View from College square
Listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Places, the Olivet Congregational Church is more than 100 years old. The fieldstone exterior and beautiful oak sanctuary are well known to everyone in town. The building is jointly owned and maintained by the congregation and the trustees of Olivet College. This agreement provides many unique benefits to both church and college community. A steam pipe break in 1996 resulted in the complete restoration of the church sanctuary, thus renewing the wondrous grandeur and beauty of the sanctuary.
Each year many college students, employees and community members make use of the church for all sorts of joyous occasions. Meals, college concerts, college classes, Baccalaureate services, Protestant and Catholic student fellowship gatherings, weddings and special performances as well as those more somber occasions to say goodbye to loved ones are held throughout the year. The church also houses the Olivet Good Neighbor emergency food pantry and provides classroom space for Wee Ones preschool.
Entryway damage
Building Restoration, Inc.
In 2005, Pastor Jack Brown answered the call to minister in Olivet. Pastor Jack has become a familiar face in the community. He is an adjunct professor and attends many of the events at Olivet College and the Olivet Community Schools. With his guidance and leadership, responsible stewardship of our resources has become an important part of the culture at Olivet Congregational Church. The same prayerful concern is given to our building and facilities as it is to our monetary resources.
Now we need to do roof repairs and tuck pointing. The congregation has been diligent in fund raisers to accomplish these two major tasks. Cost estimates have been in the area of $60,000 for the roof and $43,000 for tuck pointing.
Tuckpointing Needed
Photo by Building Restoration, Inc.
Many members of the congregation work on projects to raise funds. Two ongoing events are parking cars at MIS racetrack in Brooklyn and parking cars for the Olivet College football games. Benny Hart has generously donated the use of his land for the game day parking. All proceeds go towards the restoration projects.
If you would like to help restore the exterior of this beautiful historic building, contributions can be sent to: Olivet Congregational Church, PO Box 368, Olivet, MI 49076. Please note “restoration” on your check.
If you would like to help restore the exterior of this beautiful historic building, contributions can be sent to: Olivet Congregational Church, PO Box 368, Olivet, MI 49076. Please note “restoration” on your check.
