Celebrating 150 Years of Ministry: First Flint Seventh-day Adventist Church to Host Commemorative Event on October 25, 2025

Flint, MI — This year marks a significant milestone in the spiritual and community life of Genesee County as the First Flint Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrates 150 years of continuous ministry.

A special day of worship, fellowship, historical reflection, and music will take place on Sabbath, October 25, 2025, at the church’s historic location.

From its humble beginnings in 1875, when 19 individuals were first baptized following tent meetings led by pioneers D.M. Canright and Uriah Smith, the church has grown into a cornerstone of Adventist faith and service in the region. Just three years after its founding, a dedicated church building was erected, followed by the addition of a church school in 1910, underscoring the Adventist commitment to education and spiritual growth.

Throughout its history, the First Flint Seventh-day Adventist Church has demonstrated a strong emphasis on evangelism, education, community service, and mission. It was once home to a well-respected downtown community service center, and its legacy includes outreach efforts that led to the establishment of churches across Genesee County, including Holly, Linden, Grand Blanc, and Clio. The congregation also played a key role in helping to establish Adelphian Academy, reflecting their dedication to Adventist education.

By 1939, a new church structure was built on Detroit Street with a 600-seat capacity to accommodate the growing membership, which at one point exceeded 500 members. From this congregation emerged the South Flint and Fairhaven (formerly North Street) churches. The Fairhaven school, in particular, holds the distinction of being the oldest African American school in Genesee County, a testament to the church’s enduring impact on diversity and inclusion in Adventist education.

The church has also been led by many notable pastors over the decades, including Edwin Thiele, N.R. Dower, Morris L. Venden, Jeremia Florea, Dwain Miller, Joel Nephew, Justin Ringstaff, Jeff Ackenberger, Jonathan Chitwood, and Tony Messer. In the 1970s, the church hosted a memorable evangelistic series by H.M.S. Richards, Jr., through the Voice of Prophecy ministry.

Systematic evangelism has always been at the heart of the Flint Adventist mission, combining public preaching with health ministries, Bible work, community outreach, and personal friendship evangelism. This legacy of faith, service, and outreach continues to shape the church’s vision for the future.

Event Schedule – October 25, 2025

• Sabbath Morning Worship: Special message by Pastor Joel Nephew

• Fellowship Lunch: Provided for all attendees

• Afternoon Program: Historical reflections and tributes presented by area pastors and church leaders

• 6:00 PM Concert: An inspiring evening of worship through music with Matt & Josie Minikus

This milestone celebration is not only an opportunity to honor the past but also to look ahead with hope and renewed commitment to the mission of the church in Flint and beyond. All are warmly invited to join in this day of worship, remembrance, and celebration.