BOSTWICK LAKE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH #6
CANNON TOWNSHIP, KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
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1) ORGANIZATION AND CHARTER MEMBERS PAGES I-IV 2) PASTORS PAGES 1-2 3) OFFICERS PAGES 3-6 4) BAPTISMS, 1888 - MARCH, 1953 PAGES 7-18 5) MEMBERS RECEIVED, 1850'S - 1926 PAGES 19-30 6) MEMBERS REMOVED, 1895 - 1955 PAGES 31-33 7) MEMBERS RETIRED LIST, 1926 PAGES 34-35 8) REVISED MEMBERS ROLL, 1926 - 1982 PAGES 36-54 9) 50TH AND 100TH ANNIVERSARIES PAGES 55-60
EARLY HISTORY - I will attempt to tell you some of the things recorded concerning the first fifty years of our church. This church was organized June 6th, 1846, about 15 years before the out-break of the Civil War. Looking back, today we wonder what prompted those pioneers to attempt such an undertaking. The difficulties must have been many and more strenuous than we realize. The homes were scattered and there was no means of travel except by oxen and wagons, over roads that we today would consider practically impassable. Many of those early settlers lived in log-houses which they themselves had built from the trees on their own lands and we can scarcely imagine the hardships they must have endured. They were without nearly all the comforts and conveniences of life that we now consider so essential. Yet they, in spite of these difficulties were inspired to reach out and up and with divine aid organize a church in the community that proved to be a blessing to their generation and the generations that have followed. The original nine charter members were - Smith Bailey
BOOK OF RECORDS
Under the missionary labours of the Rev. Isaac Barker who received a commission from the A. H. M. S. bearing date June 6th, 1846 for Courtland and vicinity Kent County, Michigan retyrable? to previous "notice" at the House of Smith Baileys in Cannon June 18th, 1846 for the purpose of organizing a Church. Present, Rev. James Ballard, pastor of the church at Grand Rapids and Deacon Abel Page of the same church when the following names were given in, duly recommended - Smith Bailey 2ND - The inquiry was made whether we had fellowship for each other sufficient to organize and commune together which was answered in the affirmative. 3TH - Adopted the following articles of faith and Church covenant (Here follow the Articles and covenant on the record). ARTICLES OF FAITH 1ST - We believe that there is ONE GOD, who is FATHER, SON and HOLY GHOST, self existent, eternal, perfectly holy, the creator, and rightful disposer of all things. 2ND - We believe that the BIBLE is the revealed will of God to mankind and the only unerring rule of faith and practice.
BOSTWICK LAKE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Those people belonging to the first Congregational Society of Thomas S. Streeter Registered March 18, 1858 |