The Bay View Association, a historic summer community near Petoskey with United Methodist roots, will celebrate its sesquicentennial with a lineup of events and guest preachers, including Bishop David Bard.
JOHN E. HARNISH
Michigan Conference Communications
The late 1800s in America were a bewildering time — the ravages of the Civil War followed by Reconstruction, economic depression, political corruption, and fear for the permanence of American democratic institutions. Historian Kenneth Fennimore says it seemed like a good time for Michigan Methodists to “seek some water and a grove where they might get away from the stress of the day” (The Heritage of Bay View, p. 9).
They modeled their community on Methodist facilities like those in Chautauqua, New York, and Ocean Grove, New Jersey. In 1875, they planted the first campsites overlooking Little Traverse Bay outside Petoskey. The Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad obliged with a rail line from Ludington, so Methodists could make the journey up the coast to a place where they could renew their souls. They called it Bay View. Today, the summer community includes 444 Victorian cottages, two hotels, a grand central hall with a massive pipe organ, and a stunning view of the bay.
This summer, Bay View will celebrate its 150th Jubilee Year. Click to learn more about the events. As in the early days, a guest preacher will fill the pulpit each week and provide spiritual enrichment through lectures. The first preacher for the season will be Bishop David Bard, who will be there June 15-19. Later in the season, he will be followed by Bishop Will Willimon, a United Methodist author of some 100 books, and Rev. Grace Imathiu, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Evanston, Illinois, and the guest preacher at the 2023 Michigan Annual Conference. Rev. Julie Greyerbiehl, pastor of Petoskey United Methodist Church, will also be featured.
In addition to these United Methodists, the schedule includes Rev. Luke Powery, dean of Duke University Chapel, Rev. Mary Luti, a faculty member at Andover Newton Seminary, and nationally known author and speaker Brian McLaren, an advocate for “a new kind of Christianity.” Click to see the full lineup of preachers and lecturers.
Since its founding, Bay View has been known not only for its worship and preaching but also for the arts. United Methodist-affiliated Albion College ran a summer music program at Bay View for some years. This year, the musical offerings will include the opera Carmen, the musical Ragtime, and Sunday evening Vesper Concerts each week. Click to view the full schedule.
Bay View was just one of many camp meetings, lyceums, and Chautauqua programs that came to life in the late 1800s. In Michigan, Epworth Heights was developed in Ludington, and Methodist camp meetings in Eaton Rapids, Romeo, and Sebewaing carried on the evangelistic mission of the church. As with most of the colleges, hospitals, retirement homes, and camps founded by early Methodists, today, Bay View is officially independent but continues to honor its historic ties with United Methodism, with the Michigan Conference’s resident bishop serving as a member of the board of trustees.
Bishop David Bard said, “I am delighted to be part of the 150th anniversary of Bay View, with its rich history and deep connections to Michigan United Methodism. Bishop Emerson Colaw, who ordained me, was an important part of the Worship and Religious Life program for many years. This 150th Jubilee Year would be a good time for Michigan United Methodists to rediscover and reconnect with Bay View.”
The summer season opens on June 15 and extends through August. For information on the Bay View schedule and available accommodations, visit www.bayviewassociation.org.
Last Updated on May 15, 2025