First United Methodist ChurchOf St. Clair Shores
Our Purpose: To Reach, Develop and Nourish People for CHRIST!
Our Church History
Nearly eighty years ago, in 1927, in a childlike and humble way, the thought of having a Methodist church in St. Clair Shores, MI originated in the mind of a nine year old boy by the name of Jack Veale. The Rev. L. F. Rayfield, who was an uncle of the boy, was confronted with the lad’s question, “Why couldn’t a church be started in this locality instead of going into Detroit to worship?” The final reply to this request was answered in 1928, when the First Methodist Church, with and attendance of eight people, was organized using the facilities of South Lake School. After a short time, under the direction of Rev. J. A. Garman, an old store building was used for worship. Due to the increase in attendance, it was decided to move to larger quarters. Clark’s garage on the corner of Nine Mile & Mack was secured.
By this time the financial conditions had improved to the extent that the services of a regular pastor could be afforded. The Rev. Luther Butt was appointed to fill the pastorate in 1929. In 1930 the church conference appointed the Rev. Howard Burden. During his ministry the cornerstone of the first structure was laid. In the two years that followed, Rev. Burden led this growing young church into its new home on the corner of Ridgeway and Mack where finally they were able to enjoy worshiping in their own facility. From 1932 to 1934, under the leadership of Rev. C. P. Schapter, the church continued to prosper. His pastorate was followed by his successor, The Rev. F. Benish who served for three years. In 1937, Rev. D. A. Morris was sent to the Roseville-St. Clair Shores “charge.” Two years later the “charge” was separated into two full-time churches. Rev. Morris was retained as pastor of the St. Clair Shores church.
One of the outstanding events was the Victory Celebration Week of 1944. At that time the mortgages of the church building and parsonage were burned. In 1945 a Hammond organ was dedicated, adding beauty to the worship service. Rev. C. R. Stockinger came in 1946. Under his direction new heating systems in both the church and the parsonage were installed. Chimes for the organ and construction of a new brick garage for the parsonage were also added. In 1949 Rev. D. F. Stewart came as associate pastor. He and his wife were counselors for the young people and organized Junior and Tots churches. The facilities became inadequate to accommodate the growth in attendance. In 1950 a building fund was established to enlarge the building. In 1951 Rev. R. Brooks came to serve as pastor. Shortly after this it became necessary to expedite the construction of a new church to accommodate the continual growth of the St. Clair Shores church. In 1954 the congregation held a ground-breaking ceremony and the actual construction began a few months later. In 1954 Rev. & Mrs. L. M. Blakely came to the church as Parish Visitors and canvassed the rapidly growing community. The cornerstone laying ceremony took place in November, 1954. The narthex plus additional facilities for Sunday School classes and Wesley Hall including a new kitchen and was ready for use in 1955. Our kitchen was functionally updated and renovated in 2010.
In 1968 the Methodist Church merged with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and The Evangelical Association forming the United Methodist Church.
St. Clair Shores First United Methodist Church has actively served the community for over eighty years and today opens its doors to many outside groups including Alcoholics Anonymous and the Boy Scouts of America. Our Sunday morning Sunday School for adults is at 10:45 and for children at 9:45. We have an active adult choir which is always open to new members. Joint worship with Roseville-Trinity UMC and Good Shepherd (SCS) UMC is celebrated during the Lenten season with the services being rotated among the three facilities and the pastors exchanging pulpits. We strive to serve the world through missions and our community through Vacation Bible Shool. All are welcome and invited into the life of our church and we hope that you will accept our invitation to meet us. We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and that we live our lives prepared in accordance to Biblical principles. You can expect to hear true Scripture preached each Sunday as you worship with us. Our St. Clair Shores First United Methodist Church community believes that you will find us warm and welcoming from the first time that you come to worship with us!
Please come, join us!
Nearly eighty years ago, in 1927, in a childlike and humble way, the thought of having a Methodist church in St. Clair Shores, MI originated in the mind of a nine year old boy by the name of Jack Veale. The Rev. L. F. Rayfield, who was an uncle of the boy, was confronted with the lad’s question, “Why couldn’t a church be started in this locality instead of going into Detroit to worship?” The final reply to this request was answered in 1928, when the First Methodist Church, with and attendance of eight people, was organized using the facilities of South Lake School. After a short time, under the direction of Rev. J. A. Garman, an old store building was used for worship. Due to the increase in attendance, it was decided to move to larger quarters. Clark’s garage on the corner of Nine Mile & Mack was secured.
By this time the financial conditions had improved to the extent that the services of a regular pastor could be afforded. The Rev. Luther Butt was appointed to fill the pastorate in 1929. In 1930 the church conference appointed the Rev. Howard Burden. During his ministry the cornerstone of the first structure was laid. In the two years that followed, Rev. Burden led this growing young church into its new home on the corner of Ridgeway and Mack where finally they were able to enjoy worshiping in their own facility. From 1932 to 1934, under the leadership of Rev. C. P. Schapter, the church continued to prosper. His pastorate was followed by his successor, The Rev. F. Benish who served for three years. In 1937, Rev. D. A. Morris was sent to the Roseville-St. Clair Shores “charge.” Two years later the “charge” was separated into two full-time churches. Rev. Morris was retained as pastor of the St. Clair Shores church.
One of the outstanding events was the Victory Celebration Week of 1944. At that time the mortgages of the church building and parsonage were burned. In 1945 a Hammond organ was dedicated, adding beauty to the worship service. Rev. C. R. Stockinger came in 1946. Under his direction new heating systems in both the church and the parsonage were installed. Chimes for the organ and construction of a new brick garage for the parsonage were also added. In 1949 Rev. D. F. Stewart came as associate pastor. He and his wife were counselors for the young people and organized Junior and Tots churches. The facilities became inadequate to accommodate the growth in attendance. In 1950 a building fund was established to enlarge the building. In 1951 Rev. R. Brooks came to serve as pastor. Shortly after this it became necessary to expedite the construction of a new church to accommodate the continual growth of the St. Clair Shores church. In 1954 the congregation held a ground-breaking ceremony and the actual construction began a few months later. In 1954 Rev. & Mrs. L. M. Blakely came to the church as Parish Visitors and canvassed the rapidly growing community. The cornerstone laying ceremony took place in November, 1954. The narthex plus additional facilities for Sunday School classes and Wesley Hall including a new kitchen and was ready for use in 1955. Our kitchen was functionally updated and renovated in 2010.
In 1968 the Methodist Church merged with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and The Evangelical Association forming the United Methodist Church.
St. Clair Shores First United Methodist Church has actively served the community for over eighty years and today opens its doors to many outside groups including Alcoholics Anonymous and the Boy Scouts of America. Our Sunday morning Sunday School for adults is at 10:45 and for children at 9:45. We have an active adult choir which is always open to new members. Joint worship with Roseville-Trinity UMC and Good Shepherd (SCS) UMC is celebrated during the Lenten season with the services being rotated among the three facilities and the pastors exchanging pulpits. We strive to serve the world through missions and our community through Vacation Bible Shool. All are welcome and invited into the life of our church and we hope that you will accept our invitation to meet us. We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and that we live our lives prepared in accordance to Biblical principles. You can expect to hear true Scripture preached each Sunday as you worship with us. Our St. Clair Shores First United Methodist Church community believes that you will find us warm and welcoming from the first time that you come to worship with us!
Please come, join us!