About
The following was taken from our 50th Anniversary magazine published in 1974.
I am Westminster Presbyterian Church.
I stand at the intersection of Third and Ontario Streets.
Passers-by may see me as a building of stone, mortar and stained glass
windows. I am more than that-I am a living Church.
I beckon to passers-by to believe that I am the Way.
I remind others to remember the Sabbath day and to keep it holy. I may
nudge young passers-by to recall their confirmation vows.
I remember a man of vision, Carl D. Bradley, who inspired others to
share a dream of a community church where all people could worship. His
plans gained momentum in March of 1923 when an organization was
perfected to act temporarily until a regular church was organized. The
officers were C. R. Carter, president; J.A. Valentin, secretary; O. F.
Ferdelman, treasurer.
My momentous day arrived in September of 1923 as the
cornerstone was laid after many meetings of planning.
Westminster Church became a reality when it held its first worship
service under the guidance of the Reverend W. Holland Belfry.
A permanent organization to govern the church under Presbyterian
structure was completed at a congregational meeting. Elders were chosen:
namely, Carl D. Bradley, J. A. Valentin, C. R. Carter and O. F.
Ferdelman.
When I heard children singing "Jesus loves me this I know," I was happy
that my Sunday School was well established under the supervision of Mrs.
Ida Rice.
Westminster Guild had come into existence in 1923 and so it was to
fulfill its purpose-to be of service to the community.
Women of the church responded to the need of meeting financial
obligations through various services to the community.
I, Westminster Church, became a dream fulfilled April 6, 1924, the Sunday
before Easter, when the first service was held in the new building.
We rejoiced together, our hearts aglow!
As young people exchanged their marriage vows throughout the years and
promised to love, honor and obey, I prayed that their love would endure
through adversity as well as good fortune.
Every baptism was a sacred occasion. As a baby was brought to the altar
and I watched the tender expressions on the young parents' faces and saw
love reflected in the entire congregation, my heart overflowed.
Every confirmation class brought new hope to a troubled world. As I gazed
on young faces and listened to their promises, I felt a resurgence of
faith throughout the sanctuary.
Throughout times of tribulation such as sending husbands and sons to war
and experiencing the disasters of the Bradley and Cedarville, I became a
church of strength, comforting and sustaining those who grieved.
Ecstatic moments came to me each Christmas as I was bedecked with greens
and candles which not only brought beauty but symbolized the light to a
waiting world.
I have been singularly blessed throughout these fifty years by having
good shepherds who guided their flocks with wisdom and good judgment. If
Westminster Church has been an instrument of positive influence in
Rogers City, I owe it to these dedicated ministers who have served their
church and community so faithfully.
I have a dream-
That good men will rise up in these changing times and have courage to
challenge my people to greater heights-all to Thy honor and glory.
Sponsored by Rev. and Mrs. F. T. Steen and Family