Community Church of God

Community Church of God Weekly Schedule:
Sundays
---Sunday School - 9:45am
---Morning Service - 11:00am


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A History of the Community Church of God

The Church of “Reformation Movement” was begun over one hundred years ago in 1880 under the ministry of Daniel S. Warner and other pioneers. They originally did not intend to establish a new ‘denomination’, but their firm ideas about such basic doctrines as salvation, sanctification, holy living, and unity made them reformers in their time. Through their ministry many small congregations were started in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

In the early 1900’s, there was Church of God congregation started in East Jordan, which was pastored by Rev. Julia Crowell. This congregation grew out of an annual camp meeting, which was started in 1892 three miles south of Ironton on the east side of the lake, across from Holy Island. In 1899, the camp meeting location was moved to Ironton, and then in 1906 to its present location two-and-a-half miles south of Charlevoix. The property was purchased from Mr. Marlborough Nixon. At this time a congregation was formed and worship services were held regularly in a building on the campgrounds, with Rev. Winters as the first pastor of the church.

About ten years later, during the ministry of Rev. Pontious, the congregation decided to move into tow to its present location. The property was donated by Mrs. Mary Wyers, and construction of a small building was begun in the spring of 1917. The church building was build of small field stones, and all labor was donated. After the building was dedicated in the fall of 1917, the congregation began worshipping in Charlevoix.

In 1937, during the ministry of Rev. Pulsipher, the sanctuary was enlarged to a seating capacity of about 150, with opera-type seats, and the building retained its stone appearance. In 1947, during the ministry of Rev. Wood, a fellowship hall and kitchen were added to the rear of the property. In 1953, during the ministry of Rev. Majors, Sunday School rooms were added onto the west end of the fellowship hall, and additional restrooms were installed. In 1964, two houses west of the parsonage were purchased. In 1972, during the ministry of Rev. Long, the church basement was renovated and five Sunday School rooms and a nursery were built. In 1974, during the ministry of Rev. Seibert, the church sanctuary was enlarged to its present seating capacity of about 300, and the building changed in appearance from a stone structure to a modern wooden structure. In 1978, during the ministry of Rev. Hastings, the Sunday School rooms in the new basement wing were completed.

From 1985 through 1998, during the ministry of Rev. Bruce Hamilton the following changes or improvements were made. A new communion table with candlesticks, cross, and pulpit bible; a new sound system and wireless microphone and a hearing enhanced system with 4 receivers, a Clavanova and organ, and new hymnals and pew Bibles were all purchased for the sanctuary. Nurseries, library, and restrooms were renovated, as well as new carpeting throughout most of the church and new upholstery for the pews. In 1989 we celebrated the burning of the church mortgage with great joy! In the fellowship hall the fireplace was converted from wood to gas burning. The exterior of the church was painted, the roof repaired, all of the windows in the old part of the church were replaced, and the parking lot enlarged and resurfaced. A church bell tower was constructed and dedicated in memory of Delora Richardson. A handicap ramp was built in the fellowship hall, making the sanctuary wheelchair accessible and also a handrail installed on the stairs of the entryway. The church office was up-dated with the purchase of a new copy machine and computer system. Improvements were also made to the kitchen with the purchase of a new range and refrigerator. A new Wednesday night outreach program for children called “Lighthouse Brigade was started.

During the interim pastorate of Steve Guthrie, a new parking lot light was installed and the computer system for the office was up-graded.

With the beginning of the ministry of Rev. Neil Turner in October 1999, a new sound booth was constructed, new banners for the sanctuary, and new office furniture and equipment have been purchased.

Many hundreds of lives have been touched through the years by the ministry of the Community church of God. For our rich heritage . . . to God be the glory!


Pastors of the Community Church of God

1. Rev. Winters 1906-1910 (at Camp Ground)
2. Rev. Lavern Tillotson 1910-1911 (at Camp Ground)
3. Rev. Allen G. Pontious 1911-1921
4. Rev. William Eldredge 1921-1926
5. Rev. Paul June 1926-1927
6. Rev. George Pye 1927-1929
7. Rev. I. T. Mark 1929-1934
8. Rev. C. A. Stewart 1934-1936
9. Rev. H. J. Pulsipher 1937-1942
10. Rev. Wilfred D. Wood 1942-1952
11. Rev. George L. Majors 1952-1969
12. Rev. Wayne Olinghouse 1970-1971
13. Rev. John Long 1971-1973
14. Rev. William P. Seibert 1973-1977
15. Rev. Walter G. Hastings 1978-1985
16. Rev. Bruce E. Hamilton 1985-1998
17. Rev. Stephen Guthrie (interim) 1999 (9 months)
18. Rev. Neil K. Turner 1999-to present