Melvin E. Trotter is born in Orangeville, Illinois

With no interest in being educated, Mel works at a bar with his father

Mel's mother tries to instill in him the importance of prayer, "In life's tempest just remember, prayer will make the storm a calm."

Mel begins drinking heavily at age 19

Mel meets and marries Lottie Fisher

Mel constantly tries to quit drinking, but fails often, hating himself more every time. Once he stays sober for 11 weeks, then sells his horse for whiskey.

The day after Mel and Lottie's son is born, Mel loses his job. “I’ll quit drinking,” he promises, but breaks his promise again and again.

Two years later Mel returns home from a 10-day-binge to find his son dead in his wife’s arms. Mel pledges to never drink again.

Taking the blame for his son’s death, Mel is drunk again within two hours of his son’s funeral.

Mel accepts Christ as his Savior at the Pacific Garden Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission in Grand Rapids opens and Mel is asked to lead

Mel Trotter is ordained as a Presbyterian Minister

City Rescue Mission moves to the old Smith Opera House

Mel begins opening many missions to meet need across the United States

Mel Trotter goes home to be with the Lord and City Rescue Mission is renamed to Mel Trotter Mission

Mel Trotter opens new Mission headquarters at Commerce Ave