1948 - The Wesleyan Methodist Church in Traverse City,
Michigan became a reality when a prayer group known as the “United Mission Workers” wrote a letter to the District
Office, asking the Conference President, Rev. Dayton Manker about starting a church in Traverse City.
 Under the
leadership of Reverend William Lamb of Bay City, Michigan, services were held in the Dunn School house on the North end of
Silver Lake near Traverse City. The church was subsequently organized with Rev. Lamb
as its first Pastor. Charter members were: Ray Hart Sr., Gladys Hart, Vein
Hart, Ray Hart Jr., LeRoy Weiselberg, Sr., Pearl Wesielberg. Don Weiselberg, LeRoy Weiselberg Jr., Lawrence Hart, May Hart, Jean Hart, Donald Hart, Doneva Johnson, Marge Purkiss, Gladys Weidenhomer, Fran Beattie, Lyle Beattie, Mildred Royal and Edward Royal. The church services were then moved to the Ladies Library on Cass Street in Traverse City. Under the direction of Rev. Lamb, land was obtained for $1.00 on the triangle of Wayne, Cedar and Bay Streets for
a new church. Ground breaking took place on June 15, 1949. Using voluntary help the
building was completed in June 1950. Dedication was held on Sunday, June 4, 1950 with Dr. O.G. Wilson and Rev. Dayton Manker
officiating. Rev. William Lamb nurtured the church from infancy to a strong successful
church. During his years as pastor a parsonage was built adjoining the church. Rev. Lamb served the church for ten years,
leaving in 1958. Rev. Frank Wilson then became the Pastor and served until 1967.
Under his direction the church remained a strong growing church with needs for an expansion to care for a growing Sunday School.
Under his leadership a building committee was organized for study of future needs. In
1967 Rev. Philip Mitchell came on the scene as the Pastor. Under his guidance a new sanctuary was built under the direction
of LeRoy Weiselberg, Sr. The old sanctuary was dedicated to Sunday School rooms and Fellowship Center. Dedication of
the new sanctuary was on Sunday, June 14, 1970 with Dr. C. Wesley Lovin. Rev. William Economan (Dist. Supt.) and Rev. Dayton
Manker officiating. Rev. Mitchell pastored the church until 1974. During this time the merger of the Pilgrim Holiness and
Wesleyan Methodist Churches was completed and the Traverse City Wesleyan Methodist Church became Bayview Wesleyan. In 1974 Rev. Lawrence Keesor became Pastor with strong leadership and direction. He left in 1977 to become
District Supt. of the North Michigan District the same year.
He was followed by Rev.
Edwin Woirol (1977-1983) Rev. Woirol was Ass’t. District Supt., which he resigned to give his full time to the church.
Through his direction
the church expanded the outreach program to two Senior Citizens housing complexes and three Nursing homes. The Bus Ministry
was expanded and a Senior Citizens bus service was initiated. Every suggested or required dept. or activity by the General
Church was organized. During his administration the church became debt free.
Future needs were being considered and preliminary drawings were obtained for expansion of Sunday School space, more office
space and a balcony in the sanctuary.
*1983- 1990. Rev. David Standfest (Pastor Dave) became the sixth pastor of the Bayview Wesleyan Church.
During this pastorate the congregation grew in outreach and numbers (300’s). An office complex and extension of
the sanctuary were completed. Building programs were accomplished “debt free.”
Original Church Building --Bottom Left (Orange Shingles)
1967 Sanctuary-
Right (Dark Shingles)
Office Wing- Portion
with the White Roof
1990-1992 Pastor Sytsma continued to lead the congregation with his gifts of personal
caring and visitation. There was an outpouring of fresh spiritual awareness and growth.
1992- 1996 Pastor Howell continued leadership with
strong administrative skills.
Click Here to Watch the Construction of the Family Life Center
1996-present- Pastor “Jack” Steenbergh became the ninth pastor of Bayview.
He came with a spirit of healing to the congregation with his gentle sheperding, warmth and sound gospel preaching and teaching.
He led the congregation with vision into building the new Family Life and Educational Center. Ground breaking was in
October 2004 with completion in 2005. Dedication was held, September 18, 2005.
But
the church is more than simply a large building and so in 2007 the congregation of Bayview Wesleyan began holding dual services
in order to meet the needs of the more divergent culture in which we live today. On September 23, under the leadership
of the Assistant Pastor of Contemporary Worship, Cameron Dockery, a Contemporary Worship Service called "Fresh Wind" was
born in the church's family life center to accompany the Traditional Service that is held in the Church's
Sanctuary. It is an adventageous time in the history of Bayview, but as a church we are following God's guidance
to reach out to a world that so desperately needs him. Then we can truly say that we have made room for all.
—Compiled by Glenn
M. Soappman with update by Sheralyn Beattie and Pastor Gary Bird
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