In 1804 travelling clergyman Nathan Bangs arrived in Detroit, only to abruptly leave “shaking the dust off his feet in testament against (the people),” as he wrote in his journal.
Protestantism had not yet found a home in Michigan.
On Sunday Oct. 3, Central United Methodist Church in Detroit celebrated what happened just six years later, when the historic church and the FUMC of Dearborn became the first protestant churches in the state.
“In 1804 circuit riders (travelling clergy) came to this “Wild West town,” but they weren’t warmly received so they left,” Dr. James N. Bull said. “Two-hundred years ago, in 1810, Rev. William Mitchell formed the first Methodist Society of seven people and that is what we celebrate today.”
It was fitting that a service celebrating peace and justice of the protestant church in contemporary and historical fashions was held in a sanctuary where Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke on several occasions, including just two weeks before his assassination.
Seven different protestant denominations were officially represented and dozens of singers from choirs around the state joined their voices to commemorate 200 years of shared history in the state.
A celebratory mood was struck early on with the spirited music and rhythm of African drummers and dancers dressed in bright native clothes and on several occasions the choir, which circled the upper balcony, had the entire crowd on its feet clapping and rejoicing.
It was a day of reflection as well as encouragement for moving forward. Central UMC senior pastor Rev. Edwin Rowe reminded the audience of how the protestant church has come so far.
“We have a shared history that has been lifted up by many giants of the faith…each denomination has brought great gifts to our collective protestant history over the years,” he said.
He talked about lifting others up to “help future generations see over the crowd” as he remembered those who have paved the way for two centuries. He also admitted the protestant church still has plenty of issues to address and a foundation that is complete only when focused on being the hands of God.
