BRADLEY, Mich. (May 13, 2014) — It’s a big milestone for a small West Michigan congregation. The Bradley Indian Mission, within the Gun Lake tribe, celebrates 100 years of its church building.
The Bradley Indian Mission Methodist Church holds a lifetime of memories for Gun Lake tribal chair, DK Sprague.
“I’m 70 and I’ve been going to church here since I was a child,” said Sprague.
No matter where life took him, Sprague could always come back to the little church that sits down a dirt road in rural Allegan County.
“It’s not the cosmetics of it, it’s the people within that makes this church the cozy place it is to worship and be together,” said Rebecca Baker, Centennial Committee chair.
Cozy is right. It only has 28 members but services 100 people in the area. It’s been able to sustain itself for a century doing big things for the Indian community.
“This church is actually the reason the Gun Lake tribe was able to pull records for federal recognition,” said Baker.
The church invites everyone to celebrate its centennial anniversary Saturday, May 17 from 2-4pm at the church, located at 695 128th Avenue in Shelbyville. There will be a dinner from 4-6pm and a special service to commemorate past ministers after.
Sunday, May 18th, guests are invited for breakfast following the regularly scheduled church service at 10 am.
