USA > Illinois > Edwards County > Combined history of Edwards, Lawrence and Wabash counties, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 43
USA > Illinois > Wabash County > Combined history of Edwards, Lawrence and Wabash counties, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 43
USA > Illinois > Lawrence County > Combined history of Edwards, Lawrence and Wabash counties, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 43
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preachers have been Anderson Walker, and William Woods. W. T. Gillespie, a preacher, now lives near the church. The church now numbers 130. Elders : C. B. Root and J. M. Walker. Deacons : Jordan Walker and Stephen Stone. The church holds Sunday-school six months in the year. Number of' scholars is forty.
The church edifice is a frame 26x38 feet. Seating capacity 250. Value of church property $450.
Marion church numbers some grand men and women, and it has the ability to accomplish much toward the salvation of men. May the great Head of the church bless them to the good of humanity and His own glory.
Bonpas Church .- The facts here recorded were given to the writer by Elder J. C. T. Hall, from memory. Hence the history of this church is necessarily very in- complete. The church is situated on the eastern horder of the county. Elder Amos Willis did the pioneer work in this neighborhood, and organized the church about the year 1838. Elijah Goodwiu, M. Goodwin, A. Flower, J. C. T. Hall, and Elder Tremble have preached considerable for them. Monthly preaching has been the rule in this church. Membership, sixty- five. Their Sunday-school is spasmodic. Their church edifice is a frame, valued at $700. Sittings 300.
Olive Church .- This church, situated about half way between Albion and Grayville, is the youngest organiza- tion of the Church of Christ in Edwards county, being effected under the ministerial labors of Brother C. Ed- wards, 1879, who did the first preaching in this neigh- borhood. But the first successful series of meetings here were held in the month of February, 1879, by Brother E. Lathrop. Brethren J. F. James and Caleb Edwards have since that time held a very successful protracted meeting. The church now numbers thirty members, with F. Wick as elder, and J. Scott and J. J. Wick as deacons. They have a neat little frame chapel, built in 1878, at a cost of $550. Seating capacity 200.
SUMMARY.
Number of preachers living in Edwards county, seven. Churches, ten. Value of church property, $8,310. Total seating capacity, 2,600. Total membership of the county, 945.
In conclusion I would say to the brethren of the county, that I am conscious of the fact that the above history is incomplete and perhaps will fall far short of rendering satisfaction to all ; but the writer has taken no little pains to collect all the above facts and statistics. Most of the church records have been very imperfectly kept, and if this sketch stirs up each church to put its history in a more perfect and permanent shape, it has not been written in vain.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. BY REV. ISAAC B. SELF.
Albion .- The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a growth of the present century. It originated in the re- markable revival of religion which began in 1797, to
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HISTORY OF EDWARDS, LAWRENCE AND WABASH COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
develop itself in the extensive region known as the " Cumberland Country," embracing a considerable por- tion of northern Tennessee and southwestern Kentucky.
The organization was effected on the 4th day of Feb- ruary, 1810, at the house of Rev. Samuel McAdow in Dickson County, Tennessee. The distinctive doctrinal feature of this body is the middle ground between ex- treme Calvinism, and Arminianism. It is Presbyterian in its form of government. The name "Cumberland " is retained because that was the name of the Presbytery, and of the country, where the gracious revival sprang up, in which the church was born. In 1815, three years before Illinois was constituted a State, Cumberland Presbyterians had entered the Territory and carried the glad tidings of salvation to its scattered inhabitants.
The first congregation organized in this State was " Hopewell," now Enfield, White county, by Rev. D. W. McLin, June 8th, 1819. Among the first ruling elders elected was James Miller, whose daughter Sarah was in after years one of the first members of Albion congregation.
Shiloh congregation, in White county, was organized not long after the one at Enfield. Here in November, 1822, the Lord most graciously blessed the labors of Rev. Woods M. Hamilton. Among those converted at this meeting, was Alexander Stewart, a ruddy Scotch lad sixteen years of age, who joined the church at Shiloh, November 22d, 1822, and who in the Providence of God, became the father of the church in Albion.
Attending a Cumberland Presbyterian camp-meeting at Enfield, young Stewart saw Miss Sarah Miller, re- ferred to above. At once, he was impressed with her suitableness as a life companion, and sought an intro- duction. This acquaintance continued with increasing mutual pleasure, until January 19th, 1825, when they were united in marriage. In 1827, this young couple moved to Albion, Edwards county, which place they found almost entirely destitute of any religious interests, and in fact much avowed infidelity was found, and often- times decided opposition was manifested towards pro- fessing Christians and Christianity. The first sermon by a Cumberland Presbyterian minister was delivered by Rev. James Alexander, who visited the place on in- vitation of Brother Stewart, in 1832. He preached in a small school house which stood on West Main street, on the lot now occupied by Richard Curdling's harness shop. In the midst of this service, a number of persons of the baser sort to show their contempt for the worship of God, gathered outside and threw stones at a terrible rate upon the building. This, is said to have caused quite a commotion for a time. But the minister was finally enabled to proceed, and finished his discourse without further interuption.
Either in 1835 or '36, Brother Stewart, in connection with Robert Brown, Wm. Hall and others, organized a " weekly meeting " which was held in the counting-room of Joseph Clark, a young man, (not then religious, but who afterward became so, and united with the
church at the organization of the Albion congregation,) who did business for a number of years in a log build- ing which formerly stood on the ground now occupied by the western half of the " Craig Brick." This meet- ing, for prayer and the study of the Scripture, was con- tinued, with increasing interest during the week, until in the fall of 1837 or 1838, it was thought proper to make an appointment for Sabbath. By consent of Walter L. Mayo, then clerk of the county court, the court-house was obtained for the purpose. The first service was con- ducted by Brother Stewart, who was filled with fear and trembling at the presence of a large number of the most intelligent and sceptical portion of the community. Lift- ing his head in prayer to God for help, in a trembling voice he announced the hymn :
"Jesus! and shall it ever be,
A mortal man, ashamed of thee."
Reading it through and then "lining it out " as was the custom, the hymn was sung. Its cheering words were blessed to his encouragement, and he proceeded with the services to its close ; reading a sermon of some se- lection, not now remembered. To the surprise of the little band the unbelieving portion of the audience treated the service with great respect, and seemed pleased at the idea of having Sabbath services in the town. On the next Sabbath, service was again held with an increased attendance and interest on the part of the community. Brother Stewart at this time read a portion of "Watson's answer to Paine's Age of Reason." At the close of this service a leading sceptic approached him, and shaking hands, thanked him for inaugurating this Sabbath service, saying "You know I don't believe in Christianity, but this will have a good effect on the community, and will cause the people to brush up and put on clean clothes once a week any way; " thus bear- ing an unwilling testimony to the power of the Gospel ; and to the fact that godliness and cleanliness are inti- mately connected.
These Sabbath services were continued in the court- house until 1841, conducted by members of different churches, who would read sermons, extracts from good books, or comment upon the Scriptures as seemed best at the time. As opportunity offered the services of any minister passing through, or that could be induced to visit the place, were secured. In 1841 or '42, it was de- cided to build a "Union church-house," which was done by the contributions and energetic efforts of a faith- ful few, members of various churches. This was a brick building 26x50, standing back from the street, east of the court-house, and the building is now occupied by H. Wagner as a dwelling. Revs. John Porter, Woods M. Hamilton, Wm. Finley and Joel Knight pioneer minis- ters of the C. P. Church frequently visited Albion, preaching in this brick church. Finally the way being open for an organization of a church of their choice, Brother and Sister Stewart made a request to this effect. And on the 23d day of May, 1843, Albion congregation
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HISTORY OF EDWARDS, LAWRENCE AND WABASH COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
of the C. P. Church was regularly organized by Revs. Woods M. Hamilton and Wm. Finley, with the follow- ing members: Alexander and Sarah Stewart, by letter from Shiloh congregation; Samuel E. and Jennet Prichard, Joseph and Jane Clark on profession. Brother Stewart was at that time elected and ordained ruling elder, which position he has filled ever since. Rev. Wm. Finley served this congregation as pastor from its organization until 1851. There is no mention made of salary, and the only record as to any engagement is that Rev. Wm. Finley was employed Nov. 25th, 1846, one-fourth of his time for one year. For the next two years he labored as much as he could. Mention is also made of his conducting and assisting in meetings from time to time as late as 1855. Rev. James Gaston sup- plied the congregation for a short time before and up to September 1st, 1851, when Rev. J. T. Borah, (now of Mississippi) was employed one-fourth his time until some time in 1854.
In the spring of 1854, it was decided by the members to build a church house of their own. This was a neat frame 50x26, with cupola and vestibule, and costs from eight hundred to a thousand dollars. This building was dedicated June 18th, 1854, by Rev. Wm. Finley, Rev. J. T. Borah, then the pastor, and Rev. E. T. Senserman assisting in the services. It stood just east of the resi- dence of Charles S. Stewart and is now a part of his front yard. At the erection of the new brick, the house was sold and moved to where it now stands occupied by Garland Biggers as a dwelling.
May 1, 1855, Rev. John W. Woods, (now of Mattoon, Illinois,) was engaged to labor with this congregation for one year, at a salary of $350.
At a meeting held by Rev, William Finley, at Wan- borough, near Albion, in December, 1849, Thomas Smith joined the C. P. church, coming from the Independent church, Kendall, England. Some few years after he placed himself under the care of Presbytery as a candi- date for the ministry. In due time he was licensed and ordained, and in April, 1857, application was made to Presbytery for his services as pastor of this church. Said request being granted, it was renewed from time to time, and Brother Smith continued in charge of the church until some time in 1864. He then enlisted in the Fed- eral Army, and the congregation was supplied with oc- casional preaching, by Rev. Charles Low, of the Baptist church, and by Rev. James M. Hamon and Henry Cooper, of the Moravian, until in November, 1865, Rev. B. H. Blackwell was employed for six months.
April 25, 1866, Rev. Thomas Smith was re-engaged for one-half his time. He continued his labors until September 26, 1867, when he asked to be released, and another minister was employed. The records show sev- eral very interesting meetings under the pastorate of Brother Smith. His separation from the C. P. church, and union with the Presbyterian, was regretted by this congregation, who, however, follow him with good wishes in his new congregation.
November 20, 1867, Rev. R. J. P. Lemen, was em- ployed as pastor, and sò continued at a salary ranging from seven to eight hundred dollars, until the spring of 1870, when he resigned to accept au appointment from the Board of Missions. Soon after Brother Lemen entered upon his labors here the Lord most graciously blessed his work, and a precious revival was enjoyed hy the church. Forty-nine persons, on a profession of faith in Christ, united with the congregation on one day; and thirty more, by letter and experience, joining during his pastorate.
In September, 1870, Rev. J. R. Lowrance was em- ployed as pastor, at a salary of one thousand dollars, and house rent free. He entered upon his duties No- vember 2, 1870, and continued to serve the congregation, very much to their satisfaction, until August, 1874, when he resigned, and moved to Lincoln, Illinois, in order to obtain better facilities for the education of his children. Recently he has moved his family to Gorden City, Kansas, where he hopes to establish a C. P. church.
September, 1874, Rev. William Wilson took charge of the congregation, at a salary of seven hundred dol- lars a year, and house rent free. He continued in this position for three years, though not receiving so large a salary after the first year, when he moved to Minne- sota, and afterwards entered the Congregational church.
At this time, September, 1877, Rev. William A. Hyde, of Tennessee, visited the congregation, and ac- cepted its pastoral care, agreeing to accept the free will offerings of the congregation as pecuniary remuneration for his services, which arrangement was continued dur- ing his stay, and resulted very satisfactorily. Brother Hyde's pastorate was a very successful one, some sixty members being received on profession during the first six months.
Soon after he took charge of the congregation, he began to press the importance of a larger and better church building, which had before been discussed by the session. Under his energetic leadership the people entered into the matter most heartily, and the present handsome edifice was erected. This is a substantial brick, 60x40 feet, with vestibule and cupola additional, and cost completed, four thousand five hundred dollars. It is heated by a furnace, and is well supplied with com- fortable seats, a bell and organ. It was huilt by Elias Weaver, contractor, who has perhaps built more houses in Albion, than any other one man This, his last con- tract, stands as a monument of his continued faithful, honest labor, good taste, and work manlike execution.
The following notice of the dedication of this build- ing is from the Albion Journal November 23, 1878 :
" The New Cumberland Presbyterian church was dedi- cated to the service of God on last Sunday, November 17th, and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the seats of the capacious building were more thau com- fortably filled, while others had to be brought in front the old church to accommodate those who were unable to get a seat. At about half-past ten, Rev. W. J. Darby,
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HISTORY OF EDWARDS, LAWRENCE AND WABASH COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
of Evansville, Ind., Rev. J. E. Jenkins of Princeton, Ind., and Rev. John Woods, of Mattoon, former pastor of the church at this place, ascended the rostrum. After reading an appropriate chapter of Scripture, and a prayer by Rev. Woods, Dr. Darby announced his text to be found in the 132nd Psalm, 8th verse :
"Arise, O Lord, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength."
Probably, no more appropriate piece of holy writ could have been chosen for the occasion. The sermon was delivered in a very impressive manner and was listened to with great attention. Dr. Darby's manner of de- livery, distinct articulation, and flow of eloquence made a very favorable impression upon his hearers. His dig- nified appearance in the pulpit was in keeping with his calling and commanded the admiration of his audience."
Very much to the regret of the congregation Brother Hyde resigned the care of his church, on account of poor health, in the spring of 1879, and accepted a call to a Mission church, at Colorado Springs, Colorado. He has since gone to Texas, where with his wonted earnest faithfulness he is laboring for the Master.
October 1, 1879, Rev. G. W. Eichelberger of Pilot Grove, Missouri, was called to the pulpit of this church, for time indefinite, and salary the contributions of 1st and 3rd Sabbaths of each month. In addition to the usual pastoral work, Brother Eichelberger succeeded in organ- izing a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society among the ladies of the church, which is still in success- ful operation. He also established a Children's Mission- ary Band, which was the means of raising considerable funds for charity at home and abroad. Under his management arrangements were made for the purchase of the neat brick building standing on the adjoining lot, west of the church, as a parsonage. This was to be paid for in ten yearly installments. One payment made and the remainder secured by reliable subscriptions. He continued to serve the congregation very acceptably, until October 17, 1881, when he resigned with a view of further prosecuting his studies in some of the Eastern Colleges.
Just before the departure of Bro. Eichelberger, from Albion, Rev. Isaac B. Self, who was then traveling as Financial Agent of Lincoln University, visited this church. Finding them about to he left without a pastor, at their request, he agreed to supply them with preach- ing until the next spring. This arrangement extended, in the spring, for six months, when in September, 1882, the relation having proved mutually agreeable, the con- gregation extended the call indefinitely, agreeing to pay a salary of nine hundred dollars per year, and free use of the parsonage. This was accepted, and the Albion Presbytery, at its fall session, was asked to ratify the arrangement by regular installation, which was done, and an account of which is here given, as taken from the Albion Journal of September 22, 1882.
" Rev. I. B Self was installed last Sunday morning as permanent pastor of the C. P. church, at this place,
in the presence of a large congregation. Mr. Self has been in charge of the C. P. church here for about one year past, and his labors, both in the church and Sab- bath-school work, have been so eminently satisfactory to the congregation that they unanimously called upon him to accept the permanent pastorate of the church. After expressing his willingness to the church to do so, the church made known its wants to Albion Presbytery at its recent session, and Revs. E. T. Bowers, of Enfield, and J. W. Elder, of Flora, were appointed to install him as such. They attended to that duty last Sunday morning, Rev. E. T. Bowers preaching the installation sermon, from Acts 20: 24-' But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.' From this text he deliv- ered an able and impressive sermon upon the call to the ministry, after which the charge was delivered after the authorized manner of the C. P. church by Rev. J. W. Elder."
The records show that two hundred and ninety-seven members have been received by letter and experience into this congregation since its organization. Of these nearly one-half have been lost by death and removal, leaving one hundred and fifty members as the present strength of the congregation.
The following are the officers, with the date of their ordination :
Elders .- Alexander Stewart, May 23, 1843; Levinus Harris, November 24, 1867; George Bower, November 24, 1867 ; Charles S. Stewart, July 9, 1871; John Wal- ker, June 20, 1875; H. P. Craig, April 10, 1881.
Deacons .- Edwin Stewart, March 17, 1878 ; Lucius Harris, March 17, 1878; John Batson, July 7, 1880; Wm. Curtis, April 10, 1881.
Henry Edwards and Otis T. Macomber were elected and ordained Ruling Elders in February, 1855. The former serving until February, 1869, when he resigned, and the latter until his death, March 16, 1881.
Joseph S. Keadington also served the congregation as elder from July 9, 1871, until June 16, 1875, when he ceased to act at his own request ; Bedford E. Harris, from June 20, 1875, to March 17, 1878, and James Davidson, from July 7, 1880, to July 26, 1881, served as deacons. Their removal from the State caused their resignation.
Trustees .- Alexander Stewart, Thomas Smith and Henry Powell were elected trustees soon after the elec- tion of the first church-house, in 1854, to hold the church property in trust for the congregation, which was deeded to them, and their successors in office. Various changes have been made in this board through death, removal and resignation, but the vacanci 's have been regularly filled. The present trustees are, James Churchill, Robt. Curdling, Sr., John Walker, Alfred Tribe and Henry P. Craig.
Sabbath-School .- The first Sabbath-school organized
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HISTORY OF EDWARDS, LAWRENCE AND WABASH COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
in Albion, was a "Mission School," under the auspices of the American Sunday-School Mission, in what was then the school building of the village; a log house 16x 18 that stood on the lot just east of the residence of Charles S Stewart, and on which afterwards the first C. P. church was erected. Father Stewart was the first superintendent, and for years in succession held that of- fice. The "Union " feature was continued until 1867 or 1868, when, under the direction of Rev. R. J. P. Lemen, the school assumed a more distinctly denomi- national form, and has since so continued, though teach- ers and schelars from other churches find a welcome to its sessions and have always, more or less, been found there. A good school well supplied with books, papers, blackboards, maps, etc., has been maintained under the superintendency of different persons. At present Mor- ris Emmerson, Superintendent ; John Batson, Assistant ; Edward Craig, Secretary and Treasurer, and Mrs. Ollie M. Smith, Organist, are the efficient officers, under whose care the school, we trust, is accomplishing much good in sowing the good seed of the word of God in the hearts of the children and youths, who are the hope of the church for the future. Twenty teachers and one hundred and fifty scholars constitute the enrolled mem- bership, with an average attendance of more than three- fourths of this number.
Clerk .- Father Stewart served as clerk of the session, from the organization until February 20, 1868, when he resigned, and Elder George Bower was elected, which position he still fills very efficiently. To his well- kept minutes from 1868, and scraps of history which he had transcribed from the former record, the present writer is greatly indebted for much of the information as to facts and dates contained in the above.
Albion is the only congregation of this denomination known to the writer in Edwards, Wabash or Lawrence counties. There are members living in each, but not sufficiently strong for an organization. There are a number of families connected with the Albion congrega- tion living near Bethel, and also some near Wanborough. At the former place there has been, for years, regular preaching once or twice a month by the pastor in Al- bion, in the Union Brick church. The present pastor preaches there at 3 P. M. every second and fourth Sab- bath. A very interesting Mission Sabbath-school is also maintained at this point, members of the C. P. church being found active in its work both among the teachers and scholars.
Conclusion .- With some trouble, but also with a great deal of pleasure, has this history been gathered. Father Stewart, though in poor health, and at a " ripe old age," yet has a vivid recollection of many of the scenes of the long ago, and it has been peculiarly pleasant to gather them from him. The writer is sure he but echoes the sentiment of every member of the church, and of the community as well, when he says that to Father Stewart more than to any other person is this congregation in-
debted for its present prosperous condition, and for whatever good it has ever been enabled to accomplish.
CONGREGATIONS OF UNITED BRETHREN. (COMMONLY CALLED MORAVIANS.)
BY REV. G. F. OEHLER.
To write the history of these congregations, one must begin in the State of North Carolina.
In the year 1751, a purchase of 100,000 acres of land, lying in the present State of North Carolina, was effected by the Brethren's church, of the British Parliament. The object which Parliament favored, was to establish colonies in the wilds of that State, around which the scattered settlers could gather, and to preach the Gospel to the Indians.
In 1753 the first colonists started from Bethlehem, Pa .; soon other Pennsylvanians followed, while some families came direct from Germany ; they settled on the land that had been purchased, and which lay along or near the Yadkin river, in Stokes, Davie and Forsythe counties, called, at that time, Dobb's Parish.
The German language had not been brought by those alone who came from Germany ; the Pennsylvanians also spoke it; hence, this was the familiar language of the settlers. Divine services were held in it, as one con- gregation after another was formed, and it continued to be used, even by those who were seized by the " West- ward, ho!" spirit, and sought homes in the wilds of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Many of these could speak English in only a very imperfect way.
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