Greensky Hill Indian United Methodist Church is located east of Charlevoix, Michigan at the junction of U.S. 31 and CR 630. On March 16, 1972, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The church has been preserved with all of the original woodwork and can comfortably seat about 80 people. The church serves a free community breakfast, 9-10 AM, every Sunday morning. The meal is open to all, with no religious expectations or requirements. Worship services are also open to everyone, 10-11 AM, every Sunday.

History

The church was founded by Peter Greensky (1807-1866) also known as Shagasokicki, a Chippewa chief who had been

converted Conversion or convert may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media * "Conversion" (''Doctor Who'' audio), an episode of the audio drama ''Cyberman'' * "Conversion" (''Stargate Atlantis''), an episode of the television series * "The Conversion" ...

to Christianity and became a preacher. It was founded in 1844. Greensky was introduced to Christianity by

John Sunday John Sunday Jr. (March 20, 1838 - January 7, 1925) was a carpenter, merchant, mechanic, cotton inspector, and state legislator in Florida. He served with fellow African American Charles Rouse representing Escambia County, Florida in 1874. He also ...

. He was baptized into the Methodist Church in 1833, and licensed to preach in 1844. Greensky worked with Salmon Steele in operating the

Pine River Indian Mission Greensky Hill Indian United Methodist Church is located east of Charlevoix, Michigan at the junction of U.S. 31 and CR 630. On March 16, 1972, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The church has been preserved with all of th ...

. He was later connected with the

Isabella Indian Mission Isabella may refer to: People and fictional characters * Isabella (given name), including a list of people and fictional characters * Isabella (surname), including a list of people Places United States * Isabella, Alabama, an unincorpo ...

. From 1869-1871 he was in charge of the Oceana Indian Mission. He decided to build a Protestant mission where he could preach and convert his Native American brothers and sisters to Christianity. According to the historical marker at the church, the first services were held in makeshift buildings of bark and boughs until the 1850s, when a church was constructed from lumber brought by canoe from Traverse City and then ported two miles to the site of the present day church. Around the church was a circle of "council trees" where the Indian chiefs could meet in peace to discuss tribal issues.

Today

The original church is still used by a congregation that celebrates both Christianity and Native American customs. In regular attendance are Peter Greensky's descendants: his great-great-great-grandson, Ray Greensky and Ray's son Brayden Greensky and daughter Isabelle Jean Greensky.

References

{{reflist 1844 establishments in Michigan Buildings and structures in Charlevoix County, Michigan Religious organizations established in 1844 United Methodist churches in Michigan Native American history of Michigan Wooden churches in Michigan Michigan State Historic Sites in Charlevoix County