Where we began

In the fall of 1976 several men of the Christian Brethren Assemblies; Melvin Banks and Jim Albright of Chicago IL, Edward Taylor of Cleveland OH, Cliff Lewis, Herbert Mason and Melvin Holley of Detroit MI. began discussing organization of an annual retreat for men.  The purpose was to provide Christ centered messages and topical workshops in a relaxed informal setting isolated from distractions,

 

The dream became a reality when the first UCM Retreat unveiled in February 1977 at Adrian College. Pioneer speaker Melvin Banks addressed a small group of approximately 17 men.

 

Over the next few years the UCM moved forward attracting men from several cities in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.

 

Weather was a serious problem for Adrian College during the month of February, so the retreat was moved to late March.  Attendance increased and brought about problems that could not be resolved using the Adrian College Facility.  In 1985 Calvin College in Grand Rapids MI became our new location and produced another growth spurt

 

For more than 40 years the UCM retreat continues to bring men together.  Praise God, and our Savior Jesus Christ for winning us to Himself, May men of faith continue to “Shine On” for we are truly the Light of the World.