Local History
December 14, 1893, under the direction from Apostle E.C. Briggs, Seventy Francis M. Cooper organized the group into a Branch. Elder William Dowker was elected the first Pastor of the Valley Branch.
On August 8, 1901, a building on the corner of S. Catherine and Thomas Streets was purchased as the official home of the Valley Branch for $350. In 1907 Oscar J. Hawn was Branch President and the Deed was recorded and the mortgage was discharged on the church building. In 1917 an addition and foundation were constructed on the church.
On August 8, 1901, a building on the corner of S. Catherine and Thomas Streets was purchased as the official home of the Valley Branch for $350. In 1907 Oscar J. Hawn was Branch President and the Deed was recorded and the mortgage was discharged on the church building. In 1917 an addition and foundation were constructed on the church.
In 1920 the Branch borrowed $1,100 to finish the basement of the church. In that same year 20 feet off the North side of the property was sold for $100. In 1939 the name of the Branch was changed from the Valley Branch to the Bay City Branch.
In July 10, 1958 the current site of the church on Midland Rd was recorded and deeded. Subsequently, in 1969 construction began on a new church building. The first service was held in this building on July 26, 1970. A service of consecration was held October 11, 1970. Apostle Charles Neff was the guest minister. On September 23, 1979 the mortgage for this property was discharged and deeded to our World Church. A service of celebration was held with W. Wallace Smith, President Emeritus was the guest speaker.
In July 10, 1958 the current site of the church on Midland Rd was recorded and deeded. Subsequently, in 1969 construction began on a new church building. The first service was held in this building on July 26, 1970. A service of consecration was held October 11, 1970. Apostle Charles Neff was the guest minister. On September 23, 1979 the mortgage for this property was discharged and deeded to our World Church. A service of celebration was held with W. Wallace Smith, President Emeritus was the guest speaker.
Since this time, the church continues to experience ebbs and flows as circumstances occur with the general direction being one of growth and expanded understanding of discipleship. ALL are welcome! Come and experience a loving and embracing people committed to God’s invitation to us. Our Mission is Christ’s Mission and we try to respond in service to the members and to the needs of the community.
We now turn to a brief introduction to our denominational story and will lead you to links for a more complete history.
We now turn to a brief introduction to our denominational story and will lead you to links for a more complete history.
Denominational History (an introduction)
|
The story of Community of Christ begins in the 19th Century in the American State of New York. It spans decades of growth and setbacks, in good times and bad. You are invited to explore the journey of people seeking to understand discipleship with Jesus and their relationship to God.
Please follow the link to A Journey People. |
|