First Presbyterian Church of Maple Ridge (Established 1886) 2021 N. Briggs Rd. Twining, MI 48766 (989) 873-5103

The following two articles are reprinted from the "First Presbyterian Church of Maple Ridge, Michigan Centennial Cookbook" circa 1986
The third is also from the cookbook and originally appeared in the Arenac County Independent, 1959

Our Mission - First Presbyterian Church Maple Ridge, Twining, Mich.

The First Presbyterian Church of Maple Ridge is located sixteen miles north of Standish, Michigan, in a rural area which is developing as a region for resort - retirement settlement. Towns which are nearby include Prescott, Turner, Twining, Skidway Lake and Forest Lake.

Once a thriving, farm-family oriented congregation, Maple Ridge has, like many rural churches, lost most of its younger members. The congregation that remains is committed to a local mission which provides a distinctively Presbyterian worship, fellowship and service to its community. Being the only Presbyterian Church serving the area northwest of Saginaw Bay (including Arenac, losco and Ogemaw Counties), it is registered with the State and our denomination as an historic site. Organized in 1886, it is the oldest church in the township.

The Maple Ridge Church is currently celebrating its Centennial Year. Much is being done to enhance the building, in addition to the recent re-roofing project, addition of a Church Office, Etc. A Fund to obtain a new Church Organ was recently started and is being successfully underwritten by the donations of members and friends of the congregation. Redecoration of the Sanctuary and re-siding the Church with vinyl siding are also being contemplated.

The Ladies of the Church serve a family-style dinner (open to the public) each month. It is held at noon on the second Wednesday of each month, and it has become so popular it at times attracts more diners than can be served at one setting. The proceeds from these dinners are graciously directed to the various needs of the Church's program and ministry.

A traditional Reformed Service of Worship is held each Sunday at Ten-thirty O'clock, a.m., as well as special seasonal services. The congregation seeks to minister to the social needs of its neighbors, providing meals following funerals and as other emergencies arise. Some acreage long owned by the Church was sold several years ago and the interest earnings are being used to permit the Stated Supply Minister, the Rev. Robert E. Osborne, to do additional calling on members and prospective members in the general area. This resulted in the doubling of the Communicant Membership of the Church during the year 1984.

The Maple Ridge Church is proud to support the general mission program of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., contributing to Lake Huron Presbytery, the Synod of the Covenant and the General Assembly. It is increasingly supporting the special offerings of the Denomination, such as the One Great Hour of Sharing, the Peacemaking Offering, and the Christmas Offering. It has also contributed to several Hunger Relief appeals.

History of the First Presbyterian Church of Maple Ridge

On May 11, 1886, the Church was organized with the following people as charter members: Neil Macaulay, Janet Macaulay, Angus Macaulay, Isabella Macaulay (wife of Angus), Alexander Baxter, Mayzie Baxter, Jane Munro, John Macaulay, Isabella Macaulay (wife of John), Sarah Ann McEacheron, Malcolm Macaulay, Jennie Macaulay, Sally Ann Clayton, George E. Fish, and Hannah Fish.

The first session was held in the M.E. Church across the street and Alexander Baxter, George F. Fish and Angus MacaWay were elected as elders.

The carpenters who constructed the building of worship were John Beaton and James Stalker. Of course there were many "bees" in which even the women took part.

In a year the structure was completed and on February 12, 1888 the members dedicated their Church with sermon, prayer and song.

A little later an 800 pound bell was hung in the well-braced steeple. It was hauled by Frank Black with horses and wagon from the Furner railroad station.

The first moderator was A.C. Kay and the first minister was John Macaulay. Rev. John Macaulay had given the land for the Church and when he died he left his property south and west of the Church to the Church.

The ten members who joined the Church on May 10, 1887 were: An- drew Black, Janet Black, John Kennedy, Agnes Kennedy, John Black, George Black, Laura Black, William Nixon, Jennie Nixon, and William Munro.

A Sunday School was begun in the early 1890's assisted by Rev. Vandevere Van Arsdales Nicholas then a student minister from Princeton Theological Seminary. He later married Margaret Black and helped our Church in many ways.

The Church has continued to perform its original mission since its dedication with the exception of short periods. Although it has never grown large enough to support a minister alone without a struggle and Home Mission Assistance, there have been better and worse periods in its history.

Incorporated in July 1886, it is the oldest corporation in Arenac Coun- ty.

Our Church was the first Church organized in Clayton Township. We are still using the original building but there have been additions, gifts, and repairs to it.

Web master's Note: The church was designated a Michigan Historical Site on 11/16/81. for additional information regarding this designation.

"The Ridge"
Is Pioneer Territory

Settled Back in 1865 When Arenac Was a Part of Bay

Frank Black, probably the last of the early settlers of Maple Ridge, has been persuaded by his friends to write a running history of the village of "The Ridge." Last week Frank brought it into The Independent and asked if it could be published. In honor to the early settlers and pioneers the history is published below. Mr. Black was born in Canada and came here in 1886. He is right on the verge of the 80-year-old pioneers.

Maple Ridge got its name from the many acres of maple timber around it. "The Ridge'' was settled in 1865. The southeast corner was settled by the McMillans and the families still have the place of 160 acres. The other three corners were settled by William and Stillwell Smith who homesteaded the land in 1869. The land on the southwest corner was sold to Abe Scott and 1 heard his brother, David, say that he cut the first tree on the corner of the place where Maple Ridge is now. That corner is now owned by Joe Janski.

Abe Scott built a store and a boarding house on his corner and in 1887 he built a cheese factory. James Sanborne was the first cheese maker. The postoffice was across the road on the Stillwell Smith land and Mr. Smith was the postmaster. Later it was moved on the McMiilan land and was under the supervision of Angus Macauley from 1885 on for a few years, then the McMillans had the office for a few years. Later it was moved to the northeast corner and Lawyer S.E. Hayes was the postmaster and had the office in the building where the Whitings had the office, the same building that the late Asa Whiting owned until a short time ago.

The first blacksmith shop was also built on the McMillan land and was run by Angus Macauley from 1882 until 1885 when he sold it to Nick Vogeli and later George Johnson and Clayton Meisner operated the shop. It was also a place of entertainment and many a good laugh was enjoyed by young and old.

I don't expect that all of these dates are just right but not too far off the beam. The first store in Maple Ridge was built on the property that Frank Black now owns and was operated by Mr. Martin, the father of Russell J. Martin, the father of Russell J. Martin, our former conservation officer. In 1879 Myron Eymer bought the northeast corner from William Smith, who was a preacher, and built a store on the corner where the Maple Ridge store now stands. It is the same building! He operated the store 'till 1887 when he sold it to James Sanborne. Mr. Sanborne built rooms on the side of the store and kept boarders. After his death his wife married Charles Hull and he had a dental parlor there. Mr. Eymer built a saw mill and grist mill on the place where John Deford is located and ran it until 1895 when he moved the mill to Turner when the D & M Railroad was being built. (I might say that at the time Maple Ridge was settled this was Bay County. In 1883 Arenac County was set off and Maple Ridge was on the town line between Clayton and Mason Townships. Clayton Township got its name from the Claytons who were some of the first settlers.)

In Mason George Morse was the first white man to settle there and I heard him say that they wanted to call the township Morse but he said at that time Henry Smith was supervisor and Mr. Morse said to call the township Mason after the Smiths' son, which they did. (Mase is now living in Prescott with his daughter and son-in-taw, Mr. and Mrs. E. Lentner.)

The first school built in Maple Ridge was on the George Munro farm, now owned by Sam Briggs. The same school building is still standing, thanks to Sam Briggs for keeping the old landmark in such good shape. It was built in the early '70s, That school was used up to 1884 when one was built where the present school stands. The school was burned and a stone building was built and is still in use with Mrs. Albert Brown as teacher. The present school was built when Sam Anderson was director of the school district.

In the early days Henry Smith was one of our outstanding carpenters and he built the first Maple Ridge School. He also put logs in the Rifle River south of Maple Ridge and ran them to Omer where they were cut in lumber at Kent's mill for him to build the courthouse at Omer.

In this first school at Maple Ridge was the first place where religious services were held by William Smith. He started the first Sunday School there. That was also in the early '70s.

The first teacher in the school at Maple Ridge was Mrs. Ella Gregg. Later she married A.L. Wilkins, also a teacher.

Henry Smith, the carpenter, owned and lived on the farm now owned by Emma Oliver. Mr. Smith also built the first hotel in Maple Ridge and it was known as the Maple Ridge House. There was also a feed barn in the Ridge, and as this was an old stage coach town it was a real good stopping place for travelers. The hotel was operated by the Smiths, then by George Eymer, Mr. Martin and George Woodcock, the last owner. Mr. Woodcock also had a blacksmith shop just south of the hotel. Both the hotel and shop were on the place now owned by the Buxtons.

There were other business places in Maple Ridge in the early 'SOs. Carl Able had a shoe shop and later Henry Fish had a shoe repair shop. L. Manning was the last man to run the cheese factory, then he went in the store business on the place that Tom Mogg now owns. He sold to Fanny and Augusta Richards. Joe Cluky and Simon Shampine had a store in what is now the Free Methodist parsonage. Later Phil Marvin ran a store in the same building. Other storekeepers in town were Mr. Kisor, Fred Deford, Percy Hull and Will Solomon. George Fish built the building where the Charles Salmon family lives now and had a store there and a hall upstairs where the Grange and Oddfellows held meetings. Later Mr. Fish sold the place and had a store in the building where Alfonzo Deford owns and lives now. The store on the corner was built by Myron Eymer in 1880 and was run by him until 1887, when he sold it to James Sanborne. He passed away three years later. Then his wife married Charles Hull and they operated it for a few years. They sold to John Harvey and later Sam Harrison had the store. This store has always been in operation since it was built in 1880. It is operated now by Mrs. Carl Dietzel. Mrs. Jason Carpenter and Mrs. Andrew Peels both kept stores in the building now occupied by Alfonzo Deford.

The first doctor in Maple Ridge was Dr. Mills. His office was in the back room of the store which at that time was on the Frank Black property. The next doctor was Dr. Hosmer and in 1885 Dr. Hull started in the building where Andy Krevey now has the gas station. Dr. Hull sold that place and moved to the opposite corner and practiced until the time of his death. Then we had Dr. Green and Dr. Boyce.

Mr. Briggs bought the place where the gas station is now and had the postoffice there for 15 years. They also ran a boarding house and feed barn which was much in use at that time.

The first church built in Maple Ridge was the Methodist Church in 1883. Some of the first preachers were Rev. Warner and the Rev. Sanderson. The Presbyterian Church was built in 1887 by John Beaton and James Stalker. The first preacher was the Rev. John Macauley. He bought the place from Stillwell Smith and he gave the land to build the church on. The Free Methodist Church was built in the early 1890s and its first preacher was the Rev. Crandell and later the Rev. Blackman. When these churches were built there was a lot of timber here and it was hauled to the mill at the Ridge and cut in lumber to build them. These churches all still have services each Sunday.

Some of the other business places in Maple Ridge in the early days: Samual Hull had a harness shop and his son, Fred, a barber shop. The railroad was built up to Sterling in 1871 and very soon after that John Lawrence carried the mail from Sterling to Maple Ridge for about 10 years. He carried it on his back a few years. It is 12 miles from Maple Ridge to Sterling. He walked the 24 miles three times a week and he lived east on the Baxter Road. His pay from Uncle Sam was $180.00 per year. Later he got a team of horses.

Some of us still think that Maple Ridge is the best place ever (unless it is Melita, for as A.D. Hamond always said that "Melita Leads".) I still think that if the farmers around Maple Ridge got 50 bushels of wheat to the acre that Melita would get 55.

Arenac County Independent, 1959

The following additional history has been written and furnished by Rev Bill Stone

THE 90'S AND ON INTO THE TWENTY FIRST CENTURY
UP-DATED HISTORY OF MAPLE RIDGE CHURCH

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP

The 1980'S was a time for Maple Ridge Church to re-direct its outlook. For a number of years this rural church, now located in what the Detroit Free Press called a ghost town, had relied on pastoral support from summer substitutes, laity from Midland and Saginaw, and often from pastors serving nearby churches. Selling parcels of their forty acres, the church was able to afford a regular pastor from Saginaw. The Reverend Robert Osborne of Saginaw, a member of the Presbytery of Lake Huron, was appointed to this congregation as Stated Supply. Each week he drove from Saginaw to Maple Ridge to pastor this flock. He served for eight years, creating some pastoral stability, building an office under the front steps of the church, celebrating the congregation’s Centennial in 1986, making a beautiful large hanging cross for the worship center, and building an altar for the sanctuary. During this time a small electric Hammond Organ was purchased to replace the old pump organ, and new hymnals, "The Worshipping Church," were purchased.

Bob Osborne retired Easter Sunday, 1991.

THE PRESENT PASTOR

Maple Ridge then turned to a retired Methodist and asked the Reverend Doctor William L. Stone to be their pastor. He, too, was appointed as Stated Supply. Bill and his wife, Helen, live in Oscoda, more than fifty miles northeast of Maple Ridge. Both had retired in 1990. Bill, a member of the Detroit Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, had served as a pastor since 1948 at Napoleon, Constantine, Flint, Mt. Morris, Detroit, Oscoda, and Harrisville. He also assisted Baptist and Community churches.

Both Bill & Helen became certified in the Rural Chaplains Association and were pleased to be able to serve a rural church. Both had ministered to the U.S. Air Force personnel stationed at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Both were involved in the Civil Air Patrol. In June, 1998, the congregation celebrated the Stones Fifty Years of Christian Ministry. In August, 1998, the Stones celebrated their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary. The Presbytery of Lake Huron has also approved Bill as a member of Presbytery. An important aspect of ministry has been a concern for overseas missions and the Stones have visited 32 countries, many for mission connections.

FACILITIES

Originally the 1886 28 by 40 foot Maple Ridge building was constructed on the ground. About 1904 the church was raised and a first floor built underneath. This meant the steps were almost eight feet tall. In the 1980’s the congregation became concerned about the number of steps which had to be climbed in order to come up to the sanctuary for worship. The congregation explored possibilities such as a ramp, elevator, and chair lift. A ramp which would meet federal requirements would be longer than twice the length of the church building. (And think of the snow shoveling in the winter). Inside the building there was no adequate place to install either a chair lift or an elevator and no convenient “point of entry.” To accommodate either lift or elevator would require an addition to the building which, with the elevator, would be as expensive as a new building.

Bill Stone came with extensive experience in church building, remodeling, relocating, and rehabbing. Several obstacles stood in the way. It was not easy to re-direct the thinking of the people for the design of a new building. In addition, major power lines divided the church property creating limitations for design. Zoning regulations prevented building within twenty feet of the old building, although the buildings could be attached IF the old building was rehabbed at considerable expense. It was possible to obtain a variance, with the understanding the old building would be eventually moved. It took eight years to work out problems, designs, and attitudes.

In the meantime, there were certain improvements needed in the old building. Lighting was very inadequate with small fixtures dating to 1947 when electricity was first introduced. New cathedral fixtures were installed. The exterior cement steps were crumbling, and were replaced. The colored glass needed repairs and the frames were deteriorating. Stained glass (along with other building materials) was obtained from the demolition of the Flint: Kearsley Church, and were redesigned, framed, and installed along with a lexan covering for protection. Lights were installed in the fellowship and kitchen area by Donn Jackson. The pastor also obtained a Baldwin 620 organ, red carpet, and pew bibles from Kearsley. A new well was dug. Problems with the heating system resulted in installing a new hot water system. In the meantime, the original problems of handicapped accessibility and additional space continued to be explored.

Finally, in 1999, plans for a new building, 40 feet by 116 feet, and a builder were approved by the congregation. Ground breaking ceremonies occurred in September, 1999; however, construction was delayed. The cost of the building increased by $20,000. Even then the builder backed out. It became necessary to interview other contractors. Harold Mulders of Pinconning was chosen as the contractor and Matt Schoonover, a member who was manager of Carter Lumber Company, was able to sell the materials at cost plus ten percent, and the session became the "general" contractor. A new century rolled around before actual construction began in March, 2000. Finally, the First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2001, the first communion service was conducted in the new building. The congregation has found the new building to be more economical, and much more efficient and satisfying worshipping, studying., and working in these new surroundings. August 25, 2002, Celebration and Dedication Services were conducted for this new building. (Please see the article on DEDICATION). CLICK HERE

FELLOWSHIP

The 90's became a time to emphasize fellowship in the church. Many of the congregation live at a distance from the building. It has not been easy to get everyone back during the week. So following the worship service a luncheon is provided each week. This has been an important part of the congregation’s ministry in which all can participate if they desire. Over the years it has been important to see people meet and share with each other rather than to form cliques or be loners. The church is called to be a fellowship of believers who work together.

YOKING OVERSEAS

The 90’s also became a time when Maple Ridge looked far beyond it’s own community. Contacts with Costa Rica through the Presbytery of Lake Huron, with the Czech Republic through the Ecumenical Associates program of the Synod of the Covenant, with “One Way Ministries” of Africa, and with David and Rachel Kerney who serve in Argentina, have brought an important vision of the Great Commission. During this time the Stones have traveled to twice to Costa Rica and Korea, and to Brazil, Peru, Chile, England, Mexico, and the Czech Republic.

RURAL MINISTRY

Rural churches have interesting backgrounds, often unique, and carrying years old baggage. Sometimes undercurrents exist which come from past histories. Sometimes the witness to the community is hampered by knowledge of past problems, rather than a positive witness from what is happening in real time. Too often the church finds itself at the center of controversy. Its mission ought to be mediation and reconciliation but carnality in the hearts of people cause division rather than unity. Maple Ridge has had its share. Old wounds from a forty-year-old milk strike and from problems of school districting are a part of the undercurrent which prevents the kind of ministry which the congregation ought to have. We believe this is changing as the congregation understands its ministry of reconciliation.

Four of the congregation have been involved in some of the Presbyterian Redevelopment Conferences. Hopefully this will translate into a greater understanding of the transforming grace of God in the life of God’s people and sharing that grace with the world.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Rural depopulation has effected Maple Ridge. Once there were three churches and at least twenty businesses. The Presbyterian Church is the lone survivor. Yet the area is seeing some growth, and the congregation has an important ministry to reach out to the immediate community, to the youth, and to community needs. With the new facilities this is one of the goals for this new century.

Also, in some rural churches where there are more jobs to go around than personnel to fill them, new people are immediately placed in positions for which they are totally unprepared. In this age there are many who have little background concerning the Mind of Christ, the meaning and mission of the church, and a vision for the future. They need to be matured, instructed, committed to Jesus Christ, and become disciples before they are placed in charge of the work of the Lord. Maple Ridge has had its share of these problems by ordaining people and giving them responsibilities for which they are not prepared. To do so is not fair to the individual or the congregation. In too many congregations carnal nature has created problems, withdrawals from fellowship, and the creation of schism in the Body of Christ. In this new century we hope that situation is turning around at Maple Ridge. Repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation are needed in such times. We are called to be perfect in our love toward one another even as God is perfect in his love to us.

UNDERSTANDING MISSION VERSUS SURVIVAL

Another problem facing churches and organizations is that of funding to fulfill their mission. In the church that is no problem when Christians understand their commitment to Jesus Christ and their call to stewardship. All of life is considered a trust from God, all we have is used to glorify God, and tithing is a normal response. Stewardship has become a growing experience at Maple Ridge. For more than forty years faithful women kept the church building open by serving dinners each month. For this the congregation owes a great debt of gratitude. This, however, is only a survival mode. In the 90’s some things have been realized:
1.Dinners (and money making schemes) are not an adequate way to finance God’s work,
2. They are energy consuming,
3. They do not lead people to find a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, and
4. when all is added up, the women were spending more providing the dinners than the profits they realized.
At the end of the 90’s the women discontinued the dinners. Tithing for God’s work at Maple Ridge is a much better way to finance mission than fund raising projects.

THE POWER OF PRAYER

To undergird God’s people and God’s work there must be intercessory prayer. Here in this new century Maple Ridge is attempting to develop a more meaningful prayer life to support the congregation, pastor, elders and deacons, and outreach to the community and the world. We invite all who read this to place Maple Ridge on their prayer list and join with us in praying for the ministry God has for this congregation.

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