PIONEER DAYS
The village of Boyne Falls, in the beginning, was a dream of a Mrs. Powers of Beloit, Wisconsin. During her lifetime, much of that dream came true. She and her husband came to Charlevoix County in the 1880’s, during the hey-day of the lumbering business, as the G.R.& I Railroad was being extended northward from Cadillac to the Straits.

The village was laid out in orderly fashion, with the streets, named by Mrs. Powers, bordered by graveled walks. The cemetery where she sleeps was platted half a mile north of the village. A hotel was erected a block away from the depot. The village park, with high iron fence, ornamental gateways and curved driveway, had a fountain in the center, fed by a small stream which still trickles through the center of the village toward the pond, artificially created by the dam which furnished the water power for Mr. Powers’ lumber mill.

The Powers’ imposing residence on the center hill (east) boasted barns, an ice house, with a door bearing wood-cut letters spelling "ICE," and a deep well. The well and its covered well-sweep charmed visitors, as did the impressive view. From the second story windows of the Powers home, one could see, on clear days, all the way to Charlevoix.

Atop the hill to the south was Dr. Hood’s big white house, a replica of the Powers’ home. Both houses were reached from the street by flights of wooden steps, with frequent landings for resting. On the next hill south, the schoolhouse was built. Opposite the depot was the village church (Presbyterian), with a parsonage next door. The parsonage building still stands.

Another imposing residence was that of O.H. Marsh, who was the local railroad agent. Several other buildings erected during those early years included the post office and the town hall, which still is standing.

Farmers, tradesmen and people from many other walks of life who migrated to Boyne Falls worshipped together, led by the Presbyterian minister, the Reverend John Redpath. Of stern Scottish ancestry, he ministered to the spiritual needs of both Protestant and Catholic residents. As the village grew, Methodist adherents held services in the schoolhouse until the present Methodist Church was built, and finally dedicated in 1892. The dedication ceremonies drew visitors from far and near.

Among the distinguished guests was Alfred Bunclark, a Detroit real estate dealer, who was a house guest of my parents, Sydney M. Jones and the former Olive Marsh. Dr. Potts, Michigan bishop at that time, was the principal speaker. My father, "Sid" Jones, a pioneer resident and village contractor, was a notable guide to the region and was well-acquainted with both of the honored guests. He and George Stephenson, a skilled carpenter, had worked long hours on the new church building, especially its belfry, copied after the church in Clarion. On hot summer days, I loved to watch my father labor at work ranging from foundation to final completion of the church.

The Reverend A.R. Kiellor of Boyne City, was one of the early Methodist pastors at Boyne Falls. He was followed by the Reverend L.B. Carpenter, transferred from Clarion in 1901. In 1902, the Reverend A.A. Darling was appointed to the pastorate. He was followed by a young minister named Lescohier, pastor of the Westside Grace Church in Petoskey in 1904.

During the winter of 1898, a series of revival meeting, with H.E. Bell, high school teacher, the principal speaker, added a substantial number of new members to the church family. Among them were Mrs. Luella Wilson and her sister, daughters of O.H. Marsh, and many other people of the vicinity.

Prominent members of the new church included the Fords, formerly of Ontario; the Charles Johnsons and the George Branches, from Watervilet; the Byron House family, and the Hon. William J. Mears, state representative from this district, and his dear wife, who was "Aunt Ione" to all her Sunday school pupils. Another active church member was Frank L. Pierce, who operated a busy flour mill in the village, water-powered by the South Boyne Creek.

O.H. Marsh served as a deacon of the church and also as its treasurer and attended services faithfully, week in and week out. Church affairs were regularly reported in the local newspaper, the Boyne Falls Arena, published by H.H. Eaton, who also operated a local drug store.

Many families came and went with the years. Four generations have passed. Many former members now sleep in the cemetery. Others have migrated to distant fields of endeavor, but the little church has continued its history of service through spiritual training and strengthening of family ties.