History of the Gladwin Free Methodist Church

Free Methodist services have been taking place in Gladwin since 1877 when early settlers in Grout Township welcomed pastors from the North Michigan Conference.

In 1890 Gladwin appeared on the circuit with West Grout for the first time.  Roughly three years later Rev. Voorheis secured a building near the old depot.  After they were unable to secure a title to the property they moved to another nearby building but it was destroyed shortly after in a fire that swept through town in 1899.  That same year Rev. Rumley put his carpentry skills to use and constructed a church on North Bowery Street.

Gladwin and West Grout shared the same pastors from 1890 to 1947.  The two churches then became separate appointments until 1968 when a merger was decided.  Both West Grout and Gladwin had served their community for many years and were now unified under the new Gladwin Free Methodist Church.

Following the merger both congregations met as one on North Bowery until it was soon realized that larger facilities would be needed.  A building committee was elected and nine acres of land were purchased on the northern outskirts of town. Construction began in May of 1970 and its first service was held on November 1, 1970.  In 1975 construction began on an addition that would be used for fellowship and education purposes.

Five pastors have led the new church since 1970, the most recent being Pastor Phil Hortop who began his service in 2001.

Throughout our history there have been many who have served in the military, often during times of conflict.  We have an honor roll to remind us that being “the Church” has often required we be faithful in difficult times.

May our history cause us to look forward to make Jesus’ love known to a world in need.