|
In 1802, in a little farming community where the Ford Rouge Plant now stands, a Sunday School was started in a barn loft. In 1804, just 17 years after the Ordinance of 1787 provided territorial government for this area (the Northwest Territory consisted of present-day Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan), the first Methodist sermon in Michigan was delivered to a very small group by a circuit rider named Freeman. Five years later in 1809 a young man, the Rev. William Case, was appointed to serve Detroit. In 1810 the first Methodist Society (which was the first Protestant Society in the territory) was formed when Case's successor, the Rev. William Mitchell, came to Detroit. From the zeal, devotion and constancy of the first seven members of this society grew not only the present Central Church, but all Methodism and indeed all Protestantism in Michigan.
1804
The first Circuit riding preacher, Rev. Daniel Freeman, comes to Detroit from Canada, apparently of his own accord. His "circuit" sponsored by the New York Conference of Methodists (MI part of the "Western Conference"). He preached the 1st Methodist sermon in Michigan at Council House in Detroit.
1809
Rev. William Case sent on circuit ride to Detroit.
1810
The First Methodist Society formed when Rev. Wm. Mitchell was sent to Deroit from the NY conf. This was the first protestant society in Michigan (not to be confused with the First Evangelical Society of Detroit organized by Presbyterians in 1817and later called "The First Protestant Society).
* Noted Speakers of the past
* Historical Structures
* Current Activities |
|
