Reverend Steele was succeeded in 1861 by the Reverend A.A. Darling, who
conducted the first revival services ever held in the city.

Ours was the first church building to be erected in Manistee.
This was in 1862 on First Street, a few doors west of Spruce Street.

Several pastors followed until 1881, when Reverend George Haight was
appointed. When he arrived he found no parsonage to move into, and no
church to preach in, the church having been sold by the Society to pay
it's debts. He rallied the discouraged members and it was decided to
purchase the property on First Street just east of Maple Street, where
the church now stands.

A church was built on this property and from that
time, the Methodist Church has been prosperous; it's membership numbers
several hundred, it's pastors have been men of great ability and high character.

The Scandinavian Methodist Church, located at 340 Fifth Street,
came into being due to the large number of Scandinavians who
emigrated to Manistee. The church was connected with the Methodist
Episcopal Church proper, the only distinction being that the services
were conducted in the Scandinavian tongue.

Rev. Gustavson was the first pastor and held services in the old
Maxwelltown schoolhouse in August of 1878. On Christmas day 1878 a
chapel costing $1,500. was opened for the first time. During the
pastorate of Rev. A. Hansen, a new church was built and dedicated.
Rev. Iver T. Slaatte was the pastor of the church and was associated
with Rev. Stanford Closson for several years following the uniting
of the two congregations in 1951, which then became the Methodist
Church. The move brought together many fine Christians who were
willing to work to have a more effective witness to the community.

In March 1962, the Educational Building was completed and consecration
services were held in May, with Bishop Reed as speaker. In June 1973
the congregation voted to build a new church due to the poor condition
of the structure and bricks. A farewell concert was performed by the
Choir on Feb. 3. The old structure was demolished on February 4, 1974.

Services were held in the Ramsdell Theater until January 26, 1975,
when worship services were resumed in the new sanctuary. On December 24,
a huge Christmas tree was put up in the yet unfinished sanctuary,
chairs were borrowed from the High School, and a candlelight service
took place at 11:00pm among great joy and expectation.