Central Mine Methodist Church facts for kids
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Central Mine Methodist Church
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | Old Stage Rd., Central, Michigan |
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| Built | 1869 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Part of | Central Mine Historic District (ID74000991) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000278 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1970 |
The Central Mine Methodist Church is a historic church in Central, Michigan. It sits on Old Stage Road, in an old mining area called the Central Mine Historic District. This church is special because it's one of the few buildings still standing and cared for in this almost empty mining town. In 1970, it was recognized as an important place by being added to the National Register of Historic Places. It also became a Michigan State Historic Site that same year.
What the Church Looks Like
The Central Mine Methodist Church is a one-story building. It is made of wood and sits on a stone foundation. The front of the church has a tall, square tower. This tower has a bell tower, called a belfry, at the top. It also has decorative castle-like shapes.
The outside of the church is covered with wooden panels. The roof is pointed and covered with shingles. Inside, the main worship area is about 46 feet long and 31 feet wide. There is also a small entry room inside the tower. The church still has its original handmade wooden benches, which are called pews.
A Look Back at the Church's History
The town of Central was once home to workers from the nearby Central Mine. This mine dug for copper from 1856 to 1898. At first, church services were held in the local schoolhouse, starting in 1856.
Building the church began in 1868. The Central Mining Company and its workers helped build it together. Many of these workers were immigrants from Cornwall, England. The church was finished in 1869. It quickly became a very important place for the community. At its busiest, over 300 people were members.
When the Central Mine closed in 1898, most people moved away. The church eventually closed too. But in 1907, a former resident named Alfred Nicholls had an idea. He suggested a yearly "homecoming" event. This would bring former church members back to gather at the church. This idea worked, and sometimes as many as 200 people came to these yearly reunions. These gatherings have continued every year, even into the 21st century.
The church looks almost exactly as it did when it was built. The only changes were in 1879, when some pews were moved. In 1968, a bell was placed in the belfry.
