1312 N. State St., Gladwin, MI  48624
  (989)  426-8441
Gladwin Free Methodist Church
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History of the Gladwin Free Methodist Church

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Free Methodist services have been taking place in Gladwin since 1877 when early settlers in Grout Township welcomed pastors from the North Michigan Conference.

In 1890 Gladwin appeared on the circuit with West Grout for the first time.  Roughly three years later Rev. Voorheis secured a building near the old depot.  After they were unable to secure a title to the property they moved to another nearby building but it was destroyed shortly after in a fire that swept through town in 1899.  That same year Rev. Rumley put his carpentry skills to use and constructed a church on North Bowery Street.

Gladwin and West Grout shared the same pastors from 1890 to 1947.  The two churches then became separate appointments until 1968 when a merger was decided.  Both West Grout and Gladwin had served their community for many years and were now unified under the new Gladwin Free Methodist Church.

Following the merger both congregations met as one on North Bowery until it was soon realized that larger facilities would be needed.  A building committee was elected and nine acres of land were purchased on the northern outskirts of town. Construction began in May of 1970 and its first service was held on November 1, 1970.  In 1975 construction began on an addition that would be used for fellowship and education purposes.

Five pastors have led the new church since 1970, the most recent being Pastor Phil Hortop who began his service in 2001.

Throughout our history there have been many who have served in the military, often during times of conflict.  We have an honor roll to remind us that being "the Church" has often required we be faithful in difficult times.

May our history cause us to look forward to make Jesus' love known to a world in need.

Gladwin and West Grout Pastors
1877  J. C. Cope
1878  James McLucas
1879  H. C. Owens
   *  *  *  *  *
1890  E. D. Blackman
1892  Elmer Barrett, G. Pearsall
1893  Bion Voorheis
1895 To be supplied (R. R. Haight)
1896  R. R. Haight
1897  J. Bartholomew
1898  George Phetteplace
1899  Wn. Rumley
1902  W. T. Sumner
1903  N. A. Davis
1904  Fred Crandell
1906  A. Tice
1908  A. S. Stambaugh
1910  A. E. Potbiry
1912  William Marven
1913  C. E. King
1915  James Philips
1917  F. D. Voller
1919  W. J. Cross

1922  W. J. Johnson
1925  G. Vernon Dean
1928  *J. G. Anderson
1929  George M. Mustard
1931  Donald Hoenshell
1934  C. H. Woods
1938  H. R. Fidler
1942  Ralph Milks
1943  G. V. Dean
1946  H. Schmidt
1951  Francis E. Voller
1952  H. J. Meyer
1958  R. E. Fogelsonger
1962  George Skene (Jan.)
1965  Charles M. Allen
1971  C. E. Howe
1974 Robert Shoaff
1984  Burton Kincaid
1990  Robert Marshall
2001  Phillip Hortop

*Rev. Anderson - Never made it to Gladwin, he was called to his heavenly home instead

West Grout and Gladwin had the same ministers from 1890 to 1947.  In 1968 the two churches merged to form one congregation.

West Grout Pastors from 1947-1968

1947  D. M. Dickerson
1949  D. A. Woods
1954  C. E. Howe
1957  H. G. Roushey
1960  William Baker
1964  Merlyn Rensberry
1966  Von Cavanaugh

Loving God, Loving People, Making Disciples
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