First United Methodist Church [of Kalamazoo]
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S5280ft
N 42° 17.427 W 085° 35.238
16T E 616464 N 4682991
Located on the wesh side of Park Street, across from Bronson Park, between South and Academy Streets. Parking available nearby.
Waymark Code: WM1FM6
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 04/28/2007
Views: 80
In 1830 the Reverend James T. Robe, a young Methodist circuit rider, delivered the first sermon in the village of Bronson, later Kalamazoo, at the home of the town's founder, Titus Bronson. After his appointment to the Kalamazoo Mission in 1832, Robe preached throughout a circuit that extended from Niles to Allegan. In 1833 the Reverend Richard C. Meek formed a local Society of Methodists, and this eight-member congregation became Kalamazoo's first organized church.
(SIDE TWO) The Kalamazoo Methodist Society met first in the home of George Patterson and later in a schoolhouse. The congregation built its first church in 1842 at Academy and Church streets. A second church, built in 1866, burned in 1926. Ernest Batterson, a church member and architect, designed the present Late Gothic Revival building, dedicated in 1929. An educational wing was added in 1949. The congregation assisted in founding a number of area Methodist churches.
Historical Name: Reverend James T. Robe, Titus Bronson, Reverend Richard C. Meek, George Patterson, Ernest Batterson
Parking nearby?: yes
D/T ratings: 
website: [Web Link]
Registered Site #: Local Site #1528
Historical Date: Not listed
Description: Not listed
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