A HISTORY OF
First United Methodist Church of Pontiac
The following history is taken largely from the booklet written by a committee with Perry Thomas as Chairman. Members of the committee were Mrs. Harry F. Going, Mr. D. A. Green, Mr. Percy Parsons and Mrs. Lester O. Moody.
You and I are continuing to write the History of the First Methodist Church of Pontiac.
As World Methodism looks to John Wesley's Aldersgate experience and American Methodism looks to the Christmas Conference at Baltimore in 1784, so First Methodist looks to a small class meeting in the log home of Ira Donelson. The year of founding was in 1828 and the place was the Donelson cabin, two and a half miles west of the Village of Pontiac, which is now the Southwest corner of Elizabeth Lake Road and Voorheis Road. This group consisted of twelve members, which were sufficient to form a Class Meeting, the basic unit in John Wesley's system of organization. The first members of this society were: Asa Davis, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Merchant, Mrs. Merchant, Betsy Merchant, Charles and Susan Johnson, Samuel Merchant, Ira Donelson*, Mary Donelson, Horace Donelson, and Abel S. Donelson. This group of religious-minded people proved to be the nucleus of the First Methodist Church of Pontiac.
The first societies were organized outside of the village because of the wickedness of the village. An interesting article in the newspaper draws attention to the fact that all of the Church bodies originated outside of town. Pontiac was a boom town organized in 1818 and in the tradition of the frontier "was filled with vice and sin." The account is preserved in church records that Pontiac had an Infidels Club which participated in mock sacraments. "One day they caught a boy and baptized him with whiskey in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost." The man who officiated on the occasion retired to bed that night as well as usual, but was found dead in his bed next morning." The article goes on to say that shortly after that the "Infidel's Club" was disbanded.
Arza Donelson, son of Ira Donelson, one of the original 12 charter members, recalls that his father's home was known as the "Methodist Tavern." This epithet registers the contempt of the populace and the ridicule suffered by the small group. Mrs. Mary Donelson Shattuck tells of the courage required of these early Methodists in her Reminiscences of M E Church of Pontiac. Her words reveal a great heritage of courage and faith. "In the early and primitive days of Methodism, in this then new country, it meant courage, sacrifice, forbearance, long suffering, sometimes ostracism. It did not mean going with the popular tide of public opinion and influence; more often it was against the tide, relying on the promise of God ‘My Grace is sufficient for you.' To be a Methodist in those days oftentimes brought reproach, sneers and scorn and even those who called themselves Christians, looked upon one who was a Methodist as inferior in refinement, culture and intellect; and the opinion prevailed to some extent that the
Methodist Church was organized for the poor, weak and ignorant of earth .... But we of this persuasion feel that it was a church born in due time to evangelize the world, to go into the by-ways and hedges, the sparse settlements and do personal work and almost compel the multitudes to come in because of a free, full salvation... Our preachers held up Christ as our `elder brother' as an example to follow. They preached a free, full salvation for all, to all, to the poor as well as the rich, to the needy and ignorant, as well as, the intelligent. The Methodists were peculiar people, zealous of good works. It was often remarked that one could tell Methodists as far as one could see them, on account of the plainness of their dress. Flowers on the bonnet or any kind of jewelry were forbidden."
Methodist societies were also founded in other county points. Farmington, "Piety Hill" now Birmingham and Auburn had societies which formed part of the Oakland Circuit. These groups were organized and pastored by the Circuit Riders. They traveled the roads in sun and rain, summer and winter, riding and preaching every day. The description of them found in Mrs. Shattuck's Reminiscences is quoted here. "In these early days the itinerant system was in full vogue, and the circuits extended through mud and mire over log `cause ways', or perhaps no road at all, finding their way by means of blazed trees, which someone who had gone on before had marked out for those who might follow after."
Mrs. Shattuck's reminiscences continue to be quoted. "The preacher carried a leather saddle bag thrown across the horse, which contained a change of raiment, the Bible, the Hymn book, a copy of the Methodist Discipline, and a few tracts. They bore the burden the heat of the day. They were the true pioneers of Methodism, strong of heart, poor in purse, rich in zeal, and strong and stalwart that the cause of Christ might prosper; the church be built up and souls saved unto eternal life.
The records reveal that although a society was not organized in the village of Pontiac, the itinerant preachers did preach in the village. In 1820, Reverend John P. Kent made a weekday appointment to preach in Pontiac, but he did not organize a society. It is recorded that Reverend Alfred Bronson and Reverend Samuel Baker preached in Pontiac in 1823 followed by Reverend Elias Potter and Billings Q. Plimpton in 1824. Reverend Elias Potter accompanied by Isaac. C. Hunter preached in the village in 1825 without recording the formation of a society.
In the year 1828, Reverend William T. Snow was sent from the Ohio Conference as a Missionary. He organized the society at the Donelson Home and later the societies in Auburn, and Piety Hill (Birmingham) and Farmington. This was the beginning of the Oakland Circuit. It was customary in the early days to send two men to a charge, a preacher in-charge and a junior preacher. The pastor in-charge was a married man while his assistant was usually single. He was boarded about in the homes of the people and received a hundred dollars a year. During these times the Ohio Conference organized the Michigan Conference while in session at Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1836.
The area which had been a part of the Sandusky, Ohio, district of the Ohio Conference, was placed under the Detroit District and Pontiac became a preaching point under this District. Circuit Riders continued to serve the societies located in this country until they became large enough to require a resident preacher. The Pontiac group was served by Circuit Riders until 1842. The names of these ministers are as follows: John A. Baughman, Solomon Kinnear, John Kinnear, William T. Snow, John Jones, William Russell, Thomas Wiley, James Cozart, James Davison, Arza Brown, Marcus Swift, Bradford Frazee, William Sprague, E. H. Pilcher, Frederick Seaborn, Lorenza Davis, F. B. Bangs, Marle Delaney, Josiah Brakeman, and Miles Sanford. All of these men preached and were lodged in the Donelson home at one time or another.
The class transferred its meeting place to Pontiac in 1830. A red school house became the home of the group. This building occupied the present site of All Saints Episcopal Church. From this place the group moved to the old yellow courthouse. Reverend E. H. Pilcher records that in 1834 he traveled the Oakland Circuit and found a small society in each of the country places and in Pontiac a "very small group."
The struggling little band was beset with adversities. When meeting in the Courthouse, a man of refinement and education, Reverend Miles Sanford, was sent to them. He, however, had married a Baptist lady and she believed her husband too important and intelligent to be "only a Methodist preacher." She persuaded him to leave his church and join the Baptist Church of Pontiac. The small congregation felt the loss of their pastor and it fell a hard blow. A short time later, the county officials refused any longer to allow the Methodists to use the Courthouse and in 1841, the group determined to build a meeting place, even though they were small and financially weak.
THE BUILDING OF THE FIRST CHURCH
In 1842, the group was designated as a station and the Annual Conference appointed a Pastor to live at the charge. Reverend Thomas Fox, a single man, became the first resident pastor. The lot on the southwest corner of Pike and Perry, the present site of the Waldron Hotel, was purchased for $200. It was a great effort for the group to begin the building of a small church, but in the midst of the struggle, an occasion of much encouragement occurred. Mrs. Willard McConnell, having attended a Camp Meeting, became concerned about the welfare of her soul so she attended the Christmas Services with her husband. "After preaching by the presiding Elder, the Society tarried to hold a class meeting and Mrs. McConnell with them. Mr. McConnell went out, but soon returned and took his seat for the class meeting. He had never manifested any desire for religion, but now, when the minister spoke to him, he arose and said, with a great deal of emphasis, "I am determined to be a Christian." Their conversion followed this meeting shortly and they joined the church.
Mr. McConnell assumed responsibility for completion of the Church, serving on the Building Committee with Ira Donelson and Roswell Ingraham. Many of the businessmen of the town assisted the group to complete the building. The Church was dedicated in 1844 with Bishop Janes preaching the dedicatory sermon. The first pastor to serve in the completed church was Reverend Thomas Gardner. Newspaper accounts say that Thomas Gardner immediately put on one of the largest evangelistic campaigns in the history of Pontiac. "It paid off well, both spiritually and financially." At this time, the limit that a pastor could remain in one pastorate was two years. Two interesting anecdotes are told about the Pike Street Church by Mrs: Shattuck in her reminiscences. "I so well remember at one time, while we held services in the church on Pike Street, Miss Nancy Vontuyl went with us to a quarterly meeting and was excluded at the door because she had a few flowers on her bonnet. This rule prevailed for a year or two afterward." The other story is about the love feasts. "In those days we had what were called "Love Feast tickets," a piece of blue cardboard on which was "admit the bearer," and signed by the Presiding Elder. No one could enter unless provided with such a ticket. The doors were closed and locked promptly at nine o'clock and there was no invasion or confusion of people coming and going after the time to distress the sanctity of the service. A change from then and now.
The Fourth Session of the Detroit Annual Conference was entertained in the Pike Street Church in 1859. The session lasted from September 28th to October 4th. Bishop E. S. Janes presided over this Conference. At this session, Reverend John Russell, founder of the Prohibition Party and organizer of the Simpson Park Camp Meeting, was appointed Pastor.
BUILDING OF THE PRESENT STRUCTURE
Soon the little building at Pike and Perry became too small for the growing needs of the lively congregation. The membership was too large for the building and plans were made to build a new church. Under the leadership of Reverend Samuel Clemens in 1861, the South Saginaw site was selected and the present edifice begun. It was finished in 1864 and dedicated by Bishop Matthew Simpson that year. This church was valued at $25,000 in 1877. A fine tone bell was installed in the tower at the cost of $1,000 weighing 2,035 pounds.
In 1867, the Conference extended the time limit a pastor could serve a church, from two to three years. Reverend Daniel C. Jacokes, the pastor at that time, remained for another year and became the first pastor in the United States Methodism to serve a three-year pastorate. He was appointed pastor in 1865 and found one hundred and forty-one members. He served under the new Conference ruling until 1868.
Mrs. Shattuck tells that the church was in great financial and spiritual straits under the next pastor, Reverend W. H. Shier. The temperature of the prayer meetings and services was at sub-zero and the load from the Building Program overwhelmed the congregation. Pastor Shier led the church to great spiritual heights and led them in raising $ 12,000 in three years. The indebtedness was cleared off and the Sanctuary was equipped with a fine pipe organ. Reverend Shier's pastorate was closed with a great revival which re- enforced the ranks of the membership.
THE WILLARD McCONNELL MEMORIAL PLAQUE
On April 13, 1885, the church was saddened by the loss of one of its staunchest supporters, Williard M. McConnell. From the day of his conversion, the Church was one of his first interests. He had served as Sunday School Superintendent for thirty years and gave liberally to the Church throughout his lifetime. The McConnells gave their home to the Church to be used as a parsonage when they built the large mansion at Auburn Avenue and Paddock Street. The old parsonage stands on the north side of Auburn Avenue near the junction of Center Street. In loving memory, a grateful church placed a plaque at the front of the Church.
In the year 1885, the Church undertook a remodeling program and enlarged the Church building. The walls were fresco and new stain glass windows and carpeting were installed. This was accomplished under the leadership of Reverend C. T. Allen who had returned for a second appointment. He served four years under the new ruling that was made in 1885 by the Conference allowing a pastor to serve a five-year term.
Plans to remodel again were drawn up and enacted in 1892 under Reverend F. C. Pillsbury. Balconies were installed to provide increased seating capacity and the sanctuary was refurnished. The entrances were considered inadequate and hazardous so the wooden structure was placed at the front of the Church. The tower entrance, as well as the south entrance, were used in conjunction with the new wooden entrance way. The congregation was comfortably housed with the improvements, the auditorium was usually comfortably filled, and very often to its utmost capacity.
THE SPIRE TOPPLES
Early in this century, a wind storm struck the county causing great damage. It passed through Pontiac, coming from the south toppling trees and damaging buildings as far as Waterford. The spire on the tower was victim to this storm. Witnesses report that it had been wrenched and twisted in the storm. It hung precariously over Saginaw Street, pointing due west. The spire was removed and the tower was surmounted with a Norman battlement in moulded concrete. The tower was surmounted with an electrically lighted cross during the pastorate of Reverend Lacy and was donated by the Newton family.
Reverend G. W. Jennings, a much beloved pastor, is still remembered by many of our present membership. The Church, at this time, was the largest church in Michigan Methodism, with a membership of one thousand and thirty-four persons. Reverend Jennings was an excellent preacher and possessed a love for the community which carried him into its homes in time of need, regardless of creed or color.
In 1907, under the pastorate of Reverend W. H. Rider, ninety-six members withdrew to form a new congregation in the north end of the community. They purchased a house on Oakland Avenue where the Garner Apartments now stand. The group organized the Oakland Avenue Methodist Church. Under the following minister, Revered Luther E. Lovejoy, an attempt was made to unite the two congregations by selling both properties and building on a new site. The attempt failed and Oakland Avenue Church sold their property and relocated at the proposed site of the compromise, across East Huron Avenue from the Post Office. One hundred seventy-five members of First Methodist Episcopal Church withdrew and united with the new organization to form Central Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1910, Reverend W. G. Nixon became pastor and served for six years. The Church was again re-decorated, the old gas fixtures were removed, and the electric lights installed. The Sunday School Room was subdivided with canvas curtains to form eight classrooms. These were lowered from the ceiling. The Church plant was also improved with additions made to the kitchen.
The Young People's Bible Class, taught by Andrew L. Moore, decided to open a Sunday School Mission down in the south end of town after making a canvas which revealed a great need. The class rented a house near the present site of Wilson Avenue Methodist Church and conducted Sunday afternoon services. Workers from the Bible Class provided the staff of the Sunday School. In the fall of 1914, the class erected a Chapel which was named Foote Street Chapel. Foote Street later being changed to Wilson Avenue. The Chapel was erected at the corner of East Foote Street and South Paddock Street. The cost of the building was raised by subscriptions, Mrs. Sarah J. Nicholson giving $1,000. The property was donated by Andrew L. Moore. The complete cost of the Chapel was $3,900 completely furnished.
The Chapel was dedicated on December 20, 1914 by Dr. C. B. Allen, the District Superintendent. The Bible Class conducted Sunday School services and preaching services were conducted by the pastor of First Methodist Church. The Chapel was under the Bible Class until 1918 when it was incorporated as the Wilson Avenue Methodist Church.
The Reverend A. E. Healy served the Church as Pastor from 1918 to 1920. During his pastorate, the Church sold the old parsonage and built a new $16,000 home just to the east to house the pastor. At the same time, elaborate plans were prepared for the addition of an educational unit to the Church. The time seemed unfavorable for the building and the plans were laid aside.
THE ERECTION OF THE COMMUNITY HOUSE
In 1921, under Reverend W. E. Marvin, the plans were again considered. In February 1922, a committee was appointed to consider improvements on the Church building. It was finally decided to build a Community House.
The plans were prepared and bids received. The cost, according to the plans, was considered prohibitive and revised plans were made identical in every respect, except size. The contract, according to the revised plan, was let February 14, 1923 and work was begun on the first of March. The building was nearly ready for dedication at the close of Mr. Marvin's pastorate. In connection with the building project, the old building was reshingled with asphalt shingles and the auditorium was re-decorated. A steam heating plant was installed to serve the entire building.
A great milestone in the history of the Church came in 1928. The centennial of its founding was celebrated. The highlight of the celebration was a Sunday afternoon service out at the site of the Donelson homestead. The spot is marked by a few evergreens and at this spot the services were conducted.
When the business depression of 1929 came, it found the Church carrying a large debt. The financing program for the new Community House defaulted as membership and finances slumped. In 1938, under Reverend Merton L. Stevens, the Church undertook to refinance the $30,000 debt. The trustees of the Debt Refinancing Syndicate were: Elmer G. Wilson, Chairman, Richard S. Jackson, Bernie C. Pearce, Denzil T. Sheppard, and J. Wendell Green. The successful completion of the program was marked with a Victory Dinner on January 20, 1939.
The year 1939 is a momentous year in the history of our denomination, for it was on May 10, 1939, that three branches of the Methodist Church in America united to form The Methodist Church. The Methodist Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church South, The Methodist Protestant Church became The Methodist Church of America. The great joy brought by the news cost only the surrender of the beloved name First M.E. Church.
The year 1942 witnessed a Centennial Celebration observing the establishing of the Church as a station appointment. The Centennial was observed with a series of special events, from September 23rd through the 27th. These special events included a Centennial Tea, a stirring address by the former Paster, Reverend F. L. Fitch, and a banquet featuring Dr. M. S. Rice as the speaker. The climaxing event was Sunday Morning Service in which Bishop Wade preached.
In 1944, the Church received as its pastor and leader, Reverend Paul R. Havens. Reverend and Mrs. Havens are tireless workers for the Kingdom of God. Their deep spiritual conviction, true humility, and fine vision are an inspiration to the members of their church to give of themselves in the service of God in a large way. Under their ministry, the Church has made gains spiritually and materially. The services have increased in attendance and the Prayer Meetings, nearly empty, have increased in numbers and spiritual strength. The Youth Program has grown and become a vital part of the Church.
Early in 1944, the Parsonage Committee recommended something be done to purchase a new building because of the increasing cost for maintenance and repair of the parsonage. The parsonage on Auburn Avenue was sold and a home was purchased on Iroquois Road for the sum of $17,500. The Church is justly proud of the new home it has for its pastor at 38 Iroquois East. The home was purchased for the parsonage in January 1947.
Early in the year of 1949, the Official Board decided that new windows in the Sanctuary were necessary because the windows placed in the Church in 1885 were beyond repair. The Board felt that it would be appropriate to have the windows placed as memorials. The following committee was appointed to select the windows: Mr. Perc Parsons, Chairman, Mr. Glen Williams, Mr. Winton Neelands, Mr. Norman Legge, and Mrs. Arthur Norris. The windows in the Sanctuary were placed as memorials to the following persons:
Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Purser & Gladys Purser Russell -- given by Mrs. Beatrice Dockley
Mrs. Ina Pearce -- given by Mr. Bernie Pearce & Martha Group, WSCS
Mrs. Emma Freeman -- given by Dorcas Group, WSCS
Mrs. Nellie Campbell -- given by Mrs. Nettie Kremer
Mr. & Mrs. A. A. Corwin -- given by Mr. I. Corwin
Joseph & Sarah A. Newton -- given by Mr. Guy Newton & Mr. & Mrs. Homer Newton
Mrs. Charles Thomas -- given by Mrs. Charles Thomas
Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Going -- given by Mr. H. F. Going
Mr. & Mrs. W. L. Coonley & Mina -- given by Mrs. H. F. Going
Mr. & Mrs. L. D. Allen -- given by Mrs. Ruth Pearce
Roberta Mae Neelands -- given by Mr. & Mrs. A. W.Neelands
Mr. & Mrs. George Henderson -- given by Mrs. L. L. Fuller
Mr. & Mrs. M. Luther Miller -- given by Mrs. Williams & Mrs. Warden
The Parkins Family -- given by Mrs. Helen Baughan & Miss Lola Parkins
Mrs. Clara Ostrander -- given by Mr. & Mrs. R. Blevins
William & Marcia Carr -- given by The Carr Family
Reverend & Mrs. W. G. Nixon -- given by Mrs. Ben Church
Reverend & Mrs. Paul Havens -- given by Members and Friends of Church
A picture window of The Good Shepherd was selected to fill the large window at the front of the Church. The two small windows are as memorials to the former pastor and his wife, Reverend and Mrs. W. G. Nixon, by Mr. and Mrs. B. D. Church, and in honor of Reverend and Mrs. Paul R. Havens, and was given by the Membership of the Church.
The Official Board also believed it to be expedient to undertake the construction of a new front entrance. In 1931, the plan was first considered desirable; an architect was commissioned to draw plans. The bids were received, but the Church found the cost prohibitive at that time. In the June 1949 meeting of the Official Board, the plans were reconsidered and bids were received for the July meeting. The bid of $ 15,400 was accepted after a Congregation vote was taken on the following Sunday. The Congregation approved the plan with a large majority and the work was begun. A Building Committee with the following members was appointed: The Pastor, Reverend Paul Havens, and Mrs. Harry F. Going, Co-Chairmen, Bervil Anthony, A. W. Neelands, Perc Parsons, Bernie Pearce, and Perry Ruffing. The structure has enhanced the beauty of the original building and is a fitting memorial to the young men and women of our Church who served in the Armed Forces of our Country during World War II.
OTHER MEMORIAL WINDOWS
Georgia Leona Weaver -- Given by Mr. L. S. Weaver
Gladys M. Jilbert -- Given by Mr. G. Jilbert
Blanche McVean -- Given by Estate
Lulu Greer Fall -- Given by Estate
Mr. & Mrs. S. Pratt -- Given by Mr. & Mrs. B. Keddy
Mr. and Mrs. George Daniels -- Given by W. C. Pearce
Mrs. Carrie Brown -- Given by Mr. & Mrs. P. Brown
Bonnie Martell -- Given by Mr. & Mrs. L. Martell
Clara & Emanuel Crawford -- Given by Mr. & Mrs. F. Crawford
Pauline Pascher
Wm. E. Jackson Family
Elbert Profitt Family -- Given by Mrs. D. Livingstone
"Church Founded 1828" -- Given by Mr. D. A. Green
New Entrance Light Fixtures -- Memory of Mrs. Carolyn Wright
Vestibule Doors - Honor of A. L. Norris by The Wesleyan Class
Bulletin Board - Anonymous Gift
In 1956, The Reverend Paul T. Hart was appointed to the Church as its pastor. Under his leadership, plans for remodeling the Sanctuary were formulated. A successful financial crusade was conducted,and remodeling began.
A "Michigan Historical Commission Registered Site No. 15" plaque for First Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated on Sunday morning in 1961 during Rev. Hart's pastorate. Reverend Hart was transferred and The Reverend Carl G. Adams became the pastor in 1962.
Under Reverend Adams capable leadership, the remodeling program was broadened to include remodeling of the Church House into an up-to-date educational unit.
Reverend Adams retired from the ministry in 1965 and The Reverend Clyde E. Smith began serving the Church.
Rev. Walter T. Radcliffe.......................................1968 - 1970
On February 1, 1970, Troop 9 Boy Scouts of America celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of Scouts at our First Church. Incorporation date was February 10, 1910. Howard Bone was scoutmaster for many years and one of the most recent scoutmasters, as well as, Denzel T. Sheppard, K. H. Sanderson, and William Farrell.
Rev. Herman R. Whiting........................................1970 - 1976
Members will remember Rev. Whiting for his gentle approach to people and his visitations with the little portable organ. The shut-ins loved that. He cooked chicken dinners for Vassar Smith and probably others. There was a mortgage burning ceremony in 1973 and a Red Cross Room perk-up.
Rev. Arthur V. Norris...........................................1976 - 1980
Rev. Norris was known for the major project of repainting the sanctuary and the parsonage. He also involved the church in the Lighthouse and Fish.
Rev. Phillip F. Miles................................................1980 - 1988
Rev. Miles probably contacted more members at home than any other minister. Non-members, too. Shut-ins really appreciated this. Many times, a hymn became a part of his sermon and he sang it. Projects included ceiling fans, protective covering on the colored sanctuary windows, working on steam heating, and a new sign.
At the age of 85, Ruth Bone (Mrs. Stephen) crocheted The Lord's Prayer. It took one year to do this beautiful work. It is under glass in a gold frame placed in the hall near the chapel. The size is 34" x 64".
Rev. Robert E. Burkey.............................................1988 - 1992
Rev. Burkey had so many choice pieces of poetry and prose. The handicap ramp came to the fore, but did not materialize. F.U.M. Buddies - First United Methodist Buddies became a hardworking core of young people for the benefit of the church.
Rev. Paul Donelson July `97 - present
PASTORS OF THE CHURCH FROM 1842 TO THE PRESENT
Rev. Thomas Fox 1842 - 1843
Rev. Thomas C. Gardner 1843 - 1844
Rev. Elliot Crippen 1844 - 1845
Rev. David Burns 1845 - 1846
Rev. S. D. 1846 - 1848
Rev. W. F. Cowles 1848 - 1849
Rev. L. D. Price1 1849 - 1850
Rev. Seth Reed 1850 - 1851
Rev. M. W. Stambaugh & Rev. George Taylor 1851 - 1852
Rev. George Taylor 1852 - 1853
Rev. William Kelley 1853 - 1854
Rev. J. Summerville 1854 - 1855
Rev. D. C. Jacokes 1855 - 1857
Rev. Wm. Mahon 1857 - 1859
Rev. John Russell 1859 - 1861
Rev. Samuel Clemens, Jr. 1861 - 1863
Rev. Sylvester Calkins 1863 - 1865
Rev. D. C. Jacokes 1865 - 1868
Rev. Wm. Shier 1868 - 1871
Rev. O. J. Perrin 1871 - 1873
Rev. T. J. Joslin 1873 - 1875
Rev. C. T. Allen 1875 - 1877
Rev. Thomas Stalker 1877 - 1882
Rev. T. J. Joslin 1882 - 1885
Rev. C. T. Allen 1885 - 1889
Rev. N. G. Lyons 1889 - 1892
Rev. F. C. Pillsbury 1892 - 1896
Rev. Wilber Sheridan 1896 - 1900
Rev. G. W. Jennings 1900 - 1907
Rev. W. H. Rider 1907 - 1908
Rev. Luther E. Lovejoy 1908 - 1910
Rev. W. G. Nixon 1910 - 1916
Rev. E. P. Bennett 1916 - 1918
Rev. A. E. Healey 1918 - 1920
Rev. H. G. Pearce 1920 - 1921
Rev. W. E. Marvin 1921 - 1923
Rev. D. N. Lacy 1923 - 1926
Rev. Frank L. Fitch 1926 - 1929
Rev. P. J. Osborne 1929 - 1933
Rev. Victor Longfield 1933
Rev. Floyd C. Johnson 1933 - 1935
Rev. Horace Sellars 1935 - 1937
Rev. Merton Stevens 1937 - 1940
Rev. Robert Bryce 1940 - 1944
Rev. Paul R. Havens 1944 - 1956
Rev. Paul T. Hart 1956 - 1962
Rev. Carl G. Adams 1962 - 1965
Rev. Clyde E. Smith 1965 - 1968
Rev. Walter T. Ratcliffe 1968 - 1970
Rev. Herman R. Whiting 1970 - 1976
Rev. Arthur V. Norris 1976 - 1980
Rev. Phillip D. Miles 1980 - 1988
Rev. Robert E. Burkey 1988 - 1992
Rev. Bonnie Byadiah 1992 - 1997
Rev. Paul Donelson 1997 - 2000 -- It should be noted that Rev. Paul Donelson is founder Ira Donelson's great great great grandson.
Rev. Thomas L. Taylor 2000 -