Edgewood Church of God - 160 S. Barry Road - Ithaca, MI  48847 - Phone: 989-875-3607
Our Church's History Part 1
Edgewood Church of God Online
The Hamilton Church of God emerged
from a humble beginning. In 1882 the first
worship services were held in Barton
School House or in homes of the church
families
The efforts of this determined group led to
the first "Campmeeting" held in 1883 in the
woods of the Silas Hill Farm, Section 3,
Hamilton Township.
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Old Barton School House
Silas Hill Family: FR - Silas, Grace,
Lucy. BR - Ed, Frank, Minnie
D.S. Warner (founder of our Church of
God Movement) was one of the five
evangelists who came to preach the gospel
in a rural community that was spiritually
receptive. Gods message went forth and
the great heritage of our present church
took root.
In the year 1884, the original plot of one
acre of ground was given by Godfrey
Aumaugher on a 99 year lease for a church
building and a horse stable.
D.S. Warner Family
Godfrey Aumaugher
The timber was donated by E.M. Potter
and a saw mill in the community sawed the
timber, free of charge. The men worked
without pay for their labor. The "Old Log
Church" was located nine miles east and
one mile south of Ithaca in Hamilton
Township.
Mrs. Louisa Moore was the first regular
pastor. She served in that capacity for
about forty years, 1884-1924
"Old Log Church" and Horse
Stable
Louisa and Will Moore
Rev. Ech then served for one year followed by Rev. J.C. Thompson who was the pastor
for the next five years.
Rev. Ech
Rev. J.C. Thompson, wife Phoebe, and
children
There have been two different parsonages
on the same plot of land near Sickles.
Between 1929 and 1932 the first home was
destroyed by fire. A new parsonage was
built under the direction of Archie
Aumaugher and Will Smith. Ernest
Thomas, who was a teenager at the time,
was hired by several members of the
congregation to help with the construction.
In 1929 Rev. Sam Brooks came to serve as
pastor. He served three years. He was
followed by Rev. Walter Shriner in 1932.
The First Parsonage
Walter and Daisy Shriner
In early 1937 it was decided that a new church building would be erected. On March 2, 1937, the motion was made and supported that
construction be started in the summer. It was also decided that this would be a frame building
March 16, 1937 it was decided to build the main church building 76 feet by 36 feet.
July 27, 1937 it was decided to change the size of the church to 70 feet by 36 feet. It was also decided to veneer with full brick.
December 7, 1937 bids were taken and discussion was held concerning the furnace.
February 2, 1938; decided to finish shingling and also decided to build a belfry. Marian Roush was given the privilege of soliciting for the
windows. More logs were needed and it was decided to have them cut as soon as possible. Trees were donated by Will Keiser, Wayne
Hull, and Charles Thomas. Lumber for this building was sawed by Chris and Albert Wymer at their sawmill just west of Edgewood.
March 3, 1938 decided to sheet the sidewalls then plaster them.
March 19, 1938 there was considerable discussion at this time concerning whether window should be cased or not. Decided to enclose
rooms under the balcony. Decided to purchase "Good Shepherd Window" at a cost of $250.00 for the front of the church. Decided
Archie Aumaugher would do the wiring. Motion was made and supported that we borrow $2500 for 5 years carried.
In the 30's, during the guidance of Rev. Shriner, the following people were members of the Building Committee and/or the Church
Board: Dean Hill - Chairman, Earl Weaver - Secretary, Will Keiser, Wayne Hull, Marian Roush, Daisy Shriner, and Archie Aumaugher.
Good Shepherd Window
April 18, 1938 Building Committee met with Mr. Burnham who offered to
lay the brick and furnish the scaffolding for $12.00 per thousand. Offer
accepted.
May 3, 1938 decided to take a quantity of red oak lumber to Saginaw and
have it kiln dried for finishing lumber. Also decided to have cement steps
with brick ends.
May 24, 1938 decided to buy the pews.
The property for this church was donated by Ralph and Cora
Knickerbocker and once again the men of the community, under the
constructional supervision of Archie Aumaugher, gave their time, labor and
materials to answer God's call for the needs of his people.
Ralph
Knickerbocker
Archie
Aumaugher
In December 1939, the first service was held at the new "Edgewood Church of
God" with Rev. J.C. Thompson as the guest speaker. Rev. Thompson returned
at that time to serve nine more years as the pastor of the church.
Edgewood
Church of God
Rev. Paul Shrock came to pastor our
church in 1949. Under his leadership a
fellowship hall was constructed just across
the drive south of the church.
Again under the supervision of Archie
Aumaugher, many laymen donated time and
materials to make this building become a
reality.
Paul and Bernice Shrock
Hall under construction, Elmer Deal,
Bible School Leader in foreground.