History of Genesee County | Fenton Historical Society and The A. J. Phillips Museum
History of Genesee County | Fenton Historical Society and The A. J. Phillips Museum
During our adventures today we found this plaque in downtown Fenton, commemorating the first religious sermon given in Dibbleville!
We checked our 1879 copy of History of Genesee County, and that first sermon may not have been as solemn as the plaque suggests.
As remembered by Dexter Horton, "At this time, and in this log schoolhouse, a pioneer and gentleman, now living a short distance from here, was called as he thought, to preach, and in an hour of work and religious excitement, he had what was called in those days the "power." He rolled over and over on the floor. Scott McOmber played that the young man had fainted, seized a pail of water, and immediately the "power" left him and the would-be preacher revived."
Elsewhere, the History of Genesee County confirms, "The anecdote related by Dexter Horton in which he spoke of a certain licentiate "getting the power" will be noticed. Mr. Warren is authority for the statement that this man was the Rev. Mr. Jackson."
We love a good plaque, but this one only hints at a much better story, and we were glad to learn more. Enjoy!
Original source can be found here.
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