The story of Maple Grove begins with Valentine Whitehead II, born in Europe in 1779. At 16, he secured passage to America, eventually settling in Dayton, Ohio. He and his wife, Mary Kennie, had 12 children. While three remained in Ohio, nine moved to Elkhart County, Indiana. Adam, one of his sons, arrived in 1830 and purchased 2,000 acres in Jackson Township. He later encouraged his siblings to join him. Peter and Lewis, two of the brothers, donated adjacent parcels of land to establish Whitehead Church, while Samuel contributed timber for construction, and John provided land for Whitehead Cemetery. Today, Valentine Whitehead II and nine of his children rest there.

The first church, completed in 1854, measured 36’ x 44’. Men and women entered through separate doors and sat apart during services, though exceptions were made for funerals or couples. In 1907, a woodshed with separate restrooms was built. Heat came from two wood-burning stoves, and a water pump, still standing, was installed for church and cemetery use. Sunday School was introduced in 1870.

In 1906, the growing congregation split to form Union Center Church, Maple Grove Community Church, and Maple Grove Sunday School. Further expansions followed: a basement was added in 1944 to accommodate a kitchen and restrooms, completed in 1947. Additional improvements included a Sunday School wing in 1962, a new sanctuary in 1971, and a modern kitchen by 1977, when the church mortgage was also paid off.

Through the dedication of many families, the church has continued to evolve, including the installation of an elevator for accessibility. The vision of Valentine Whitehead II has endured through generations, shaping the Maple Grove Community Church into what it is today. As a seventh-generation descendant, I am honored to be part of this legacy, which continues through the eighth, ninth, and tenth generations.