Memories of May Frances Heath- A Series

May Heath and The Congregational Church

1889 Congregational Sunday School Class- May at Center Rear

(Can you name any of the other girls?)

May writes in her book that Saugatuck's "first real church organization was the Congregational which first met in the school house in Pine Grove in January, 1860. A church building was started in 1861 and completed in 1862. Before the building was completed, Saugatuck citizens met there at the outbreak of the Civil War. The church grew and expanded in its present location, on land given by Henry Breuckman. In the Heath-Morrison photo collection, SDHS has a picture of the structure as it appeared in the early years. This year the Congregational Church has been celebrating its 150th anniversary, with SDHS member Peggy Boyce serving as church historian.

May was an active member throughout her life. She and Doc were married in the church on November 1, 1895, and faithfully supported it financially until their deaths. The Commercial Record includes many articles that speak of her involvement, a few of these include: In January, 1909, she helped the Sunday School class with its Christmas program; she entertained the choir in 1912; in 1915 she hosted a reception for the new minister and his wife; in 1922 she hosted a Missionary Society meeting on China; she directed the Sunday School teachers in 1923; in 1928, she was on the Committee on Resolutions; she presented the History of the Church at its annual meeting of 1929; in 1936, she served as a Trustee and on the Pulpit Supply Committee; and was reported to be a Trustee again in 1937 and 1940.

She was a leader in the Ladies Aid, the church's charitable arm, and served in a variety of roles to include: Vice President in 1916; Secretary in 1919; toastmaster for the annual meeting in 1928; and she became President of the group in 1931, serving in that role for 14 years.

On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the church in 1950, May wrote and presented the history of the congregation. Her works were much appreciated by the congregation. On Oct. 24, 1947, May ordered a stained glass window for the church of "Jesus at the Door". It was installed the next spring and can be found in the north east corner of the sanctuary.

The May Heath Window

***********************************************************************

This series on Saugatuck Historian May Francis Heath (MFH) will continue until the 50th anniversary of her death in September, 2011. The MFH Study Group continues to seek information, documents, photographs of May, her paintings, and personal recollections of Mrs. Heath. If you have any to share contact: Chris Yoder at 857-4327 or Marsha Kontio at 616-566-1239.

************************************************************************