Nardin Park United Methodist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nardin Park United Methodist Church |
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Where Head and Heart Work Hand in Hand
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| 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 created in 1927 when two big churches in Detroit joined together. These were the Grand River Avenue Church (started in 1891) and the Ninde Church (started in 1886). The church got its name from a park and neighborhood nearby called Nardin Park. This church was officially recognized as a historic site in Michigan on September 21, 1990.
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History of Nardin Park Church
Nardin Park Methodist Episcopal Church was formed in 1927. It was created when two large churches in northwest Detroit merged. These were the Grand River Avenue Church and the Ninde Church. When they first joined, their church had 3,000 members.
In 1928, a new building was built 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 20 acres of land in Farmington Township. Construction on the new church began in 1963.
While the new building was being built, 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 to the Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Church Additions and Growth
The church has added more spaces over the years. In 1972, a new section was built. This addition included more rooms for Sunday School and a Youth room. It also added a Parlor, Choir room, and a bigger Fellowship Hall and Kitchen. A stage and a Scout Room were also part of this expansion.
In 1989, another large addition was completed. This included an elevator, making the church more accessible. It also added a Children's Worship Center and a Multi-Purpose Room. A Chapel, Music Complex, Courtyard, and new Office Space were also built. Offices for the Samaritan Counseling Center were included too.
Michigan Historic Site Recognition
Nardin Park United Methodist Church is recognized as a historic site in Michigan. A special marker tells its story. It explains that the church was formed in 1927 from two Detroit churches. These were the Ninde Church (from 1886) and the Grand River Avenue Church (from 1891).
In 1928, an educational building and gym were built. These were across West Chicago Boulevard from Nardin Park. The Great Depression slowed down the building of the main church. A campaign to raise money for the building started in 1937. The Kresge Foundation donated $50,000 to help. The completed church was dedicated in 1943.
In 1963, the church sold its old building to the Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church. The current church building was officially dedicated on October 17, 1965.
Former Senior Pastors
Many leaders have served Nardin Park United Methodist Church over the years. Here is a list of the senior pastors who have led the church:
- 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
