Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

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PIONEER HISTORY OF INGHIAM COUNTY

ing the members, other than Methodists, wanted the building
part of the time for their own particular service. This
was agreed upon and a frame building that had been used
by James Seymour for a horse barn, located on lot 6, block 14,
facing south, was purchased in 1848. This building was remodeled
and was used for church purposes until 1865 by both denominations.
"In 1865 the Presbyterians withdrew and formed a church society of their own that built the Franklin Presbyterian church on
the corner of Washington and Franklin avenues, according to
records in the abstract office the Presbyterian society sold its
interests in property in 1858 as we find the formation of first recorded board of Methodist trustees.
"The names of James Turner, William Dryer, A. U. Hart, Mr.
Parmalee, and others prominent in North Lansing business
affairs appears on this record. The Presbyterians continued to
use the building for religious services until they moved into their
new church.
BUY PRESENT SITE.
"After the Presbyterians left the Methodists continued to use
the old building for their services until they bought a site on the
corner of Franklin Avenue and Cedar street, the present church
ground, and in 1868 built a wooden building that was wrecked a
few years ago to make room for the present brick structure.
"In the early seventies the old first church was sold to Henry
Southward, who moved it to North Center street back of the old
Mead store, where he used it for a stable to house his delivery
horses. A stable it was first and last, and finally it was wrecked
and used for fuel. This is the beginning and the end of the first
Christian church in one city.
"RECOLLECTIONS OF OLD CHURCH.
"This old building was a long, wooden, one-story structure
with windows on the east and west sides and a brick chimney on or
near the north gable. It had been painted white but the paint
had faded or worn off in spots so that it had a mottled gray color.
There were two entrances on the south or Wall street side. I
cannot remember any shade trees near the building.