Metamora History -- Pilgrim Orthodox Presbyterian Church

By Patty Banfield
Posted Thursday, April 17, 2008

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The Pilgrim Orthodox Presbyterian Church was the second church to be established in the village, and the first meeting minutes are dated March 13, 1878. At a meeting on July 1, 1878 the congregation extended a call to Rev. M.A. Bullock to become the church family’s first Pastor. To this day Rev. Bullock remains carved into the church’s history with his name on the church bell.

The Gothic-style building, with its tall belfry and the steeple at the top of the 60-foot-tall pinnacle, was dedicated by the congregation on Dec. 2, 1878 on the original donated land at 58 W. High St. Beautiful stained glass windows adorn the current building, replacing the plainer, painted leaded windows in 1941. Newer pews that seat 175 for a full service, lights, and a grand pipe organ were added in the 1960s. The main sanctuary stands virtually unaltered, including a very old antique clock that hangs on the wall, and is only wound once a week on Sunday for service.

Rev. Rod Thole was named the full-time pastor in February of this year, after serving as the interim pastor for two years, making the drive from Grand Rapids to Metamora each week for Sunday Services. Rev. Thole shared with me that the congregation called upon a group of Amish craftsmen from the Marlette area to complete the exterior restorations. The church drew upon its own maintenance budget for the expense, and the results are absolutely beautiful.

Rev. Thole said that there are plans for replacing the very old carpets in the original sanctuary; lighting is also being looked at for updating, without losing the original grandeur of the existing lighting fixtures.

There remains a large hole in the north wall of the sanctuary just below the vaulted ceiling, where the church’s antique Felgemaker pipe organ will eventually be re-installed, once its restorations are complete.

This grand historic house of worship is well worth the efforts to keep restored for many more generations to have the opportunity to attend services, enjoy fellowship, and appreciate the history that it has to offer.

If you have not seen this historic jewel, it is worth the time, and a real pleasure to attend a service some Sunday morning. Rev. Thole and the congregation will welcome you with open arms and hearts. For services information, call 810-678-2171 or visit http://pilgrim.lapeer.org. — Patty Banfield