From: The Fathers Still Speak: A History of Michigan Methodism by William Ray Prescott

The Michigan Christian Advocate had its birth at Adrian, Michigan, in 1873. It was in this same city that a few years before the Northwestern Christian Advocate had its beginning, under the direction of James V. Watson. The Presiding Elder of the Adrian District, Rev. Orrin Whitmore, had been publishing a little district monthly paper which was called the "Adrian Methodist." On the date given above and while times were hard he doubled the size of his paper and christened it "The Michigan Christian Advocate." In this first issue he expressed his dream of a paper to serve all the districts. His suggestion found a quick response and by December 1874 one hundred shares of stock were subscribed. The first editors were Orrin Whitmore and Lewis R. Fiske, who was also pastor of Detroit Central. They sought the advice of Rev. John M. Arnold, Publishing Agent, for his business wisdom and genius. The office was then moved to Detroit and the struggle for increased circulation and wider influence began.

Starting out in the midst of hard times the Advocate developed a sturdy endurance, for it caught the spirit of the courageous men whose rugged individualism had created it. Although the trail of the religious press in America is strewn with wrecks and skeletons, a story of mergers and frantic attempts to keep afloat, the Michigan Christian Advocate has lived on, riding out many a terrific storm.

In 1887 James H. Potts became the editor and his name is closely identified with this office for forty years, retiring from active service in 1917. In 1890 James E. Jacklin became the Associate Editor and continued until 1913. The sterling Christian character and high idealism of these two men is still being felt throughout the state. Dr. Franklin F. Fitchett then became the editor but his term was short because of ill health and soon was compelled to lay down his pen by the grim reaper. Elmer Houser was known and loved throughout the state as Associate Editor and for his keen understanding of the topics of the day. In 1920 William h. Phelps became the editor and served in this capacity until failing health forced his retirement in 1939. For nineteen years his pen expressed a unique versatility, quaint humor, and courageous faith. He enjoys a place in the history of Michigan Methodism that can never be taken from him. His death which followed soon after his retirement brought great sorrow to the many who had learned to know him.

In 1936 John E. Marvin had become Associate Editor and on the retirement of Dr. Phelps was made Editor. Upon his young and energetic shoulders has fallen the herculean task of continuing the great enterprise. So efficiently has he been carrying on and with such commanding respect that in his report of 1914 he presented to the Conference an Advocate free of all indebtedness and with a circulation of more than ten thousand. Because of an opportunity to produce a better publication at reduced prices the offices are being moved to Adrian, the place of its birth. A branch office will be maintained at Methodist Headquarters in Detroit.

The purpose of the Michigan Christian Advocate is to place Christian literature in the home and to inform Michigan Methodists concerning the work of their Church.

For a WWW Methodist page and research link click here: http://rylibweb.man.ac.uk/data1/dg/methodist/methlink.html

For a link to the Central Church in Lansing: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc/