The History of Michigan Avenue UMC

     Founded in 1886, Michigan Avenue UMC was originally known as The Swedish Methodist Church. Several Swedish families who lived along Michigan Avenue- originally Swede Avenue, and in the surrounding neighborhood built the church as a means to worship in their native language. 

     Today there remains a few families who are Swedish but Worship Services are conducted in English. Additionally, the neighborhood church now sees members from all over- Crown Point, Portage, Valparaiso, and Westville, plus Hobart; only two families still live in the neighborhood.