St. John's Episcopal Church (Mount Pleasant, Michigan)

St. John's Episcopal Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Michigan State Historic Site
The church in July 2015
Location	206 W. Maple St., Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Coordinates	43°35′59″N 84°46′40″W / 43.59972°N 84.77778°WCoordinates: 43°35′59″N 84°46′40″W / 43.59972°N 84.77778°W
Area	1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built	1882
Architectural style	Gothic Revival, Other, English Gothic
NRHP Reference #	82002842[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	April 22, 1982
Designated MSHS	February 11, 1972

St. John's Episcopal Church is a historic church at 206 W. Maple Street in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It was built in 1882 and added to the National Register in 1982.

Introductory Material

St. John’s Episcopal Church is a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan and the Episcopal Church (United States).^[2] Originally begun as a mission in 1876, the church was built in 1882. It is the oldest existing Mount Pleasant, Michigan, church building still used for worship today.

The Building

Known locally as “the church with the red doors,” St. John’s was initially established as a mission church in 1876 by circuit riders. The church’s cornerstone was laid in 1882. St. John’s is the oldest surviving active place of worship in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.^[3] The Rt. Rev. George De Normandie Gillespie, first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan, consecrated the church on January 10, 1884.^[4] The church interior was modeled on the Riding House at Bolsover Castle in Bolsover, England.^[4] In 1996, the church building underwent extensive restoration and renovations, much of which was completed by parishioners.^[3]

Historical Marker

St. John’s was registered with the State of Michigan's Historical Marker Program and received a historical marker in 1972, and was placed on the National Historic Register in 1982.^[5]

Women’s Guild

The Women’s Guild at St. John’s, originally called the Ladies’ Guild, existed 1886-1974. The Women’s Guild was largely responsible for keeping the church going during rough times and paying the bills.^[3]

Notable Priests

The Rev. John H. Rippey, M.D., served as acting rector of several churches on a circuit, including St. John’s from 1887 through 1910. His work at the church, and the lives of parishioners are documented in a journal and parish registry book, 1887-1911, and three scrapbooks, 1874-1935, and undated, as well as in two handwritten services from July 1908.

Rev. John H. Goodrow served as rector at St. John’s from 1962 until his sudden death in 1985. Rev. Goodrow was very aware of those in need in the community and privately assisted many through the help of wealthier friends in the local oil community. During his tenure, he strongly supported "Food with Friends," a Commission on Aging program providing nightly meals in the parish hall, and he was also responsible for many other community outreach initiatives, including the St. John’s Emergency Food Program.” ^[6] The Goodrow Fund at St. John’s was established and named in his honor (in 1986?).^[3] The Fund’s intent is “to provide emergency assistance, including food, shelter, clothing, medicine, gasoline, or other support. This fund maintains a particular interest in serving the special needs of community members . . . not met or fulfilled by other community resources.” ^[7] Because of its community outreach via the Goodrow Fund, St. John’s was recognized by the Episcopal Church (United States) as a Jubilee Ministry, or a ministry which “engages congregations in the important work of empowering people to change their lives.”^[8]

Music Program

St. John’s has for many years had a music program. The choir and organist perform early plainsong to modern pieces, some particularly commissioned for the church. Currently the church funds four choral students from Central Michigan University’s School of Music who sing with the choir. Over time, choirs have included a men and boys’ choir various children’s choirs, and a mixed adult choir.

Organ

Since 1972 the church has had a Gabriel Kney tracker pipe organ.^[9]

The Center for Christian Spirituality

The Center for Christian Spirituality was established at St. John’s in 2008 for the purpose of helping people develop a deeper relationship with God. Various workshops and presentations sponsored and arranged included quiet days for laity and clergy, Celtic Christianity, Aging and Spirituality, Native American spirituality, Spirituality and Work, and a study of Handel’s Messiah, among others.^[3]

References

1. National Park Service (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
2. St. John’s Episcopal Church website, http://www.stjohnsmtpleasantmi.org (accessed May 5, 2012).
3. St. John’s Episcopal Church (Mount Pleasant, Mich.) Organizational Papers, 1874-current, and undated, Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University.
4. Michigan Historical Markers website, http://www.michmarkers.com (accessed May 5, 2012)
5. Historic markers standing next to the church (state) and affixed to the front of the church (national).
6. St. John’s Episcopal Church website, http://www.stjohnsmtpleasantmi.org (accessed May 5, 2012)
7. Goodrow Fund website, http://www.stjohnsmtpleasantmi.org/goodrow.html (accessed May 5, 2012)
8. Episcopal Church in the United States website, http://www.episcopalchurch.org/index.htm (accessed May 5, 2012)
9. Signed and dated plaque on organ.