History of Rescue Ministries

Homelessness and hopelessness were growing problems in Saginaw after the lumber boom of the late 1800s. In response, City Rescue Mission opened its doors to “whoever will come” in 1905. The original mission location was 111 Genesee Avenue, the very first of some 67 gospel missions begun across the country by the well-known evangelist Mel Trotter. After several moves over the years, our current location at 1021 Burt Street was dedicated in 1982. Hundreds of people each year still experience God’s love in their time of need at City Rescue Mission.

In response to the need for a similar facility in Bay County, Good Samaritan Rescue Mission opened in 2005. Since then, Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan has continually developed to better reach the hurting and homeless, introducing Impact Designs and Samaritan Youth Services in 2021, and Higher Purpose in 2025.

Request a complimentary copy of Lighting the Way Home: The City Rescue Mission of Saginaw’s First Hundred Years by local author Gary D. Warner.