Bell Clangs Capping
Re-dedication of Restored Kawkawlin Indian Church
Fifteen Year Project Completed by Delta College Students, Volunteers
April 27, 2007
By: Dave Rogers
Eugene Walraven, wearing Indian veteran attire, and Pat Trahan, examine an eagle feather whistle at the bell raising.
Members of the local Indian veterans association from all branches of service perform traditional smudge burning ceremony at the church re-dedication.
Bess Schneider and Don Cabay rang the bell at the Kawkawlin Indian Church, the sound carrying across the miles just as it did a century ago when it called local tribal members to worship.
Schneider and Cabay are just two of the local members of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe who were on hand for the steeple raising, bell ringing, and smudge burning ceremonies marking re-dedication of the church.
It is the oldest church in the Saginaw Valley, erected in 1847 by a Methodist missionary, and is so noted on the State Register of Historic sites.
The sign erected on the church states: "Church of God Indian Mission," since early photos show that was the name during one period in history.
The church was restored because of collaboration by a neighborhood resident, builder Pat Trahan, and the late "Chief" Leonard Isaac.
Actually, Trahan met three people about 15 years ago who became vital players in the project to restore the church.
The first was Chief Leonard Isaac, a neighbor on Hidden Road in Bangor Township; the second was Dave Bledsoe, construction technology teacher at Delta College; third was H.D. "Ted" Doan, former president of The Dow Chemical Co., Midland.
Chief Isaac urged Trahan, a builder, to head the renovation project; Bledsoe agreed to get his Delta students involved; and Doan arranged a $35,000 grant from the Herbert D. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.
Delta College students completed their "mission" on Tuesday, April 24 at 9:30 a.m., when they raised the restored steeple of the 160-year-old church in Bangor Township. A throng of local Indians and well-wishers were on hand for the erection of the steeple and bell and for re-dedication of the church.
Restoration work began in 1998 on the historic Ogaucawning Indian Mission Church, at Hidden Road and North Euclid Avenue. Architecture and construction students removed the church's bell tower and the 1,000-pound cast iron bell. The church had fallen into disrepair and was closed in 1950.
The small church was built by a Methodist minister for local Chippewa Indians. In its heyday, about 40 people-- Caucasians and Indians -- attended services. Over the years, a number of students have worked on restoring the church to its original specifications, with the hopes that the church will be used as a museum or as a place to give educational programs about Chippewa culture.
According to Bledsoe, Associate Professor of Residential Construction and project coordinator, the raising of the steeple is the product of the work of more than 250 students. "We are pleased to have been involved in such an important and historic project," he said.
For More Information Contact: Dave Bledsoe, Delta College, 989.686.9133.###