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HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCHES OF WOODFORD COUNTY, ILL.
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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FLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY
Z
HISTORY
..
OF THE
Baptist Churches
. . . OF
Woodford County, Illinois
By A. F. Marshall, A. B. (Shurtleff College 1879), who has been closely identified with the history of the Baptist Churches of this county for more than fifty years.
COPYRIGHTED 1913
A. F. MARSHALL.
PREFACE.
In presenting this little voulme to the public containing, as it does, the history of the Baptist churches of Woodford county, Illinois, I do so but with a single purpose: viz., to so preserve the history of the faithful lives of service of the men and women of the past, who made the splendid work of our churches possible, that present and future generations may profit by the examples of their self-sacrificing devotion. In the preparation of this little volume I have sought to bring out that which I consider is vital in relating the story of the struggles, the hard- ships, and the victories that have attended the growth of our churches in the county for more than fifty years. Much of this history has come within the range of my personal experi- ence. I wish, however, to here acknowledge my indebtedness to all who have assisted me in gathering the material that supplements my own knowledge of the progress of the church.
The volume goes to you with the prayer that it may fulfill the purpose that inspired the author in its preparation, and that the contemplation of the lives of the godly self- sacrificing men and women of the church of yesterday may serve to inspire the men and women of today and tomorrow to a greater spirit of earnestness and devotion, and that thru faith the history of the church of tomorrow may be replete with victories and achievements for Christ.
Yours truly, A. F. MARSHALL.
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History of the Baptist Churches of Woodford County, Illinois.
CHAPTER I.
Early Heroes of the Church.
B EFORE compiling a history of the Baptist churches of Woodford county, I wish to mention some of the deacons and preachers, who were in the county more than fifty years ago, whom I personally knew. 1 wish first to mention the name of Esther Mundell, at whose home the first Baptist church was organized after Wood- ford county was set off as a county. She had much to do with the first Baptist church, always being liberal in her contribu- tions of both time and money. It is related that before the church was lathed and plastered, a covenant meeting was held on Saturday afternoon. It was cold and they had only one stove. They thot they ought to have another stove before Sun- day, and all began to make excuses as to why they could not go and get one She arose and said, "If no one else will go, I >will hitch up my old yellow mare and go to Metamora and get "one and have it set up before Sunday morning." And she did. I have often seen her drive the old yellow mare with a colt of the same color by her side.
Deacon Hammers and wife of the Richland church, cast a Christian influence over the county of their time, that was probably greater than that of any other couple since. Deacon Hammers was a man of sterling Christian character, a man loved by all who knew him. I first remember him when I was S a little boy in my father's arms. From that time until his death I was never at a service that I did not see Deacon and Mrs.
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCHES
Hammers, if they were well. I doubt whether there was a man better known over the county than he was. Mrs. Hammers was a true Christian woman, who always visited the sick in the neighborhood, no matter who they were. It is said that she never went empty handed. I have heard her tell of the Asso- ciation meeting being held at the Richland church, when they would entertain twenty-five over night, making large beds on the floor for them.
Joseph Hammers, the father of Deacon Hammers, used to live near Panola and he would walk to Richland to attend a covenant meeting, stopping at my parents for dinner and going on after dinner, making a twenty-five mile walk. I remember well when he would stop at our house both ways. I remember the last time he came. It was a cold, chilly day, and the but- tons were off his overcoat. I remember that mother sewed some on for him. He took cold and died soon after, I think about eighty years of age.
Another man I wish to mention is Uncle Jeter Foster, as every one called him. While a member of the Methodist church he always helped at the Richland church, especially taking great interest in the Sunday school. No history of any- thing of the northern part of Woodford county would be com- plete without a mention of the Kerricks, pioneer M. E. preachers, men of fine Christian character, who did much for every Sunday school of the county. As a little boy I can remember how we loved to see them ride up to the school house in which services were held, for we always knew that they would have something good to say to us children.
Probably no preacher was better known than Rev. C. D. Merrit thruout Central Illinois. Coming here in 1853, he remained in the county about twenty-five years. His sterling Christian character and firm manhood made him a man of more than ordinary ability. He probably did more for the Baptist churches in this county than any other preacher. While pastor of the Washburn and Richland churches, he would often walk
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to Richland Saturday afternoon for covenant meeting, stay all night, preach Sunday morning, walk back to Washburn and preach Sunday evening. He probably helped organize more churches, and ordain more young men to the gospel ministry than any other Baptist preacher in Woodford county.
Elder M. L. Fuller was another pioneer Baptist preacher who used to ride over the prairies before there were any roads, preaching for the scattering churches. His grand daughter, Lydia Fuller, was a missionary and died on the foreign field. Deacon E. A. Fisher was another deacon whose influence was felt far and wide.
Dr. G. S. Baily was another early Baptist preacher, one who helped in many ways in the early struggles of the Baptist churches of Woodford county. He was later connected with the Chicago Theological Seminary.
Another pioneer Baptist preacher was Rev. Brown, who used to preach in a log school house near the Hallam farm. Another early Baptist preacher was Charles Fuchs, a French- man, who married a cousin of the Majors, and came here from Kentucky. He at one time owned tne Haynes farm southwest of Eureka. While he never was ordained, he preached fre- quently during the fifties.
Another prominent figure in the history of the Baptist church in this county was E. R. Marshall, who came to this county in 1848, and became a charter member of ths Roanoke Baptist church at the time of its organization in 1864. He con- tinued a member of that church until it gave up its organization. For a number of years he paid one-fourth of the salary of the pastor of the Roanoke church, and was a staunch supporter of the work in all its branches.
Elder Brooks preached for the Richland church for some months, filling the pulpit every alternate Sunday. He rode thirty miles to reach his preaching appointment, riding the entire distance on horseback.
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CHAPTER II. The Richland Baptist Church.
T HIS was the first Baptist church organized in Woodford county after its organization as a county. From this church many other Baptist churches were organized. It was situated five miles north of Metamora. It was organized at the home of Mrs. Esther Mundell, Sept. 27th, 1844, with 13 members. Four from Pennsylvania, one from Virginia, five from Vermont and three from New York. Those present at the organization were Elders H. G. Weston, Thomas Powell and delegates from several other Baptist churches.
Elder Thomas Brown had preached once a month there for some time, and Elder Thomas Powell and Isaac Merriam occasionally. Elder H. G. Weston, while pastor at Washing- ton, had visited and preached there and was instrumental in gathering the church together. Jesse Hammers was its first deacon and held that office until his death, living to a good old age. Tilton Howard was its first clerk.
During the following winter an effort was made to erect a house of worship, in which they were assisted by Deacon Bacheller, of Lynn, Massachusetts, he being an uncle of the pastor. The house was begun in May, 1845. In 1846 Elder Weston removed to Peoria and until the fall of 1847, the church was without a pastor, only having preaching occasion- ally. Elder W. Pigsley then became pastor and served the church until 1849.
On the thirteenth of October, 1849, a council was called to ordain one of the members to the gospel ministry, August B. Cramb. This is undoubtedly the first ordination of a Baptist minister in Woodford county. Immediately after the ordina- tion, he baptized his wife, who previously had been a member of the Congregational church. In December, 1849, Elder S. S. Freeman, from Michigan, began to preach for the Richland
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church. A special religious interest had been manifested under the labors of Elder Pigsley on the river bottom, near the Illinois River, a few miles west of the meeting house. Elder Freeman that winter commenced a revival meeting there and ten were baptized during the meeting, and others afterward. In April 1850 Elder Freeman and several others were dismissed to form a church at Spring Bay. Elder Freeman still continued to preach at Richland part of the time. In June 1850 the Rich- land church reported 33 baptisms and 61 members. In Decem- ber 1850 Elder Cramb was dismissed to go into the new church to be formed at Metamora. In June 1851 a council met with the Richland church to ordain John M. Scrogin to the work of the gospel ministry and soon after he became pastor of the Delavan church. During the year 1851 the church reported 8 baptisms and 84 members. During this year the church re- ported several members dismissed to form another Baptist church. Twenty-nine members residing on Half Moon Prairie, desiring to form a new church asked and received letters of dis- missal to form a new organization. In December another colony of nine asked the same privilege to form the Richland Valley church.
During the month of December 1851, Elder Cramb com- menced preaching again part of the time. At this time the church was greatly weakened by so many of its members going to other colonies, several of which have become large and flourishing churches, so that in 1852, it only reported three baptisms and 48 members. Part of this time Elder J. W. Stickney preached for Elder Cramb on account of the sickness of the latter. In 1853 the church reported only 23 members.
In February, 1854, Elder C. D. Merrit became pastor of the church, in connection with the Metamora and Half Moon churches. In June following, the church reported six baptisms and 33 members, and in 1855, seven baptisms and 44 members. In March, 1856, the pastor commenced a series of meetings, assisted part of the time by G. S. Baily, D. D., which resulted
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in a precious revival and 22 were baptized, making a total membership of 63, C. D. Merrit being pastor, Jesse Hammers deacon and E. A. Fisher clerk. Elder Merrit still continued his labors until April 2nd, 1859, when the church called S. S. Rob- inson to labor one half time, dividing the time with Washburn. Abner Mundell was church clerk at the time and Jesse Hammers deacon. On July 23rd, 1859, the church voted to divide the Illinois River Baptist Association.
Elder S. S. Robinson served the church as pastor from March 31st, 1860 to February 28th, 1862. On the 21st of May, 1864, he accepted a call to again become its pastor for one half time. On April 29th a call was made to organize a church on the prairie, the same being the Roanoke Baptist church.
Elder Charles Cross served the church as pastor one haif time from April 22nd, 1866 to February 6th, 1869. On the same day as the resignation of Elder C. Cross was received, a call was extended to Elder W. Parker to become the pastor and he served the church until April 6th, 1872. Brother F. W. Smith, a student supplied for a while, the church being without a settled pastor, until the last of March 1873. Elder James commenced as pastor at that time. During the summer of 1873, many desiring a new church, it was decided to erect a new building in the village of Cizenovia, where a Sunday school had been organized about the 12th of May, 1873, with A. J. Hammers, a son of Deacon Hammers, as superintendent. The new church having been completed, it was dedicated the first Sunday in January 1874. Elder James continued as pastor until September 29th, 1877. In April 1878 Rev. J. B. Brown served as pastor one half time, and in April 1879 Rev. Wood, a student, began to supply the church and continued six months. On September 4th, 1880, Elder Wilson began to serve the church as pastor. Elder Graham served for a while as pastor and on December 13th, 1883, Elder Coffman became pastor, dividing his time with the Roanoke church. On November 8th, 1885, in connection with the Roanoke church a call was
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extended to Elder Gregory to become pastor of both churches, which call he accepted and served until September 25th, 1887, when Brother M. M. Lewis became pastor and on August 4th, 1888, he was called for another year. In October 1889 the church called Brother Booth, a student, who also served the the Roanoke church, remaining as pastor until some time in 1890, when Brother Berry became pastor, and on January 18th, 1891, Rev. Young was called for one year, and at the close of his labor, the church called Rev. C. E. Cady. He began his labors May 17th, 1892. J. F. Sparks commenced his work in October 1893. preaching his farewell sermon November Ioth, 1895. The last pastor was H. A. Stonglite in 1900. This closes the history of the first Baptist church in Woodford county.
CHAPTER III. The Metamora Baptist Church.
T HE Metamora Baptist church was organized December 26th, 1850, with 12 members, who were originally from Vermont, New York and New Hampshire. They were as follows: Elder August B. Cramb, Jonathan Sherman, James A. Sherman, Samuel Butterfield, Wm. Fisher, Isabell G. Cramb, Betsy Sherman, Ophelia Sherman, Electa Sherman, Marie Sherman, Mrs. Mary Butterfield, Mrs. Abbie Fisher. Elders H. G. Weston, G. S. Baily and E S Freeman were present at the organization.
The nearest Baptist churches were Richland, five miles north and Washington, seven miles south. Elder Cramb, who had recently been ordained at Richland and preached here some time previous to the organization of a church under the patronage of the American Baptist Home Missionary Society, became the first pastor. The church united with the Association in June 1851, having 18 members. Owing to poor health Elder Cramb could not preach all the time and Elder J. M. Stooky preached every alternate Sabbath during the ill health of Elder Cramb.
U. OF ILL WIB.
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In the year 1852, arrangements were made to inclose the meeting house. In the spring of 1853 the church enjoyed an interesting revival, the pastor being assisted by Elder G. W. Benton and G. S. Baily. The meeting was held in the Con- gregational church, where Elder Cramb had been invited to preach every alternate Sabbath. A general awakening took place thru all the community and additions were made to all the churches. At the next meeting of the Association the church reported 31 baptisms and 62 members. In the fall of 1853, owing to the failing health of Elder Cramb, he was compelled to resign; hoping that the climate of the Pacific coast would help him, he accepted an appointment of the Home Mission Society to go to Oregon as a missionary. A little later he was compelled to abandon the idea and in June 1855 he went to St. Cloud, Minn., but his health still failing he visited New York for medical aid in September 1856. He hoped to spend the winter in the south, but being too feeble to stand the trip, he returned to Metamora and died February 19th, 1857, closing his labors as a faithtul church minister at thirty years of age. In February 1854 Elder C. D. Merrit became pastor of the church, preaching every alternate Sabbath, and in 1854 the church reported four baptisms and 76 members. During the summer of 1854, the house having been completed, it was dedicated November 22nd, 1854. It was a brick structure costing about $2000. Toward this building Deacon Jonathan Bacheller, of Lynn, Mass., had contributed $200. In the spring of 1855 Elder S. A. Estee assisted the pastor in a series of meetings during which three were baptized, the total membership being 81. In the fall of 1855, Elder Merrit being removed to Was.)- burn and the church desiring his services all the time, he resigned as pastor of the Metamora church. G. S. Baily became pastor in December 1855 and in February 1856 Elder Benjamin Thomas assisted the pastor in a series of meetings and eight persons were baptized, making the membership at that time 83. The deacons were James A. Sherman, Joseph K. Stitt and
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Matthew Tool; clerk, Edgar Babcock. Elder Berry served the church as pastor for a few years. I am not able to find out how long he was there and the records being lost I can not tell who the last pastors of the church were. The building was conveyed to the German Evangelical Reformed Lutheran on May 10th, [892, by the following trustees; J. A. McGuire, Matthew Toole and J. E. Stitt.
CHAPTER IV. The Washburn Baptist Church.
T HE Washburn Baptist church was located in Woodford county near the Marshall county line. It was for- merly called the Half Moon Prairie church, for the name of the prairie on which Washburn now stands. It was formed from members of the Richland church who lived on the prairie in 1852. It was made up of 28 members, principally from New York, some, however, from Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Kentucky, while some were natives of Illinois. Elders E. S. Freeman and W. G. Gordon were present at the organization of this church. Elder E. S Freeman was the first pastor, commencing his labor at Wash- burn before the organization. He continued to preach one half time for a year, two being baptized during his labor. Elder C. D Merrit became pastor in March 1853 and the church enjoyed a revival under his labors Their house of worship was built in the fall of 1854. It was 32×45 feet and cost $2200. For one vear it received aid from the Home Mission Society and was self sustaining atterward. One of the principal founders of the church was Peleg Sweet, a brother of Elder Joel Sweet. He had a family of twelve children, four sons and eight daughters, all members of the church, the husbands of the daughters hav- ing all been baptized, and nine of the grand children all on profession of faith, making over thirty in his family belonging to the church. The membership at that time was 75. Pastor,
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C. D. Merrit; deacons, E. A. Sweet and Ebenezer Dunham; clerk, Tilton Howard.
About 1859 the church joined the Bloomington Baptist Association. In 1860 Elder G. S. Baily served the church as pastor. Elder W. E. James commenced his labors as pastor in March 1868, and continued until 1873. Rev. A. B. Tolmlinson served as pastor to £876, and J. B. Brown, following him, closed his labor in April 1878. After him Rev. John Beal served as pastor from October 1878 until March 1879 In April 1881 the church received Rev. J. J. Gorham to act as pastor, he being still in Morgan Park seminary. On July 2nd, 1882, at a meeting held after church, a committee was appointed to arrange for the ordination of Brother J. J. Gorham, it being decided to hold the ordination services on August 29th, 1882. The following churches were invited to sit in council with the Washburn church: Belle Plain, Cazenovia, Chenoa, Clayton, Deer Creek, El Paso, Green Valley, Lacon, Lexington, Meta- mora, Ist church Peoria, Roanoke, Tonica and Tremont. The council proceded to organize and to elect officers, choosing C. E. Hewitt, D. D., of Peoria, moderator; Rev. L. C. Morehouse, of El Paso, clerk. Having examined the candidate and finding him ready for ordination, the service was as follows: Sermon, C. E. Hewitt, D. D., of Peoria; ordination prayer, Rev. W. H. Carmicle, of Lexington; hand of fellow ship, Rev. A. C. Kelly, of Tremont; charge to candidate, Rev. O. B. Reed, of Lacon; charge to church, Rev. J. B. Brown, of Chenoa; benediction by candidate. The church property was sold February 16th, 1897.
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CHAPTER V. The Panola Baptist Church.
HE first record we have of the Panola Baptist church T was on October 22nd, 1856, at which time a regular covenant meeting was held at the Hammers school house. The church secured as pastor for one fourth time Brother W. Branch. He commenced to preach there October 15th. 1856 In the year 1857 the church sent the first letter to the Illinois River Association. On January 25th, 1857, it elected its first deacons, Brothers Robert Evans and John M. Patton being chosen. The first baptism recorded was on November 15th, 1857, administered by Elder G. S. Baily. In December 1857 Thomas Patterson, Joseph M. Patton, Joseph T. Hammers, Samuel Hammers and D. W. Hurt were appointed trustees. At the same meeting a building committee was appointed composed of Thomas Patterson, R. J. Evans and Jacob C. Myers; it was also decided to continue the labors of Brother Branch until April 15th. He remained with the church until May Ist, 1858.
Elder F. Ketchem commenced his labors as pastor on May 5th. 1858. On January 9th, 1858, the railroad offered the church a donation of two lots on which to build a house of worship and the church accepted the same. Owing to the weakness of the church a request was sent to the Home Mission Society for $ 200 to help pay Elder F. Ketchem's salary and it . was granted July 3rd, 1858. On July 31st, 1858, at a regular covenant meeting it was voted to hold meetings in the Hammers neighborhood, commencing the fourth Sabbath in August, and at the same meeting Thomas Patterson was elected treasurer. On January ist, 1859, delegates were sent from the Panola Baptist church to organize a Baptist church at the home of James Huxtable, to be known as the Clayton Baptist church. Not having completed their church, services were held in a hall and the church voted to continue the labors of Elder F. Ketchem
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another year. June 4th, the church sent as delegates the pastor and Brother Thomas Patterson to Peoria to help recognize a Baptist church there. The church decided to still retain the labors of Elder Ketchem for another year and voted to divide the time with the Pontiac church. At the same meeting Elder Ketchem and Brother J. T. Hammers were appointed as dele- gates to sit in council to organize the church at Pontiac. Owing to some of the records being lost I could not tell just when Elder F. Ketchem closed his labors and when Elder Stimson began. The records show the resignation of Elder Stimson March 8th, 1862. On August 23rd, 1862, the Panola church called Elder C. Skinner to serve as pastor for six months. In August 1863, the church was without a pastor and no regular covenant meeting had been held for some time. Elder Sampson had preached there part time. The church called as pastor Elder J. Cromwell June 4th, 1864, and on February 4th, 1865, he was retained as pastor for another year. Elder W. Parker, having held a meeting the following winter the church extended him a call for one half time which he accepted. On October 6th, 1866, the Panola Baptist church decided to dedicate their new house of worship, October 28th, 1866 being fixed as time of dedication. The services took place on the day appointed, the following brethren taking part: Rev. A. Goss, F. Ketchem, B. F. Scrivins, G. Kent, S. S Robinson and Elder Cromwell. Elder Goss preached the dedication sermon from Zachariah 4-6. Elder Ketchem gave a history of the early struggles of the church up to that time. The cost of the church was $3104. In a series of meetings held by Elder Goss immediately following the dedication, many were converted and joined the church. It seems that the church records are lost from November 17th, 1866, until January 26th, 1867, but Elder William Parker was serving as pastor a part of the time at least. On January 4th, 1868, he was called to serve as pastor the following year. At a meeting Held July 3rd, 1868 Brother Skinner resigned as church clerk and Brother J. S. Evans was elected to fill the vacancy- He served until December 5th,
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1868, when Cyrus Dix was elected to take his place. Elder W. Parker resigned on January 2nd, 1869, the same to take effect on April Ist, 1869. On March 20th, Elder R. C. Palmer commenced his labors as pastor and continued until January Ist, 1872. March Ist, 1872, the church called Elder G. N. Drurry to become pastor. He accepted the call and continued until August 1882. Those serving the church as pastors from November 16th, 1884 to May 19th, 1889, were Elder A. R. Morgan, Elder G. S. Duff and Brother W. A. Nelson. As the records are incomplete, we are unable to tell how long each served. On June 11th, 1889, the church met in council for the purpose of ordaining Rev. W. A. Nelson to the gospel ministry. The ordination sermon was preached by Rev. J. L. Jackson, D. D .; the ordination prayer, Rev. E. C. Cady; hand of fellow- ship, J. H. Neuman; charge to candidate, A. H. Rhodes; charge to the church, Rev. J. B. Brown; benediction, Rev. W. A. Nelson. Moderator, F. W. Smith; clerk, J. C Ship. Just how long Rev. W. A. Nelson remained as pastor of the church the records fail to show.
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