Contributed by Don Rickwalt

As was mentioned, we do not know how the church was founded. Nor do we know what caused them to become a Free Will Baptist church. It may be that Elder Upper was sent from the Free Will Movement to help organize the church. We could make other speculations. But this we do know, what the denomination believed.

The Early Years

Though the message has remained the same since the inception of the church, many other things have not. Before the erection of a building, they met in a schoolhouse. The church minutes state that it was the Crawford school which was located on the N. E. corner of Crawford and Deckerville Roads. However, other sources say that the Withey school was used which was located on the N. W. corner of M53 and Deckerville Road.

Pastors were voted on annually and paid by "subscriptions" and in later years by free will offerings. The "uniform singing book" was Songs of the Soul, and Sunday School was called "Free Baptist School."

Church business meetings were called "covenant meetings" (mainly because the church covenant was read at each). These were held monthly, usually on a Friday or Saturday. The pastor presided when present, and in his absence, the deacons took charge. Roll call was taken by testimonies. During each the minutes state, "The church doors were opened." This was the opportunity for any candidates to present themselves for membership. A typical collection was less than $1.

The first recorded observance of the Lord’s Supper was at a covenant meeting in April 1896. The first recorded baptismal service was in May 1896 when six candidates were baptized by Elder Upper in the Cass River. West of Novesta Corners was a nice stream at that time called White Creek which was also used. It is said that in later years Mrs. Edna Warner was baptized during the winter. As recent as 1958 there were riverside baptisms. The minutes state that the right-hand of fellowship was given on the shore and on occasion picnickers witnessed the event.

Being a Free Will church, they sent representation to the quarterly meetings of the denomination. These were held during weekends and included preaching services as well as business sessions. The church was levied a 10 cent per capita tax for these. With money appropriated from these meetings amounting to $8.57, a building fund was established. The dimensions of the foundation were 30ft x 44ft (that of the present building without the addition) and was to be veneered in brick. On July 4, 1898 a corner stone was laid.

Two wood stoves and three kerosene lamps were purchased for church use. Members were assessed for janitor’s fees and each family that was able, supplied the church with a cord of wood. When it was decided to raise money to purchase a parsonage,

There were other needs to consider as well such as a stable for the minister’s horse.

*Frank S. Mead, Handbook of Denominations in the United States (New York: Abingdon Press, 1956), p. 37