 It was on September 9, 1856, that a group of seven persons assembled in the old Brown school house on Chestnut Street for the purpose of organizing the First Presbyterian Church of Wyandotte. Rev. George Duffield, D.D., pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Detroit, acted as moderator and John Robinson served as clerk. The were a small group of people who wished to creat a place to gather together to worship and service the Lord.
After the confession of faith and the covenant of the Presbyterian Church were read, the group joined hands forming a circle as an expression of their acceptance of the Christian fellowship into which they had entered.
First church building 1867-1900
The following year Rev. James Nall, a Congregational minister from Detroit, was engaged as stated supply and services were held (at intervals) in the old Brown School. Mr. Nall and family left in April 1860. Up to that time 26 persons had united with the Church, but eleven had moved to other cities, and one had died, and the Church was weakened both numerically and financially. All but two of the remaining members joined with the Methodists.
For more than six years the Church remained dormant. Many new persons had settled in Wyandotte by 1866, so at that time a personal canvass was made by Mrs. Catherine Hibbard (wife of Rev O.D. Hibbard) and her daughter Celestia Baker. It was found that there were thirty persons desirous of being affiliated with the Presbyterian faith. On December 26, 1866, Rev. George Duffield was invited to come to the home of George P. Baker to serve as moderator of the re-organization of the Church. The Presbyterian Church ruled that, because the names of Joseph and Sarah Truman had never been removed from the Church roster, the organizing date of 1856 should stand. Thus we see the influence of the steadfastness of those two valiant, stalwart souls, and quote from Joseph Truman when he served as clerk at the re-organization, “After a sleep of six years and eight months, the First Presbyterian Church awakes to new vigor in Christ Jesus, as we shall awake in the morning of the resurrection, when Christ shall give us life. May God in His mercy grant that the Church may never sleep again is the fervent prayer of your unworthy brother in Christ.”
On February 24, 1867, O.D. Hibbard was engaged as stated supply. It was during his pastorate that the Sunday school was organized. A lot was donated by Eber Ward, president of Eureka Iron Company, on the right bank of the creek at the corner of Chestnut and Biddle. At this location a framed church was built, costing $4,000, and seating about 150 people. There were two vestibules facing Biddle, with the one at the corner of Chestnut and Biddle extending to a bell tower. The new Church was dedicated at 2:00 pm on October 16, 1867, with a sermon by the Rev. George Duffield. Rev. Sylvanus Warren entered upon his duties as stated supply in November 1868, but had to close his work because of failing health. Rev. Mr. Hibbard again supplied the pulpit until 1870, serving without compensation.
Up until July 1877 a total of 150 persons had united with the Church, but there were now, after 21 years, just seventy members on the roll, only 60 of whom were active. Spirits were at a low ebb. It was through grim determination to have a Church of their faith that the members carried on.
On September 9, 1899 a cornerstone for a new church building was laid at Chestnut and First Street, exactly 43 years after the founding the church. Rev. Mr. Wouters gave significant remarks saying “This cornerstone is a symbol of Him who is our chief cornerstone”. The first service of the new church was held on January 21, 1900.
The 75th anniversary of the founding of the Church was celebrated in November 1931. The membership had now grown to 675.
Our church building 1900-1956
Throughout these many years, our members have dedicated themselves to caring for each other, caring for the church building and grounds, and caring for those in need. We have shared meals and chores, and heartbreak and hope. In faith, we have given of our time, our money, our strength, and our laughter.
As time marched on and the world became smaller, we have support those who carry the message of salvation to foreign lands. We have sought out places both in our community and the world where poverty dwells and have gone to give aid. We have welcomed th homeless and given shelter.
In 1956, the church again moved to a new church building at the corner of Oak and Twenty-third Streets, where it has continued to worship until today. Throughout our over 150 years of serving our Lord, First Presbyterian Church of Wyandotte has continued to have both high and low ebbs. But regardless, we stand firm in our believes, dedication and relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Our church today
Paraphrased From: Opening church doors: through the century 1856-1956. Compiled by Mrs. Thora C. Steele |
