Crystal Church

(1901-)

The Gospel Messenger Sept. 14, 1901 page 590 Vol. 39 No. 38

 From Crystal, Michigan

  The New Haven church embraced within its boundary the counties of Gratito, Montcalm, Isabella and Gladwin.  Fro some time the officials, was well as the laity, have realized that the territory was to large and scattered for effective work. So the members living in Montcalm County presented a petition to quarterly council held June 1 to get the consent of said council to become an organized district or church, apart from the parent organization. The same petition asked that Bro. George E. Stone and wife be allowed to belong to the new organization, thought they live in Gratiot County, the petition was acted upon and granted by unanimous consent.

  A special council was held at Bro. Samuel Bollinger’s place, in Ferris township, Montcalm County, Aug. 15. There was a large representation of members present, with elders Isaiah Rairigh, of Woodland church  and Isaac Rairigh, of Thornapple church, to assist in the organization.  Bro., Isaiah Rairigh was chosen moderator.  It was found that the wishes of the church regarding the divide were still unchanged.  The members who were to compose the new organization agreed to aide by the decided that the ministerial force was sufficient for the present. It consists of George E. Stone and Samuel Bollinger, in addition to Bro. David Baker, of the Saginaw church, living in our territory for the time being.  There were not deacons in Montcalm County, and the church voted to elect two. Unless the vote seemed to call three which should be considered final. Three were called, namely Jacob Witter, Watson Towsley and wife, and John Easterday, the wives of the former and latter not being members at present.

  Bro., Samuel Bollinger was by unanimous vote advanced to the second degree of the ministry.  It was unanimously decided the new organization should be known as the Crystal church, in honor of the beautiful lake lying two miles north of the new church building.

  Wilfred H. Roose was chosen clerk for six months and John Easterday treasurer for the same time.  Bro. Geo. Stone was chosen to act as corresponding secretary. Owning to over-pressure of work and business, Bro. Stone delegated the undersigned to send a report of the council to the Messenger, which I have tried to do.  Bro. Isaiah Rairigh was chosen as our housekeeper and upon his suggestion the church chose George E. Stone as foreman to look after the church and prepare the matter to be brought before the councils.  The trustees of the new churchhouse are Emanuel Bolinger, Jacob Witter and John Easterday.  The building committee are Geo. E Stone, Jacob Witter and John Easterday. The members in the new territory number eighteen.

  We are building a new house of worship in the southeastern part of this territory.  The house is thirty-four by forty-eight with a seven foot basement under the whole house.  It is on an opposite corner from a cemetery and among a good class of people.  The burden of the new house falls heavily on the shoulders of Bro. Witter and his wife, and also Bro. George Stone.  We do not wish to beg, but anyone wishing to help can do so by sending whatever they desire to George E. Stone, Carson City, or Jacob Witter, Crystal, Montcalm Co., Mich., and the same will be thankfully received and acknowledged.  W. H. Roose.