First Congregational Church – Historical Marker (1999)

Soon after white settlers came to the area in 1856, J.K. Miller held religious gatherings at the home of Daniel and Sarah Carter. These meetings evolved in the First Congregational Church which was organized on March 2, 1862, with the Reverend Charles G. Brisbee as pastor. Deacon Samuel Hitchcock, Alpena developer and a charter member of the church, promoted the acceptance of people of all faiths. The first church was built on this site in 1868. Jesse and Anna Besser donated funds for the present concrete masonry church built in 1955. In 1961 the congregation joined the United Church of Christ.

Height 6.4′ – width 3.6′

Artist/Design – Bureau of Michigan History Michigan Department of State

Medium/Material – Historic architecture historical marker

Information provided by Thunder Bay Art Council & Gallery, Tim Kuehnlein