Church of the Pines was founded by the late Reverend Frances D. Still (1943 - 2003). It was dedicated on the night of Winter Solstice, December 21, 1986. For several years, the church was held in the home of Fran and her husband, Dr. Eugene Still...in a wooded area that grew many pine trees!
Through the years, the church re-located to various settings, each serving dual purposes. Our rental spaces (always one of beauty) served as our church, but also supported several other non-profit community projects that Fran had inspired. As a licensed social worker as well as ordained minister, Fran's passion was trying to make the world a better place in as many arenas as possible.
One of those arenas, the Community Free Dental Clinic, was established in an annex building on the property that Church of the Pines was renting. That Dental Clinic became one of Pres. George H. W. Bush's "Points of Light!" The Dental Clinic is still in operation, though moved to another facility.
Another service project was "Peacemakers," which offered classes to divorcing parents, teaching skills that would help the children make the transition with less heartbreak. That class had so impressed area judges that attendance became legally binding before a divorce could be finalized among parents. Church of the Pines provided the setting for those classes for several years before they were transferred to the local college.
When we spent a few years located in Van Buren, the church sponsored the Crawford County Mentoring Program, working with DHS to mentor young single moms who were wanting life skills that would move them off of Welfare. Many in our congregation played active roles in this project, which used our office spaces as a home base.
In order to support the settings for all of the above activities, as well as offer Good Samaritan help to people in the community, the church established a wedding chapel that included receptions, pianist, and of course a minister! These became great opportunities for group work and service among Church of the Pines' attendees!
About a week after Fran turned 60, she transitioned from this world after a courageous battle with colon cancer. We continue to hold in our hearts her selfless model of living life. She will always be deeply missed, but how fortunate we were to have had such a role model leading our group!
The present minister, Pam Wadsworth, co-pastored with Fran for several years following her own seminary studies and ordination. Pam also has a master's degree and national certification in Speech-Langauge Pathology. She began working in Alma public schools in 1975, and served in that capacity for a span of over 30 years before retiring. Pam, as did Fran, volunteers her time as pastor at Church of the Pines.