The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-05-02

the church was filled and people
were coming from every direction.
Mr.. Ebling and Mr.. Cook came from
Ypsilaati, and Mr.. Rose came from
Belleville. Mr.. Cook kept the people
singing until time for service. The
church was dedicated by Rev. p. J.
Hudson, the presiding elder.
After the service, blackboard
was presented upon which a brick
wall appeared, made up OF so bricks.
II was stated that this wall repre-
scented a debt OF $500 which was a
barrier to all success and must be
demolished and that everyone who
would give 80 towards liquidating
the debt would take one brick from
the wall. II was received as a chal-
lenge, and the wall was speedily
wiped out. The people with one ac-
cord rejoiced greatly as the church
was dedicated to the worship OF
God.
In the evening another picture
was on the board. 1t meant new
organ. One hundred dollars was
raised and new chapel organ was
IN the church the next sabbath.
Rev. L. l.. DuPuise, Ontario. Can,
was appointed pastor and proved
himself very capable in this capa-
city. He was well liked and built
up a strong spiritual membership.
He received $500 a year salary,
out of which he paid his expenses.
He lived at the home OF Richard
Walters for three years. Six months
before the expiration OF tina: time
he brought his bride to Willis.
The first Sunday School superin
tendent was Ed Tabor. William
Thorn taught a class OF boys and
acted as janitor. Kerosene lamps
were used and Mr.. Thorn felt no one
could trim those lamps as well az
he. SO he always made that his
job.
Sheds For Horses
AS winter commenced to draw
near, the need of sheds for the
horses was felt. Every man wins
wanted a rsof over his horse on
Sunday paid 10 his own shed
which was s35 or $40. Ten people
subscribed to the cause.
The church was built, but In nc
way did the zeal of members slack
en-. They continued their suppers
entertainment and socials and il
June, 1894. the Annex Tor Hall as
1t was then Called was added
There were no funds, but with
Gods gulde-post reckoning on, they
went forward. The Hall was dedi
Gated with a chicken supper which
netted $51.02.
Those stout hearted men ant
women must work harder than ever
now II the work was to go forward
The membership was growing anG
the Ladies Aid had passed beyond
its original thirteen members tC
thirty-one. After the passing OF q
few years some of the older mem
bers went to their Heavenly home
others moved away, but new people
filled in. Children grew to take W
the, work which their elders had SC
ably started. At no time did the
community interest in the churcl
die.
Stony Creek and West Sumptel
were on the Willis charge and tn,
minister resided in Stony Creek
About ten years later. lot which
had been donated by Charles Teller
Sr.. for a parsonage. was sold anC
the proceeds applied on the pur
chase price Of the present parson
age, which was bought of Elijah
Darling. This was another large
undertaking. but true to their pur,
pose, church members went on add.
ing a little more work which they
willingly undertook.
In the winter of 1906 a woodshed
was added to the northwest corner
of the annex.
Lamps Replaced
Time has been marching on. In