Constructed in 1862 as a hops barn, this establishment was converted into a church in 1876. Then…read morere-sold in 1915 to a local farmer, the livestock barn existed on the site from 1915 to 1998 before it was purchased by members of the Pokagon United Methodist. Rev. George Bennard was visiting the area to take part in a series of revivals, and his famous hymn "The Old Rugged Cross" was first publicly performed in 1913. The hymn did not make Rev. Bernard rich. However, he sold the rights to the Rodeheaver Company of Winona Lake, Indiana, for $500, and the copyright was renewed years later for $5,000. The Old Rugged Cross Church is located on Vermont St. in Pokagon, about halfway between Dowagiac and Niles, where my partner's sister and I stopped off the beaten path before heading to Shipshewana.

My husband and I found out about this church by accident! We were simply searching for things to…read moredo in Niles, Michigan. We were determined to find something to do close to dark and finally found this on the Internet. The hymn, The Old Rugged Cross, was first performed in this church many years ago. The hymn is near and dear to our hearts because our grandparents used to enjoy singing this song and my husband has enjoyed playing it on the piano for our children. We decided to check it out! The outside of the church is stunning! We were not able to view the inside but if we ever make it back to this area of the country we will certainly stop to see it! You should do the same especially if you enjoy this old hymn!

I am the youngest son of the late Rev Frank O. Kruger who was this congregations pastor from…read more1953-1959. (At that time he would have been age 40-46). My dad passed away in 1989 at age 74 from Chronic Congestive Heart Failure. He was very active in the Dowagiac Community and was very much a servant leader, extremely humble and never seeking recognition for all that he accomplished in such endeavors as what I refer to as the United Way. He led the small congregation in expanding both membership and adding onto the church property with a new education wing. I have very fond memories of living in Dowagiac from ages 3-9 and attending Justice Gage elementary from Kindergarten to 3rd grade. Now as a 76 year old retired U.S. Navy Captain after 30 years, I reside on the East Coast with my wife of 45 years. (wkruger@aol.com). Wayne Kruger

The church members are friendly and committed to worshiping God. I enjoy being there for both…read moreSabbath School and the worship time.