USA > Illinois > Ford County > Historical Atlas of Ford County Illinois > Part 17
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ยท By Rev. W. H. Wilder.
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FORD COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Rev. II. M. Haff, a retired minister. The present pastor is M. C. Brainard.
Sibley .- The Sibley society was organized in 1879. Rev. M. C. Wilcox was its first pastor, and the following names appear on the record as original members : W. A. Bicket and wife. W. A. Pawley and wife, John Smale, Sr., and wife, Robert Smale and wife, Miss Margaritte Smale and John Smale. It now has a membership of fifty-one, and supports an active Sunday school of ninety scholars. S. P. Alford is pastor.
Center Schoolhouse is located in Wall Township about four miles north of Meharry's Chapel in the midst of a well-to do'and intelligent farming community. While preaching services havo been held here for more than two years occasionally, it was not until in the latter part of the year 1882, I think, that the organi- zation of a society was effected by J. L. Miller, a very promising young man, who traveled the Loda Circuit under the Presiding Elder.
This society promises to be the nucleus of a strong country church. It now supports a Sunday school of sixty scholars the entire year.
Roberts and Melvin .- The Roberts and Melvin Circuit repre- sents church and personal property valued at $5,700, a member- ship of 110, and two schools with 208 scholars enrolled. J. N. Anderson is pastor.
Piper City .*- The Piper City church is in a flourishing con- dition. It has 110 members, 100 Sunday school scholars, and church property valued at 82,000.
The societies at Clarence, Cabery and Elliott have no church property, but they have regular preaching and each sustains a good Sunday school.
PAXTON.
First Congregational Church, Paxton .- This church was or- ganized January 16, 1858. At this time the city of Paxton was called Prospect City. The church was organized in the name of the Union Church of Christ of the Middle Fork of Vermillion River. Both the names of the church and the city were subse- quently changed. The one to the First Congregational and the other to Paxton. Rev. Charles Granger, of Urbana, Champaign Co., Ill., was invited by Rev. William W. Blanchard and others, to come to this new field and preach and labor to build up & church of the Congregational order. He came in the spring of 18:7, and labored faithfully and successfully, preaching in the schoolhouse, a small building, now finished into a private resi- dence, and also at different places on the south side of the Mid- dle Fork of the Vermillion River in private residences.
His labors resulted in the organization of the church above named. Owing to the extent of the field, all the friends inter- ested in the church were not present at its organization. But eight persons entered into covenant and constituted what is now the First Congregational Church of Paxton. The meeting was held at the house of William A. Goodrich. Rev. Charles Granger was moderator, and opened the exercises with religious services. The following are the names of the persons who entered into covenant : Charles Granger, E. Granger, William W. Blanchard, Elizabeth Blanchard, Charles Wall, William A. Goodrich, Betsy A. Goodrich and. Loretta Goodrich. Mr. Granger continued to preach for about four years. His labors were blessed with precious revival influences, and quite a number were added to the church, some of whom are still valuable members of the church, and others of precious memory have left us to join the glorious church above. Mr. Granger was at- tacked with paralysis, which terminated his labors. He and wife are still members of the church ; he is now over eighty years old and is living in peaceful retirement, often writing for Christian papers, and is respected by all who know him. The church was then left without preaching, and brother William W. Blanchard induced Rev. E. O. Tade, of Loda, to preach for us once a month at 8 o'clock P. M., until we could make permanent arrangements. Mr. Tade was a very young man ; his work was good and well received. Brother David Martin, who came to us from La Salle County, recommended Rev. George Schlosser, of Lockport, as an able and faithful minister. After some months' correspondence between Rev. William W. Blanchard and brother Schlosser, the church extended to him a unanimous call; he accepted and entered upon his labors September 1, 1868, and closed his pastorate August 19, 1866, lacking but little of three years. His pastorate was remarkably blessed ; his work was at- tended by several precious revivals, and from small numbers the church was greatly enlarged. Under his pastorate the present church edifice was built, and by vote of the church Rev. J. Blanchard, President of Wheaton College, preached the dedica- tion sermon. The occasion was one of general interest. This history would be defective, indeed, if some of its steadfast friends, who did much, were overlooked. J. P. Day and R. Clark and others have stood by it, and done for it, and given to it, and has greatly assisted it to do the good it has done.
After Brother Schlosser's resignation, Rev. William Kopp. Professor in Augustana College, was employed as a supply until a pastor could be obtained. Prof. Kopp was a man of unusual intelligence and amiability ; well did he fill his calling. There were none but respected and loved him. He died in Pittsburgh, soon after, a martyr to his faithfulness in the service of Christ. At this time Prof. Bliss, the singing Evangelist, who perished at Ashtabula, Ohio, who has a monument erected to his memory by the Sabbath school children who sung his songs, recommended Rev. Israel Brundage. pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood, Broome Co., N. Y., a suitable man for pastor, and available. It resulted in a correspondence, the extension of a
unanimous call, and an acceptance. Brother Brundage com- menced his labors in April, 1867, and closed his pastorate Janu- ary 1, 1874, wanting but little of seven years.
Brother Brundage will stand in the first class of Christian pas- tors. His presence was a joy ; his influence a benediction ; his work a success. Ile buried his companion while here, who was grently estcemed by the people. His youngest child was born and he was married a second time here. He is greatly endeared to this people. He was called to the Presbyterian Church in Rochelle in the northern part of this State, through the influence of llorace Holcom, Esq., who was formerly a member of this church, and is now an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Ro- chelle. Brother Brundage, during his ten years' absence, has several times visited us, and has twice been called to come and conduct the funeral services of ardent friends, and once to help install our present pastor. Such a passage in the history of our church we all love to contemplate, yes and angels may well do the same.
Soon after the resignation of Brother Brundage, Rev. Theo- dore Clifton was called to supply the pulpit. He resigned his pastorate October 31, 1875, to accept a call to the Mayflower Congregational Church of St. Louis, Mo , where he still preaches. After quite a period had elapsed in which there was only occasional preaching, Rev. B. F. Sargeant received and accepted a call to become a pastor of the church June 20, 1877, and resigned his pastorate November 15, 1879, a little over two years continuance. It was Brother Sargeant's first charge. He was a young man of promise; he has now for several years been a successful pastor in Grand Rapids, Mich. Rev. B. F. Worrel, who was residing in Paxton, supplied the pulpit until the church could obtain a pastor. October 6, 1880, a call was extended to Rev. M. S. Crasswell to become the pastor of the church, and was accepted. He resigned September 17, 1882. But few churches are ever blessed with a more faithful and devoted pastor. There was a precious revival during his ministry. The church had quite an accession to its strength and numbers, and was left perfectly united and on lov- ing terms with the pastor, and our united prayers and kind feel- ings follow him to his present charge at Independence, Iowa.
December 10, 1882, the church extended a unanimous call to Rev. Edmund Y. Garrette, of Oak Park, to become their pas- tor. February 18, 1883, he accepted the call, and July 12, 1883, was installed pastor, and has continued with the church until the present time to the entire satisfaction of the church and commu- nity.
Mr. Garrette has both culture and experience, having sub- stanced the most responsible pastorates in leading churches, and with a divine blessing upon his labors, he will do us great good both as a church and a community of churches. This history will be closed with the remark that we can see the Divine hand leading the church through all the past, and trusting to the same guiding hand, we hope to see it led down through the distant future, growing in grace and strength, and scattering blessings broadcast on all within its influence.
The names of those who have served as Superintendents of the Sunday school are as follows : Henry R. Daggett, Oscar H. Carr, Norman E. Stevens, and John B. Shaw, who is the present Superintendent. The other officials are : Deacons-O. H. Carr, George L. Thompson ; Trustees-R. A. McCracken, Randolph Cruzen, A. L. Clark, J. P. Day; Treasurer-O. H. Carr; Clerk-J. B Shaw.
For the foregoing facts we are indebted to Rev. W. W. Blanchard, one of the earliest members.
The United Presbyterian Church, Paxton .*- Early in the history of Paxton (then Prairie City) some United Presbyterians, feeling the want of a public worship accord- ing to their own conscientious convictions, united their ef- forts, and, in 1856, secured the services of Rev. J. P. Smart (Associate Reformed), of Xenia, Ohio, who preached the first sermon in the grove called "Ten-Mile Grove " near the Hanley homestead. We sang at that meeting the forty sixth and one hundred and twenty-first Psalms. Mr. Smart remained and preached the next Sabbath at Loda in a schoolhouse. Mrs. Mar- garet Hanley, who was visiting, was present at both of these meetings. An effort was made at the meeting of our church board in 1857 to secure aid and supplies, but failed. Application was then made to the Bloomington Presbytery, and they sent us an aged man, Rev. Pollock, who preached two Sabbaths for us, and that was all the preaching we had till the spring of 1858, when Rev. Hugh McHatten visited and preached for two Sabbaths, morning and night, in a little schoolhouse (the first in Paxton). Our town was now called Prospect City. During this year we made application to the General Assembly for aid and for a min- ister, but again failed, though not at all discouraged. Again we
applied to the Presbytery, and were supplied about one-third of the time until the last of the year. The supplies were Revs. Brownlee, Black, Jeffries and Pinkerton. At & called meeting of the Bloomington Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Synod of Illinois, held in Peoria August 23, 1859, J. W. Pin: kerton was appointed to organize our congregation at Prospect City, Ford County, Ill. On the first Sabbath of October, 185", he preached by appointment, and on Monday, the 3d of October, 1839, the organization took place at the resi- dence of Alexander Hanley, now occupied by Rodeen (gro- ceryman). The following persons were admitted as members on certificate : Hugh Andrews, Ruling Elder, and Ruth An- drews, his wife; Eliza Law, their daughter, all from the United Presbyterian congregation of Xenia, Ohio; from the same congregation, A. H. Hanley and Elizabeth K. Hanley, his wife, Miss Ella Hanley (now Mrs. McElroy), his sister,
*By Mrs. Mary E. McElroy.
Margaret Hanley, his mother, and Miss Belle Alexander, from the United Presbyterian congregation of Cedarville, Ohio. Mr. Hugh Andrews was elected Elder. The following came int) the church by profession, as they did not have their certificates in possession : Alexander L. Elliott. William McClelland, James Canning and Mary Canning, his wife. Then the following per- sons were chosen as Ruling Elders : A. II. Hanley, A. L. Elliott and William McClelland. At the next meeting of the Presby- tery, Rev. Pinkerton, our minister, was examined and ordained. Next Saturday, October 8, prior to communion, J. M. Hanley was admitted by examination. Rev. Hugh Mellatten was sent once a year to preach for us. This was now 1860. We re- ceived 8250 from the board, and now held services and regular prayer meetings in Hanley's hall. Rev. Mcllatten was an earnest, faithful minister. In March, 1861, we called Rev. R. McCracken; we now had nineteen or twenty members. The church grew rapidly, and June 29 following we had thirty eight communicants and twenty two families. Rev. John Trusdale was next called. The court house now being finished, we worshiped there till the present church edifice was built. We held union prayer meetings in those days. During Rev. John Trus- dale's ministry the present church edifice was dedicated in 1867. The dedication sermon wns preached by Dr. Wallace (now de- ceased), then President of Monmouth College. The audience was very large, and liberally assisted in wiping out a portion of the indebtedness. The original cost of the building was about $9,000, which was entirely erased during the ministration of Rev. E. D. Campbell. In 1871, Rev. Trustale was released, leaving us with 175 members; we then had supplies till 1872, when a call was made to Rev. William Richie and accepted by him October 8. He labored earnestly for us till 1877, begin- gining with 120 members, and leaving us with 116. Again we had supplies till a call was accepted by Rev. E. D. Campbell, who was our under. shepherd for about three years. A lecture room was built and furnished, where we now hold our prayer meetings ; it is used also by the infant Sunday school class. 'The audience room was newly carpeted, and various other improve- ments were made. Rev. E. D. Campbell and his amiable wife were zealous, Christian workers. He was reluctantly released in the spring of 1881, and again we had supplies till the fall of the same year, when a call was unanimously made to Rev. T. G. Morrow and accepted by him. During last year, other improve- ments were made in and about the church, and we feel that his labors among us are being greatly blessed. He, with his estima- ble wife, are entering zealously into every work of the church, are seeking to save the lost, and to build up those already saved in a fuller experience of the Gospel of Christ, teaching them to be fearless advocates of the truth. The only remaining member who was present at the first organization is Mrs. M. E. McElroy, who still occupies the pew used by her mother. The latter died in 1876. We have a live, working, self-supporting Sunday school, which, with the members of the church, subscribed and paid $1,000 to the United Presbyterian quarterly centennial fund during the year 1883. The ladies of the United Presbyte- rian Church have very interesting missionary meetings held in the lecture rooms of the church on the last Saturday of each month. They all seem to be imbued with a true missionary spirit, and enjoy the fulfillment of the words of our Savior, "It is more blessed to give than to receive;" and though now our numbers are reduced by death and emigration we are not dis- couraged, but have abundant reasons to thank our kind Father for the many blessings of the past. May we hear His voice say- ing unto us, " Go forward, and let the church still pray for us that we may have grace given to continue in the way we have begun." This is a parent as well as a pioneer church. Three churches are largely indebted to it for their members-Loda, or- ganized September 18, 1867; Sugar Branch, November 13, 1867 ; and Hoopeston, May 5, 1872; and it still stands to do battle for a pure Christianity and a plain Gospel worship. This is her mission, and until this mission is accomplished our prayer is, " May peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces." Names of members June 29, 1861 : A. H. Hanley, Elizabeth K. Hanley, Margaret Hanley, Mary E. Hanley, John M. Hanley, Belle Alexander, Martha Hall, William McClelland, Catharine McClelland, Samuel Gray, Mary J. Gray, Mathew Templeton, Sarah Templeton, Ella Templeton, Robert McFar- land, Elenor McFarland, Alexander T. Elliott, Sarah Elliott, Elizabeth Lord, Mary Lord and Isabella Lord, John Love and Elizabeth Love, Joseph Smith, John Lynn, Martha Lynn, Jane Kirkwood, James Tibley, Elizabeth Parks, Samuel Gordon, Ma- ria Gordon, Robert Nelson, Mary Martin, Mary Morris, Marga- ret Wells, Rev. Robert McCracken and Elizabeth McCracken. The present officers of the church arc : Trustees, William T. Westbrook, William Stewart, Mitchell A. Karr. Session, Sam- ucl Baird, James S. Wilson, A. L. Cherry, Weaver White. Pas- tor, Rev. T. G. Morrow; Superintendent of Sabbath School, A. L. Cherry.
Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, Parton .*- In 1868, the Directors of the Augustana College and Theological Sem- inary concluded to remove that institution from Chicago, Ill. An offer from the I. C. Railroad Company, giving some inducements in lands, was accepted, and accordingly the above-named institu- tion was located at Paxton, Ill.
Soon after this the Swedes emigrated here very fast. On the 3d day of June, 1863, Dr. T. N. Hasselquist called a meeting for the purpose of organizing a congregation, which meeting was held, and the organization accomplished.
The constitution of the Augustana Synod was adopted and the following officers were elected : Dr. Hasselquist, Pastor ; P. .By A. J. Laurence.
"See special article.
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Erickson, Secretary ; Eric Carlson, C. M. Johnson and Eman- uel Collins, Trustees; P. Peterson, S. Randall, C. Anderson, N. P. Nelson, J. Olson and Swan Anderson, Deacons.
Until 1865, the services were held in the public school build- ing. This building was finally purchased, and put in suitable order for the place of worship. As the membership increased rapidly, it was soon found to be too small, and, in 1872, the pres- ent church was built. This building is 45x100 feet, with a spire 100 feet high. The cost was over $10,000, with an' additional expense of $700 for sents. In 1884, a new pipe organ was pur- chased for $1,200. This is a very fine instrument. Besides the regular church building, the congregation has a schoolhouse worth 81,000. The latter is used for the Swedish school, prayer meet- ings, business meetings, sewing society, etc. The congregation also has a parsonage on College Hill, worth $2,000. The hours of services are as follows : Sundays, Sabbath school, 9:30 A. M .; preaching 10:30 A. M .; teachers' meeting. 3 P. M .; evening preaching, 7:30 P. M .; also preaching Wed- nesday evenings and prayer meeting Friday evenings. The membership is the largest in the city, and in 1874 num- bered 513 communicants, and 851 baptized members. After 1874, when the Augustana College was removed to Rock Island, Ill., a large number of the Swedish citizens left Paxton for Rock Island.
This reduced the church membership, and three years later a few went out of the congregation, and started what is known as the Mission Church, so that in 1879 the members numbered only 800 to 400.
The present membership is 450 communicants and about 700 baptized members.
The founder of the congregation, Prof. T. N. Hasselquist, was its pastor until 1874, at which time he was obliged to leave and follow the Augustana College and Theological Seminary to Rock Island, he being President of that institution for nearly a quarter of a century.
Dr. Hasselquist came to America in 1852, and wherever he has been pastor he has started new congregations and has built up large memberships before he left. He is a highly educated man, and a hard worker, having been an ordained minister for nearly fifty years. His age is abont seventy years. By his uprightness, steadfastness and long experience in the Lord's service, he has won the hearts of the people, and whenever spe- cial public services are to take place he is always called upon to be present. In his younger days, he was an excellent singer as well as speaker. The Swedish people in this country, and espe- cially the Augustana Synod are greatly indebted to him for the prosperity of the religious and educational interests.
In 1863, he started the college in Paxton with seven students, and the same institution to-day has 200 students. The Augus- tana Synod, which came into existence in 1853, has a member- ship of 80,000. Notwithstanding his age, he has charge of the congregation at Rock Island, also in charge of the theological department of the college, teaching several hours every week. Hle is also editor of the weekly paper, which is the organ of the synod. Besides all this he has much traveling to do.
Ifis successor in 1874, as pastor of the church at Paxton, was Rev. N. Th. Winquist, who remained until 1878, when Rev. A. Edgren, the present pastor, took his place.
Rev. Edgren is much liked by his congregation, as was also Rev. Winquist.
The Sabbath school numbers nearly 200 members. Rev. Edgren is the Superintendent.
The church officers are as follows : Deacons, A. W. Kjell- strand, G. Aspergren, C. J. Johnson, P. G. Peters, C. A. Ander- son ; A. J. Lawrence, Secretary ; Trustees, F. J. Johnson, Peter Anderson, Samuel Engstrom ; Sexton, August Warner ; Organ- ist, Miss Clara Egnell ; Secretary Sunday school, Carl Nord- gren ; Treasurer, C. G. A. Kjellstrand.
The Swedish Lutheran Mission Church, Paxton-This church was organized in November, 1878, with a membership of seventy. Rev. A. P. Palmquist was the first pastor. For a time services were held in a hall until the present church lots were purchased at an expense of $600, and a church building was erected at an expense of $1,500. The members being compara- tively few in numbers, and at that time not wealthy, they re- ceived assistance from the Swedish Lutheran Mission Synod. The church was built in 1879, and in 1881 the members num- bered 140, with thirty Sunday school scholars.
Rev. A. P. Palmquist remained three years, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. Gustafson, the present pastor.
This congregation belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Mis- sion Synod in the United States.
The officers of the Paxton church are four Trustees, six Des- cons, one Treasurer, one Secretary.
The present membership is 180, and 132 children, fifty of whom are members of the Sunday school.
The foregoing facts were furnished by the pastor. The church is evidently in a prosperous condition, and its membership in- cludes many of the leading business men of Paxton and a large number of prosperous farmers.
The Presbyterian Church," Paxton .- This church was or- ganized November 1, 1867, by a committee of the Presbytery of Bloomington, consisting of Rev. Alexander G. Wilson and Elder W. P. Pierson.
The organization was made in response to a petition from a number of the residents of Paxton, who, having been reared as Presbyterians, desired to continue in that faith and order. Twen- ty-three persons were received by letter from various churches, principally in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Sabbath following, *By Kev. J. Barbour.
FORD COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Joseph E. Hall and Charles R. Strauss were ordained and in- stalled Elders of the new church, and Benjamin Q. Cherry and James D. Kilgore, Deacons.
The place of organization was Clark's Hall ; and services were continued there until July, 1873, when the congregation moved into their new house of worship, erected on the southeast corner of Vermillion and Centre streets.
The two lots on which it stands were donated by Mr. William Pells, and the church, in addition to their own struggle with limited means, had the kindly assistance of several persons not members in the erection of the building. It is in the Gothic style, with rose-windows in the front and rear, and colored windows on each side, the latter the gift of individuals and of classes in the Sab- bath school, and of some of the sister churches in the town.
For the first year, preaching was enjoyed about once a month. In the spring of 1869, Rev. J. A. Calhoun was elected the first pastor, and continued his services one year. From July, 1870, to April, 1871, Rev. Mr. Noerr ministered to the people. Different ministers supplied in the interim between April, 1871, and 1872. In spring of 1872, Rev. J. L. McNair was elected pas- tor, and was with the church until April, 1875. Another va- cancy dependent on supplies, during which Rev. C. H. Blanchard supplied the church one year. Rev. A. F. Irwin served as pas- tor from April, 1877, to January 1, 1881. The ensuing year, Rev. E. B. Miner served as stated supply. In November, 1882, Rev. John Barbour commenced supplying the pulpit, and re- mained with the church until April, 1884-from April, 1883, as pastor-elect.
Oficers. - Besides officers installed November 3, 1867, the fol- lowing persons have been made Elders: W. B. Travis, B. Q. Cherry. Thomas E. Hogge, Martin B. Thomson, C. M. Taylor, and E. Carson C. R. Strauss, J. E. Hall and W. B. Travis have acted as Clerks of the session successively. The present Board of Trustees consists of J. M. Hall, George Grove, David Keep. Charles Bogardus and G. L. Hall.
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