Leelanau has long been a place of grounding for residents and visitors to “God’s Country.”
Omena Presbyterian Church (OPC) is among the oldest churches in the county and was born in the hearts of eight people who gathered in the log schoolhouse at Old Mission with missionary Rev. Peter Dougherty. It was June 3, 1843.
According to church history, the following day 12 Chippewa Indians were added to the membership role. In 1852, the mission was moved to Omena and the church building was dedicated Dec. 26, 1858. The church bell was made from English copper pennies given by the Chippewa Indians and moved across the bay with the congregation.
Rev. Peter Dougherty opened the mission school, called the Grove Hill Mission, here in Omena in 1853 to continue his work teaching English, manual training skills, farming, and academic subjects to the Indian children whose families had become citizens. But after the devastating Civil War, support for this mission, which was given by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, was cut off in 1868. In 1871, Rev. Dougherty and his family left Omena. At that time, the church became part of the Grand Rapids Presbytery.
In the period of time between 1871 and the mid 1920s, the church continued with various ministers serving. While at times struggling, the church survived and held a year round Sunday School until about 1957. Around 1928, the decision was made to have a summer church as the Indians, townspeople, resort and cottage guests were all worshiping together.
Given its unique history, which includes a strong lay leadership over the years, the Omena Presbyterian Church has the distinction of being the oldest Protestant Church in the lower peninsula north of Grand Rapids in continuous service in its original denomination. In 2008, the church celebrated the 150th year anniversary of the dedication of this historic church building.
Linda Zylstra, is the worship service coordinator at OPC.
“We bought a home and we were looking for a church,” said Zylstra, who coordinates guest speakers and music for summer services. “It’s all about the people … It’s a real blessing.”
Rev. Dr. Timothy L. Brown President Emeritus of Western Theological Seminary will kick off the 10 a.m. Sunday series on May 26 and conclude Sept. 1 with Rev. Dr. Peter Moore, Omena Presbyterian Church moderator.
Also of note is Special Music Sunday, Aug. 4 featuring the Lime Lake Choir with James Moore, soloist.
HOLY ROSARY
Cedar’s Polish heritage is evident at Holy Rosary Church where the following phrase appears over the altar: “Krolowo Rozanca SW Modl Sie Za Nami” which translates to “Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for us.”
The church, located north of Cedar the ghosttown of Isadore, sets itself apart from other county Catholic churches in a couple other ways.
The Latin Mass, also known as the “Mass of the Ages” or the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), is a liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church that has been celebrated in Latin since the fourth century.
While the church has been granted permission from Rome to celebrate the TLM, the church cannot publish the specifi c time for the service. Best bet is to call the church at 2285429 for more information.
The church is also has St. Padre Pio Adoration Chapel, where parishioners have been in “perpetual adoration” since June 2012.
Volunteers sign up for adoration which has been ongoing 24/7, 365 days per year.
ST. PETER’S
St. Peter’s Episcopal Summer Chapel will celebrate their 61th year serving Leland and Leelanau County.
St. Peter’s meets for 15 weeks beginning May 26 and ending Labor Day weekend. Services are held Sunday mornings at 8 and 9 a.m. in the Munnecke Room of the Leland Township Library.
The Rt. Rev. Charles Bennison, former Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, serves as Vicar.
During the summer, at five Saturday afternoons, St. Peter’s celebrates the Holy Eucharist in the Celtic contemplative tradition complete with a bagpiper from the Grand Traverse Pipe and Drum Corps.
On May 25, Roderick MacNeil will perform. This service is held on the lawn of the Leland Library on the banks of the Leland River.
Each Wednesday, Bishop Bennison leads “The Interpreter’s Table” at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. This summer’s topic is an exploration of the Gospel of Mark.
The Bishop invites everyone to attend any of the services and to participate in “The Interpretors Table.”
Dress at St. Peter’s is casual. St. Peter’s website is www. stpetersleland.org.
GOOD NEWS IN THE PARK For those who enjoy communing with nature, there’s “Good News in the Park” each Sunday morning at 8:30, at Old Settler’s Park on the southeast shore of Big Glen Lake.
“We will begin our 12th year on Memorial weekend, Sunday (May 26) and will meet every Sunday through Labor Day, Sept. 1,” organizer Jerry Pearson said. “All are welcome to join us as we continued with the Goods New of the Gospel of Matthew.
