Our Story

Smith’s Chapel, also known as Smith Chapel, is a historic chapel located at 29858 Redfield Road in Milton Township (near Niles, Michigan). It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1979 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The chapel is the oldest known church building in Cass County, and probably the oldest in southwest Michigan.

Cannon Smith, the son of George and Sophia Cannon Smith, was born in 1782. He settled in this location in 1829 after moving from his previous home in Delaware. In 1831, traveling Methodist circuit preachers established classes at Smith’s home. This led to the organization of the first Methodist church in Milton Township in 1839.

 

In 1840, the congregation hired James Taylor, a carpenter and joiner, to construct this church building at a cost of $1200. Cannon Smith donated the land, and contributed substantially toward the construction of the church. Because of these contributions, the church was named “Smith’s Chapel”.

 

The surrounding cemetery grounds were purchased in 1872. In 1879, contractor W. S. Beswick was hired to remodel the church. The church was used regularly until 1967, and in 1972 Milton Township purchased the structure. In 2008, the chapel underwent substantial restoration. As of 2013, the township owned the chapel, with the surrounding cemetery grounds owned by a non-profit organization, Smith Chapel Cemetery Inc.

 

The Chapel was purchased in early 2019 and again in 2025. We have fallen in love with the Chapel and plan to continue on the long and cherished history of its use as a wedding and funeral venue.