The Bold Move of 1847 - Lansing's Capitol Controversy and the Rise of UU Lansing
By Ed Busch
Travel back in time with us in this week’s UU Lansing Archives blog as I delve into the early days of Lansing! On March 17, 1847, Michigan's lawmakers sparked a controversial move—shifting the state capital from bustling Detroit to the relative wilderness of Lansing. This decision aimed to develop Michigan's western frontier and strategically distance itself from the Canadian border, but it wasn't without its share of debate. Ann Arbor, Jackson, Grand Rapids, and Shiawassee Township also vied for the prestigious title of capital.
Fueled by legislative backing, construction began on a modest yet pivotal structure—a two-story wood-framed capitol on the block bordered by Washington Avenue, Capitol Avenue, Allegan Street, and Washtenaw Street, adorned with striking green shutters (Go Green!). By January 1848, this building hosted Michigan's governmental affairs.
But why am I diving into these historical details? For one, did you know that before their own church was built in 1863, the First Universalist Church of Lansing gathered in this very capitol building? Even more intriguing, Reverend John H. Sanford, our first minister, served as co-chaplain for the Michigan House of Representatives in 1848.
The House convened in Lansing for the first time on January 4, 1848. On this date, there was a proposal to alternate chaplains with a vote taken on the following day. The top three vote getters on January 5 were James Shaw, Sidney Brown, and B. Millerd. Rev. John Sanford came in below that. So, how did he end up being co-chaplain?
Details are scarce as to what was going on in the House. On January 6, it was voted to postpone election of a chaplain indefinitely. On January 12, the journal shows an opening prayer given by Rev. Sanford. Later that day, a motion was made to invite Rev. F. Millerd to officiate as Chaplain of the House during the present session. The resolution was laid on the table. (I had to look this up – it means to postpone discussion indefinitely but can be resumed at any time.)
On January 13, the Rev. Mr. Hill gave the opening prayer for the House. Rev. Hill was Bezabeel Hill, Jr., a Baptist. Rev. Sanford and Rev. Hill went on to alternate for the remainder of the year. The journal for the Michigan House of Representatives doesn’t indicate any official acknowledgement of designated Chaplains but the records show the two clergyman acting in that capacity for the year (ending in April).
Throughout the session, Reverends Sanford and Bezabeel Hill, Jr. (Baptist) alternated in leading the House in prayer, despite the absence of formal chaplaincy appointments. Their dedication did not go unnoticed: upon adjourning on April 3, 1848, the House unanimously passed a resolution thanking both clergymen for their service.
In subsequent years, the House continued this tradition with clergy from various denominations until its formal cessation in 1850. A Kalamazoo Gazette article (February 21, 1851) hinted at political tensions surrounding the chaplaincy role and its allowances.
For those interested in delving deeper, you can find a detailed biography of Reverend Sanford in our book 'Dedicated Lives' and the Historical Society of Greater Lansing's January 2018 newsletter.
Join us next time as we uncover more intriguing tales from UU Lansing's rich history! If you have any questions, send an email to uucgl.archives@gmail.com.
Sources:
1. Wikipedia contributors. (2024, June 25). Michigan State Capitol. Wikipedia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_State_Capitol
2. Staff, S. (2017, March 30). Defense, expense, and growth: Why Michigan’s capital moved from Detroit to Lansing in 1847. Michigan Public. https://www.michiganpublic.org/arts-culture/2017-03-30/defense-expense-and-growth-why-michigans-capital-moved-from-detroit-to-lansing-in-1847
3. History of Greater Lansing | Lansing, MI. (n.d.). https://www.lansing.org/about-us/greater-lansing-history/
4. Barnett, L. R. G., PhD. (2018). Ministers who became official chaplains of the Michigan Legislature. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62f83a4da6d4f5429c69d558/t/632a652fe25739723eef6764/1663722800480/2018-01-January+2018-History+Explorer-HSGL+Newsletter.pdf
5. View all sessions - Legislators. (n.d.). https://mdoe.state.mi.us/legislators/Session?sortOrder=startDate&page=2
Images:
1. Lansing’s first Capitol building on the block bordered by Washington Avenue, Capitol Avenue, Allegan Street, and Washtenaw Street, source: Wikipedia
2. First Universalist Church of Lansing’s first building at Grand and Allegan Streets, source: CADL
