Nardin Park United Methodist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nardin Park United Methodist Church |
|
|---|---|
Where Head and Heart Work Hand in Hand
|
|
| 42°29′03″N 83°20′32″W / 42.4843°N 83.3423°W | |
| Location | 29887 W. Eleven Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, Michigan |
| Country | USA |
| Denomination | Methodist |
| Churchmanship | Evangelical |
| Membership | 1,100+ |
| Website | www.nardinpark.org |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Nardin Park Methodist Episcopal Church |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 1927 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architectural type | Modern |
| Groundbreaking | 1963 |
| Completed | September 1965 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 3,000 |
| Number of floors | 2 |
Nardin Park United Methodist Church is a Methodist church located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It was first formed in 1927. This happened when two large churches in northwest Detroit joined together. These were the Grand River Avenue Church, started in 1891, and the Ninde Church, organized in 1886. The name 'Nardin Park' came from the park and the area where the church was located. Nardin Park United Methodist Church was officially listed as a historic site in Michigan on September 21, 1990.
Contents
History
How the Church Started
Nardin Park Methodist Episcopal Church was created in 1927. It was formed by combining two big churches in northwest Detroit. These were the Grand River Avenue Church and the Ninde Church. When they joined, they had 3,000 members right away.
A new building was built in 1928 at 5151 W. Chicago Avenue. The church was then renamed "Nardin Park." The name came from a park and a neighborhood nearby.
Moving to a New Location
In the early 1960s, the church decided to move and build a new place. They bought twenty acres of land in Farmington Township. Construction began in 1963. While the new building was being made, the Nardin Park members met at East Junior High School. The new church building at 29887 W. 11 Mile Road was ready in September 1965.
The old church building was sold in 1963. It was bought by the Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Expanding the Church Building
Over the years, the church building grew. In 1972, an addition was built. This added more Sunday School rooms and a Youth room. It also included a Parlor, a Choir room, and a bigger Fellowship Hall with a Kitchen. A Stage and a Scout Room were also part of this addition.
In 1989, another expansion took place. This added an elevator and a Children's Worship Center. A Multi-Purpose Room and a Chapel were also built. The church gained a Music Complex, a Courtyard, and new Office Space. Offices for the Samaritan Counseling Center were also included.
Former Senior Pastors
- George L. Nuckolls, 1926–1931
- Clarence E. Hoon, 1932–1934
- Marshall R. Reed, 1934–1948
- Verner S. Mumbulo, 1948–1961
- John Adams, 1961–1963
- Dr. William C. Mercer, 1963–1980
- Dr. William A. Ritter, 1980–1993
- Rev. Richard A. Peacock, 1993–1997
- Rev. Benjamin Bohnsack, 1997–2006
- Dr. Dale M. Miller, 2006–2016
- Rev. Melanie Carey, 2016–2022
- Rev. Phillip Friedrick, 2022-2023
- Rev. Carter Grimmett, 2023-present
Michigan Historic Site
Nardin Park United Methodist Church is recognized as a Michigan Historic Site. This means it is an important place in the state's history. A special marker tells its story.
The marker explains that the church formed in 1927. This happened when the Ninde Church (from 1886) and the Grand River Avenue Church (from 1891) merged. In 1928, an educational building and gym were built. These were across from Nardin Park.
Building the main church, called the sanctuary, was delayed by the Great Depression. A fundraising effort began in 1937. The Kresge Foundation gave $50,000 to help. The completed sanctuary was dedicated in 1943. In 1963, the church sold this building. The Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church bought it. The current church building was dedicated on October 17, 1965.
