The group learned that a small church building was for sale in Freeland, Michigan. They decided to buy this building and relocate it north of Merrill on Chapin Road. Early one summer morning the group traveled to Freeland with their horses and wagons. The building was cut down into sections that were small enough to be carried on the wagons. The church building was reconstructed on property that was leased to the church by Will Doehring.

The church was organized as the Merrill Pilgrim Holiness Church on April 5, 1921. Rev. Homer Hetfield served as the first pastor.

Members initiated during the first three years include: Alex Bellen, Susie F. Brooks, Alice Bucky, Ethel Bucky, Mildred Bucky, Grace Bullock, Adolph Doehring, August Doehring, Bessie Doehring, Charles Doehring, Gladys Doehring, Henry Doehring, Herman Doehring, Ida Doehring, Iva Doehring, Lucy Doehring, Nellie Doehring, Will Doehring, Irene Elsworth, Anna Gifford, Charlie Gifford, Henry Gifford, Loren Gifford, Floy Hetfield, Rev. Homer Hetfield, Bernard Kraatz, Bertha Kreh, Lillie Kreh, Mabel Macy, Jacob Myers, Archie, Newman, M.L. Newman, Mrs. M.L. Newman, Sophia Doehring, Albert Rodgers, Cora Seigmund, Albert Stinson, Mrs. J.H. Stinson, Mrs. D.M. Walker, and Veryl Walker.

The first church board was elected as follows:
Clerk – August Doehring
Treasurer – Herman Doehring
Elders – Will Doehring, Charles Doehring, and Albert Stinson
Deaconess – Mrs. Wesley Stinson, Cora Seigmund, and Mrs. Stinson
Trustees – August Doehring, Will Doehring, and Mr. J. Stinson

A Sunday School was organized on May 12, 1921. The following officers were elected:
Superintendent – August Doehring
Assistant Superintendent – Herman Doehring
Secretary – Ida Doehring
Treasurer – Henry Doehring

Pastor Hetfield appointed the following teachers:
Bible Class – Pastor Hetfield
Intermediate Class – Wesley Stinson
Little Folk’s Class – Bessie Doehring

A dedication service was held in September 1921. Soon after, it was decided to purchase an organ for the church. The cost was ten dollars.

Pastor Hetfield remained the pastor for two years. The church was without a pastor for the summer of 1923. August Doehring and Sophia Doehring filled the pulpit during this time.

In October of 1923, Pastor James Thompson was selected as Pastor. He stayed for six years. During this time, the original parsonage was built. It was completed by April, 1925.

At a board meeting in February 1927, it was voted to pay the pastor $20.00 a week if funds were available.

Beginning in the fall of 1929, Pastor Bernard Manker served for a period of six years. This was a difficult financial period for the church. Pastor Manker’s salary was lowered to $15.00 a week. The Manker’s had five children, and each one was musically talented. Pastor Manker is remembered for his excellent ministry and for the musical talent of his family.

In 1935, Pastor Telly Fast took over pastoral duties and remained for three years. It was during his time that his wife organized the Ladies Missionary Society. Mrs. Fast became the first missionary president. Interest was great among the ladies, and much was accomplished for our missionaries. During this time a garage was constructed, and the horse shed were torn down.

Pastor Arlie Osborn came to the Church in 1938. He stayed for a period of four years. The church and Sunday School were growing, and Sunday School classrooms were desperately needed. In the winter of 1941-42, some remodeling took place. The main floor was raised, and a full basement was constructed. New wallboard, ceiling tiles, and a new furnace were installed. During Pastor Osborn’s stay , Pastor and Mrs. Osborn were involved in an automobile accident. Mrs. Osborn was killed in this accident, and Pastor Osborn was hospitalized for several weeks. Pastor Osborn was later married to Sophia Doehring.

In 1942, Pastor Russel Mohl began three years of service in Merrill. Since leaving Merrill, Pastor Mohl taught music in several Pilgrim Holiness Colleges.

Pastor Edgar Haskins arrived in 1945, and stayed for only one year. Leaving here, he went to the state of Pennsylvania.

In 1946, Pastor Herbert Diller came to the church and stayed for three years.

Pastor Paul Wilcox arrived 1949. He stayed with the church for four years.

Pastor Glenn Petterson came took over pastoral duties in 1953, staying four years. It was during his time here that the old Bellen school building was purchased by the church. The building and the large lot it stands on was purchased for the sum of $850.00. This building was used as an activity center. The activity center was used for many social events.

Pastor Carl Barrett came to the church in 1957. The church began to outgrow its facilities. It was originally planned to add to the old church building. These plans were cancelled due to the age of the existing building.

Neighbors of the church, Mr. and & Mrs. Howard Tessin, learned of the church’s problems. They gave the church enough land to build what is the current sanctuary. In addition, Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Doehring gave the church a deed to the leased property which is now used as our Sunday School Unit.

A ground breaking service took place on September 29, 1963, and after that, many hours of labor by the congregation made this sanctuary possible.

On Mother’s Day, May 10, 1964, the first service was conducted in the new sanctuary. An attendance record was set with a number of 168 present.

Pastor Kenneth Boileau, came to the church in 1965. Pastor Boileau ministered in Merrill for the next four years.

In 1968, the Pilgrim Holiness denomination, merged with the Wesleyan Methodist denomination. The Merrill Pilgrim Holiness Church became known as Merrill Wesleyan Church.

Pastor Stephen Skinner was called to be the minister in the spring of 1969. During Pastor Skinner's stay, the current education wing was built. This additional space filled a need for addition classroom space as well as a new fellowship hall.