Rooms and their Namesakes
Hillegonds Chapel (off nave)
Named in honor of the Rev. William C. Hillegonds, pastor during a politically very difficult period from 1980 to 1990, particularly in regard to the Hill Street property. Nevertheless, the church grew and thrived during his ministry.
Lemon Wing
Named for the Rev. William P. Lemon, pastor from 1934 to 1951. The church and this wing were built during his tenure. The Lemon Wing was originally the student wing and belonged to the University of Michigan Presbyterian Corporation. The church purchased it from the UMPC and it currently houses most clergy offices, the music department, and the library.
Lewis Room
Named for Mr. Walter R. Lewis who worked with young people and encouraged the support of youth interests. The beautiful white oak paneling came from the mills of his two brothers in Lima, Ohio and was a gift from his wife and family.
Vance Room
Named for Joseph A. Vance who was the minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Detroit, and, from 1927 to 1935 President of the University of Michigan Presbyterian Corporation. He was "the alert and vigorous critic but also the dependable friend of students of the University of Michigan."
French Room (downstairs)
Named in honor of J. Leslie French and his wife Edna C. French, whose photographs hang at the top of the French Room stairs. Dr. French was the first Presbyterian Student Pastor, and played a pioneering role in student pastorships, not only in Ann Arbor, but nationally. Tappan Association, the student association was large and extremely active during the Dr. and Mrs. French's years. The room is named for both, as theirs was truly a joint ministry.
Kuizinga Wing
The present Sunday School (and office) wing was named to honor Dr. Henry B. Kuizenga, pastor from 1952 to 1961. This wing was constructed during his tenure which was a period of tremendous growth in the church, in the building itself, in the membership, and in the programs of the church.
Curtis Room
Named for Martha Leach Curtis, the wife of the Rev. William S. Curtis, the pastor from 1842 to 1855. Mrs. Curtis founded the Ladies Aid Society, a modest name for a group of hardworking women who supported missionary activities, raised funds for everything from mission activities to providing the coal for the church furnace and paying the
ministers' salaries, scrubbed the church from top to bottom each summer, and learned to take leadership roles through their meetings, although at that time, only their husbands could be elected to Session, the Board of Trustees, or be Deacons.
Founders Room
Named in honor of the seventeen founding members of this church who formed a Presbyterian Society on August 21, 1826, two years after Ann Arbor was platted, and the fifth Presbyterian Society to be established in Michigan Territory. A list of the names of the founders hangs on the wall.
