About Kirkridge Presbyterian Church
Mission Statement
We are to be God’s love. We are called to worship, invite, nurture, and serve.
​
Vision Statement
Kirkridge is a community where people care for one another, and through us, God reaches out to our neighbors near and far.
​
Our Beliefs
We, the members of Kirkridge believe that God has empowered our congregation with a variety of strengths and resources. God has blessed Kirkridge with the wisdom of age and the enthusiasm of youth.
We believe we are being called to WORSHIP GOD, to challenge each other to grow in faith, to spread His word and to support His works in the world.
We believe we are being called to OUTREACH to those in need, to the youth, the elderly, to families and to the community in which we live.
We believe through joyful prayer, dedication to hard work, open minds and working together that all things are possible.
​
Kirkridge is a part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) for more information click here
​
Our History
In the early 1960s, the Grand Blanc area faced a unique challenge: local Presbyterians had to drive into Flint or miss church services due to the absence of a nearby Presbyterian congregation. This all changed when Rev. Robert Nixon from Farnumwood Presbyterian Church invited Grand Blanc resident William Modrack to meet with the Lake Huron Presbytery's Committee on National Missions. This meeting ignited the dream of establishing a Presbyterian Church in Grand Blanc.
​
On November 27, 1962, Bill and Sally Modrack opened their home in the Hillcrest Subdivision for an inaugural meeting. By December 10th, the first general interest meeting took place with Rev. Elmer Braden of Community Presbyterian Church in Flint moderating. The turnout was impressive: about 75 people attended, all united in their conviction that a new church was needed. Guided by Rev. Braden, a Steering Committee was formed with key members including Elsie and James Elliott, Marilyn and Stewart Harger, Jane and Fred Josey, Bill and Sally Modrack, John and Helen Stevenson, Jim and Mary Elizabeth Stiles, and Earl and Ruth Sutton, with Bill Modrack leading as Chairman.
​
The church's first services, under the banner of the United Presbyterian Mission, were held at the Masonic Temple on January 27, 1963, drawing 93 adults and 53 children. On May 5, 1963, Rev. Richard Geiger from Xenia, Ohio, was unanimously called to be the Organizing Minister. Alongside his wife Barbara and their daughters, Margaret, Nancy, and Jane, Rev. Geiger moved into the manse in Grand Blanc. His first worship service was held on September 3, 1963. By May 17, 1964, Kirkridge United Presbyterian Church was officially organized with 172 charter members, and Rev. Geiger was installed as Pastor on November 15, 1964.
​
The church's physical foundation began with the purchase of 10.6 acres from the Peter Neimersheim family on South Saginaw Road. A house on the property, known as the "Kirk House," became the hub for meetings. A dedicated Building Committee led by Raymond Sturk, with Sally Modrack as Secretary and James Elliott as Finance Chairman, laid the groundwork for the new facility. Architects Merritt, Cole, and McCallum from Farmington, Michigan, designed the building, and the first worship service in the new church was celebrated on July 2, 1967. The church's "Week of Dedication" followed from October 1-8, 1967.
​
Kirkridge quickly established itself as a cornerstone of faith in the community. After Rev. Geiger concluded his pastorate on March 31, 1974, Rev. Hugh V. Stewart was called and began his service on December 1, 1974. Rev. Stewart, his wife Pat, and their daughters, Rosalia and Amy, soon became integral parts of the community, eventually purchasing the manse from the church in 1975.
​
The church's land expanded in December 1982, thanks to a generous gift of 5.84 acres from Dr. and Mrs. Vincent Murphy and Dr. and Mrs. Allan Silverton.
​
November 1984 saw the dedication of the Kirkridge Memorial Garden in memory of Mary Elizabeth Stiles, a project driven by Alan Rainney as an Eagle Scout initiative.
​
After Rev. Stewart's departure in December 1987, Kirkridge saw interim leadership from Rev. Jack Byers and Rev. Mark Caldwell before welcoming Rev. Herschel Ele from Pennsylvania on November 26, 1989. Rev. Ele led until October 27, 2002, after which Rev. Robert Lakey and then Rev. Mickey Blair served as interim pastors.
​
Rev. Glenn G. Grant became Kirkridge's fourth pastor on November 7, 2004. Rev. Grant, along with his wife Debbie, nurtured the church community until his retirement on January 31, 2023.
​
On January 7, 2024, Kirkridge welcomed Rev. Kate Morrison as its fifth pastor. With a strong foundation in religious studies and practical theology, Rev. Morrison's journey included roles in Torrington, Wyoming, and Salisbury, NC, before being called to Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Flint. Her arrival marked a new era of collaboration, with Kirkridge and Trinity United Presbyterian Church entering a covenant to share her pastoral leadership and strengthen their ministries together.
​
Kirkridge celebrated its 60th anniversary on May 17, 2024, we are looking forward with excitement and gratitude, eager to see where the Holy Spirit will lead us next.