North Lake United Methodist Church
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In the 1830's, settlers were coming into Dexter and Lyndon Townships. These pioneers trudged through swamps, cleared forests, and braved wild animals to establish their homesteads. In 1833, brothers Charles and John Glenn took up government land here at North Lake. Their grandfather Robert Glenn had come to America in 1780 from County Tyrone in northern Ireland, although he was of Scottish origin. He brought over linens to peddle, made by his father.

In 1836 a Methodist class of twelve members was organized at North Lake with Charles Glenn as Class leader. The class members were

It was one year before the state of Michigan was admitted to the union.

Charles Glenn was leader of the class for forty years until his death in 1876. He was also a local preacher, having preached over 100 funeral sermons. (No record was kept of his others!) . The marble stone marking his grave in the North Lake cemetery reads "He rests from his labors and his works do follow him." For his wife, Mary Assena Glenn, who was known as "Granny", the stone reads "She hath done what she could." One of their great-grandsons, Harvey Peirce, was a prominent minister in the Detroit Conference. Following the death of Charles Glenn, William Wood became class leader until his death, then his daughter Mrs Perry Noah succeeded him.

From 1836 to 1846 the society met in the home of John Glenn. In 1846 the two brothers built a small (20x26 ft) frame structure at their own expense. It stood on the line between the farms of John Glenn and Richard Webb and served as both church and school.

In January of 1866, with the terrors and uncertainty of the Civil War behind them, the North Lake Methodists decided to build a new church building. It was completed by the end of the year for a total cost of $2645.81. At his time there were 57 members, four from the original class. Records show the purchase of two gallons of kerosene oil to heat the church for $1.00. The janitor was paid $4 for caring for the church for six months.

During the church year 1876-1877, a revival came to the church, and 29 new members were added. Two of these were Mr and Mrs E. W. McDaniels (parents of Charlie McDaniels), who in turn served North Lake Church for 50 years.

In 1907 the stained glass windows were installed during a remodeling campaign. In 1925 a Grange hall originally located west of the church was annexed to the back of the church for use as a meeting hall, Sunday School facility and kitchen. Though the building was purchased for $1, the total cost of the improvement was $957. A bell was donated by the Unadilla Methodist Church in 1947 and the old high steeple was taken down.

In the early 1970's the economy was on the upswing and the area was growing. Ground was broken for the education building in July 1971. The parsonage on Wagon Wheel Court was dedicated in December of 1974. Retired builder Bill Shutes helped engineer both efforts. A great many hours of volunteer labor from the congregation and community made the new buildings possible. Several area contractors donated their time and provided materials at cost.

The crocheted and framed hangings of the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments currently hanging to the right and left of the altar were made and given to the church by Veva Kalmbach in 1981 and 1983. The eight foot wooden cross above the altar was purchased with memorial funds and dedicated in 1984, the Methodist Bicentennial year.

North Lake UMC has served the community by housing a day care center, fitness club and scout troops, as well as providing space for flu vaccinations. Highlights of each year include the Christmas Eve candlelight service, a summer time corn roast and chicken barbeque on the first Saturday in August, and a Lenten Egg Supper (held the Friday before Good Friday) which has been a tradition for over 125 years.

On Sept 21, 1986, North Lake UMC celebrated its Sesquicentennial year with special worship services, the burning of the note on the parsonage, a potluck dinner, and the release of helium balloons. District Superintendent Jack Guigere preached the morning service. Former Pastors Herbert Brubaker, Ronald Brunger, George Woomer, Edwin Weiss, Harry Weeks, John Elliot, David Strobe and Dave Collins were on hand to reminisce.

North Lake UMC is a State of Michigan Designated Historic Site. Descendants of the original families and members of newly-arrived families work together to witness to their faith in Jesus Christ.