St. John's Episcopal Church (Mount Pleasant, Michigan) facts for kids
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St. John's Episcopal Church
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The church in July 2015
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 206 W. Maple St., Mount Pleasant, Michigan |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1882 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival, Other, English Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002842 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 22, 1982 |
St. John's Episcopal Church is a special old church located at 206 W. Maple Street in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It was built a long time ago in 1882. This church is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
St. John's Episcopal Church is part of a larger church family. It belongs to the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan and the Episcopal Church (United States). The church started as a small mission in 1876. The building itself was finished in 1882. It is the oldest church building in Mount Pleasant that is still used for worship today.
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History of St. John's Church
Locally, people often call St. John's "the church with the red doors." It began as a mission church in 1876. Traveling preachers, called circuit riders, helped start it. The first stone for the church building was placed in 1882.
All the materials for building the church were given by a local businessman named William N. Brown. He owned a brickyard, so the bricks came from there. The wood came from his sawmill. Even the digging and finishing work was done by his employees.
St. John's is the oldest active church building still standing in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. A bishop named George De Normandie Gillespie officially dedicated the church on January 10, 1884. In 1996, the church building was carefully repaired and updated. Many of these repairs were done by people who attended the church.
What the Church Building Looks Like
St. John's Episcopal Church is a one-story building. It is made of white-painted brick. The roof is very steep and shaped like a triangle. The church is about 92 feet long and 32 feet wide.
The front entrance sticks out from the main part of the church. You reach it by climbing a staircase. The main doors have sharp, pointed tops. On both sides of the church, you can see beautiful English Gothic stained glass windows. These windows are set back into the walls and are placed evenly apart.
Inside, the church looks like the Riding House at Bolsover Castle in England. The floor is made of wood. The lower parts of the walls have wood panels called wainscoting. The ceiling is high and curved, with strong wooden beams. All the special church furniture, like the pulpit (where sermons are given), the lectern (where readings are done), the altar, and the altar rail, are made from maple wood.
Special Recognitions for the Church
St. John's Church was recognized by the State of Michigan's Historical Marker Program. It received a special historical marker in 1972. Then, in 1982, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical site in the United States.
The Women's Guild
The Women's Guild at St. John's was a very important group. It was first called the Ladies' Guild. This group existed from 1886 until 1974. The Women's Guild played a big part in keeping the church running during tough times. They often helped pay the church's bills.
Important Priests of St. John's
Rev. John H. Rippey
Rev. John H. Rippey, who was also a doctor, served as a leader for several churches. This included St. John's, from 1887 to 1910. His work at the church and the lives of the church members are recorded in his old journals and scrapbooks.
Rev. John H. Goodrow
Rev. John H. Goodrow was the church's leader from 1962 until he passed away in 1985. Rev. Goodrow cared a lot about people in need in the community. He quietly helped many people with support from his wealthier friends.
During his time, he strongly supported a program called "Food with Friends." This program provided meals in the church hall for community members every night. He also started many other ways to help the community. One example is the St. John's Emergency Food Program.
The Goodrow Fund
The Goodrow Fund was created at St. John's in 1986. It was named in honor of Rev. Goodrow. This fund helps people in emergencies. It can provide food, a place to stay, clothes, medicine, or gas. The fund especially helps people whose needs are not met by other community resources. Because of this community help, St. John's was recognized as a Jubilee Ministry. This means it helps people change their lives for the better.
Music Program at St. John's
St. John's has had a music program for many years. The church choir and organist perform many different kinds of music. This includes old church songs and newer pieces. Some songs have even been written just for the church.
The church helps pay for four music students from Central Michigan University. These students sing with the choir. Over the years, the church has had different choirs. These include a men and boys' choir, children's choirs, and a mixed adult choir.
The Church Organ
Since 1972, the church has had a special pipe organ made by Gabriel Kney. It is called a tracker organ.
Center for Christian Spirituality
The Center for Christian Spirituality was started at St. John's in 2008. Its goal is to help people grow closer to God. The center has offered many workshops and talks. These have included quiet days for church members and leaders, studies on Celtic Christianity, and talks about aging and spirituality. They have also explored Native American spirituality, spirituality at work, and even studied Handel’s Messiah.
