Big Bay Community
Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 157
Big Bay, Michigan 49808
Rev. Carolyn Raffensberger
September 22, 2007
Dear Sirs:
In the December 31, 1972 issue you wrote about “St. George of Big Bay” — the story of an elderly man in Upper Michigan and his faithful service to a small town and its Presbyterian Church. The article ended: “He is a tiny man, giving life to a dying church, in a forgotten town. This is St. George of Big Bay.”
The church cut out the article and framed it, placing it on the wall of pictures of their history. I found it when I candidated to be their first installed pastor in their 75 years of existence. The church had doubled its sanctuary in 2003. This year it completely remodeled its kitchen, took in 8 new members and took a special offering of more than $1500 for Presbyterian missions two weeks ago. We had standing room only for worship this morning.
Big Bay is at the end of the road, 26 miles north of Marquette. The town is not dying. The hotel is a going concern. Hunting, fishing and hiking are attractive reasons for living in this gorgeous country. And the church that George Young cared so much about has thrived in spite of Outlook’s pessimism.
We are grateful for a Presbytery (Mackinac) that supported the church for many years. I am grateful for the gumption of a congregation that has persevered and joyfully praises God on the shores of Lake Superior.
In Christ,
(Rev.) Carolyn M. Raffensperger
Editor’s note: Some times journalists’ predictions of the future are dead wrong. We’re happy to publish widely that our prediction did not come to pass!
