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 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. It's part of the wider Episcopal Church (United States) family. St. John's started as a small mission in 1876. Today, it's the oldest church building in Mount Pleasant that people still use for worship!
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The History of St. John's Church
People in Mount Pleasant 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 of the church, called the cornerstone, was placed in 1882.
A local businessman named William N. Brown gave all the building materials. He made the bricks at his own brickyard. The wood came from his sawmill. His workers also helped with digging and finishing the building.
St. John's is the oldest active church in Mount Pleasant. The first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan, George De Normandie Gillespie, officially dedicated the church on January 10, 1884. In 1996, the church building was carefully repaired and updated. Many church members helped with this work.
What Does the Church Look Like?
St. John's Episcopal Church is a one-story building. It is made of white-painted brick. The roof is very steep and pointed. The church is about 92 feet long and 32 feet wide.
The front entrance sticks out from the church. You reach it by climbing a staircase. Inside, you enter through two doors with sharp, pointed tops. Along the sides of the church, there are beautiful stained glass windows. These windows are set back into the walls and are in an English Gothic style. They are spaced evenly apart.
The inside of the church looks like the Riding House at Bolsover Castle in England. The floor is made of wood. The lower part of the walls has wood panels, called wainscoting. The ceiling is high and arched, with strong wooden beams. All the special church furniture, like the pulpit (where sermons are given) and the altar, are made of maple wood.
Recognized as a Historic Place
St. John’s was recognized by the State of Michigan's Historical Marker Program in 1972. This means it's an important historical site. Later, in 1982, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places important to the history of the United States.
The Women's Guild
The Women’s Guild at St. John’s was a group of women who helped the church. It was first called the Ladies’ Guild. This group existed from 1886 to 1974. The Women's Guild was very important. They often helped keep the church running during difficult times. They also helped pay the church's bills.
Important Priests of St. John's
Rev. John H. Rippey
The Rev. John H. Rippey, who was also a doctor, served St. John's and other churches from 1887 to 1910. His work at the church is recorded in his journal and other books. These writings also tell about the lives of the church members during that time.
Rev. John H. Goodrow
Rev. John H. Goodrow was the rector (main priest) at St. John’s from 1962 until he passed away in 1985. Rev. Goodrow cared deeply about people in need in the community. He often helped them privately with money from wealthy friends.
During his time, he strongly supported "Food with Friends." This program provided meals for community members in the church hall every night. He also started other ways to help the community, like the St. John’s Emergency Food Program.
The Goodrow Fund
The Goodrow Fund was created in his honor around 1986. 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 groups. Because of this outreach, St. John’s was recognized as a Jubilee Ministry. This means it helps people change their lives for the better.
Music at St. John's
St. John’s has had a strong music program for many years. The church choir and organist play many different types of music. This includes old songs like plainsong and new pieces. Some new pieces were even 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 choirs have included men and boys, different 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 a "tracker" organ, which means it has a direct mechanical link between the keys and the pipes.
Center for Christian Spirituality
The Center for Christian Spirituality was started at St. John’s in 2008. Its goal is to help people feel closer to God. The center offers different 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.
