11/01/2026
Today, we merged with Middlebury United Methodist Church, creating a combined 344 years of serving the people of Western Shiawassee County and beyond. It was a blessed, loving and moving celebration! We enjoyed a potluck luncheon (something Methodists are especially good at) and also recognized Pastor Kendi Holcomb-Densmore for Pastoral Appreciation Month. She has been serving both congregations.
On Oct. 18, the both churches shared worship and a catered meal at Middlebury, using its outdoor pavilion for the last time. Middlebury's final service was Oct. 25.
This is a time of mixed emotions as the committed servants of God from Middlebury United Methodist Church say good-bye to a nearly 200-year chapter in their history, one with many joyous memories. We’re honored to walk with them through this journey as we join our hearts and our traditions. All are welcome at our church, and we look forward to a future of service and worship together.
Middlebury UMC’s original building was erected in 1837 during the early settlement period of the area. A fire destroyed that building in 1891, but it was rebuilt the same year at the Hibbard Road location in Middlebury Twp. At the time, it was considered one of the most sophisticated Queen Anne churches in the state, according to the Society of Architectural Historians.
Laingsburg UMC began in 1871. Its building has seen multiple additions over its 155 years, and it has a parsonage next door as well. Several times over its history when it did not have a permanent minister, Middlebury’s congregation received pastoral support from LUMC. This long-standing connection is why Middlebury’s leadership decided to merge with Laingsburg.
Both churches grew from following Methodism’s tradition of close-knit spiritual support, prayer, Bible study and mutual care. Its early link to the Laingsburg circuit connects it to the 19th-century Methodist system in which clergy traveled among multiple congregations, sustaining worship in rural communities that could not always support a resident minister.
Laingsburg United Methodist Church invites residents and visitors to experience worship and community in a safe haven where everyone feels welcome to experience God directly and thereby learning and maturing in the Christian faith and serving the Laingsburg community and beyond. Its worship service is at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Call 517-651-5531 Monday through Thursday between 9:30 and 2 or visit www.laingsburg-umc.org for more information on its Bible, youth and community service ministries.
