Hutchison turns former church into a man cave jam room
Former Immanuel Baptist Church is now a place to play music.
by Amber Schmitz, Sumner Newscow — A sign stating “Music is not what I do, it’s who I am” outside the former Immanuel Baptist Church building at 116 E. 9th St. in Wellington, welcomes anyone who wants to come and play music with Ron Hutchison. After purchasing and remodeling the building, he refurbished the former church sign, as the posts were stuck in concrete.
“We welcome people to just come and enjoy,” Hutchison said. “My mother, Alois, makes brownies and plays hostess to visitors while I stay lost in the stage.”
Seeing a need for a larger space to jam with his friends, Hutchison purchased the church building after its disbandment. Once the title was clear and the property was rezoned, Hutchison turned the place into not only his home, but a jam room. After the pews were sold and construction began, he slowly got musical talent interested in checking out his new pad.
“I wasn’t looking for a church, but when they disbanded, I fell in love with the 5,000 total square feet of floor space, and had room to build the perfect “man cave” to play music,” Hutchison said.
Ron Hutchison is a drummer first, but loves to play harmonica.
Before this, Hutchison would meet with a group at a friend’s house to jam.
“If we played at someone’s house, we had to rearrange furniture and set up equipment, and spent more time setting up and taking down,” Hutchison said. “Here, you walk in and turn on a light.”
Hutchison played drums at South Haven High School, and in college played with various different bands.
The basement of the building has been remodeled as Hutchison’s home, which shares 5,000 square foot of floor space with the upper level. The cry room was also redesigned, cabinets, a bar, sink and refrigerator were added.
“My first love is the drum set, but I play harmonica, it’s easier to transport to gigs!” Hutchison said.
Hutchison had a surplus of drums, PA systems, lights, and other equipment from bands he was formerly in, and other musicians brought their equipment in as well. There are 16 microphones and eight guitar patches for anyone who wants to play. Hutchison’s daughter, Anna, sings during jam sessions.
For anyone who would like to play music there, jam sessions are held the second Saturday of every month at 6 p.m.
“In life’s journey, music has always been a part of my existence,” Hutchison said.
