Seventy-fifth Anniversary

SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

M. E. Church Organized in Ann Arbor in 1827

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OCTOBER CELEBRATION

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An Interesting Meeting Last Thursday Night Attended by About 250 Members

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Thursday evening about 250 members of the First M. E. Church sat down to beautifully decorated tables at which was served a bountiful repast.  Mrs. C. G. Darling, who was chairman of the supper committee, left nothing undone which could make the affair a success.  After the supper was served reports from the various committees of the church, Epworth league, Wesleyan guild and Sunday school were read.  The opening prayer was made by Rev. Mr. Becker, of the German M. E. Church.

A paper on the history of the church which was intensely interesting was read by Dr. W. F. Breakey. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the First M. E. church in this city, the church being organized in 1827, and was the first church in the city.  The church is planning a fitting celebration fo this anniversary, which will take place next October.  The records show that in 1825 a Methodist preacher came here and held services and a small edifice was erected in 1827 which served as a place of worship until 1834, when the trustees considered themselves very lucky in being able to secure a loan of money at 12 per cent interest, which enabled them to erect the building which is now known as the Unity building.

In 1866 the present church building was erected and at the time of completion the members found themselves shouldering a debt of $40,000 on which they were paying interest at the rate of 10 per cent.  Two thousand, seven hundred dollars were paid out in interest before the debt was finally raised through the noble efforts of Mrs. Beal, Mrs. Royer and Mrs. Day, who by their united efforts raised the last cent of debt about fifteen years ago.

W. Bosworth read a report of the board of stewards stating the amount paid out in salaries for different ones in the church, the total amount being $4,000 yearly.  In addition to this, about $1,000 per year is paid out in benevolences.

E. E. Calkins read a report from the Sunday school stating that the attendance was 650 at present.  A branch school has been organized in the south end of the city, near the Fairgrounds, and a chapel will be erected on leased ground in the near future.

Mrs. Stevens reported the Ladies' Aid society as having raised nearly $30,000 since their organization.

Prof. Trueblood, representing the Wesleyan guild,  spoke of the need of the building for the guild.  They now own some valuable lots and have a nucleus for a building fund for a $25,000 building.

Miss Dicken reported a membership of the Epworth league to be 440.

Miss Royce reported for the W. H. M. S. and Miss Pettis for the W. F. M. S.

The report of the music committee was read by Prof. Wines.

After the reports were all read, Rev. Mr. Ninde congratulated the members on the prosperous condition of the church.

During the evening music was furnished by Miss French's orchestra and several charming solos were rendered by Mrs. Reed and Mr. Wylie.,

After the meeting was closed the Wesleyan guild held a meeting and decided to hold the lecture given next Sunday evening in the University hall.  They also signed the petition for paving State Street.