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'm new to the area and have had a rough start here, both personally and professionally. I was…read moretold this is a great bible-based church and that it would be good for me. I attended in person and online. The music was really wonderful and the message was nice. After my first in-person service, I stopped at the new member greeting area and filled out a card. The young man who greeted me there was very kind and even said a lovely prayer for me. I decided that I'd like to get more involved. When I got home, I signed up for some classes. But, there was nothing available to attend for several weeks (everything started in September--this church seems to be heavily centered on college students coming to the area in the Fall). The 'Pastor of Next Steps' sent a very nice greeting email later in the week. I replied and we agreed to meet at the next service. All good at this point! At the next service, I was feeling particularly emotional and vulnerable. But, did not want to miss meeting the pastor, as we had agreed. So, fighting through the crowd and my feelings, I searched for Tyler at the new member greeting area. There was a man there, but he wasn't wearing a nametag. I wasn't sure he was the right person. He was engrossed in conversation with several young women (probably students) and what looked like a mother. I stood nearby, waiting politely. I went completely unacknowledged for quite a while (felt like 15-20 minutes?) as they chatted away. I started to think I was wrong about him being the right person and stepped away to ask someone else--the pastor who had given the sermon was leaving the worship hall. He pointed me back to the same person I'd been waiting next to as he rushed by, with no smile and just the slightest pause. Hrm. I finally got a chance to speak with Tyler and we had a quick intro. I said I'd like to volunteer somehow, but in a low-stress position. We talked a little bit about my situation. He wanted to know more, and I hesitated, saying I'd probably cry if I went into detail. He assured me that was ok. So, I stood there pouring my heart out to this man in the lobby (awkward!) and crying while we talked about my situation and what I'd like to do for the church. I shared openly with him, but nothing cringe-worthy. When I paused, he took a beat and then said, "Wow, you went deep, fast," and had an expression of surprise and--if I'm not mistaken--discomfort. He said it twice and in the same tone with the same expression. I was suddenly so uncomfortable. Why invite someone to share and be vulnerable and then be surprised when they take you up on it...? He asked me to send him a list of my personal gifts before he would recommend a volunteer position. I agreed, but honestly just wanted to get out of there. I did not send the email about my many gifts. And Tyler did not send me another email, either. I also didn't get any follow-up emails about the classes I'd signed up for after that--surprised they didn't have any 'See you this Wednesday!' notes or, 'Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!' reminders. Nothing. I did look into volunteering with the media team. But, for some reason, they asked in the online volunteer form if I'd accepted Jesus as my savior, which I thought was a pretty redundant question. The other volunteer opportunity forms I looked at did not ask that question. This place is likely not a right fit for me. But, it's a nice new church with great music and lots of kids and maybe a good fit for fresh, young faces and people without a lot of troubles. That's my impression.

Bible believing unashamed preaching of the gospel right here!!! If you're looking for a place that…read morevalues the word of God and centers every service around it- Harvest does this every week in every service and event. The worship is amazing along with the preaching.

Gone to Granger for about 25 years, I enjoyed it when Mark was preacher, I have to say the music…read morewas loud.

A number of years ago, I attended this church weekly for approximately 2 months. 5 stars for the…read moremusic!!! I wasn't particularly moved by the sermons but I know some people are. This church is HUGE and worth a visit because it's really a site. The kids slide down a slide to Sunday school! It's also very clean and has a coffeehouse on site that is similar to Starbucks. It does or did have a gift shop / Christian bookstore inside but idk if it still does. There are also some interesting things to see. However fellowship wise it was really lacking. I know that small groups are encouraged (like for Bible studies / prayer meetings) but there seems to be no sense of a larger all inclusive "church family". To give an idea, it seats 2000 people and they fill up but I've never felt so alone. Literally the only people who spoke to me were people I knew from other places / times in my life. I received a call soon enough after a church service that I was still in the building. My dad had been in a car accident and was at the ER! He ended up being okay () however in the moment, I did not know that and I was scared. I remember looking around the lobby and thinking there is not one single person HERE that I can turn to. Then I thought, I can get THIS kind of fellowship at the mall and I never went back! ( I did like being able to wear jeans to church. )

Calvary Baptist Church is FANTASTIC. The teaching is biblically based, the worship is moden with a…read morefew hymns mixed in, the kids ministry is unmatched, and the atmosphere is welcoming and inviting.

This Church is like a Non Denominational Church as it is an Independent Baptist with no…read moreaffiliations. The sermons are powerful and straight from the Bible. It is a diverse church. All are welcome. Music is a mixture of Contemporary with a few hymns. They have a great Youth group as well as classes for all ages. The church is over 100 years old. (Not the building). They offer small group topical classes during various days of the week. I would highly recommend trying it.

I have been associated with the church for years. I lost my husband almost seven years ago and mo…read moreone from Fairland ever called or vidited6 me. Two of their Sunday school teachers robbed me, and i have documents to prove it. I gsve 23k to thos couple , paid gor their wedding and reception. Oaid for lawyer, and gave them a house. To repay me they trief to evict me twice, they are still at Fairland. CHURCH of liars and theives.

Friendly loving church and congregation. Great pastor and wife. Growing children's church.read more

Just south of the IN/MI line sits one of the best-keep secrets in Granger. This church is very…read morewelcoming to guests, is constantly active in our community, and takes God's Word seriously. If you're looking for a church family, be sure and check out Granger Missionary Church.