Church, Michael P. (Michael Paul), 1907-

Church (1907- ) was a Michigan artist and photographer. He worked for over 30 years as the Director of Cultural Activities for the Extension Service at the University of Michigan. Four governors appointed him to serve on the Michigan Council for the Arts, which was begun in 1966 to stimulate and encourage the performing and creative arts within the state. Church was awarded the Gold Medal of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts & Letters in 1958. He lived with his wife, Mary, in Holmes Beach (Mich.) in 1981.

From the description of Papers, 1949-1981. (Clarke Historical Library). WorldCat record id: 44082712

Director of cultural activities of the extension service of the University of Michigan.

From the description of Michael P. Church papers, 1933-1975. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34421082

Michael P. Church was with the Extension Service of the University of Michigan for twenty-nine years before his retirement in 1974. He began as the supervisor of the Saginaw area extension program in 1946. In 1952, he was named supervisor of state-wide and community projects in art, music, theater, and creative writing. In 1962, he was appointed assistant director of the Extension Service and in 1971, he became director of cultural activities. In addition to these responsibilities, from 1960 to 1974, Church was also a lecturer in art at the University of Michigan College of Architecture and Design.

A native of Detroit, Church studied art at the Wicker Art School, Cranbrook Academy of Wayne State University, and the University of Michigan. In his career, Church attained a reputation as art lecturer and critic. He was once described by Reader's Digest as "Michigan's Evangelist of Art" for his popular talks and lectures, for his nurturing of Michigan artists, and for his work with numerous cultural and art organizations.

From the guide to the Michael P. Church papers, 1933-1975, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)