Laptops, light shows and lattes
Technology in church:
Useful or just trendy?
Technology in church statistics The Barna Group, a research firm focused on Christian faith and culture, published a study in 2008 on the use of technology in Protestant churches and found: • 65 percent of Protestant churches have a large-screen projection system. Only 39 percent of churches had such technology in 2005, according to a Barna study. • Sending e-mail blasts to large groups of people or to the entire church body is common in 56 percent of churches. • 62 percent of churches have a website, compared to just 34 percent in the year 2000. • 26 percent of churches use one or more social networking tools (like Facebook or Twitter). • 16 percent of churches use podcasting.
By AARON MUELLER Leader Publications
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he Rev. Michael Smith loves to log onto Facebook and see the members of his church discussing his sermons or encouraging each other in their faith. But social networking is only one way Smith, the pastor of Hope Community Church in Niles, is using technology to further the mission of his church. During worship services, the congregates can read the lyrics on a projector screen, complete with a moving background — often nature scenes, like falling leaves, a winter landscape or waterfalls. "I think it adds a little different dimension to the worship," Smith said. "We believe all nature is a display of God's greatness and His existence." PowerPoint presentations, video clips and illustrations on the projector screen aid his sermons. "The more technology we have, the more communication we have and the more the church is growing," Smith said, adding his church began in the basement of a house. Niles First Missionary Church has a staff member who is in charge of technology. Caleb Hoskins, who also serves as the church's worship pastor, says the church's website is a great "communication tool." The slick Flash-based website features a calendar, downloadable sermons, video clips, staff bios and links to Christian resources. It even has the ability for congregates to give their tithes and offerings electronically. But Smith and Hoskins say their churches won't go as far with technology as some "megachurches" that incorporate so much technology that it's hard to distinguish the sanctuary from a rock concert venue. "If you get too much going on, then you lose people," Smith said. "They are watch-
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First Missionary Church in Niles is one of many churches using a projector screen to display worship song lyrics and videos during services. ing what you've got going on rather than listening to what you are saying. With all the light shows and smoke, you've gone from a worship environment to a night club environment. Technology can be our friend and our enemy." Where is the line? Other area pastors agree that technology can be a great tool for churches but also a great distraction. Bud Holmes, the interim pastor at Buchanan Christian Church, has an older congregation, but that hasn't stopped him
from incorporating some technology. The church has a website that is updated regularly with news, events and sermons for free download. He also incorporates PowerPoint presentations and other multimedia elements into his messages. But where should churches draw the line on technology? Holmes, who previously served at a church that incorporated light shows and a heavy amount of media into its services, said it can differ from church to church. "There's not a black and white answer. When the media become the point, it's too far," Holmes said. Still, he sees the value in multimedia in the church. "The last two generations have been used to the TV and video stimulus and without that, we just don't have the power of concentration that people had in the past," Holmes said. The value of simplicity Michiana Christian Embassy Pastor Jeff Leader photo/AARON MUELLER
Caleb Hoskins, the worship pastor at First Missionary Church, serves as the church's technology guru, frequently updating its website and social networking pages. He also helps produce and edit videos for use on the website and during services.
Whittaker, meanwhile, errs on the side of caution when it comes to technology. Although the church has a lot of features on its website, including a new Biblical studies Internet library on the way, Whittaker says it's easy for technology to steal the show. "The Lord is not going to show up or not show up based on technology," he said. "There is a vanity and trendiness that can kick in. People can become too worried about balancing their laptops and their lattes during a service." Michiana Christian Embassy does use a projector screen to display lyrics to its worship songs, but that's where the line is drawn — no photo or video backgrounds or dancing lyrics. "We try to deliberately keep it more basic," he said. "Watching leaves fall from the trees while reading the words is like trying to read a book while driving." While Whittaker sees the value in staying up to date with basic technologies, he said he really appreciates simplicity. "Technology will always be eclipsed by the simplicity and true supernatural beauty of the gospel," he said. "I love to be in Haiti or at an underground church in China or a basement in the Middle East. You talk about low tech but high power." A virtual world A recent trend among churches is to offer live streaming video of services on the Internet. While Michiana Christian Em-
bassy has the resources to do that, Whittaker is unsure if he will take action. Whittaker said it can be useful for those who are homebound for whatever reason. But he argues that virtual services can never replace the intimacy of face-to-face gatherings. "I believe God puts good churches within walking distances of everybody," he said. Smith said while his church does not offer live streaming of services, Facebook has become somewhat of an online community for faith-centered discussion. "It's helpful to communicate different events. I also put a thought for the day every morning (on the Facebook page)," he said. Hoskins said the next big project for First Missionary Church in terms of technology is incorporating more in-house video into its services and on its website. "It's memorable. It sticks in people's minds," he said. "Most of the time we're trying to reinforce a lesson that people are going to take out of the church and into the workplace and into the home." While Whittaker, Smith, Hoskins and Holmes use varying levels of technology in their churches, they all agreed on one thing: The media cannot outweigh the message. "Technologies come and go but the word of God remains," Whittaker said. "It's all about the unchanging word of God whether on a scroll or a blog."
A tale of two churches Historical chapels share common bonds
Daily Star photo/xxxx
Leader photo/KATIE ROHMAN
The Old Rugged Cross Church, located in Pokagon, was built as a hops barn in 1862.
‘The hymn belongs to the world’
Smith’s Chapel, located in Milton Township, was built in 1840.
‘Focal point of the township’ By KATIE ROHMAN Leader Publications
By KATIE ROHMAN Leader Publications
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Daily Star photo/KATIE ROHMAN
The Old Rugged Cross Church and Smith’s Chapel are both on the state and national historic places registries.
or many decades, The Old Rugged Cross Church appeared long-forgotten, and it was. Its simple structure sagged. The building was home to hay instead of hymnals. Passersby saw a barn overgrown by weeds instead of a beacon to Christians worldwide. "It has the most unique history of any building I've every heard of," said Molly Shaffer of The Old Rugged Cross Foundation. "As a Christian, it's very important." The Pokagon church, while not extraordinary in its architecture, location or detailing, has become the landmark of one of the most-sung hymns in the Methodist faith and even Christianity as a whole: "The Old Rugged Cross." Famous artists such as Patsy Cline, Roy Rogers, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Elvis Presley and Johnny and June Carter Cash have sung the gospel song. Where exactly the hymn was written has not been determined, although many believe parts were written in Pokagon and Albion, Mich. It was first sung in its entirety on June 7, 1913 at the church in Pokagon. The church was actually built in 1862 as a hops barn. When the hops industry did not take off as expected, the farmer sold it in 1876 to a Methodist Episcopal congregation that had been meeting in members' homes. The Old Rugged Cross Church was only an operating church for 39 years. However, it would leave its mark on hymnals forever with one brief visit by a traveling evangelist, the Rev. George Bennard. The Rev. Leroy Bostwick asked Bennard to host a revival series at the Methodist Episcopal church in 1913.
See CROSS, Page 5
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If you built it, they will come” — the sentiment made popular by the baseball movie “Field of Dreams” — holds true for many structural endeavors. But what happens when “they" stop coming? Smith’s Chapel was organized in 1839 in Beardsley Prairie, now Milton Township, to fill a need in the southwest corner of Michigan Territory. A man named Cannon Smith had become discouraged with farming in Sussex County, Del. and left the state in 1828. While visiting his brother in
Ohio, he learned of desirable land in Michigan Territory. He stayed with the Ezra Bearsley family while searching for land. He found desirable property and returned to Delaware, where he sold his property and slaves, and then left with his wife and 10 children. They arrived in Bearsley Prairie two months later. Ann Brown, whose great-grandfather, Nicholas Follmer, helped construct the chapel, is chairwoman of the Smith’s Chapel Historical Commission. “They wanted to escape to a place where they could worship,” Brown said of the immigrants.
See SMITH’S, Page 6
Not the typical MC Niles rap artist bringing uplifting rhymes to youth By AARON MUELLER Leader Publications
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ay Massey II is a middle school teacher who once had the dream of being a computer programmer. He is a youth minister at his father's church. He likes jazz music and has an affection for vanilla soy lattes, according to his Twitter account. Not exactly the typical description of a rapper. To be sure, this Niles Christian lyricist is out of a different mold than the likes of 50 Cent, Lil Wayne or Kanye West, but his aspirations are just as lofty. "My mindset is certainly global," the Cassopolis high school and Western Michigan University graduate said. "But just like building a house, we're building a foundation." The foundation of his music career is being constructed in southwest Michigan, as Massey performs in churches and other venues throughout the area, often with his brother Justin and Michigan City MC Joel Hoffman. Working under his own label, 11th Hour Ministries, Massey will drop his debut self-produced record on Nov. 11 (11/11/11) with an album release party. Although Massey stays busy with his day job teaching at Three Rivers Middle School and working at New Beginnings Training and Outreach Center, he also has made time to perform at churches in South Bend, Elkhart and even as far as Pennsylvania. Discovering a gift But Massey is still very new to the game, having only been writing verses for about four years. He remembers his first attempt at penning lyrics while in college and the therapy it brought him. "I had gotten sick of the life I was living," he said. "I was getting tired of the partying and the women and everything. I remember sitting down one night and just started writing." The outcome was "Runnin' the Race," one of his favorite tracks to this day. "After I wrote my first verse, I started crying," he said. "I knew there was more to life than what I was living."
Brotherhood Ray Massey can't talk about rap without bragging on his younger brother. Justin Massey, a senior at Ross Beatty High School in Cassopolis. "He would listen to the tracks that I made and he would just start freestyling," Ray said. "The man is well-gifted in this area. Some of it is so good I thought he had written it down first." That was the beginning of Massey's spiritual journey of growing closer to God, which has overtaken his life, including his music. On a mission Since that first track, Massey has been on a mission to share his message at every gig he plays and with every verse he drops. "I'm not afraid to tell people my downfalls and struggles," he said. "It's those downfalls that I feel quite honestly God has used to allow me to talk to and capture youth in a way that others can't." Massey says his music is not about converting people to Christianity. "Christ makes conversions," he said. "God has just called me to lead and be a strong example. God has given me the ability to reach youth through music." Massey is also hoping to combat the negative messages of most mainstream rap with his positive flows. "A lot of the rappers get to the place where they will do anything for success, even at the cost of selling their soul," he said. "We're constantly battling all these rappers."
year with a performance in South Africa, set up by his rapping partner Joel Hoffman, who grew up there. Massey's rap trio will perform at a worship school in Capetown. Massey said his response has been "positive and uplifting" locally and it's just a matter of time before he takes his show on the road for good. "It's been nothing but green lights … go, go, go," he said. For more information about Massey and to listen to samples of his music, visit www.myspace.com/11thhourproductions.
Photo submitted
Cassopolis graduate Ray Massey II wants to “go global” with his message of faith. He works under his own label, 11th Hour Ministries, and plans to release an album Nov. 11.
Going global When Massey, a smalltown guy, talks about taking his music global, it might draw skepticism from many. But he will be taking a big step next Photo submitted
Ray Massey, a Niles Christian rap artist, performs for youth at churches throughout the area. His goal, however, is to take his music on tour. He will take a step in that direction when he performs in South Africa in 2012.
Bishop Bradley: ‘What I have heard and seen’ By JOHN EBY Leader Publications
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ishop Paul J. Bradley recently released his first pastoral letter to southwest Michigan’s Catholic community, “What I Have Heard and Seen.” This first pastoral letter from Bradley offers a synopsis of his impressions on the state of the Catholic Church in this region after his first year here and his hopes and vision for the future, Bradley drawing on his experiences visiting all 59 parishes and all of the 22 Catholic schools with 3,400 students and almost 400 teachers and administrators. “The church is alive in southwest Michigan!” he concludes. “Clearly, in these difficult economic days, our region faces many challenges; yet, I repeatedly and consistently saw signs of deep faith in so many of our people as they approach the challenges of everyday living — individually and collectively, as people of faith. “Shifting demographics in southwest Michigan have dramatically impacted our parishes,” the bishop observes. “Many have seen declining membership especially over the last decade. Schools (both Catholic and public) have closed for a variety of economic reasons, including school-age families moving out of the area. Unemployment rates vary from as low as 14 percent to as high as 45 percent in some parts of the diocese. There are many social needs which result from these ‘challenges’ and most of our parishes have creatively and generously found many ways of responding through a host of social outreach programs.” While the 59 parishes constitute “centers of hope,” Bradley writes, “In the midst of all my positive impressions, I also saw clearly that we are facing significant and challenging realities. There are parts of our diocese where people are suffering because of shifting demographics, declining parish membership and dwindling parish resources. There are also parts of our diocese where two parishes share one priest, and where the demands on the priest are increasing and becoming more difficult for them.” While the diocese is relatively young at four decades, some individual parishes have been established for centuries. “Thus,” according to Bradley, “parish property is aging and in need of major, but unaffordable, capital repairs and improvements. Due to the ailing national and regional economy, a number of our parishes face budgetary shortfalls, which diminish their ability to pay living wages to professional ministerial staff — or even to meet the cost of providing for their parish priest. A number of our dedicated priests are serving well beyond the age at which most people retire, and many of our retired priests are still ‘working’ hard,
“Many are concerned that other faith communities are attracting a number of our young people because of their perceived exciting and entertaining programs.” — The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley Bishop of Kalamazoo, a nine-county diocese he has led since 2009 providing substitute help for active priests when they are sick or have to be away from the parish. And sadly, I have also heard and seen Catholics who are for various reasons no longer practicing their faith.” In terms of “adult faith formation,” “There was much discussion about scheduling these types of programs in locations that are more accessible and possibly offering alternative media formats that people could use in their homes or access on the Internet.” As for reaching out to young people, “It was very encouraging to see that a number of our parishes have strong youth and young adult ministries,” according to Bishop Bradley, “but many parishes expressed the need for assistance in this area. “Too often, many young people — and, unfortunately, even their parents — feel that their religious education is complete once they receive the sacrament of Confirmation," Bradley said. "We must do all we can to counter this trend. Many of you are also concerned that other faith communities are attracting a number of our young people because of their perceived exciting and entertaining programs.” “Also noted,” he says, “was the growing obsession with sports programs and how it negatively affects faith and family life, religious education and even regular Mass attendance.” A colorful 18-page booklet was produced in both English and Spanish and distributed to all parishioners Nov. 14, 2010. Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Bradley is the fourth of the Diocese of Kalamazoo and was installed June 5, 2009. The booklet pictures him with the pontiff during a visit to Rome last May. Bradley, who writes a regular column in the diocesan Catholic newspaper, The Good News, “had to completely re-establish myself here” after being born, raised and lived his entire life as a priest and auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. “I have come to love this part of the country,” he says. “I love being so near to Lake Michigan and being surrounded by so many other lakes as well," Bradley said. "I love the cities, the small towns, and the rural and agricultural areas that make up our diocese. I love driving through these nine counties and seeing life wherever I look. I love the diversity of the nearly 1 million people who live here. I am so grateful to all
those who have helped me to establish myself here in southwest Michigan and learn the ‘lay of the land.’ ” Beginning in February, Bishop Bradley visits parishes and groups around the diocese for a series of programs, “Conversations with the Bishop,” focusing on major themes addressed in his letter. Pastoral letters, which date back to early church history, are written and released by bishops to the entire Catholic community as a teaching vehicle. In "What I Have Heard and Seen,"Bradley draws on interactions and consultations with priests as well as groups within the Catholic community, which numbers more than 100,000. “It is my hope that by this time next year,” he concludes, “we will be able to formalize a diocesan vision for the future together, with established priorities, goals and particular objectives that will guide and help us continue to clearly hear Jesus’ Good News as we remain faithful to our mission of ‘following daily in His footsteps,’ and continue to see the signs, effects and good works that reflect God’s abiding presence with us.” In the introduction section of the three-part letter, Bradley focuses on 10 major areas of concerns raised by parishioners, including engaging a new generation into the faith and embracing the growing Hispanic/Latino community. These concerns reflect input voiced by parishioners at open meetings as well as input gathered from submitted questionnaires. In part two, “Initiatives to Help Us Hear and See,” Bradley summarizes key structural processes and procedures already implemented during his first year as shepherd of the diocese. The third and most robust section of the letter, “Into the Future,” Bradley sketches details of his commitment and vision statements for the diocese. As he concludes his first pastoral letter, Bradley offers hope for a growing and vibrant church and a promise to finalize and formalize a diocesan vision upon the 40th anniversary of the diocese July 21 with established long-term priorities, goals and objectives. "What I Have Heard and Seen" is available on the diocesan website: www.dioceseofkalamazoo.org. Bradley’s Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo was founded in 1971 when the Second Vatican Council called for creation of smaller dioceses so bishops could be more available to the people they serve.
Today it encompasses 5,337 square-miles of nine counties: Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph and Branch. Concerns, listed in random order, include adult faith formation, youth and young adult ministry, Catholic schools, vocations to the priesthood, evangelization, Hispanic/Latino integration into parish life, challenges resulting from current economic crisis, select societal issues, liturgical concerns and a sense of “belonging” to the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Vision statements “It is my vision that the Church in Kalamazoo will speak out in defense of marriage as God intended it to be be,” Bishop Bradley writes in No. 7 of 12 “vision statements,” “for the procreation of children and for the well-being of the man and woman living the covenant of marriage; and that vital resources, including nationally proven programs, will be enlisted to support, enrich and encourage marriages at every stage so that they are strengthened in their sacramental vows. Additionally, I would encourage and support the outreach to separated and divorced Catholics so that they may be comforted through this time of challenge in their lives.” “It is my vision with regard to our Hispanic/Latino sisters and brothers that our diocese and every one of its parishes will be a place of welcome — an integrated community of faithful Christians of every race, language and way of life,” he writes in No. 10. He adds in No. 11: “Additionally, it is my vision that we see each of our sisters and brothers with the eyes of God and recognize them as children of God created in His image regardless of their race or country of origin. We must do everything we can to provide pastoral care for all our fellow Catholics in our parishes and throughout our diocese, including those who have ‘fallen away.’ “It is my vision,” he says in No. 12, “that all our parishes, every member of our faithful, and all our Catholic institutions and agencies will take seriously the journey of faith on which Jesus is leading each of us — to be His loving and compassionate presence with the least of our sisters and brothers, those who are hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, ill, in prison, or in any kind of need.” His first vision in regard to the Word of God and evangelization is “that all our parishes, or parishes joined together within the Deanery, would provide catechetical programs for both young people and adults that directly address the Scriptures as taught and lived in the Catholic Church. Every parish/parishes should provide some form of Bible study within our Catholic tradition.” “In my vision for the diocese, I would hope, beginning with the bishop, that every pastor, priest and deacon, every liturgical minister and every member of the faithful will do everything we can to encourage and foster great devotion to the Eucharist,” Bishop Bradley states in No. 3. “I would also hope that each parish’s budget and other resources would reflect the priority that the celebration of the Eucharist is for them in their daily life.”
Saylor’s melodic ministry lifts up Liberty “I believe God’s going to give us our next facility, but at the same time I believe he expects you to take what you’ve got now and make the most of it.” — Mark Saylor Pastor of Liberty Chapel, which moved from Mill Street to Dewey By JOHN EBY Leader Publications
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unday morning worship service before Christmas at Liberty Chapel starts like a rock concert, with a jam by a quartet of guitars, organ and drums setting an excited mood before words intrude. Three of the four are Pastor Mark Saylor at the keyboard and sons Matt and Mark on bass and guitar, with Dave Stroup on drums. When the choir ascends a stairway the congregation can’t see, the women, including Mark’s older sister, Pam, seem to materialize out of thin air. The groove escalates into rollicking, exuberant gospel music often associated with a black church. Whites and blacks worship in the same pews at Liberty in boisterous exchanges with their passionate Pentecostal preacher. As morning melts into early afternoon, children are dispatched downstairs until the soup potluck luncheon with everything from bean to lobster bisque and a multitude of holiday desserts. Saylor must go through many white handkerchiefs because in his animated presentation, he covers more ground than Phil Donahue and is constantly mopping perspiration from his brow. He’s consantly giving damp hugs to his flock, who clearly adore him. Like church Secretary Kristi DesRosiers, who teaches at Southwestern Michigan College. She presents him a collection taken for him for Christmas apart from the passing of the offering plate. “I feel so honored to be a part of this,” she says. “God is good to this church. He’s really showed us His favor and His love. Mark talked about Him revealing Himself. He has done that here. You can tangibly feel the spirit of the Lord. Every year at Christmas time we try to honor our pastor with a token gift collected in this card from church members. Do you love your pastor?” Enough to give him a standing ovation. “I thank you, God, for this man’s wisdom and leadership,” she continued. “Sometimes Mark makes decisions we don’t always understand. As we enter into a new year, let’s all press in and seek that deeper, closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Lift up our pastor, support him as best we can and watch this church grow and watch what the Lord has in store for us. “I loved his message this morning of stepping aside to let God do wonderful things," she said. "Let us be a beacon and a light for the City of Dowagiac. Mark has a heart for souls. He lives it each and every day by the things he does. A lot of us would be surprised to find out what Mark goes through, so I am so thankful. I praise God for sending a man our way who is willing to do work most of us couldn’t do. We love you, Mark.” “On Sunday mornings at Liberty Chapel we are trying to drop some seeds, some nuggets of gold, into your life,” Saylor said, “and tell you you are made in the likeness and image of God. God loves you enough that He was willing to give his own son. The Bible says He will reveal himself unto you. I’m just a man like you are. What was Jesus like? Jesus was willing to forgive, willing to love and willing to reach out to those everybody else gave up on." Music lights the fuse and gets things moving. And it’s music that brings the message home, including more traditional tunes, including one reminiscent of Elvis Presley and “Silent Night,” reprising the holiday program from Saturday night.
A woman named Rhonda gives testimony about the last eight years of her life after doctors gave her three to six months to live. “They gave up on me, but I didn’t know that until two years later," she said. "God has a plan. I don’t know what it is for me, but I want to do his will. A lot of times we’re scared by what God might have us do. I’ve held back and I haven’t done what I think I should, so I want my church to pray for me and my family. Losses we’ve suffered here lately have really gotten me down. I try to keep it hid, but God knows. I talk to Him every day. I could not have made it through this without Him, I know that. I know my loss is not as great as Dave’s. That was his mother. But the hurt and emptiness are still there. I’ll be what God wants me be — mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, church member, grandmother — not what Rhonda wants.” Saylor dedicates “Peace in the Valley” to her. Seated behind Robin Saylor and her parents are a woman and her daughters in red Christmas frocks who journeyed here from Grand Junction in northern Van Buren County; her brother Ryan is remembered with a tattoo on the back of her neck. Ryan was a 21-year-old DUHS 2006 graduate who was Walter and Tracy’s son, her older brother. Ryan lost his life in an Aug. 10, 2008 auto accident on Rudy Road in Wayne Township. The church moved its third annual revival last summer to Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center. Ryan’s revival moved to DMS PAC “The reason we’re having the concert at the middle school auditorium,” Saylor explained at the time, “is we want to attract people, promote unity and get them to come into someplace that isn’t a traditional church atmosphere and be uplifted. I invited probably 20 other churches. That’s another good thing about having it a neutral environment. We’re not promoting Liberty Chapel; we’re promoting the Lord Jesus Christ, lifting up people’s spirits and edifying people’s hearts. “People are not going to get a great big dose of Pastor Mark," he said. "I’m going to try and enjoy myself. Matter of fact, I’m going to try and kick back and relax. I’ve been mentored along by Bishop Daryll Williams from Covert Lily of the Valley Church. He’s amazing. He’s going to have his powerful gospel choir and be the keynote speaker on Friday night. My own daughter, Catelynn, 15, is a phenomenal singer. What a talented soloist. God has just blessed me with her. My son Mark is a great musician. Matt is a great drummer.” “In December 2009, God blessed Liberty Chapel with choir director Dave Stroup, whom we knew from winning speed drumming competititons,” he said. “He heard our young people and said, ‘These people can sing. You could really do something here.’ “God laid it on his heart and you could not ask for anyone more faithful. This was (brother) Tim’s home church before he passed away. I spoke at his funeral. Dave has been a blessing to this church. He can see it in the raw clay before there’s a pretty sculpture. We needed a choir for the Christmas play, so we put one together. We ended up with some robes. It turned out so great, we kept the robes, then when the choir got established, they had a fundraising dinner to buy new choir robes. God has miraculously touched this church so many times.” Ryan Saylor was Mark’s cousin and a member of Liberty Chapel. “He had the most bubbly personality,” Mark says, recalling the outpouring at
Leader photo/JOHN EBY
The choir performs at Liberty Chapel.
Leader photo/JOHN EBY
Pastor Mark Saylor of Liberty Chapel in Dowagiac performs during a service. Ryan’s funeral at Apostolic Lighthouse. “It was so full, they were standing along the walls,” Saylor said. “It was packed with a diverse crowd, young and older. An older black man had worked with Ryan and he had to walk up and say something about his buddy Ryan who never walked by without saying a kind word or hugging him. He spoke about how Ryan touched his life.” Since Easter 2008, Liberty Chapel, its name inspired by his mother from the bell steeple at 112 North Mill St., where it started, mushroomed from six members, pushing the nursery to the lower level. That’s why he looked at the vacant block where Jessup Door stood on East Railroad Street and saw a potential location for a new, larger Liberty Chapel that
could seat 300 to 400 worshippers. Mark, who graduated from Decatur High School in 1990, works at Kalamazoo Valley Community College as an electrician. Now, thanks to Saylor’s music ministry hitting so many right notes, the sanctuary looks as though a concert is ready to begin. “We came in here with a lot of elbow grease and backbone” and a desire for diversity,” he said. “We revived it and brought it back to life. Some of the old members who came to this church before came back. When they came in, they were just excited to see that God was blessing in this building once again. Some who came back made this their home church again.” “God has given us a great problem,”
Saylor continued. “He’s given us too little space, but we’re trying to take what he’s given us and make the most with it and be good stewards. What’s amazing about our growth is that it’s not a result of pulling some church members from over here or somebody’s membership over there and trying to glean from other churches to build this church. We got involved with Chaplain Carl Ross at Forgotten Man Ministries.” A church member who works at Special Lite in Decatur made new front doors with cross windows in them. “A lot of work needs to be done. I believe God’s going to give us our next facility, but at the same time I believe he expects you to take what you’ve got now and make the most of it,” Saylor said.
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CROSS Continued from page 2 Bennard had been writing a hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross." He was staying at a house on Kansas Street, near the church. He brought it with him to services, where it was sung. After three weeks, he moved on to other congregations throughout Michigan before settling in Reed City, where The Old Rugged Cross Museum was eventually built. In 1915, the Methodist congregation moved into the former Baptist church across the street and sold its building to a farmer. It would stay in that farmer's family for more than 80 years. The Old Rugged Cross Church, as it was later named, almost never came to be. A member of the farmer's family wanted to re-open the building as The Old Rugged Cross Saloon. However, after a change of heart, he sold it for $10,000 to Bob and Molly Shaffer in July 1998. The Shaffers formed a foundation to restore the non-denominational church, and have been fundraising ever since. "The hymn belongs to the world," Molly said. "We really very strongly felt God wanted this done. He used this project a lot to touch lives." The church is very important to the Shaffers, who are in their 13th year of restoration. They, like Smith's Chapel in Milton Township, have hired contractor Dale Lehman of Berrien Springs to restore the historic building. "The church was near collapse," Bob said. "The architect said it was a year, year and a half before collapsing." The Old Rugged Cross Church is privately-owned, which means jumping more hurdles to establish historic registry and obtain funding. "We are treated as a national treasure," Molly said, explaining that the church was also recognized by "Save America's Treasures," a program started by Hillary Clinton and Susan Eisenhower. Molly and Bob, however, are not concerned about landing large federal grants or other handouts. "I believe God doesn't want us getting money that way," Molly said. "…We really decided upfront it's been God's will." The Shaffers also believe that accepting government grants would mean handing over control of the church to the government. But not pursuing grants has not halted restoration. In fact, money has trickled in from around the
Leader photo/KATIE ROHMAN
Bob and Molly Shaffer bought what would become The Old Rugged Cross Church in 1998. About $600,000 in restoration has been put into the building.
Leader photo/KATIE ROHMAN
“The Old Rugged Cross” was first sung publically in Pokagon, Mich. Today, it is sung around the world in many different languages. world, much of it from people who have never seen the church in person, although tours bring in people from many different countries. About 4,600 people from around the world are on the church's mailing list. "We've received as little as a dollar in an envelope," Bob said. Lehman even paid his workers out-of-pocket when the church ran out of money during one part of the project. When the Shaffers were ready to begin the first phase of restoration, they had $20,000, but the project was estimated at $60,000. Lehman only asked for $5,000 upfront. "It's been a journey ever since,"
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Bob said. "Presently, we have no debt." The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, Inc., incorporated in 1998, has a 99-year lease on the building, and purchased the church back from Pokagon United Methodist Church in December 2002 for $1, making the church officially owned by the ORCF. A hefty sum of $600,000 has been invested in the building so far, an amazing feat given that many people told the Shaffers the building was not worth saving. "When we first started, nobody thought we would succeed," Molly said. One contractor even recommended they tear the building down; the results of a feasibility
study said the same. "They didn't understand this isn't a local project," Molly said. "We are getting support from all over the world." "We weren't going to tear it down," Bob said. The first phase began two years after the purchase. "The sanctuary will be 1913 in appearance when completed," Bob said. Restoration has been slow but sure. A furnace and air conditioning system were installed in November, and the building is winterized. A separate building was constructed to house restrooms and a dressing room for weddings. A garden was established behind the church. The Old Rugged Cross Memorial Garden was designed by Andrews University students. Wooden shutters were covering the windows, which were made of painted glass with a leaded joint — not stained glass. A company in Aurora, Ill. is currently restoring
two windows at $11,000 each. The lower level was formerly the kitchen and the upper level was the Sunday School. The top story can no longer be used regularly because of its narrow, precarious staircase. A sub-floor currently serves as the sanctuary floor; before, it was a hardwood floor with no subfloor. Molly would like to put up cedar shingles instead of the metal ones, but labor is very expensive. There are also plans to drywall the kitchen area. In the sanctuary, 152 chairs line the floor. "Our contractor wants to make the pews," Molly said, and take donations per pew. The lack of pews, however, does not prevent locals from filling the church during its regular Hymn Sings, which will begin again in May. The last Hymn Sing of 2010 was Dec. 5, and snow didn't keep people away. Using "Hymns for the Family of God" hymnals donated by a St. Joseph, Mich. church, Hymn Sing
participants request favorite traditional hymns, which are accompanied by an organ. The second to last hymn is always "The Old Rugged Cross;" the last is always "The Lord's Prayer." The Shaffers said they have heard "The Old Rugged Cross" sung in many different languages. What is it about "The Old Rugged Cross" that touches so many people? "(It has a) simple harmony and simple words that connect with the common people," Molly said. "A lot of younger folks have never heard this. It still has a valid place in our Christian growth. There's still a sermon to be told in every verse of the song." The Old Rugged Cross Church is located on Vermont Street in Pokagon, off the Pokagon Highway. To learn more about The Old Rugged Cross Church, e-mail orcf@aol.com; call (269) 6834540; or visit www.theoldruggedcross foundation.org.
SMITH’S Continued from page 2 On July 1, 1839, the First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Milton was formally organized in the Smiths’ schoolhouse. Trustees obtained a carpenter, James Taylor, to construct a church building in 1840. W. S. Beswick was hired to remodel and modernize the church. The building cost approximately $1,200 and it was named Smith’s Chapel because of Cannon Smith’s involvement in the project: he donated the land for the building. In 1840, Smith’s Chapel was one of only 14 Methodist Church buildings in Michigan; it is the only one of those 14 remaining and is believed to be the oldest building in Cass County. “It’s our one claim to fame,” said Brown, a Milton Township resident and Edwardsburg High School graduate. “This was the focal point of the whole township when it started. It can (still) be used as a voting area, large town meetings.” The adjoining cemetery grounds were purchased in 1872 and many remains and monuments of early settlers, including those of the Smiths, moved from family plots to this ground. The first wedding was held at the chapel in 1872. A Sunday School was established in 1862 with 58 students; no class was held in the winter. The early Methodist tradition banned musical instruments; eventually, a used organ was donated and a new organ was purchased in 1907 for $42.25. A piano was purchased for $100 in 1915 and was used until the chapel discontinued services. Brown explained that in the early days, men entered the church on one side and women on the other; they also sat on opposite sides. The church elders sat in the “Amen Corner,” which was one corner of pews next to the pulpit. “I remember that when I was little, my grandfather and father sat there,” Brown said. A lack of dedicated lay persons and a dwindling congregation caused the chapel to close in 1967. Only four members were in attendance at the final service. The chapel stood abandoned for five years before it was sold to Milton Township for $1, with the provision the building not be used regularly for religious services. The Smith’s Chapel Historical Society was organized in 1972. It was named a state historic site in 1981 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. In 2009, about $135,000-worth of improvements were completed to the chapel’s floors and foundation in a four-year project. Dale Lehman, a builder from Berrien Springs who is also restoring The Old Rugged Cross Church in Pokagon, Mich., was brought on board for the extensive restoration. “The man is a treasure. There is nothing he doesn’t know about historical restoration,” Brown said. Lyman even numbered the pews and wooden boards for the stage before taking them out to repair the floor. Many items in the chapel are original — like the floor boards in the foyer — and others are remnants of previous restoration projects, like wall tile donated in the 1920s. Flooring was replaced due to termite and powder post beetle damage. “The floor was squishy,” Brown said. “You could feel it flex.” Smith’s Chapel was officially closed in 2005 for restoration. The chapel was completed and reopened in September 2009. Because Smith’s Chapel is owned by the government, it makes it easier to obtain historical designation and fund restoration. However, it also must meet state requirements. A handicap accessibility ramp was built in the back of the church into the pulpit area. The chapel consulted Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home in Edwardsburg about width specifications for caskets. A shed was originally located behind the chapel for parking horses. The building is gone, but Brown wants to re-build a similar structure for restrooms and a dressing room for weddings. Two funerals and one wedding were held in 2010. Two open houses are held per year: one in early summer and one in September. The biggest event of the year is the annual Christmas program, held the first Saturday in December. Music, stories and Santa Claus pack Smith’s Chapel for the event. Smith Chapel is located at 29858 Redfield Rd., Niles, between Brush and Fir roads. To book an event, contact Ann Brown at (269) 932-5242 or email smithchapelhi@aol.com. The church also has a website, www.miltontwp.org/smithchapel.aspx.
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Leader photos/KATIE ROHMAN
(Above) The tombstone of Smith’s Chapel founder Cannon Smith. (Right) Smith’s Chapel Historical Commission chairwoman Ann Brown.