We believe that our church is a miracle.  This is a brief part of our story: 

    St. Andrews Presbyterian Church had its beginnings at a New Years Day 1995 meeting at the home of Ned and Bobbie Edwards.  On December 31, 1995, the church was chartered with 61 members
    In that year, we found a place to worship – St. Philip’s Episcopal Church welcomed us to share its building.  We called our pastor – Ned Edwards – and then found a site for the new church we hoped to build and acquired 19 acres with a beautiful view from Bill and Betty Tompkins.
    We chose the name St. Andrews Presbyterian Church to honor Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, because the Scottish brought the Presbyterian Church to America.  You will see the cross on which Saint Andrew was crucified on the communion table, the pulpit and, at the rear of the church, a Scottish flag.  Celtic crosses surround us in our sanctuary.
    As the church building was still a dream, we rented a tent to put on our property for church services.  We also used the tent for picnics, Bible school, and committee meetings.  The first Kirking of the Tartans (which became a tradition of our church) was held in the tent.
    At that first Kirking, there was a terrible thunderstorm with lots of rain.  David Van Dam, executive of the Mackinac Presbytery, looked up and said, “We’re being baptized!”
    The tent was packed with standees on the outside on that first Kirking.
    A design by Tom Reay of Saginaw, Michigan, was chosen.  The design’s most important feature was the glass windows allowing us to view the beautiful nature on all sides.  Ground was broken in the spring of 1999 and completed in June of 2000.
    The first service in our new church was held on June 18, 2000.  All the Presbyterians and Episcopalians gathered at St. Philip’s, and all of them walked or rode in a horse-drawn wagon north on US 31 to the new building.  The Michigan State Police handled the traffic.  We worshiped together and celebrated with a reception afterwards.
    Over the years, we’ve grown.  On December 31, 1995, St. Andrews had 49 members.  Today, the membership is nearly 300.
    Dr. Edwards announced his retirement in early 2002.  The Rev. Dr. Terry Bard, associated with St. Andrews since its inception, became interim pastor.  The Rev. Dr. Thomas Nelson was called to the St. Andrews pastorate September 1, 2002.  The Rev. Nelson left in July of 2005 and the Rev. Pam Fulton is currently serving as supply interim pastor.We have a mission to our church community but also to our neighbors and to Presbyterian missions throughout the world. 
    There are numerous Adult Education classes – one on Sunday, another on Thursdays – and still others.  We get together for potluck dinners, Women’s Association meetings, and any number of committees.  It’s a worshiping church. 

But above all else in our church is our dedication to God, the Father, Jesus Christ, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

                        (Charlotte Robling & Betty Tompkins - 6/2003; updated 10-2005)

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