A Journey of Faith and Community
In 1841 the Clarkston Methodist Episcopal Church was chartered. There is little written to describe what those charter members thought their particular mission was as a church in the then rural countryside of Michigan. Over the years, the church offered worship, Christian education, fellowship and mission. The original church building was located at the corner of Buffalo and Church streets. After fire destroyed a number of frame buildings, the brick edifice at Church and Buffalo streets, which now serves as a private home, was built in 1897 and served the congregation for over 60 years.
The original brick church at Church and Buffalo streets, built in 1897
In the 1950's this congregation was an established presence in the community, lodged in one of the great historic buildings on E. Church and Buffalo street. In the middle of that decade, something stirred to challenge the status quo of this church. The historical retelling of what happened is still available from a few who were there at the time. A congregational member donated a seven acre site in 1957, where the current building now stands.
The congregation made the decision to move from its long loved location and build a new church. This kind of decision never comes casually in the life of a church. Over the years members attach a great deal of importance on the places where they have worshiped, married, baptized, buried and celebrated resurrection. The only way to be able to find the way to leave such a sacred location is to discover a greater calling and purpose that compels a decision to move.
"When our spiritual parents made the decision to come down the hill to the present location of the church, they were literally taking a huge step of faith. There was no certainty that God would bless their action that ministry would flourish or that others would come to share in the work. There was only the commitment to faithfully follow where they felt God was leading them."
The faithfulness of God quickly became evident by the vitality of ministry of the congregation. Some might perceive that people were drawn to this church because of the beauty of the building or the charisma of certain pastors or church program. The truth is that this congregation grew because whenever the people of God act in faith as they engage in mission, a blessing follows.
Since that time, the church has maintained faithful ministry. Over those years there have been the typical church life moments of comedy, pain, triumph and failure. Throughout it all, this congregation has had a significant presence in the community and engaged in quality ministry.
Our Timeline
Founding
Clarkston Methodist Episcopal Church was chartered, establishing our presence in the rural Michigan countryside.
Brick Church
After a fire destroyed our original frame building, a new brick edifice was built at Church and Buffalo streets.
Land Donation
A congregational member donated seven acres of land where our current church building now stands.
New Building
The congregation moved from its long-loved location to build a new church at our current site.
Continuing the Journey
We continue to grow and serve our community, building on the foundation of faith established by those who came before us.
Our Core Values
- Committed to Christ
- Growing in Faith
- Transformational Mission
- Life-Changing Generosity
- Inclusion for All
Leadership Through the Years
Rev. Frank A. Cozadd
• Pastor
Rev. Paul M. Cargo
• Pastor
Rev. James R. Balfour
Jan. 1976-1985 • Pastor
Rev. Douglas R. Trebilcock
1985-2004 • Pastor
Rev. Carole A. Massey
1986-1987 • Associate Pastor
Rev. Tracy Lynne Huffman
1995-1999 • Associate Pastor
Rev. Jill H. Zundel
1999-2006 • Associate Pastor
Christine E. Wyatt
1999-2014 • Deacon
Rev. Richard L. Dake
2004-2021 • Pastor
Rev. Reed P. Swanson
2008-2010 • Associate Pastor
Rev. Amy E. Mayo-Moyle
2010-2015 • Associate Pastor
Rev. Laura Speiran
2014-2020 • Deacon
Rev. Megan Walther
2017-Present • Associate Pastor
Rev. Christy Miller White
2023-Present • Deacon
Rev. Amy E. Mayo-Moyle
2021-Present • Senior Pastor
Visit Our Church
Would you like to see our beautiful campus in person? You are more than welcome to come visit any time the church is open.