History

The small white church house on the corner of State and Stutsmanville Roads dates back to 1913. Dunkard pioneers came from Elkhart, Indiana in approximately 1890 and settled in Friendship Township, Emmet County, Michigan. John Stutsman (a Brethren minister) had 3 sons who started a sawmill with vision of a community. The community was originally called Stutsman's Ville.

As the community bonded, there was much excitement about the possible purchase of a Catholic Church building in Cross Village. Beginning in 1913, it would take three winters to dismantle the building and haul it on sleighs from Cross Village to its current location. History speaks of working in the freezing cold and wind of Lake Michigan, straightening nails for reuse, and the difficult awkward balanced loads hauled by horses. It was an exciting day when everyone welcomed the steeple. The reconstruction of the building was completed three years later.

In recent years, three pastors have had the privilege of ministering in the original church-house. Willis Miller 1954-1960 (approximately), a young pastor from northern Indiana, Menno Kuhns 1961-1974 (approximately), another young pastor from Indiana, and Ed Warner 1974 - present. Ed was born and raised here, mentored by Menno, become the youth pastor and is now the senior pastor.

After 5 years in planning, the construction started on a bigger building in 1979. Ed and the deacons led all volunteer crews of men, women and children. Dedication was held on August 30, 1981. A new era of Christ's service began, as we had more room to invite others and reach out with Christ's love. In 2002, the original building was renamed "The Great Escape" and is used for Youth Ministry.

God has been so gracious to Stutsmanville Chapel. The stories the walls told from both buildings are of His love and mission for us.