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Any photos not otherwise credited are from the personal collection of Frank Passic, Albion Historian.
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Morning Star, December 12, 2025, pg. 5 Occasionally in this column we'll feature a review of a newly published area history book of which our readers might be interested. "Up to Concord, A History of the First Universalist Church of Concord, Michigan" is currently being offered by the Hubbard Memorial Museum Foundation. This book was the result of many years of detailed research, personal stories, and interviews by the combined authors, the late John Kinney (1949-2015) and the late Dorothy Spry (1923-2008). Both authors were well known in the Concord area for their keen interest in Concord history and activities. I knew both personally. John and I collaborated together on several historical projects through the years. I would frequently see Dorothy at the State of Michigan Library in Lansing where she spent much time researching Concord history and family genealogies. Following Dorothy's death in 2008, Nancy Barton assisted John in the initial organization of the manuscript, but in 2015, John, too, passed away. The task of editing and preparing the book for publication was then assigned to and accomplished by Rev. Carol (Haughey) Bodeau. It bears a publication date of February, 2024, and is now being offered to the public. The back cover synopsis states, "During the mid-nineteenth century and into the first half of the twentieth century, Universalism was an important religious movement in the Midwest. This history traces the life of the small Universalist church and congregation of Concord, Michigan, from its founding in 1854 through many years as a vibrant and active force in the community, to its decline in the mid-twentieth century, and eventual rebirth as a historical presence today. Authors John Kinney and Dorothy Spry, beloved members of the Concord community and avid Michigan historians share the vivid account of the church and its members. This rich genealogical resource also contains photos and stories collected directly from the families described herein." The book is organized into two parts. The first portion deals with the specific history of the Universalist Church in Concord, organizational and event dates, ministers, list of members, etc. The second portion contains biographies and genealogies of the Church's members through the years. There are many individual and family group photos in both sections. This is a "who's who" of Concord families. Briefly, Universalism began in Concord in 1850 with the Rev. Almond Wood Mason coming to town to preach, and interest grew in the subsequent months. The Universalist Society of Concord was officially organized in 1854. In its early years people met in the homes of its members, in the school, and in meeting rooms above downtown buildings. The church building itself was erected in 1866. The book continues with church history through the years, noting the final minister was the Rev. Richard Roth (1938-2016) who served from 1981 to 1985, at which time the church was closed. Many details are then discussed in the chapter entitled "Post-Mortem and Resurrection" about how the church sat unused for a decade (with a few exceptions), but then how it was acquired by the non-profit Hubbard Memorial Museum Foundation in 1997 and reopened as a center for various events and gatherings. This book is 332 pages long, measures 8 ½ x 11 inches, and is 1 inch thick. It has been published in both soft-cover ($30) and hard cover ($45) editions. There is a handy name index in the back. From our Historical Notebook this week we present a photo of the cover of the book. If you had ancestors who lived in the Concord area, you'll want to acquire a copy of this. "Up to Concord" would make a great Christmas gift, or as an addition to your own personal library. Copies are available from the Hubbard Memorial Museum Foundation. For further information contact Nancy Barton at (517) 960-5763, or E-mail her at: nancy.barton@willisandjurasek.cpa  Up to Concord, A History of the First Universalist Church of Concord, Michigan
All text copyright, 2026 © all rights reserved Frank Passic
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