Finch Barn 1824
Frame Church 1840
In 1824, when Romeo was known as Indian Village, a circuit rider named Elias Pattee was welcomed into the home of Albert and Chloe Finch. They were joined by four other believers to form the first Methodist class in this settlement. The original Finch family Bible still is proudly on display in our history room along with other early items of the church.
After meeting for several years in a schoolhouse, in 1840 the small congregation raised enough money to built a frame church on land purchased from the Bailey family for $100. Blessed with continued growth, plans were made to erect a Gothic Revival structure on land purchased from the Tinsman family, this is the very church in which we worship today. The cornerstone was laid on July 30, 1872 and the building dedicated in 1874.
Church with Spire circa 1874
According to a newspaper article announcing the church’s dedication, it was said that…
“On that day, our church was known as the finest church in northern Michigan. It will be a fit occasion for the greatest gathering of many, and a good time will be remembered by all.”
The church bell tolled for many years, reminding members and villagers alike that it was time to gather for worship. The bell weighed 1,439 pounds and it reportedly could be heard for more than six miles.
As the years passed, repairs and renovations were made but in 1912, major changes were made to the sanctuary. The east wall was moved forward 14 feet, the organ was relocated, the church painted and the aisles were carpeted.
Without Spire post 1934
In 1934 the roof of the original building was severely damaged by a cyclone, making both interior and exterior repairs necessary. Amazingly, the steeple, though slightly twisted, was intact. Concerned that the steeple’s integrity was compromised, church members and townspeople reluctantly removed this beautiful architectural feature.
Another major project, begun in the late 1950’s, involved a total kitchen remodel and the creation of an office for the very first church secretary. The expanded kitchen paved the way for the Lenten fish dinners that today continue to provide camp scholarships for our children and youth.
The growing church recognized the need for a new addition as far back as 1958, when a building fund was established. However, repairs and updates to the existing building were prioritized and the building project was tabled.
In 1959, the beautiful Rose Window was redesigned with a dove added in the center of the design. The huge task of rebuilding the rest of the stained glass windows relied on the expertise of a husband and wife team. The newly refurbished windows were dedicated in 1963.
One of the most controversial updates involved removing and replacing the original pews with padded, less rigid pews. Although the 1870’s era pews can still be found in the balcony, the 1969 effort to “modernize” by removing the historic seating, was questioned for a while.
A much needed elevator was installed behind the building in 1990. It was very much appreciated by visitors, parishioners and, especially, funeral directors who used the elevator to more easily bring caskets into our second story sanctuary.
The 1958 dream of an expanded facility to house classrooms for Christian Education for children, youth and adults, was finally within reach with the purchase of the adjoining property. Planning began again in 1996 and in 2005, ground was broken on the multipurpose building addition. We continue to be thankful for those who teach the word of God.
Church Addition 2005
We are eternally grateful to all the saints who have gone before us in faith. It is the spirit of hospitality, generosity, perseverance, service and praise that they infused into the early church that we proudly carry today.. The just zeal for the Lord that has long been what the Methodists of Romeo are know for, continues today.
As we plan for the future we remember the words of Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” As such our purpose and calling remains the same, “To make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” As we move into the next 200 years we will continue looking up, reaching out, and caring within.
All thanks, praise and glory be to God now and forever.
Originally Compiled by Ilene Lock, church historian
Updated and Edited by Nancy Domke 6/16/24 for 200th Celebration
