Grace Episcopal Church (Jonesville, Michigan)

In 1833, the Episcopal missionary William N. Lyster left Ireland for the United States, and eventually became the restor of a mission in Tecumseh, Michigan.[3] From there, he traveled throughout southern Michigan to minister to isolated communities; in 1836 he held the first church service in Jonesville.[2] Two years later, a parish was organized by Darius Barker. In 1844, the congregation began constructing this church; it was completed on November 15, 1848, at a cost of $3,000.

In 1946, an old schoolhouse was moved to the site of the church to serve as a parish hall.[2] The church was deconsecrated and sold in 2007, and currently houses a coffee house.[4]

Grace Episcopal Church is a 1-1/2 story rectangular Greek Revival frame structure covered in clapboard.[2] The building has a single-story projecting entry vestibule, atop which is a square tower which intersects with the main structure.[3] Square pilasters run up each corner of the building, and both the entry projection and the main structure are topped with a gable roof.

Gothic double-arched lancet windows line the sides of the building, providing the building with a somewhat rare mix of Greek Revival and Gothic styles.[5] Similar single-arched windows are on each side of the entry vestibule.

Black walnut paneling lined the interior, and the pews are constructed of the same wood.[2] A small altar, also of black walnut, is set amongst frescoes.[6]

• Grace Episcopal Church (Jonesville, Mich.), Historic Grace Episcopal Church