Combined history of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of their scenery and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers, Part 39

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Brink, McDonough & Co.
Number of Pages: 458

USA > Illinois > Shelby County > Combined history of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of their scenery and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 39
USA > Illinois > Moultrie County > Combined history of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of their scenery and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 39

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The Unitarian Society at Sylvan .- During the years 1871-72, Mr. Douthit held services in the Methodist Chapel, Mt. Carinel, four miles directly south of Shelbyville. While preaching here, the nucleus was formed out of which grew the society of Unitarian Christians, which now worships at Sylvan School-house. Joseph Reid and his wife Eliza, were the first members. The officers of this church have failed to furnish the writer with exact data. It must suffice to say that it is composed of about fifteen members. It supports a lively Sunday-school a part of the year, with an attend- ance of from fifty to seventy-five.

First Congregational ( Unitarian) Church of Shelbyville .- On Feb. ruary 15th, 1874, regular preaching was begun by Mr. Douthit in the old court-house, Shelbyville. Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to hold services in this city. The following record occurs in the minister's diary for " Monday, Feb. 22, 1869. A muddy disagrecable ride to the court-house and back last night. About two dozen were present. They listened suspiciously rather than kindly to what was said about Liberal Christianity. Some acted as if they had got into the wrong pew and were ashamed of it. Next Sunday I shall try again in the day time."

Accordingly on Sunday morning, February 28, 1859, Mr. Dou- thit walked from his home, four and a half miles from Shelbyville court-house, to preach per appointment which was made the week before and thoroughly advertised. A short time before the hour for service, one man who had been on a drunken spree the day and night previous, and who, it was supposed, was just out of the lock-

up, came and peeped in at the court-house door and inquired what was going on. When told that there would be preaching if any one came to hear, he remarked " Wal, mebbe I'll be around by meetin' time," and turned away. The lonely preacher waited till nearly twelve o'clock, but this man not returning and no one else coming, he turned his steps homeward somewhat cast down but determined to try again. Occasional efforts were made during the next five years that were not very successful. But now, (1874), it was deter- mined that if the audience averaged no more than one dozen, and if the minister had to be his own janitor, and pay all incidental ex- penses, and receive no word of encouragement, he would neverthe- less stick to it regularly for one year and leave results to God. At the first meeting there were about two dozen persons present, and the audiences gradually increased. Unexpected friends arose. A small Sunday-school was organized in the spring of 1874, and rapidly increased in numbers and interest. The Church of the Disciples, Boston, Dr. James F. Clark pastor, sent us a donation of books for the Sunday-school library. Mr. Jacob C. Smith, of Marshall, Illinois, added interest to the mission by teaching one of his popular singing schools in the court-house, during May, 1874, closing with a jubilee concert, and giving part of the proceeds for the purchase of an organ for the society.

On Thursday evening, May 13, 1875, at a meeting held in the court-house, thirteen persons united in church covenant by signing the following articles of agreement : " We, who have here sub- scribed our names, do unite ourselves together as the body of com- municants, in the First Congregational Church, of Shelbyville, Illinois. By so doing we profess our faith in Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, and the Saviour of men, and acknowledge the Bible as the Divinely authorized Rule of Faith and practice to which it is our duty, as Christians to submit. By thus uniting ourselves to- gether, we claim no right to exclude any one from this Communion on account of difference of doctrinal opinions, nor for any reason except undoubted immorality of conduct."

November 1, 1875, the members had increased to twenty-one persons. At this time a constitution for the government of the church was adopted and the following officers and trustees were elected : President, John C. Jones; Secretary, R. E. Guilford ; Treasurer, W. A. Cochran. Trustees : B. A. Mansfield, W. A. Cochran, W. B. Jackson, John H. Worley, Robert E. Guilford.

In the year 1875, Hon. George Partridge visited this congrega- tion, and was impressed with the need of a fitting place of worship. In order to encourage such an enterprise, in a letter to the pastor under date of November 8, 1875, Mr. Partridge offered to give $500 to aid in building a suitable church edifice, stipulating among other conditions, that the cost of the church and seating should not exceed the amount subscribed, and that it should be free of debt when completed. On this proposition the citizens of Shelbyville were ap- pealed to for assistance. The response was prompt and cheerful. The work on the building soon began. The corner-stone of the church was laid on Monday, November 21, 1875. Rev. Benjamin Mills, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Theodore Brooks, pastor of the Christian Church, and Elder John Ellis, assisting Mr. Douthit in the ceremonies. (It may be mentioned here that Elder Ellis labored zealously with the Liberal Christian Congregations of this county during this and the following year, and his wise advice and cheering words will long be held in grateful remembrance.) Mr. Ellis assisted Mr. Douthit in a protracted meeting at the court- house, continuing every night with unabated interest during the months of February and March, 1876. During these meetings nearly seventy-five members were added to the church. In the meantime, the work on the church edifice progressed rapidly, so that

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HISTORY OF SHELBY AND MOULTRIE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.

it was completed and dedicated May 8, 1876. Mr. Jedediah Silvers superintended the brick work, and Mr. W. B Jackson superintended the carpentry work. Rev. James Freeman Clark, D. D., preached the dedication sermon in the morning ; and in the evening of the same day, (Nov. 13, 1876), Rev. J. L. Douthit was formally in- stalled as pastor of the congregation, Rev. W. G. Eliot preaching the sermon. Revs. John H Heywood, F. L. Hosmer, Elder John Ellis and Rabbi Sonnenschein were also present and assisted in the ceremonies of dedication and installation. Agreeably to Mr. Partridge's stipulation, seconded by inost of the contributors to the building fund, the building was dedicated free of debt and of right must ever remain so. The church building is situated on the west side of Washington Street, two blocks north of the court-house. It is a neat brick structure, nicely frescoed within and seated with chairs. It will comfortably seat four hundred persons. The p esent actual membership is about a hundred and twenty-five. Unity Sunday-school, connected with the church, has about one hundred and fifty teachers and pupils enrolled.

In conclusion, it may be of interest to mention that during the rise of the foregoing congregations the following discourses expound- ing the principles and doctrines of Liberal Christianity have been preached by the minister in charge, and printed in pamphlet form for general circulation, to wit: "How I became a Unitarian, and Why I am a Unitarian? in two letters, addressed to the Rev. R. K. Davies, D.D., of the Methodist Episcopal Church" (1872). " Bishop Edwards' Mistakes, being a reply to some charges made by Rev. David Edwards, Bishop of the United Brethren Church, against Unitarian Christianity " (1873.) " The Creeds or Christ, and a Plea for Religious Honesty " (1879.) Also, to be published about this time (Dec. 1880): "Must we be dipped Under the Water in order to be Christians and enter the Kingdom of Heaven? What saith Alexander Campbell, and what saith reason and the Scriptures ?" Also several memorial sermons, and tracts of a practical character have been printed from time to time. Perhaps the most interesting incident in the history of these churches is related in a narrative sermon by Robert Collyer, published by the American Unitarian Association, Boston, Mass., entitled " A Story of the Prairies " This touching story has been widely read in America and England, and is translated into another tongue. It is mostly a literal report of the impressive speech which John Oliver Reed, a native of the county, made at a Basket Meeting held at Oak Grove Chapel, in October, 1872. In this speech this man gave his experience of a wonderful and radical conversion, and made a public confession of Christian faith, which those who knew him believed to be sincere, and which by his after life proved to be quite real ! Although an humble farmer, and unlettered man, yet his words on this occasion seemed inspired, and they kindled a warmth and light that like all true words continue to burn in the hearts of men, and are destined to shine on forever.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SHELBY CO., ILLS.

REV. W. C. WEST.

The Presbyterian church in Shelby county, so far as can now be ascertained, has consisted of but seven organizations. These, in the order of their organization, are as follows: Shelbyville, Unity, Prairie Bird, West Okaw, Moawequa, Tower Hill, and Bethany.

Previous to the organization of any church of this denomination in the county, a traveling Presbyterian minister from Kentucky visited Shelbyville, first in August 1834, and collected the nantes of twelve Presbyterians, prcaching at various times in the old court- house. Who this man was does not appear, nor is it now known how often he visited the place in his itinerant labors,

Ten years after his first visit, Revs. Joseph Platt, of Paris, Ill. and J. S. Reasoner, organized the first Presbyterian church known in the county. This church consisted of fourteen members, the or_ ganization taking place in the old court-house in Shelbyville, on the 31st day of July, 1843. David Ewing, now of Shelbyville, and James Elder, were chosen and ordained as ruling elders. This church was organized under what is known as the Old-School body, and was supplied with occasional preaching for several years by the two ministers who organized it, and occasionally by a few others. But at length it was left without ministerial care, and was finally disbanded by Presbytery, April 2, 1852.

The present church at Shelbyville was organized, not in the town, but in a barn at Prairie Bird, about eight miles N.W. of town, but was called, however, "The Shelbyville Presbyterian Church." This organization was effected June 30, 1851, by Rev. Bilious Pound and Elisha Jenny with fifteen members, three others uniting with them the same day. The church was organized as a new school church, and held its connection with that body up to the time of the reunion of the old and new school assemblies in 1870. During all its history it has enjoyed a good degree of prosperity, being the leading church in the county, and among the first in the Presbytery. The following elders have been elected to serve the church : David Ewing, at its organization, June 30, 1851 ; George Hill, February 7, 1852; John D. Amlin, February 23, 1857; John Hunter and George Griggs, November 21, 1858; George Hannaman and Robert Carnes, April 7, 1860; Ebenezer Cheney, April 10, 1864; Lindsey McMorris and Thomas H. West, March 11, 1866; and James D. Hunter, January 4, 1872.

Rev. J. M. Grout took charge of the church at its organization, and continued as its pastor till his death, by cholera, August 1, 1855. Joseph Wilson succeeded him in 1856, and continued till 1859. After him, Rev. H. K. Baines, of the German Reformed Church officiated for a time ; then Rev. M. P. Ormsby for one year, till January 1860; and Rev. James B. Sheldon during the year 1861. In 1862 Rev. Timothy Hill, D.D., now of Kansas City, Mo., became pastor, and continued until August 1865, when he was superseded by Rev. Dr. Dimond, now of Brighton, Ill. Rev. R. D. Van Deursen, D.D., now of Paris, Ill., became pastor in March, 1867, and remained until September, 1871; he being succeeded in November of the same year by Rev. L. J. Root, now deceased ; and he, for three months, by Rev. A. W. Williams, now of Philadelphia, Pa. In May, 1874, Rev. B. Mills, D.D., assumed the pastorate, and continued until September, 1877; and was followed in April, 1878, by the present incumbent, Rev. W. C. West. The church now numbers about 120, with a Sunday-school of 150. It is under good organization, and enjoys complete harmony, and is in all respects in a prosperous and hopeful condition. The present house of worship, erected in 1856 and 1857, at a cost of $6,500, and since, twice rc- paired at an outlay of about $2,000, is a brick building, neat, sub- stantial and commodious, with an audience-room, Sunday-school and lecture-rooms, and pastor's study.

Next in the order of its organization comes the church at Prairie Bird. This church was formed out of members from the Shelby- ville church, under the following circumstances : During the first pastorate of the latter church, the minister, Mr. Grout, took up his residence in Shelbyville, where a portion of his congregation also lived, and preached alternately here and at Prairie Bird. This arrangement continued for some years, until the portion of the con- gregation living and worshiping at Prairie Bird became dissatis- fied, and finally were organized into a separate church of twenty-six members under the name of "The Presbyterian Church of Prairie Bird," while the town portion, twenty-five in number, remained

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HISTORY OF SHELBY AND MOULTRIE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.

under the old organization and name. This new church was organ- ized by Rev. George C. Wood, missionary of the Presbytery of Ill., on the 8th of April, 1860. The elders elected at the organization were David Ewing, George B Hill, and George Griggs, and its present elders are George B. Hill, M. D. Lane, Jno B. Smith, and Anderson Hunter, Mr. James Moore having also served the church in this offiee at one time. Rev. J. S. Walton preached for the church in 1862, and Eli. W. Taylor during 1863 and 1864. Rev. G. A. Pollock next assumed the pastoral care of the church, preach- ing here and at Tower Hill on alternate Sabbathis for some years, until 1869. Then came Rev. J. D. Jenkins, for about one year. Rev. Adam Johnston is the present pastor, having served this church in connection with Tower Hill since 1877. Its present membership is about thirty, with a Sunday-school of near the same number. The house of worship is a frame building located in T. 12 N., R. 3 E. S. 19 S. E. quarter, and was erected in 1857, at a cost of about $1,000.

Of the third Presbyterian church organized in the county but little is now known. It was called "Unity" church, and was located in T. 10 N., R. 6 E. It was organized by Rev. Samuel Ward, of Indiana, in the fall of 185.', and was disbanded by Presbytery in session at Tolono, Ill., April 4, 1870. Its ruling elders were D. D. Cadwell and Thomas MeMellen. So far as is known, it never pos- sessed a house of worship.

Next after "Unity" comes the organization at Prairie IIous?, known as "West Okaw Presbyterian Church." This church was organized by Revs. H. R. Lewis, now of Ncosho Falls, Kan., and T M. Oviatt, now of Gilroy, Cal, in Friendship school-house, on the 20th of October, 1860, and consisted of twenty-six members.

The following Elders have at different times served this church : Gardner M. Thompson, John J. Frceland, Samuel G. Travis, Henry Berg, F. M. Chamberlain, William Bard, James G. Marshall, James L. Neil, Nelson V. Stine, William McBur- ney, Frederick Orris, J MeNawl and Mr. Shoefler. From the time of its organization till September, 1862, Rev. II. R. Lewis, above named, preached for the church. Following him eame Rev. Clark Loudon, 1863-1869; Rev. J. D. Jenkins, 1873- 1874; Rev. Julius Speneer, 1875-1877 ; and Rev. Wm. E. Lincoln, 1878, and part of 1879. For many years this church enjoyed great prosperity ; and in 1876 it numbered over 150 members. But since that time it has suffered from internal dissensions and other eauses, until now its roll shows less than 100 members. This time of trial and discouragement, however, seems now to be nearly ended ; and a brighter and happier day dawning upon her. The congregation have lately repaired and beautified their house of worship, and called Rev. Mr. Jenkins, of St. Louis, to labor among them as pastor. The latter has accepted the call, and is just entering upon his new and hopeful field, consisting of this church, and that of Dalton City, 8 miles north. The church is located in one of the richest and finest farming districts in Shelby county ; and has at its command mate- rial for a strong and wealthy church, and a fine, large Sabbath- school. The house of worship is frame, situated in the S. E. corner of N. E. } of Section 34, T. 14 N., R 3 E of 3 P M. It was 40 by 50 feet ; was dedieated April 24, 1869, having cost about $4000, including recent repairs and improvements. The church also owns a parsonage ; a two-story frame building, 20 by 40 feet, erected in 1875, at a cost of near $1000.

In the month of May, 1867, another organization among the Presbyterians of the county was effected. This was at Moawequa. The church was established by Revs. S. W. Mitchell and Clark Loudon, and elder S. H. Wilson, under the authority of Sangamon Presbytery ; and consisted of thirteen members. The elders then

appointed were Lewis Long and F. M. Chamberlain ; and those elected sinee are Samuel G Travis, George M. Stein, Thomas Hud- son and R. B. Wilson. The church, since its organization, has been under the pastoral care and labor of Revs. Charles Smoyer, J. D. Jenkins, J. Payson Mills and Wm. E. Lincoln, successively ; and is at present supplied in preaching by Rev. Mr. Cecil, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Macon. The roll at present shows a mem- bership of 45, with a Sabbath-school of 70. The church edifice was crected in 1872, at an expense of about $3,500.

Tower Hill Church -The Presbyterian Church in this place was established in 1867, by Revs. A. T. Norton, D. D., and Wm. Tits- worth, of Alton Presbytery ; and was composed of sixteen members. For the greater part of the time since its organization it has been supplied with preaching in connection with Prairie Bird. The names of the ministers may be found above, in connection with this last named church. The names of its ruling elders are not known to the writer. The church now numbers about 35, with a Sabbatlı- school of 40; and is under the ministerial care of Rev. Adam Johnston. Its house of worship is situated in the town of Tower Hill, on the line of the I. & St. L. R R.

The last church to be noticed in this article, is known as " Beth- any Presbyterian Church." It is located in Flat Branch township, S. 26, WV. ¿ , S. W. 4. It was organized by Rev. Washington May- nard, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Assumption, Christian county, during, or about the year 1875 ; and has been under his care ever since. It now consists of 35 members ; and supports a Sa bbatlı- school of 85. Its church .building is of brick, built near the time the church was organized ; and is a neat and substantial edifice.

We have thus given the merest and briefest outline of the organ- i: ation and history of the seven Presbyterian Churches of Shelby county. What influence they have exerted upon the county, no one can tell ; certainly it has not been insignificant. For all these churches have been largely constituted of those elements of strength and influence which belong to Presbyterianism the wide world over; viz .: thorough organization, government and discipline, sound, and clearly defined religious views, coupled with the broadest and most catholic liberality toward all who love the Lord Jesus Christ, a thoroughly educated ministry, and membership gathered by the principle of natural selection from the most industrious, intelligent and influential classes of society. These and other elements pos- sessed by Presbyterianism, once combined in a church, while it may be less of a pioneer than others, will not soon become extinct, nor fail to influence and mould surrounding society. And so we are safe in asserting that Shelby county is indebted in no small degree to the influence of the Presbyterian Churches within her borders ; and safe, also, in predicting that her future history will be affected in a corresponding or greater degree by the same influence.

The writer of this article here acknowledges his obligation for assistance to Rev. A. T. Norton, D. D., in his " History of the Pres- byterian Churches in the State of Illinois ;" and also to Rev. B. Mills, D. D., in an historical discourse delivered in Shelbyville July 2, 1876.

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. BY REV. W. W. M. BARBER.

Church at Windsor .- A petition was sent to the Presbytery of Vandalia at her spring session of 1850, signed by Benjamin Wal- den, David Robison, Joseph Davis, James Davis, Elvira Rose, Jane Weeks and Patience Davis, praying to be organized into a Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which petition was granted, and Rev. A. M. Wilson-now of Kansas-was sent and did organize the above-named persons into a congregation known as the " Plea-

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HISTORY OF SHELBY AND MOULTRIE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.

sant Grove congregation of the C. P. church." This was done in June, 1850. The church was first organized on Sand Creek, where a log house was erected for a place of public worship.

After the town of Windsor was located, the congregation built a large frame church-44 by 60-in town. A lot was secured from Messrs. Huggins and Ryder, and the house begun in 1857. Messrs. William Laughlin, Elisha Robison and James Robison were the first trustees. At the time of the organization (June, 1850) Ben- jamin Walden and James Davis were chosen and ordained clders in the congregation. In the spring of 1859 the name of the con- gregation was changed from "Pleasant Grove" to that of " Wind- sor." Soon after the organization Andrew Gammill was received by letter from " Muddy Point" congregation as an elder and served as such till his death. In the year 1856 R. C. Russell was elected and ordained elder, and P. A. Vanosdell came from Kentucky, and was received as an elder.

Judge Walker, an O. S. Presbyterian, having united with the congregation, was chosen and filled the office of elder for a number of years. On Dec. 25, 1858, G. L. Robison and Samuel Renner were chosen and ordained as elders. May 26, 1866, Z. B. Ellis was elected elder, and on the 8th of July following was sct apart to the office. Feb. 22, 1868, Dr. C. H. Brunk and W. M Mclu- tosh were elected elders, and on the.23d Dr. Brunk was set apart by ordination, and Mr. McIntosh having been an elder in another congregation his orders were recognized. Aug. 19, 1874, Levi Wilkinson was elected elder, and on the 30th of the same month ordained to the office. The first deacon that was chosen by the congregation, according to the records, was J. S. Robison, which was done on Dec. 25, 1858. It is no doubt true that the elders did all the work up to this time, usually done by the deacons. On Feb. 6th, 1864, Z. B. Ellis and George Renner were chosen deacons, and Aug. 19, 1874, Thomas Cavins and W. H. Rodgers were chosen deacons, and on the 30th of the same month set apart to the office by ordination.

Mr. Laughlin and Mr. E. Robison ceasing to act as trustees, having moved out of the bounds of the congregation, on Nov. 7, 1868, R. C. Russell and W. H. Rodgers were elected by the con- gregation to fill the vacancies. After the congregation was organ- ized, Rev. T. A. Bone (now dead) served the church as minister. After him, Rev. J. S. Freeland (now dead), founder of Sullivan Academy, served as minister for some time. The next minister was Rev. S. W. Goodnight (now of Coles Co ), who settled in the bounds of the congregation, aud served a number of years. After lim, Rev. Joel Knight, who died in the eighticth year of his age. Then Rev. W. W. Brown, who was at the time, 1859, one of the editors of the " Ladies' Pearl" of Alton, IN. After him, Rev. S. R. Roseboro served about one year. Then Rev. G. W. Montgomery came into the bounds of the congregation from Missouri in the fall of 1862, and served as minister for two years at the rate of $100 per quarter, which is the first record of the amount given to any minister.

On the 1st of Nov., 1865, Rev. W. W. M. Barber moved into Windsor, and became pastor upon the promise of $400 per year. This latter-now 1880-has served the congregation 15 years-not having served every Sabbath however.

In the spring of 1863, there being a lack of co-operation and a defective record, the Presbytery granted a rcorganization, and 93 names were found upon the list. There are now 40, since the or- ganization of the Richland congregation. The church has met with many reverses. During the war party spirit ran high, and some left the church; and since such has been the emigration west, that at times it appeared as if the church would become disorganiz. d ;

but God in his providence has brought others, who have led the church along.

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Combined history of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of their scenery and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers, Part 39

Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : Brink, McDonough & Co. Number of Pages: 458

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Brink, McDonough & Co.
Number of Pages: 458