”ORLEANS METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. A Methodist Episcopal class was organized in Orleans at a moderately early date, but just when or who were the organizing members cannot be clearly ascertained, for there are no records to enlighten the chronicler, and none of the early members within reach. In the steward’s book appears the information that the Otisco circuit was formerly a part of the old Flat River circuit from which it was separated in 1861, and then constituted a circuit by itself. …Among the ministers who served on that and the Otisco circuit, with Orleans as a field of their work, were: …W.H. Ware, …

There were in Orleans two Methodist Episcopal classes on the Otisco circuit which had five appointments, Rev. W. H. Ware being the preacher in charge in November, 1880.”

Reference Data:

History of Ionia County, Michigan, Vol. 1, by Rev. E. E. Branch, 1916, page 398