From the 1950 vision of several caring people, the Rescue Mission of Flint came into being. In the search for someone with vision and experience to direct the ventrue, Rev. John Schaich was highly recommended as "beloved brother in Christ" who loved souls and was not afraid of hard work.

He had been saved under the ministry of Mel Trotter in his mission in Grand Rapids, and later became one of Mel's trusted assistants. Rev. Schaich received a plea from Harold W. Ranes, Chairman of Rescue Mission Committee, in September, 1949. Rev. Schaich agreed to take the postion of Superintendent of the new mission and to assist the committee in acquiring a building, setting policy, and establishing programs.

The original building was purchased for $17,500, and even though no funds had been raised, the founders were able to meet the down payment of $5,000. Over the years, God continued to honor the faith of Rev. Schaich and his wife Louise. "The first five years were difficult," Rev. Schaich recalled, "But we always managed to pay our bills on time." On October 8, 1950, Dr. David E. Molyneaux, dedicated the building and the mission was "born" in the city of Flint.

In October of 1978, Rev. Jerry L. Peaster accepted the position of Executive Director of the mission and assumed leadership in January, 1979. Rev. Peaster had served as Assistant Director of the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission for five years. Prior to that he had worked in criminal rehabilitation in Fort Wayne. Rev. Peaster and his wife Phyllis continued to carry out the work of the mission. Under Rev. Peaster's direction and with encouragement from the Board of Trustees, the mission continued to expand.

With an increasing amount of people needing help, the mission was laboring with the handicap of inadequate space. The search began for a bigger building and the right location. The mission needed to be where the need was, so location was sought in the inner city. After much prayer, and opportunity came to purchase the Sharp-Swartz property, for former Groves Funeral Home, located at 605 Garland. It was the intent of the mission to provide a place for the homeless to sleep and eat. So with determination, the property was purchased in April 1986.

Once again, God honored the faithfulness of the mission, and in 1989 provided the funds to pay off the mortgage early. In 1991, the mission purchased the Knights of Columbus building one block north at 705 Garland. The purpose of this was to provide a shelter for women and children. Most of the rooms were adopted by churches. By adopting a room, the church was in charge of purchasing the carpets, furnishings, and wall coverings. After the renovations were made, The Family Center was dedicated on October 25, 1992. Under the direction of Rev. Peaster, the mission was able to start programs like giving away 100,000 articles of clothing every year and giving food to 750 families annually for free. Free health screenings and drug rehab programs are also provided by the mission. Today, the staff of 30 Full and Part-time employees assist the homeless in Flint. In 1993, the mission became known as Carriage Town Ministries.

May of 1994, the Innovative Learning Center opened to give a helping hand up. All applications use computer-enhanced, self-instructional curriculum and mastery-based learning techniques. This outstanding teaching facility has gained widespread respect in the Flint community, with classes available and free to all who desire to improve their computer skills. On any given afternoon, the ILC may play host to a college-educated professional taking classes in the cubicle right next to a homeless client.

In June of 2000, Rev. Robert Sweeny became just the third Executive Director at Carriage Town, following the retirement of Rev. Peaster. The Peasters, Jerry and Phyllis, had led the mission for 21 years!

While many changes and improvements have taken place since the 1950 inception of the mission, there is one thing that has not changed, the desire to reach out to the last, the least, and the lost with the message of hope through Jesus Christ. The purpose of the mission has always been to see lives changed through the power of the Holy Spirit.