USA > Illinois > Cass County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Cass County, Volume II > Part 27
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There is but one other Congregational society in Cass County, and it is located at Chandler- ville. This society also started as a Presby- terian organization under the guidance of Rers. Hale and Baldwin, in October, 1836. Services were held in the house of Dr. Chandler, but in 18441, a church building of moderate cost was erected, and regular pastors employed. By a vote of the members, the organization became the Congregational church, and the change was made a matter of record in 1847. This congre- gation had some noted people as its pastors or occasional preachers, including President Stur- tevant and Prof. J. B. Turner, of the Illinois College at Jacksonville, as well as Rev. Thomas Lippincott. father of 'General Charles E. Lippin- cott. These ministers were all noted men in the
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early history of Illinois, and their respective biographies, which appear in the first volume of this work, are very interesting and worthy of perusal. In 1879 the congregation believed it time to erect a new house of worship. The little old church which had stood the storms for forty years was still in fair condition, but no longer suitable for the needs of the large congregation that had grown up in the progressive village. The old building was sold to a carpenter, Jacob Metzmaker, and moved off the lots, and a new, commodious frame building erected. It was dedicated January 14, 1881. This building served until 1904 when, while it was under- going some repairs, it mysteriously caught fire and was totally destroyed. A new building was commenced soon thereafter and finished, being dedicated December 9, 1906. It is of frame, of handsome design, and stands in a beautiful grove on a tract of high, rolling land, originally donated by Dr. Chandler, the founder of the village.
BAPTIST CHURCHES.
Among the early Baptist ministers were Rev. Cyrus Wright and Rev. William Crow, the latter being said to have preached at many places in the eastern part of the county as early as 1827. Rev. Cyrus Wright preached at most of the appointments in the county throughout the country regions, and in Virginia and Beards- town. He later entered politics, was elected to the lower house of the legislature, and served his constituents well in that body.
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The Baptists now have a good sized congre- gation and a new and unusually handsome, modern church building, at Ashland. In that community, although long before the idea of its developing into a town or village, William Crow and a few other devoted members of the faith, had preached the gospel to the scattered settlers. At Mt. Olive, on the upper Sangamon bottom road, in Richmond Precinct, there has been a Baptist church for about forty years, but its services are very irregular, and it seems difficult to' keep a pastor employed, although the com- munity is composed of as excellent citizens as are to be found in the county. ,There is also a Baptist church at Beardstown, organized recently, that seems to be gathering some strength. At Virginia, where the Baptists are not numerically strong, there is a very com- fortable church edifice, but no regular services have been held in it for some time.
' LUTHERAN CHURCHES.
The Lutheran church at Beardstown and else- where in the county has a number of church societies and houses of worship. The church at Beardstown, known as the Fourth Street Lutheran church, was instituted by certain members of the German Methodist church, who felt that a new organization would better enable them to conduct their services and exercise their faith in accordance with their views of the teaching of the scriptures, than they could by remaining with the German Methodists. In 1SS a building was erected on lot 1 of block 45, original town, which was used as a school for the church, as well as for a place of worship. About 1850, the congregation built a church at the corner of Fourth and Lafayette streets. About 1871, a difference arose among the mem- bers, and a new church society was formed and a new building erected, on Sixth street, where the new congregation worships. In 1894 the Fourth street church built a new building, of an excellent, ornamental as well as practical design, and it is well furnished and handsomely deco- rated on the interior, is also supplied with a splendid pipe organ, the first one to be placed in any church in the county. Services are con- ducted in both German and English. An ener- getic Sunday school is an important feature of the church,
At Chandlerville, a local society of the Evan- gelical Lutheran church was organized in 1870, and in a short time erected a church building. Previous to the construction of their building, they had held services in the Congregational and Christian church buildings. A parochial school was organized in connection with the church, the minister of the church acting as a teacher. The congregation is not large, but includes the majority of the German familics in the village and surrounding country.
Arenzville has a flourishing Lutheran con- gregation which has been in existence since the platting of the village. A new church building was erected later on, the materials used being brick and stone, and the completed edifice is as substantial a structure as may be seen out- side of the city of Beardstown.
A convenient church edifice was built by the Lutherans at Bluff Springs in 1910, where regu- lar services are held which are attended by a fair congregation.
About two miles north and a little west of
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Arenzville, on section 25, township 17, range 12, the Lutherans have a church and a school where they have ministered to the spiritual wants and educational interests of the community for over forty years. About six miles west from this church, on section 30, of the same township, was erected, about 1876, another Lutheran church, and a parsonage. It has ever since been main- tained for the benefit of the residents of that neighborhood who otherwise would be compelled to go a long distance to attend public worship, At one time a country post office was established at that point. and named Lydia.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
The Cumberland Presbyterians were the first to erect a church in Arenzville, which was in 1854, but it appears when completed there were not sufficient funds in the treasury to defray the expense, and by common consent the building was used by all denominations until 1870, when the Cumberland Presbyterians Laid off the debt and became sole proprietors. This denomination flourished well and was very prosperous for a number of years, and established churches at Virginia, where a brick edifice was erected, and at Hickory. on the Sangamon bottom. which still maintains its organization and an excellent country Sunday school. There is a regular pastor at this charge.
The Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian church was organized in the neighborhood about three and one-half miles west of Virginia, and in 1857 a frame building was erected. of the style then in common use for country churches. It stood on section 6, township 17, range 10, and faced the highway toward the west. Later it was deemed advisable to seek a new location for the building of a new church, and the old one was disposed of, a tract of land secured on section 31. township 18. range 10, on the east side of the public highway running north and south, and but a small distance north of the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railroad. There a new frame building of about the same seating capacity as the old church, yet of more modern design, was erected, in which the serv- ices are pretty regularly held, and a Sunday school is maintained throughout the year. The church building of the Cumberland Presbyter- ians mentioned as having been built in 1879, at Virginia. is no longer used for public worship. It stands on the lot on the northwest corner or
junction of east State and Cass streets. The Woman's Club now occupies it as a rest room and meeting place for the transaction of club business.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
On November 21, 1911, the congregation of the Central Presbyterian church and that of the First Presbyterian church of Virginia, united, and occupy as a place of worship the new church built by the latter organization. Upon the con- solidation of the two congregations, they adopted the name originally borne by the first church, that of the Presbyterian church, of Virginia. It is the largest and most active church of that denomination now in Cass County. The original Presbyterian church of Virginia was organized on July 4, 1863, upon petition that was signed and headed by Dr. G. W. Goodspeed, the well known physician who lived and practiced his profession for so many years at Virginia and in the surrounding country. The church build- ing, however. had been erected in 1857, but not quite completed that year. although services were held therein, and the next year the build- ing was completed. This church was thereafter used for forty-four years. Rev. John Dale, who was the stated supply at the Providence church for a number of years, had filled the pulpit at Virginia, but when he entered the Union army in 1862. as chaplain, it was thought desirable that a separate congregation be established at Vir- ginia. This led to the petition above mentioned. Upon the organization of the church in 1863, Dr. G. W. Goodspeed and David Downing were elected and installed as elders, and Glasgow Clendenin, J. N. Wilson, J. J. Bergen and A. G. Angier were ordained as deacons. In 1865, Rev. David J. Strain preached as supply for the congregation, and his work was so satisfactory that he was extended a regular call, and on June 20, 1866. he was installed pastor. He remained as a regular pastor until June 13, 1SS0, at which time, on account of advancing age, and failing health, he resigned. He again was made its regular pastor. June 27, 1SS4, and continued in its service until his death, which occurred March 5, 1896. No minister of the gospel in Cass County, and no minister of any community, was more beloved by a congregation, or was more highly respected by all people. A beautiful memorial window was placed in the new church by the congregation as a testimonial of the love
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and esteem they had for their departed pastor. The building mentioned as erected in 1857 was put up on lot 111, of the original town of Vir- ginia, on the south side of west State or Beards- town street, just east of the county jail. This building is now owned by Robert Mann, who uses it as a photograph gallery. A new church, of a beautiful and unique design, was erected by the congregation. It was commenced in 1901, and completed and dedicated July 6, 1902. It stands on lot 3, of Barden and Wood's Addition to Virginia, at the junction of Hardin and south Cass streets, and is of stone and brick, with ele- gant audience room and Sunday school and class rooms so arranged that the whole may be thrown open together to accommodate a large audience. The church is supplied with a pipe organ. There is a large basement which is used as a special class room and for social gatherings. The cathe- dral glass windows are of exceptionally artistic design. The membership of this congregation is large, and it has a number of missionary and other church auxiliaries, and a most excellent Sunday school. The old bell which rang out over the prairies for a half a century from the tower of the frame building now swings in the new tower, the only one left of all the original church bells in the town.
CATHOLIC CHURCHES.
The Catholics of Cass County are represented by a number of organizations. The one at Vir- ginia is St. Luke's Roman Catholic church, and was organized about 1840. For a number of years it held its meetings in a frame building on lot 86 of the Public Grounds Addition to Virginia, south of the first court house square in the west part of town. There the local church was organized. The first official Catholic ceremony that occurred at Virginia appears to have been the baptism of Jane, daughter of Robert Maslin and Ellen (Dolan) Maslin, June 2, 1867, Rev. J. A. Jacque officiating. This priest ministered to the wants of Catholics throughout Menard and Schuyler, as well as Cass county. In 1868 Rev. A. C. Busch took charge, and con- tinued his ministrations at Virginia and through- out the county, so continuing until 1873, when Father J. A. Mark attended at Virginia. About 1875 a new church building was commenced on lot 1, of the original town of Virginia, at the corner of Cass and Myrtle streets. The work was halted for some reason, and in 1876 Father
M. C Ryan took charge and the building was completed about 1878. In 1891 Father P. J. McMannus succeeded Father Ryan, and re- mained until 1893. From that time until 1895, priests from Jacksonville attended. In the latter year Father Maskel was appointed, and was succeeded by Father Thomas McGrath, who, in turn, was followed by Father M. J. Davis, who remained until 1906, when the present incumbent, Father Cronin, succeeded. A paro- chial house was built in 1893 or 1894, while Father Crowe of Jacksonville was in charge. Improvements on church and parsonage, costing $3,000, were made in 1909-10. From the time a priest was located permanently at Virginia, in 1873, the Chandlerville Catholics have been attended from there. There is also a mission at Arenzville, with church building and property, which from its organization until 1902 was under the care of Beardstown, but in that year it was transferred to the care of Father Davis, and is still ministered to from Virginia.
Ashland Catholic church was organized in 1871, and services were held in the schoolhouse. In a short time, however, a small building was erected, but the congregation grew so rapidly, that in 1880 lots were purchased in block 43 on west Main street, and plans begun for the erec- tion of a new church and parsonage. The build- ing was completed in 1882 and is a handsome frame structure that cost about $5,500.
St. Alexious Catholic church of Beardstown was organized about 1871, but there had been a Catholic organization prior to that time, and regular services held. The church property was deeded in 1857 to the bishop of the diocese in which Beardstown was located, for the use of the Catholic population of Beardstown. A building was erected in 1857, and considerably enlarged and improved in 1860. In 1871 the real estate was deeded by the Bishop of Alton to the St. Alexious Catholic church of Beardstown, and later a substantial new church was built. It is of brick with stone foundation, tall spire and cathedral glass windows. It stands on lot 6 of block 45 of Beard and March's Addition, facing south on Sixth street. There is a large and prosperous congregation and a parochial school, the building for which is on the same block, facing on Fifth street.
CHRISTIAN OR DISCIPLE CHURCHES.
The Christian or Disciples church came into Cass County in a very early day. Elder
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Barton Stone and others preached in various places in this and in surrounding counties. In 1861, Elder D. W. Shurtleff preached at Beards- town, and organized a local congregation, but it did not remain in existence long. The Civil war coming on, the flock was scattered, and there not being enough members to establish a strong local church, owing to the strength of the other denominations, the project was tem- porarily abandoned. In 1862 Elder Shurtleff went to Chandlerville, and at the Pleasant Ridge schoolhouse organized a church, with Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Wilson, W. D. Leeper and others assisting. The congregation grew from this beginning, and when it was decided to erect a church edifice, Robert Cole, J. A. Raines, S. B. Jones and James Armstrong were appointed as the building committee to carry out the project. Elders Raines and Rice preached alternately for some time. Prof. McCaukle, of Eureka College, and Elder A. G. Kane, of Springfield, held revival meetings, and thereby many were in- duced to unite with the church. In 1863 Dr. N. H. Boone, a member of the Disciples church, located at Chandlerville, and at once took a deep interest, and a flourishing Sunday school was organized and has since been well maintained. In the year 1911 it was deemed most expedient to build a new church edifice and the work was commenced at once. It is of frame, with a brick and concrete foundation, of handsome and pleas- ing design in outward appearance, and very con- veniently arranged on the interior, no space being wasted. The basement is nicely furnished and is used for the meeting of the Sunday school and for social gatherings of the congregation.
The Christian church of Virginia built a house of worship in 1854, on lots 9 and 10 of Hall's Addition to the Public Grounds, at the junction of west Beardstown and Job streets. Services were held and preaching done by itinerant preachers whose names have passed from the memory of those now living, and the records have been lost. In 1873 the church was revived and services held, but not very regularly, until 1875, when the church was fully reorganized. Revival meetings were held at various times and a regular pastor employed. Part of the time Rev. C. W. Elder. a son of Dr. Elder, the first physician to locate in or near Cass County, preached for the congregation. In 1879 the old building was torn down and the material removed to lot 96, of the original town of Vir-
ginia, at the corner of East State and Cass streets, and a new building erected. This served the congregation until 1894, when it became necessary on account of the increased member- ship to have a larger room. The old building was therefore remodeled, and a room added in the rear for Sunday school purposes. This build- ing was dedicated by Elder Raines of Cincinnati, Ohio, December 16, 1894, but in June, 1897, it caught fire during an electric storm, and was burned to the ground, nothing being saved, the loss including the Sunday school books, records, and furniture. The congregation accepted the tender of the use of the Baptist church, where services were held until the new church was completed on the old site. This was in 1898, and the dedicatory exercises took place on October 30th of that year. The new building is an excel- lent one of brick and stone, with two corner towers, and cathedral glass windows of beauti- ful design. There is a large Sunday school room, with a full opening at the side of the main audience room, being separated from it by roll- ing doors. A fine pipe organ stands in an alcove at the left of the pulpit. There is also a fair sized basement, fitted adequately and used for social purposes and for a class room for some of the grade classes. The congregation is pros- perous, and the Sunday school is excellent.
At Ashland there is also a congregation own- ing a substantial frame building, but the serv- ices have been somewhat irregular. Notwith- standing adversities, the brethren here have kept the faith and consistently supported the plea of a united church for all Christian people.
Beardstown revived the church at that place, or rather organized an entirely new congrega- tion, April 5, 1911. Meetings had been held and a Sunday school organized in September of the year prior to the organization, and the success of these undertakings prompted the ones inter- ested to incorporate a local church. The first pastor of the new church was Elder George W. Morton, who still continues in charge. The church was incorporated as the Central Chris- tian church of Beardstown, Ill. Trustees were elected and the church property of the former German Methodists at the corner of Fifth and State streets, was purchased. In 1913, this edifice was remodeled so that now it is a very convenient and modern place of worship. The congregation is prosperous and growing.
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ABANDONED CHURCHES.
Some of the abandoned churches to which ref- erence is here briefly made, that were organ- ized at a very early day, continued for a num- ber of years and assisted very materially in civilizing the communities and in raising the moral standard to a high grade.
The Cumberland Presbyterian church had a building on sectiou 6, township 17, range 10, on the ground donated by Rev. Benjamin Cauby in 1837. Later, about 1857, a new building was erected on the same grouud, the old one being torn away, but in 1889 this building was aban- doned. In 1843 the same denomination erected a building at Virginia, on lot 91 of Hall's first addition to Virginia. The building faced the south, and was located uear the north end of the lot, and the entrance to the front of the church was from Job street on the west. This building remained in active use until 1879, when the congregation built its new church edifice on Cass and east State streets. About 1904 it was . purchased by the Holiness congregation and moved to lot SG of the same addition and was placed facing north on Beardstown street. It was used by the above named sect of Christians until 1912, when it was destroyed by fire. These people, who now bear the name of Nazarenes, built a new church edifice aud continue to wor- ship iu it.
The Missionary Baptists built a church edifice at Princeton in 1835, but it did not remain there long, although there appears to be uo defiuite record of its removal.
Il 1838 the Christian church congregation built a church edifice on lots 46 and 47, iu Princeton, and continued to hold services at reg- ular intervals until 1867, when, it becoming evi- dent that Princeton would not be likely to increase in population or importance, and that the membership was decreasing, it was decided best to take down the building and move it to Philadelphia Precinct, where it was needed. About that time meetings had been held in a schoolhouse at Panther Grove, and later in the workshop of Joseph Black at Philadelphia, and thus the Philadelphia Christian church was organized. The old Princeton building was set up in Philadelphia Precinct on lots 1 and 2, in block S, where it still stands, but the congrega- tion is practically abandoned, there being preaching only occasionally.
The Oregon Methodist Episcopal church so-
ciety erected a building in 1869, on ground bought of Joseph Alison, but after being utilized for many years by the community as a church, it was abandoned, and is now the property of the county, bought in 1914. It is used as a vot- ing and general meeting place for the transac- tion of the business of the road commissioners and other precinct officials. A church structure for union services was built in 1851 or 1852 on the southwest corner of section 21, township 17, range 10, ou the Jacksouville road, about three miles south of Virginia, but it soon became the property of the Methodist Episcopal church aud continued as a place of worship for that body until 1898, when that society was discontinued, and in 1909 the building was sold and removed.
The Clear Creek Baptist church was organ- ized in Mouroe Precinct, by Rev. John Ray, iu his own cabin, in 1832. The society coutiuued to hold its meetings in the cabius of the settlers until 1852, when the community felt itself deserving of a church edifice and erected a com- fortable frame building, in which they held their religious meetings until 1898, when, the Baptist congregation haviug disbanded, the building was taken over by the people to be used as a business house for the precinct, and is so used at the present time. . The Baptist church built near Hickory, not far from the present schoolhouse at that point, in 1853, was also abandoned aud was removed about 1885.
A Christian church edifice, that was used as a union church, was built iu a very early day, the exact date of which caunot be ascertained, on a tract ot laud adjoining the Indian Creek schoolhouse, in the northwest corner of the southeast quarter of section 29, township 17, range 12. It was abandoned about 1875, and a few years later torn down.
At Puncheon Grove, in the northeastern part of the county, the Baptists, under the preaching of Rev. Cyrus Wright, became fully organized and built a small frame church, which was also used as a schoolhonse. It was erected in 1842, and meetings were held very regularly until the death of their minister, Mr. Wright, when the congregation became scattered and the building fell into disuse and decay, and was eventually torn down. Methodist Episcopal and Christian church buildings are yet standing at Newman- ville, but are not used regularly by either society.
The Provideuce Presbyterian church, about four miles southwest of Virginia, had been
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
organized for a number of years before the same denomination established a regular charge at Virginia, and had been holding services at the houses of the various members where the people could be accommodated, but, as the congregation increased it became almost imperative that a special and appropriate building should be pro- vided. After the matter was agitated among the members, it appears, from the records, that on March 22, 1854, William Nesbit made a deed to Samuel McClure, Jacob F. Bergen, George Wilson, John Dobson and William Petefish, trustees of the Old School Presbyterian Church of township 17, range 10, as a donation in con- sideration of the erection of a church building. This church edifice was put up that year and is still standing, in comparatively good condi- tion, but no regular services are now held in it, and so it really belongs among the abandoned churches.
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