Leadership

Leadership & History

Preserving the history of our previous leaders before us so we may continue on the right path they set forth.

Congratulations to the new Board of Directors 2023 – 2024.

We would like to welcome you to our church “Spiritualist Church of the Good Samaritan,” which was founded in 1950 by Reverends Allan and Beryl Hinz. We have been at our present location in Clarkston, Michigan since 1970. Our church is chartered through the Independent Spiritualist Association of the United States of America (I.S.A.), a national organization which believes and practices Spiritualism as a Science, Philosophy, and Religion.

Spiritualist Church of the Good Samaritan is a non-profit organization.

Rev. Allan Hinz

Co-Founder of Spiritualist Church of the Good Samaritan
Ordained: June 28, 1974
Passed: November 3, 1979
Served as President for 26 years

Beryl Hinz

Co-Founder of Spiritualist Church of the Good Samaritan
Ordained: September 19, 1976
Served as Assistant Pastor & Secretary
Passed: November 2, 2003

History

5401 Oak Park Drive, P.O. Box 62, Clarkston, MI
June 21, 1951 to September 22, 1979
Good Samaritan Church Mortgage Burning September 22, 1979

It was a momentous day when we received our first Ecclesiastical Charter through the Independent Spiritualist Association of America. The Charter was presented by Reverends Malcolm Riddell and Bessie Wells from the I.S.A. The Board Included:

Allan Hinz, President
Jennie Ridley, Vice President
Blanche McLauchlin, Secretary
Velma Taylor, Treasurer
Howard Taylor, 1st Trustee
Warren Organ, 2nd Trustee
Ada McLauchin, 3rd Trustee

“As the Sunflower Turns its Face to the Light of the Sun, so Spiritualism Turns the Face of Humanity to the Light of Truth.”

The small group struggled with the use of several rented facilities to spread the Truths of Spiritualism. In 1958 the members decided to make use of a home at 4780 Hillcrest Drive in Waterford, MI. However, a new charter needed to be issued for the Waterford Township home. The Charter issued on March 15, 1964. The charter was presented by Rev. Harry M. Hilborn and Nettie Riddell from the I.S.A. The Board included:

Allan Hinz, President
Frances Higgins, Vice President
Alberta Denmark, Secretary
Harold Denmark, Treasurer
Beryl Hinz, 1st Trustee
Dorothy Wyllie, 2nd Trustee

Church Firsts

First Silver Tea: June 25, 1970
First Marriage Service: June 27, 1970
First Worship Service: June 28, 1970
First Baptism Service: August 28, 1970

The dedication of the completed church was held on September 20, 1970, with the Rev. Harry M. Hilborn officiating. The church board was included:

Rev. Allan Hinz, Pastor & President
L. Alberta Denmark, Secretary
Edward Ross, Treasurer
Dorothy Graves, 1st Trustee
Claude Harper, 2nd Trustee
Beryl Hinz, 3rd Trustee

The Charter for Clarkston was presented by Rev. Harry Hilborn and Nettie Riddell from the I.S.A. We are proud to say we have had several pastors over time.

Penny Offering: A building fund was established and the little “wooden church” was introduced to take a “penny offering.” When the church needed the down payment to start the building, the “little wooden church” donations provided over $900.00

Fundraisers: Through the years we have had many activities as fundraisers. Some include: White Elephant Auction, Rummage Sales, and Bake sales held at Reverend Al’s Waterford Hardware Store, Candy sales by the membership, Spiritual Psychic Silver Tea each month, and filling jars with Bible verses written on paper and placed in a gelatin capsule which was called a “Spiritual Vitamin”, along with summer picnics, and The annual Melting Pot Pig Roast.

Special Breakfast: Many Easters we have entertained a Sunrise Service at 8am followed by a pancake and ham breakfast which we hope all is remembered along with many Mother’s Day and Father’s Day breakfast celebrations. All open to the public.

Previous Pastors

Rev. Carolee Polan, Retired: 11/2015
Rev. Sandra Nelson, Passed: 12/2020
Rev. Patricia Nelson, Retired: 02/2022

Present Board of Directors 2023 – 2024

Nancy Hack, President
Stacy Buck, Vice President & 1st Trustee
Denise Muckenhirn, Secretary & 3rd Trustee
Douglas Buck, Treasurer
Carol Kalvelage-Bohn, 2nd Trustee

Special Thanks!

Through the years we want to remember all who have been a part of this church, whether as a member, friend or neighbor. Many thanks from the Church Board and Membership, however you may have helped, know that your efforts past and present, have been and always will be well appreciated. With your help it has been possible for this church to grow and celebrate our past endeavors along with the ability moving forward harmoniously by helping others learn our Religion of Spiritualism.