year was over The Reverend Edward DeHaven was forced to retire because of failing health.
The year 1966 was accented by the gift of Les Cheneaux Property in Northern Michigan by Mr. and Mrs. Murray Wilson. That property was used by some members as a vacation place for many years. During the same year, 1966, Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell were given a trip to the Holy Land and Europe by the congregation. The occasion was Dr. Mitchell's twenty fifth anniversary of ordination to the gospel of ministry.
Events moved rapidly with the ministry of the church growing apace. The church building became a focal point in the community. Nor was the church ever allowed to become a victim of localism. Dr. Mitchell was involved on a national level in the area of communications, and, as such, represented the denomination in 1968 at the World Christian Communications Council in Oslo, Norway. At about the same time, Mr. Wright was with a group of young people from the church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as guests of the Patriarch of the Ethiopia Apostolic Church under the auspices of the United Presbyterian Church. The world scope of the church was felt and reflected in ministry.
There is so much to tell of history and of service. In 1967 the Treasure Chest opened on the ground level of the church where used goods and items made by the ladies were sold. Money from these sales has gone in to the Building Fund. As of this writing the cumulative funds provided from Treasure Chest exceed $100,000. Another major annual program in the church emerged when the Rummage Sale began. Each year in October since its beginning in the mid sixties the Rummage Sale has reminded one of Macy's or Bloomingdale's basement sales. Large numbers of people have been involved in this operation resulting in some marvelous relationships between them. In addition substantial amounts of money have been raised for use in and beyond our church. For many years a large portion of the proceeds went to the Church of the Master in Detroit. The income from this activity has now reached the general range of $25,000 per year.
In October 1968 the new organ in the Chapel was dedicated with a recital played by D. Frederic DeHaven. The instrument fabricated in West Germany was paid for out of the Tribute Fund and dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Lucile DeHaven, Dr. and Mrs. John Newell, Mr. Harold Carnell, Mrs. Gertrude Grigg and others.
Staff changes were very frequent, but, largely due to the presence of Dr. Mitchell, the church moved on a steady course. After two years of service The Reverend Allen Beach resigned his position in 1968. The church was served by The Reverend Andrew Janssen from 1971-1975. The Reverend Donald Wright had a distinguished ministry before accepting a call to Arizona in 1972. After an extensive search the church called The Reverend William Hoffman to serve in the area of Christian Education and later The Reverend Robert Timberlake was called to serve in the pastoral area of the church's life. Both left the church in 1977 leaving Dr. Mitchell alone to pursue and fulfil ministry.
Fortunately, Dr. Mitchell was not alone because in 1973 in a move to manage the church in a business-like fashion, Mr. Paul Elsenheimer was employed as Business Manager. By this time when the church had but one minister on the scene, Mr. Elsenheimer had the business affairs well in hand. He has been and continues to be vital in the life and management of the church.
Early in the year 1978 the congregation voted to call Dr. Carl G. Howie to be a Co-Pastor with Dr. Mitchell. This unusual relationship was to be an experiment in co-pastorship with a view to easier transition after a long term of pastoral service.
Dr. Howie who had been minister at Westminster Church of Detroit for a decade, having come to Detroit in 1967 from San Francisco, was installed in office on April 16, 1978 in the regular Service of Worship. The search continued for a third member of ministerial staff.
Dr. Howie trained in the area of Biblical research, and in the theology of Christian history and life brought that perspective to the ministry of the church. He and his wife Jean took up residence on River Lane and settled in for what appeared to be an untroubled and secure time of ministry.
But this was not to be. Soon after his return from a period of vacation in Northern Michigan, Dr. Mitchell was stricken with a heart attack on August 11, 1978. After extensive care at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn and at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Dr. Mitchell returned home in early November. On November 20, 1978 he died in his sleep at home. This was a monumental blow to the congregation which felt a great sense of loss.
On November 22, 1978 a solemn and beautiful Service of Worship was held in the sanctuary filled to capacity. It was a fitting tribute to Dr. Mitchell who had served this church with such distinction since 1957. That service represented the triumph theme that actualized his life and was in truth a celebration of resurrection. Of Dr. Mitchell it was said, "John K. Mitchell is a name that causes all to rejoice even when our celebration is edged in sadness . . . Jack was a Christian not in some definitional or doctrinaire sense. His life was a constant process of defining the meaning of the word Christian." Some days later his mortal remains were deposited on the grounds of the church to which he gave so much and which he loved so well. With his death an era ended. To show appreciation and to memorialize his name the Fellowship Hall was renamed Mitchell Hall by the congregation at the Annual Meeting in January 1979.
The church always aware that its chief minister is Jesus Christ continued its life and work. With the death of Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Howie automatically became pastor of the church. There was obvious need for help in the ministry of the church. The pastoral task was too large for one man. In 1979 The Reverend Ronald Wilson was called as an Associate Minister and later the same year The Reverend John Carroll came to be an Assistant Minister. In 1982 Mr. Carroll resigned to continue his training at Princeton Theological Seminary. He was replaced on a part-time basis by The Reverend John Musgrave in 1982. On July 1, 1983, Mr. Musgrave was called to be an Assistant Minister in the church.
In these latter years the church has kept faith in what have been called trying economic times in Dearborn where the population was diminishing. The music program has continued to be outstanding under Dr. Turco. A Men's Fellowship Group has been organized as has a Young Adult Group. The Hour of Excellence, started soon after the church building was occupied, has continued to have major impact in the community. Recently a Singles Group has been formed and a Presbyterian Players Group has been revived. Each year the Madrigal Dinners at the Christmas Season, begun in 1977, have continued to be a major social-religious event in the church. The Zone Plan for drawing people together and for actualizing the Family of Faith continues. At Christmas all delight in the beautiful Chrismon tree.
Some improvements have been made in the church facility. The leaky roof was repaired. A broken pillar outside Mitchell Hall was replaced. A handicapped rest room was built off the Narthex and ramps have been provided at all entrances. The Youth Lounge was finally furnished. Storm windows are being installed.
The church sold the Les Cheneaux property on Land Contract in 1979. An Endowment Fund of major proportions became a reality because of a gift by the Murray Wilson estate made in the last years of Dr. Mitchell 's pastorate.
In the years since 1978 the church has been the locale for visits by Vaclav Kejr from Czechoslovakia, Dr. Hans Kung from Switzerland, Dr. Robert Walton from West Germany, reflecting the international scope of the church. Dr. Howie has travelled in both Western and Eastern Europe as an extension of ministry and mission of the church.
Ecumenically the church has reached out to neighboring churches in cooperative endeavors. The Cherry Hill United Presbyterian Church, Christ Episcopal Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn have combined for almost six years in a Tre Ore Service on Good Friday. More recently those same churches have united to form The Dearborn Pastoral Counseling and Consultation Service which will begin operation in 1984.
The church continues to be in the world but not of the world. Members are involved and busy in community leadership with volunteer effort seen as a fulfillment of Christian calling. Study and discussion help people to discern the will and purpose of God.
While the names of many have been reviewed in this document, still there are many nameless. The lead actor in this drama of First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn has been and still is God himself. But for his grace, nothing could endure. The Chief Minister of the church remains Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.
The First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn reaches the 150th milestone grateful for a past in which God has been faithful and ready for the future in which that same faithfulness is assured. This church, so blessed looks forward to the future as a time not of dread but of promise. Today's Christians at First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn, are now themselves, not just spectators to history but are the makers of history, gathered in one congregation rejoicing to be coworkers with God in a future as bright as the divine promise. To God alone be the glory.
Carl G. Howie
March 12, 1984
