Methodist Church
The Methodist Church, located on Piety Hill, was one of the earliest places of worship in Grass Lake. Over the years, it has undergone significant changes, including a major storm that severely damaged its roof in the early 20th century. The church remained an active part of the community, surviving numerous historical events that shaped the town.
Baptist and Congregational Churches (Federated Church)
Originally, Piety Hill was home to three churches: Methodist, Baptist, and Congregational. By 1916, the Baptist and Congregational churches merged to form the Federated Church. This new congregation was housed in a shared building until June 16, 1925, when a devastating fire swept through the town. The fire destroyed four homes and two churches, including the Federated Church. The spire of the Congregational Church collapsed dramatically, marking a significant loss for the community.
After the fire, the Baptist and Congregational congregations built a single structure to continue serving their parishioners. For years, members of both denominations attended together, often sitting on separate sides of the church due to their different traditions.
Union Block (Beamon Block)
The Union Block, also known as the Beamon Block, was one of the largest business blocks in Grass Lake, built in 1871 on the southeast corner of E. Michigan Ave & Lafayette St. Over its lifetime, the building served various purposes, including a hotel, sanatorium for mineral water cures, town hall, carriage factory, shirt factory, roller skating rink, opera house, country library, artist studio, antique shop, and grocery store. Two artesian wells were drilled at the rear of the building, providing drinking and bathing water to residents.
The Grass Lake Carriage Company also operated out of this building, manufacturing carriages for local and regional use. Unfortunately, the Union Block fell into disrepair, and on June 17, 1949, it was condemned by the fire marshal. It was demolished on December 7, 1950, marking the end of an era for one of Grass Lake’s most historically significant structures.