Milestones on Mainstreet: Raising a New Church: August 2009

 Raising a New Church

Its just turning 1884, and four families, George W. Reed, Gilbert Bettes, along with their wives from Lisbon & Daniel and Israel Smith and their wives, from Sparta, decide to start a church in Sparta.  The families know this was not to be taken lightly, as there were already many churches in the Lisbon area, which was growing and thriving, but there is not Free Methodist Church in that area yet.  Following up on this, the families take a leap of faith and hold the first service of the newly formed Free Methodist Church at the home of Israel Smith on August 15, 1884.

Growing the Members

Its been rumored that Reverend C.S. Gitchell will preside and give the first sermon.  The hope is by the new churches following that by November of 1884 the group will have Officers, Sunday School Teachers, and Song Leaders, along with Pastor M. Dafoe.  The growing group of church members of the newly formed church begin looking for land on which to build a building.

Building a Church

It’s late 1885 and a parcel of land was just purchased on Grove Street in Sparta for the building of the new church.  The group of members of the church continues to grow and construction is planned to begin in 1886.  the construction shouldn’t take more than a year, and the group is looking forward to completing the construction by the end of 1886. 

The first service in the building will be held on March 20, 1886 with a new pastor that’s come to town, Rev. E. W. Chapman presiding. Its thought that new property should be bought on the north east corner of Grove and Union from Israel Smith.  Eventually the old property would be purchased by the Sparta School System.

Much to the members delight, a 625 lb. bell will be purchased and placed in the belfry.

Worship is held regularly in the new building, but the building will not be dedicated until all debts and furnishings for the church are paid off.  It is a long wait for some, but the members of the church are steadfast and continue to raise funds for their beloved church.

Finally, on June 8, 1890 during the ministry of Rev. E. Snyder, a special dedication services is held.

Sharing a Pastor

Eventually, Rev. Caywood is appointed Pastor of Sparta-Tyrone circuit followed in 1891 by Rev. Hudnutt.  He is then followed by Rev. J.E. Sanders.  Even from the start of the Sparta Free Methodist Church, it continues to be engaged in the planting of other churches, such as the church in Kent City and in Ravenna planned to open in 1885 and even one in Grand Rapids set to begin in 1886.  The pastor lives in Sparta and travels by horse and buggy to our neighboring communities to these newly formed churches.

On January 19 1943, a fire brakes out and the roof of the Sparta Free Methodist Church is nearly destroyed.  There is going to be extensive damage to other parts of the church also.  This does not hold back the members of the church, though.  Repairs will be made by the members and the church will move forward. 

In 1966, the church becomes weakened by a split in the congregation.  Eventually, hurt feeling and old wounds will heal and the church is moving forward, stronger than ever. 

 Current Day

In 1996, Pastor Jennings Johnson was sent to close the church.  The congregation rallied and Pastor Johnson remained with the church until his retirement in 2008.

In 2007, the church was renamed New Life Free Methodist and in July of 2008, Pastor Richard Ferris was sent to continue working in the church.

 Today, many outreach ministries have been started and are growing stronger.  These include: food & clothing panty, outreach to overseas service men and women, outreach to senior assisted living centers, Children’s church ministry, youth group, kids club, Christmas family outreach, ministry program at Muskegon Rescue Mission, Monthly “Little Taste of Heaven” concerts and potluck, Women’s brunch and tea parties, and many more.  Sunday schools begins at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings and Sunday worship services are at 10:45 am and 6:00 pm.  On Wednesday evenings, a prayer meeting and Kids Club begin at 7:00 pm.

On September 12, 2009 the New Life Free Methodist will be celebrating the 125^th anniversary with events in Rogers Park, inviting everyone in the community to participate. 

If you have questions regarding New Life Free Methodist Church, please contact Pastor Rick at raferris2@verizon.net or call the church at (616) 887-7441.