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Central Mine Methodist Church
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| Location: | Old Stage Rd., Central, Michigan |
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| Built: | 1869 |
| Architect: | Multiple |
| Governing body: | Private |
| Part of: | Central Mine Historic District (#74000991) |
| NRHP Reference#: | 70000278[1] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP: | October 15, 1970 |
| Designated MSHS: | July 17, 1970[2] |
The Central Mine Methodist Church is a church located on Old Stage Road in Central, Michigan, in the Central Mine Historic District. It is one of the few structures being maintained in this nearly deserted mining town.[2] It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1970.[1][2]
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The Central Mine Episcopal Church is a single-story rectangular frame church on a stone rubble foundation with basement.[2] The font facade boasts a large square tower with a belfry and castellations on the top. The exterior is clad in wood siding with outlines along each edge; the gabled roof is shingled. The interior sanctuary is approximately 46 feet by 31 feet; an additional vestibule is located in the case of the tower. The sanctuary is furnished with handmade straight-backed pews.[2]
The town of Central housed workers from the nearby Central Mine, where copper was mined fron 1856 to 1898.[2] Beginning in 1856, worship services were conducted in the Central schoolhouse.[3] Construction on the church was begun in 1868[3] as a joint effort between the Central Mining Company and employees, primarily immigrants from Cornwall, England. The church was completed in 1869, and promptly became a community center for the town.[3] Peak church membership was over 300 people.[2]
However, after the Central Mine closed in 1898, the population in Central swiftly declined and the church closed.[3] In 1907, one of the original residents of Central, Alfred Nicholls, conceived of the idea of a "homecoming," where ex-parishioners would gather at the church once a year as a homecoming.[3] The idea was implemented, and as many as 200 people attended the annual gatherings.[3] These reunion gatherings have been held annually since, and continue into the 21st century[4]
The church is in nearly original condition, with the only changes made in 1879, when some pews were removed, and in 1968 when a bell was hung in the belfry.[2]
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