Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 1, Part 73

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 864

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 1 > Part 73

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Philo Beers, James R. Gray and Lemuel Highy were the first Deacons. Since their time, hesides those now serving, we have profited hy the services of William Lavely, Joseph W. Ben- nett, Thomas C. Elkin, B. B. Lloyd, Ervin Clark, Moses K. Anderson, John Greenwood, William D. Logan, L. H. Coleman, Samuel H. Twyman, Asbury H. Saunders, Thomas Tully, Henry C. Latham, J. H. Pickrell, Edward An- derson, David Clarke, Hiram E. Gardner, William T. Lavely, Richard H. Shropshire, George Lawson, James White, J. M. Appel, Paul Wakefield and others. Martha Beers was chosen Deaconess hefore the removal from Madison Street and held this office at her death in 1845. During the pastorate of L. B. Wilkes three dea- conesses were elected, viz: Elizabeth Bennett, Margaret Latham and Caroline M. Kane.

There were many nohle, courageous women, who were a source of great strength to the con- gregation. No one will ever be able to tell the story of our debt to such women as America T. Logan, Mrs. Mordecai Mohley, Mrs. George and Mrs. Lucy Bennett, Mrs. D. B. Hill, Mrs. Mar- garet Latham, Mrs. Julla A. Brown, Mrs. Milton Hay, Mrs. Caroline M. Kane, Mrs. Archle Constant, Mrs. Marcia Saunders, Mrs. Jennle B. Coleman and many others that might well he mentioned. They never wavered In thelr faith and loyalty nor faltered In their zeal. The im- press of their Influence is Indelihle. Without thein the first effort to establish a Christlan Church in Springfield must have falled. Most of them rendered their service during the first half of our history, whose work has heen com- pleted and who lald deep and firm the founda- tion of our present large congregation. There have been many since whose services have been such as to entitle their names to appear In any general history of the church, hut the space allowed for this paper renders it impossible to mention them. There are a few whose speclal activitles will he admitted by all to he worthy of mention, namely, Mrs. V. T. Lindsay, Mrs. Hattle Plckrell Pasfield, Nannle Latham Souther, Ann Mary Elkin, Mrs. Mary Hughes Menden- hall, Mrs. Isaac R. Diller, Mrs. Mary Thompson Ross, Mary Patterson Miller and Mary Logan Morrison. All of these, except Mrs. Morrison,

were members when the last church building was dedicated in 1882.

Early in 1909 plans were made for the sale of the house at the corner of Fifth and Jackson Streets and the erection of a new house of wor- shlp for the First Church. In January, 1910, a lot known as the E. A. Hall lot on the southeast corner of Sixth and Cook Streets, was purchased, architects were employed and plans for the new - hullding are now in the hands of the building committee. On June 26, 1910, were held the last Sunday services In the old house, and on the same day $35,000 was pledged for the new build- ing. On Wednesday, June 20th, was the last prayer meeting service, which was largely at- tended, and which was given over to reminiscences of the years during which the church had oc- cupled the bullding, and with a pathetic farewell ·the church took final leave of the bullding about which so many hallowed associations had gath- ered, and which for more than a quarter of a century had heen our home. The membership upon vacating numbered nearly 1,200. After the sale of the premises the Masonlc Fraternity kindly offered us two large rooms in their new Masonic Temple for the Sunday services of the church. Here the church (Octoher, 1910) meets for worship, and here we hope to remain until our new house is completed.

The Bible School has an enrollment of 500, is well organized, with a faithful corps of teach- ers, and is under the leadership of the efficient Superintendent, Warren E. Lewis.

In the seventy-seven years of the church's history, many have "fallen asleep" in hope of the resurrection, many of our fathers and mothers In thelr numher. After the dismissal of those who have gone from our mldst, and those who formed the nucleus of the West Side and Stuart Street Churches, there remain about 1,200, as the membership of the First Church.

Mr. Burnham, as a faithful minister, is doing good work, and the spiritual life of the church is well maintained. The relation of pastor and people Is that of perfect harmony. The church as a whole is a mighty force for righteousness; for all moral reform it is outspoken. The present official board (1910) consists of Frederick W. Burnham, Pastor; Elders-L. H. Coleman, B. R. Hleronymus, Charles P. Kane, V. T. Lindsay, Henry C. Latham, Edward Anderson; Deacons- Dr. I. H. Taylor, Chairman; Jacoh M. Appel, Granville A. Hulett, James W. Jefferson, Henry

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

B. Henkel, Latham T. Souther. Frank A. Drake, J. Orville Taylor, Logan Coieman, Joseph W. Inslee.

WEST SIDE CHURCH .- The rapid growth of the west part of the city of Springfield led the First Church in 1891 to erect a building on the south- west corner of State and Edwards Streets, and J. Elwood Lynn, who has been pastor of the First Church for about three years, resigned his position to take the ministry of the new church. One hundred and ten members were dismissed from the old church and became "charter mem- bers," of the new, adopting as their corporate name "West Side Christian Church of Spring- field." The house was dedicated January 5, 1902, Elder J. II. Gilliland of Bloomington preaching the dedicatory sermon and Mr. Lynn at once entered upon his duties as pastor. Elders and Deacons were chosen, a Bible School was organized, and bothi congregation and school have made a steady growth. Mr. Lynn was suc- ceeded as pastor by Elder F. M. Rogers.

The present efficient pastor, Mr. John R. Goiden, took up the ministry January 1, 1909, and is now leading the congregation in a great work at the West Side. Early in 1910 the auditorium was enlarged and an up-to-date Bibie School room completed to accommodate the large congregation, now numbering about 800, and a Bible School with an enrollment of 450. As re- built the church has a property valued at $25,000, which was dedicated by Oliver W. Steward May 15, 1910. Charles E. Withey is Superiu- tendent of the Bible School. The Iilinois Chris- tian Missionary Society hield its annual meeting with this church September 12-16, 1910, and Mr. Golden was elected President for the eusuing year.

STUART STREET CHRISTIAN CHURCH .- In Juiy, 1905, Charles Clayton Morrison, pastor of the First Christian Church of Springfield, held a series of meetings in a tent erccted for that purpose in the southeast part of the city, which resulted in the organization of the Stuart Street Christian Church. With the assistance of the First and West Side Churches the erection of a chapel was begun in November. 1905, which was completed at a cost of $9,000, and was dedicated by Charles Ciayton Morrison May 13. 1906. The membership then numbered 175. At the completion of the building Mr. Rufus A. Finnell was selected as minister, assuming time pastorate immediately. Officers were elected,

a Bible School was organized, and ever since this chapel has been a regular bee hive of church activity. Mr. C. C. Sinclair succeeded Mr. Fin- nell as pastor and during his ministry of three years the church made rapid growth. Mr. H. H. Jenner came to the pastorate in 1909 and is now rendering faithful service. The church now has a membership of 600, with a Bible School of 275, of which Mr. A. P. Lewis is Superintendent.

VILLAOE AND COUNTRY CHURCHES .- In Sanga- mon County, outside the City of Springfield, the Year Book of the State Missionary Society re- ported 16 congregations, namely : Anburn, Bar- clay, Berlin, Buffalo, Cantrall, Clear Lake, Daw- son. Illiopolis, Loami, Mechanicsburg, Pleasant Plains, Riverton, Rochester, Salisbury, South Fork and Williamsville, with an aggregate en- rolled membership of 1,900, and an active mem- bership of 1,450, making the totai enrolled mem- bership iu Sangamon County, 4,500.

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. (By F. A. DeRossett.) .

The first church organization of this denomi- nation held services at Springfield in 1836, and is. represented at the present time by what is known as St. Panl's Pro-Cathedral, which until 1888 was the only church of the faith iu San- gamon County. In that year Christ Church was formed. St. Luke's and St. John's were cou- ducted as missions of St. Paul's.

In the Journal of the Primary Convention of the Diocese of Illinois, held in Peoria Monday, Marcii 9, 1835, Springfield is not mentioned. At this Convention Rev. Philander Chase was in- vited to become Bishop of Illinois. From the Journal of the Second Annual Convention, which was held in Jacksonville in May, 1836, Rev. Samuel Chase is recorded as officiating at Spring- field, and he was present at the convention, with Samuel H. Treat and Emmerson C. Ross as delegates from St. Paul's Church. Rev. Samuel Chase was elected Secretary of the Convention and it was resolved that the next Convention be held in Springfield. Bishop Chase was not present at the Second Convention, being absent in England on diocesan affairs, but Bishop Kemper wrote the following in his address : "We spent a few days in Springfield and on Thursday, the 7th of January, officiated there to a small congregation. Here I baptized the in-

MRS. FRANKLIN C. THOMPSON

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

fant of Rev. Samuel Chase." Rev. Samuel Chase, officiating at Springfield, reported that since the preceding June he had resided in that city, and that under the auspices of Bishop Chase a parish was organized, through the cour- tesy of the "Christian Brethren." who proffered the use of their honse of worship; that Episco- pai services were duly celebrated tite first and third Sunday in each month, and that occasional services were aiso held in the Methodist and Presbyterian houses of worship. He also re- ported that measures were being taken for the erection of a church building, to cost some $4.000, that there were 13 communicants, 2 confirmations. 5 baptisms and 3 marriages. Springfield was assessed $5 for printing ex- penses.

Rev. D. W. Dresser (in 1891) made the follow- ing pencil note on the fly leaf of the Journal of the Primary Convention referred to above: "It appears that St. Paul's Church, Springfield. of which my father was first Rector, was organized in the house of George Forquer, a State official and half-brother to Gov. Ford, now enlarged, 'The Orphanage of the Holy Child,' Springfield, and services were first held in the same resi- dence. I know that my father lived in that house when he first came to Springfield. Aprii. 1838. while Mr. and Mrs. Forquer were absent and at Virginia Springs for Mr. Forquer's health."

At the time of the Third Annual Convention. which was heid In Springfield, in May. 1837, Rev. Samuel Chase had moved to Robin's Nest. Peorla County. In Bishop Chase's address at this time he writes: "It was at this place I met with a most affectionate receptlon and received great encouragement. Leaving them for awhlie I went. with Rev. Samuel Chase, to Jackson- vilie, and coming back to Springfield. I organ- Ized a parish by the name of St. Paul's, preached many times, baptized severai children and one adult, confirmed two and administered the Lord's Supper to twelve persons. Their anxiety to build a church was great." Rev. Samuel Chase con- tinued to officiate at Springfield until November. 1836. when his connection with the proposed theological school required his removai to Robin's Nest. Peoria County. The Convention adopted resolutions acknowledging the kindness and liberallty of the minister and members of the First Presbyterian Church for accommodating them with their house of worship during their

time of session. At this convention a note was received from Owen Lovejoy tendering his ap- plication as a candidate for admission to the gospel ministry in that diocese.

Rev. Charles Dresser became the pastor of St. Paul's in 1838 and attended the Fourth Con- vention held in Rushville in June of that year, being accompanied by Samuei H. Treat and Thomas L. Bennett as lay delegates. Rev. Dresser was from Virginia and came to Illinois in that year, remaining in Springfield until 1852. In June, 1839, at the convention held in Chicago, Rev. Dresser is mentioned as oue of nine ciergy- men in Illinois entitled to a seat in the conven- tion. In that year, also, the church building, which had been reported as in progress at the time of the previous convention, was reported as completed and opened for Divine worship in August, 1838. A Sunday School was also re- ported in operation, although still small.

No Convention was heid in 1840, but at the Convention of 1841 Rev. Dresser reported an Increase in membership and that, besides per- forming services in his own parish during the year, he had visited a number of other piaces, preaching 54 times, and in 15 different neigh- borhoods. The Seventh Convention was held at Rushville, June 6 and 7, 1842, and Rev. Dres- ser reported having preached 78 times during the year and that he had under his care, in town and conntry, about 50 communicants. The Ninth Convention was held in Springfield. June 16 and 17, 1845, no convention being held the previous year, and this being the second meeting held in Springfield. At this meeting Dr. Dresser re- ported the accessions as 21 (14 by confirmation and 7 by removals) and the loss the same num- ber (19 by removai aud 2 by death), the total communicants being 48. At the Tenth Conven- tlon, held at Galena, June 22-23, 1846, Rev. Dresser reported his parish had commenced the construction of a new church edifice of stone, with iot to cost about $5,000.

The clergymen who have officiated at St. Paul's since 1836 are: 1836-37, S. Chase, during which latter, year the number of communicants was 12; 11838-52, Charles Dresser, number of com- municants increased from 15 to 54; 1853-54, Vacant, but 72 communicants are reported the iatter year; 1855-57, J. W. Pierson, communl- cants In latter year, 88; 1857-64, Lewis P. Clover, 120 members in latter year; 1865-68, W. B. F. Jackson, 186 members reported in latter year ;

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

1869, H. N. Pierce, D. D., number members 199; 1870-77, F. M. Gregg, number members in iatter year, 377; 1878-79, J. W. Phillips, latter year 241 members; 1880-84, E. A. Larrabee, 254 members, iatter year; 1885-86, S. H. Gurteen, 378 members in iatter year; 1887-1900, Ven. F. W. Tayior, 321 members iatter year; 1901-11, Ven. F. A. DeRosset, M. A., membership in 1909 being 281.

Christ Church was organized in 1888, since which it has had the following ciergymen : 1888- 91, F. W. Clampett ; 1892-93, H. D. Cunningham ; 1894, Vacant; 1895-1905, Alexander Allen ; 1906- 07, T. Maniey Sharp; 1908-09, George Duniop. The membership in 1890 was 196, and in 1909, 213.

St. John's and St. Luke's are missions of St. Paul's, the former being attended aimost en- tirely by miners and their families, not a profes- sionai man or merchant being connected with it. In 1909 there were 63 communicants connected with St. John's and 18 with St. Luke's.

The combined membership of both St. Paul's Pro-cathedrai and Christ Church in 1909, was 494, these with the membership of St. John's and St. Luke's missions making the total number of communicants at that time connected with Episcopal Church organizations, in Spring- fieid 575.

At the present time (1911) pians are in con- templation for the removai of St. Paul's Pro- cathedral to another iocation and the erection of a new church building.

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES. (By Rev. Frederick Brand.)

The beginnings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Springfieid and Sangamon County, date back to the thirties. After accasional preaching by itinerant ministers, Grace Evange- lical Lutheran Church, first known as The Eng- lish Lutheran Church of Springfield, was organ- ized September 19, 1841, by the Rev. Francis Springer in his home on the southeast corner of Eighth and Jackson Streets. (The house in which the organization was effected still stands on the back of the iot, having been moved some years since to make room for a building in front.) The Rev. Daniel Sherer of Hillsboro was present at this meeting, at the request of the Rev. Dr.

Springer, and assisted iu forming the organiza- tion.

The following persons became charter mem- bers: The Rev. Francis Springer, Mrs. Mary Springer, Jacob Divelbiss, James Swisler, Fred- erick Myers, Mrs. Eiizabeth Myers, George Myers and John Myers.

For some years the congregation worshipped either in the homes of the members, in the school house, in a hall on Third Street just south of Washington, or in the old conrt house.

In 1857-59 a brick church was built at the northwest corner of Sixth and Madison Streets and was occupied until January 1, 1893, when the congregation held its first service in the new stone building on the corner of Seventh Street and Capitol Avenue. The cornerstone of this edifice was laid May 15, 1892, and the bulid- ing was dedicated to the service of God March 19, 1893.

The name of the church was changed in May, 1881, from "English Lutheran" to "Grace Evan- gelical Lutheran," thus making it more distinc- tive.

The following is a list of the successive pas- tors : Revs. Francis Springer, D. D., Ephraim Miller, Conrad Kuhl, Simeon W. Harkey, William M. Reynolds, Benjamin C. Suesserat, Daniel Gar- ver, Lee M. Heilman, George B. Black, Peter G. Beli, Philip Graif, B. F. Crouse, M. F. Troxeii, J. M. Francis and Rev. W. H. Nicholas, the present pastor (1911).

The church has had a steady and substantial growth and now has a membership of more than 612.

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH .- The influx of German emigrants caiied for preaching the word of God in the Germau lan- gnage. After various attempts at collecting the German Lutheran citizens of Springfieid into one church body, an organization was formed, which iater resulted in the founding of First Lutheran Church in the city, which was called "Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church."

The eariy beginning of this congregation, dates back to the fifties of the late century. The first meeting house, a frame structure, stood on Third Street, near Washington Street. In 1860 a new brick buliding was raised on the old site, which did service until 1888. The congregation again having outgrown its quarters, a new location was sought and the present imposing and spac- ious sanctuary was erected. This church is

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

located on the corner of Second and Monroe Streets, and, bordering on the state house square, enjoys perhaps the most prominent site of any church in Springfield.

Trinity was originally affiliated with the gen- eral synod. In 1867 a divisiou took place, the majority uniting with the Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other States. This is the largest and most progressive Lutheran church body in the United States, comprising about 1,500 sonls. Its coufessional positiou is that of the unaltered Augsburg confession.

From its earliest inception Trinity Church has devoted especial attention to the Christian education and training of its youth in schools of its own. The well knowu first German school was sitnated on Jeffersou Street, near Second Street.

In 1906 the present well appointed modern school building was erected immediately north of the church.

The congregation is no longer exclusively German. A natural transition into the English has gradually taken place. At the present time church services are conducted in both the Ger- man and the English language every Sunday, and the one time German school has now become so thoroughly English that it graduates a large percentage of its pupils into the high school annually.

Pastors of Trinity Church since 1860 have been the Revs. William Bartling, Herman Burk- hardt, Theodore Benson, Frederick Lochner, George Link and Martin Luecke. The present pastor, the Rev. Frederick Brand, has been with the church since 1903. The teaching force of the parochial school consists at this time of the Professors Robert Schoknecht, Frederick Diesing, J. M. Goesswein and Miss Lulu Brand.

Concordia Seminary of this city, having an annual enrollment of about 225 students and being the second largest divinity school of the Lutheran Church in the United States, is closely connected with Trinity Lutheran Church, as both the professors and students worship there, and as the Board of Directors consists almost ex- clusively of members of that church. Old Trin- ity is easily one of the strongest and best at- tended Protestant churches in the city.

THE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH .- On July 18, 1870, a third Lutheran Church was organized under the name of "First Evangelical Lutheran

St. John's Church." The Rev. Ephraim Miller, pastor of the English Lutheran Church, was the founder of the St. John's Church and has been followed by Revs. Franz Braun, Chr. F. A. Kaessmann, O. Pracht, C. Stark, J. Bond, C. A. Richter, J. Heininger, L. W. Graepp, C. Wooge, W. Schuelzke, D. D., since 1884. Membership of the church has been increased to 648 confirmed persons and the baptized children.

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH (Colored) .- For the past twenty years, mission work has been conducted by the faculty and students of Concordia College of Springfield, among the colored citizens of Springfield, which fiually resulted in the organization of a small colored Evangelical Lutheran Church. The con- gregation owns a pleasing church edifice, with parsonage adjoining. The present supply pastor is Prof. Otto C. A. Boecler of Concordia College.

RURAL AND VILLAGE CHURCHES .- The follow- ing presents a list of the village or country churches of the Lutheran denomination in San- gamon County ontside the city of Springfield.

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ST. JOHN'S CHURCH OF PLEASANT PLAINS, was founded in 1884 by Rev. Prof. A. Craemer, of Concordia College, Springfield. The following is a list of those who served as pastors since the founding of the church : Revs. Prof. A. Craemer, 1884-88; D. Jaeger, 1884-91; R. Heicke, 1891-92; H. E. Jacobs, 1893-1902; J. C. Kuppler, 1902-09; E. M. Gross since 1909. The congregation numbers approximately 200 souls.

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NEW BERLIN .- This congregation was founded about thirty years ago, and numbers 275 souls. The present pastor is Rev. Fried Schwandt. -

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ST. JOHN'S CHURCII, CHATHAM .- This church was founded by Rev. F. Lochner, and Prof. A. Craemer. Since 1891, Prof. R. Pieper, A. B., of Concordia College, has been the pastor. The membership is about 200 souls.

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, FARMING- DALE .- This church was founded by Prof F. Streckfuss, of Concordia College, and numbers about 100 souls.

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHI, RIVERTON .- Mission work has been carried on at this place for a number of years, by Prof. R. Pieper, A. B., of Concordia College. A small congregation of 100 souls has been organized.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES.

(By Rev. W. J. Johnson)

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH .- The history of Congregationalism iu Sangamon County ap- pears to have been confined to the city of Spring- field. The New England men and women, com- ing hereahouts, made their home in the Capital City, and for a time gave their religious alle- giance to the Presbyterian Church, with which Congregationalism has always had a close affilia- tion. At the close of the pastorate of Rev. Al- bert Hale over the Second Presbyteriau Church, fifty-five persons withdrew from Presbyterianism and joined by twenty others of like religious persuasion. formed themselves into the First Congregational Church of Springfield. The or- ganization proper took shape in The Bryant, Stratton & Bell's Commercial College Hall on February 6, 1867. Regular church services were held in this hall for a time, hut later the Hall of Representatives was secured and preach- ing conducted by the Revs. T. T. Watterman and J. M. Sturtevant.

A site for a church building was secured at the corner of Fifth and Edwards Streets, and on December 10, 1868, a frame huilding was dedi- cated with proper religious ceremonies. This original building has been added to by the erec- tion of a stone building in the rear for Sunday School and social purposes, and in 1900 the main part was resurfaced with Prentice Stone, and a new front built; with donhle towers and roomy vestibule. making a very attractive structure. The whole property is worth about $50,000 and is a credit, both to the church and city. In the basement for five years a Mannal Training and Gymnasium outfit was sustained for the benefit of the poorer boys of the city, which was suc- cessful in its operation, till the establishment hy the City School Board of manual outfits in the different ward schools, which put the smaller outfit of the church out of commission and sus- pended its operation.

Of the charter members of the church, three yet remain in active communion, Mrs. F. W. Tracy, Miss Emma Post, and Mr. L. W. Coe, Sr., while eleven others are still alive, but have re- moved from the city, or else transferred their membership to some other church. The present church roster numhers 350. During its history 946 names have been on the roll. Many of these have occupied large and influential positions in

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 1, Part 73

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 864

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 864