methodism in the white lake area
The Methodist Church has been in the White Lake area since 1853. The source of the information on this page is largely from “Abner’s Flock”, written in 2005 by Daniel J. Yakes.
Methodism officially began in the White Lake area when the first ordained Methodist minister, the Rev. William C. Comfort, arrived at the Mouth in 1853, preached twice, organized a society of 9 members, and then appointed Abner Bennet leader. Abner Bennet was an African American, who farmed 120 acres north of the Mouth. The Mouth was a small lumber town situated along the channel that ran from White Lake to Lake Michigan before the current channel was cut, and was the only town in the White Lake area in the 1850’s.
By 1854 the congregation had grown to 25 members, 4 members on probation, and 70 scholars. In 1855 Bishop E. R. Ames organized the White River Circuit and named Lorin M. Bennett the first resident, ordained minister. Lorin Bennett built the first parsonage with his own hands at the Mouth that year.
More to be added …
Methodism officially began in the White Lake area when the first ordained Methodist minister, the Rev. William C. Comfort, arrived at the Mouth in 1853, preached twice, organized a society of 9 members, and then appointed Abner Bennet leader. Abner Bennet was an African American, who farmed 120 acres north of the Mouth. The Mouth was a small lumber town situated along the channel that ran from White Lake to Lake Michigan before the current channel was cut, and was the only town in the White Lake area in the 1850’s.
By 1854 the congregation had grown to 25 members, 4 members on probation, and 70 scholars. In 1855 Bishop E. R. Ames organized the White River Circuit and named Lorin M. Bennett the first resident, ordained minister. Lorin Bennett built the first parsonage with his own hands at the Mouth that year.
More to be added …