Meridian Historical Village Operated by the Friends of Historic Meridian

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The Chance of a Lifetime!

It's our "Dream for Tomorrow" and a chance of a lifetime for anyone interested in helping to build a church.     The Friends have long sought a church to move in order to complete our Village.  However, the lack of availability and the cost to relocate an existing building has proved prohibitive.     Recently, the Board of the Friends decided to reconstruct a former local church which would be appropriate to the time period we have worked hard to preserve.

Old Okemos Methodist Episcopal Church

Constructed in 1870, the old M.E. Church stood proudly atop the hill on Methodist Street for nearly 90 years before falling to make room for the "new" Okemos Community Church in 1957.  The church had served long and well as the center of Okemos social and religious activity.     It is the Friends' intention to reconstruct the old white church as closely as possible to its original specifications, while providing for all the modern requirements, including full handicapped access.  The building will be located just south of the Randall one-room schoolhouse, facing the Village and our little "Lake Catherine."     We hope to begin construction soon, providing the majority of funds required can be raised in short order.  The estimated cost for the building, including a basement, is approximately $250,000.  Early, enthusiastic reaction from supporters has been very encouraging.     In addition to rounding out the Village, a secondary benefit will be the ability to increase revenues to the Friends through wedding rentals.  These revenues can be used to repair and maintain our historic buildings for years to come!     To make all this happen, the Friends need your help!  As a 501(c)3 organization, all donations to the Friends of Historic Meridian are tax-deductible and a tax receipt will be provided.  In addition, we have recently secured the capability to accept appreciated stock as donations for the church and other projects.     Please make out checks to Friends of Historic Meridian and mail to:  P.O. Box 155, Okemos, MI  48805-0155.  Or you can pledge your support by calling the office at 517-347-7300.     Please be generous and lend your support.  This is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to preserving the heritage of Meridian Township, and will be carefully used to enrich the Village for the benefit of generations to come.     After all, how often will you have a chance to help build a church?  Thank you very much for your support!