As in most communities, the history of the area was closely interwoven with that of their church. And, for better or for worse, the economic conditions of the church in any given period of time, almost identically coincide with the general welfare status of the time.
Religion or gospel teaching, came to the Inkster area initially through the circuit rider and probably started around 1804, the same year the Michigan Territory was organized.
In the earliest days, the circuit rider traveled from area to area, without a specific route, however, by 1827, with the start of work on the Chicago Turnpike (now Michigan Avenue), certain routes were becoming more established.
Not for worldly gain nor honor ,but for the love of God, these circuit riders traveled on horseback through uncharted wilderness, through swamps and streams, in heat and in severe cold to preach. Most were very young, in their twenties, many were not yet ordained or well educated. Many contracted pneumonia - then called "congestion of the lungs.", they would seek shelter for the night often in the crowded log cabins of the early settlers, sometimes sleeping on dirt floors. Very few were able to keep up this lifestyle for years, however, it is reported a one Bishop Asbury did continue preaching and circuit riding for 45 years.
In their saddlebags they carried Bibles, testaments, tracts and the books to fulfill their requirement of study for five hours a day.
Whenever two or three settlers were gathered, in homes, in schoolhouses, even in taverns, there the circuit rider would lead in song and prayer. A frequent theme was temperance. The religious meetings of the day often became loud with emotional outbursts from listeners. The preaching of a circuit rider commanded strong influence and high interest.
The names of Elijah Pilcher, Rev Marcus Swift and Elias Pattee are among prominent gospel ministers who preached in and around the Inkster area, as early as 1826 and for various durations afterward.
The Methodist Episcopal Church is the one most prominently connected with Inkster's history.
The first actual church building may have been built as far back as the 1830's.
In 1876, then secretary of the church, J.D. Barkerreported attending a log cabin Methodist Church when he was younger, located on the south side of Michigan Avenue, between Harrison and Middlebelt Roads.
There are church records however, recording definate meetings, on Sundays, with an assigned minister, by March 3, 1844.
The loss of some early records is also recorded on the first page of an old church ledger stating in part :
"The Trustees' Record was lost in 1872 by J.G. Butler, secretary of the board at that date."
The Trustee's Record of the M.E. Church at Inkster, Wayne County, State of Michigan, organized July 20, 1859. Names of then Trustees: David S. Hicks; J.W. Rounds; Aaron Hicks; William Harrison; J.G. Butler; J.D. Barker; Charles Harrison; David Harrison; Martin Harrison; William Downing; and Levi Harrison."
For a short time the Church carried the name "Union Chaple."
and land for this building was purchased from the Straight estate, at twenty dollars. The lot (half an acre) was located on the Northeast corner of Inkster Road and Michigan Avenue. (Which does put the church building itself, almost next to where the cemetery Union Chapel sits today. )
Probably constructed in 1862, this white wooden frame structure was home to the Methodist Episcopal Church (or Union Chapel) for 63 years. It was destroyed by a fire in December 1925. Robert Inkster is listed as an original member and officer in the community's Historical Collection.
Among its many "modern" facilities were beautiful stained glass windows and sheds for stabling horses during services.
