New Hope United Methodist Church:

The first Methodist services were conducted in a log cabin in the Pine River school. There the first Methodist church became a reality as a part of the Deerfield circuit, served by Rev. S. S. DeGroot. After being a part of the Ionia District under Q.B. Bango, services were in Broomfield under Rev's Kleagle and Tucker. During the ministries of Rev's Wilson and Miller, Rev. Wilson was assigned to Remus then to Millbrook, then back to Remus.

From this time to 1882, records had been destroyed.

In 1882, under Rev. C.C. Darkins, the first church was built on land donated by Nathan Swisher, located a little northeast of the present Lutheran church. It was dedicated in Remus. With Rev. Mechesney officiating.

Under the pastorship of J.C. Floyd, the parsonage was built on the Applegreen site.

The congregation grew slowly, but a need for a larger church was felt.

In 1904, under the ministry of Rev. Edwin Davis (1901-1907) the ground was broken for the site of the present church. The Ladies Aid had many ice cream and cake socials raising $500.00 for the new church. The church grew and prospered and under Rev. Floyd Cramer the present parsonage was built. Many improvements were made under Rev.'s J.A. Brown and North, landscaping and rearrangements for church and parsonage were made under Rev. R.C. Swagger. He started the choir during his ministry; the 75th Anniversary of Methodism was celebrated. Rev. Swagger served here from (1939-1942).

Rev. Scott improvised many improvements, followed by Rev. Howard Smith whose guidance was greatly appreciated during the war years.

Rev. John and Mrs. Bullock helped the church continue to prosper through the interest in the young people. They started the MYF and Junior MYF and greatly enlarged the choir. They also instigated the summer Bible school and all have continued to the present time.

Our only lady minister was Elizabeth Rowly. She was a sweet and kindly pastor. She was followed by Rev. Deasler who stayed one year and Rev's Shotwell and Rev., Cecil Bacon both of whom added much to the stability of the church, and were loved by all. Rev. Wm. Shoettle, better known as Bill and his family led our church for 6 fun-filled, but very spiritual years. Rev. Lowell was here for three years adding a new dimension to the church. Rev. Gordon Terpenmg followed. His great interest in the young people was much appreciated. Rev. Norman Charter stayed with us for two years. His British accent rather stumped us at first but we soon learned he was dedicated to the church and it's people. For the next year we were without a pastor. Mr. Dean Denslow filled in for us with fine sermons.

This brings us to our Rev. Mike Nickerson whom we all call Pastor Mike or just plain Mike. He has innovated many new projects and under his direction his church has grown closer together and a rejuvenation of the physical aspect of the church had been started. Also under Pastor Mike the congregation grew and the church prospered both physically and spiritually. In this centennial year after much indecision the congregation finally decided to remodel the church inside and out. A new roof has been needed and is to be fixed. The interior has really been done over Wainscoting has been lightened. The pine refinished to match.

As a final note-The Ladies' Aid, which is the women's auxiliary, has been in existence for at least 70 years. There were three circles-Hoyt, Hewlett and Dorcas from which the existing Mary Martha, Circle of Sisters and the United Methodist Women have emerged. Their untiring work and financial support truly added to the welfare of our church. 

In 1987 a new church was built in Mecosta to serve a larger area.

New Hope United Methodist Church: New Hope United Methodist Church:  Sunday Worship 8:00 a.m. Garden Service, 8:45 a.m. Traditional, 11:15 a.m. Contemporary.  Free, well-staffed nursery is available for ages 0-6 during every worship service.  Holy Communion is celebrated on the 1^st Sunday of each month.  For more information, contact the church: (231) 972-2838, email   newhope@centurytel.net, or check out our website:  www.new-hope-church.org.  We look forward to meeting you!

As the book "Remus Area Centennial" was published in 1977, that is where this history ends.  I'm sure much has happened since then, and I will publish it here when ,and if I receive it.