USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois : biographical and pictorial, Volume I > Part 26
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BAPTIST CHURCHI, STAUNTON.
The Baptist church at this point has been established for over a half century but is now a mission. The church building itself, a brick structure, has been built at least fifty years. The membership at this time is about seventy-five, and its pastor, J. M. Gwinn, a very able and energetic divine, is confident of adding to its strength. He also ministers to the spiritual wants of the church at Gillespie. A more extended history of this church could be given if the records of the church were available, but unfortunately, they could not be secured for the purpose.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
There are four Protestant Episcopal churches in Macoupin county-St. Paul's, Carlinville ; Christ church, Bunker Hill; St. Peter's Chesterfield; and St. John's, Gillespie.
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As nearly as can be ascertained, the first service in the Episcopal church, held in the county was by Rev. F. Southgate, in the Presbyterian church at Carlin- ville, in the year 1843. He was a brother of Bishop Southgate, of New York, at one time missionary to Constantinople. Rev. F. Southgate was traveling through the county, and happening to be in Carlinville over Sunday, was re- quested by the two or three Episcopalians then living in the place, to officiate at a service. It is related that he hurriedly conducted the service and then taking his hat, most unceremoniously left the house and returned to the hotel, without delivering any sermon or speaking any word of instruction or exhorta- tion, very greatly to the disappointment and mortification of Messrs. Enoch Wall, A. McKim DuBois and others who had solicited his service. It is no wonder that under such circumstances the chruch grew so slowly and that the impressions made concerning it were not favorable.
In 1844 or 1845, Rt. Rev. Philander Chase, of Illinois, in his journeyings through the state, officiated on one or two occasions in Chesterfield and Carlin- ville, but there was no regular minister nor were there any regular services until 1849, when the Rev. John Loyd Johnston was sent by Bishop Chase to officiate in these two places, which he had himself visited, and here in the same year the present parishes were organized.
The first congregation in the county may be considered that of St. Peter's at Chesterfield. As the Episcopal church in the United States is derived from the ancient church of England, and so traces its descent from the apostles and the primitive church, through the church of England, thus it came to pass that the English people in and about Chesterfield were the first to receive and encourage the ministration of this church, being members of it in England, and accord- ingly, in Chesterfield, the first organization was formed.
Rev. Mr. Johnston remained but a short time, about nine months, baptizing, however, many persons who are now heads of families. He was an earnest and self sacrificing man, worthy of all honor. When he left here, he went south and died in 1851 or 1852 in Mississippi, of yellow fever. He had gone south against the remonstrances of his friends, to aid the sick and suffering in one of those dreadful epidemics.
So far as is known there were no services of this church held in the county from 1849 until the spring of 1856, when Rev. David Walker Dresser, then a deacon just ordained, was sent to take charge at Chesterfield, in connection with Waverly, Morgan county, as had been the case with Rev. Johnston, before him.
The Rev. Dresser may be said to be the patriarch of the Episcopal church in the county. His first service in Chesterfield was held in the upper room of the schoolhouse. In 1858-9 the church building was erected on a lot imme- diately opposite the schoolhouse, at a cost of about $2,000, and was consecrated April 28, 1861, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Whitehouse, successor to Bishop Chase.
In the fall of 1866, Rev. Robert Trewartha became pastor, remaining in charge only until the following spring. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Ad- derly from the fall of 1867 until some time during the year 1871. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. George W. Stickney, who had charge in connection with Carroll- ton, Greene county, for six months in 1872.
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In October, 1872, Rev. Dresser again took charge of St. Peter's at Chester- field, in connection with St. Paul's at Carlinville.
St. Paul's church at Carlinville was organized in 1849, about the same time as the parish at Chesterfield and under the same minister.
After the removal of Rev. Johnston there were no services until the fall of 1857, when Rev. D. W. Dresser, having given up Waverly, took charge of Carlin- ville in connection with Chesterfield. His first service in Carlinville was held in a schoolhouse which stood where the public school now stands and which was later destroyed by fire. This schoolhouse was used as a place of worship for several years and subsequently the congregation occupied the old Methodist church, which adjoined the school building. St. Paul's church was erected in 1865-6, on lots purchased many years previously by Samuel Welton, A. McKim Dubois, Thomas Shutt and Drs. Brock and Cook. The church was completed in 1875 at a cost of about $5,000. In 1868 the rectory was built.
Rev. D. W. Dresser, of Carlinville, by invitation, visited Gillespie and officiated at a service conducted in the public school building, January 23, 1860. Prior to that date, so far as is known, the only Episcopal service that had been held in Gillespie was by Rev. Dr. S. Y. McMasters, of Alton, who happened to be visiting at this place. For several years Rev. Dresser had charge of this point as a missionary station, in addition to his other work, officiating usually on a week day about once a month until 1864, when Rev. Thomas W. Mitchell, ai native of Scotland, began ministrations in connection with Bunker Hill. St. John's parish was organized in 1863 and the church built during the same year. The corner stone was laid, June 26, 1863, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Whitehouse.
Rev. Mitchell removed in 1865 and was succeeded by Rev. John Portmess, who also had charge at Bunker Hill but remained for only a brief period. He was succeeded by Rev. Adrian Zimmerman, who also remained but a short time. Rev. Phillip A. Johnson began ministrations here in 1875, residing in Bunker Hill, and devoting to Gillespie one Sunday in each month.
Christ church at Bunker Hill was organized in 1865. Prior to this time ser- vices were held by Rev. Dresser of Carlinville, in some church or schoolhouse. It is believed that the first service was conducted by him in 1862 in the Congre- gational church. In 1864 Rev. Mitchell came to take charge here and at Gilles- pie. The latter resigned in September, 1865, and was succeeded by Rev. Port- mess, who remained one year. He was followed by Rev. Zimmerman, who re- mained six months during the year 1868, while Rev. Mr. Johnston came and after serving the church for four years, resigned July 1, 1879. The church was erected in 1875-6, at a cost of $3,500, which included the cost of the lot.
All the Episcopal churches in the county are built after the Gothic style of architecture.
ADDENDA BY PROFESSOR J. D. CONLEY.
The Rev. D. W. Dresser, by whom the above was written, commenced his work in Carlinville when but a deacon in the church and still a young man. He remained in charge here for twenty years, when he accepted a call from the church at Champaign, Illinois. His letter of resignation, which illustrates his noble character, was as follows: "Carlinville, Illinois, December 1, 1882. Dear
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Brethren :- I beg leave to resign my charge as rector of St. Paul's church in this city, said resignation to take effect with the close of Sunday next, Decem- ber 3, 1882. I take this step with many regrets, but with a firm persuasion that it is best under all the circumstances, and I especially request that you will signify your acceptance of my resignation at your earliest convenience. With the kindest regards to yourselves personally and with the most sincere prayers for the prosperity of the parish, both in things temporal and spiritual, I am faithfully and affectionately yours, D. W. Dresser."
The vestry at this time consisted of Dr. M. H. Head, A. McKim Dubois, Thomas R. McKee, S. F. Steidley and J. D. Conley. The true love and Chris- tian spirit shown in the wording of this resignation illustrates plainly his noble character and always stamped him as one of the truest and one of the most consistent of our fellow citizens. The writer of this article was licensed as lay reader by Bishop Seymour, and assisted Rev. Dresser in his work at Carlin- ville, also at Chesterfield, for several years, the latter having charge at both places. Hence, the writer was very intimate with him, and being a member of the vestry he had better opportunity to hear expressions of admiration from the people of the church and members of the community outside of the church than did Mr. Dresser himself. Chesterfield was stronger as a church town than Carlinville, there being quite a number of prominent English farmers there who were regular in attendance at church and contributed to its support.
April 16, 1882, the vestry extended a call to Rev. Jesse Higgins, a young man just admitted to the ministry. He was to hold services half of the time and receive as a compensation $300 a year, and after March 1, 1884, was to have the use of the rectory, which had been rented after Mr. Dresser's resigna- tion. Rev. Higgins resigned, December 29, 1883.
The Episcopalians of Carlinville are more indebted to Rev. Dresser than to any one else for the growth of the church up to 1883. Of the laymen to whom credit should be given for the founding and growth of the church at Carlinville may be mentioned A. McKim Dubois, a very devout and earnest churchman who did more financially than any other member, and who was one of the most exemplary members in the history of the church. He told the writer after his failure in the bank that he felt keenly his inability to contribute to the support of the church. The beautiful chancel windows of the church were the gift of Mr. Dubois, but few knew who was the donor, so modest was he about his gift. The following was taken from the church record of Au- gust 28, 1883, upon the death of Mr. Dubois, who was then serving as treasurer of the church :
"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, to take out of the world the soul of our deceased Brother, A. McKim Dubois, for so many years not only a member, but also an officer of the vestry of this parish, and a faithful communicant of the church, we, the remaining members of the vestry, do hereby desire to express our high admiration for his many noble qualities of heart and life, his humble faith, his quiet firmness, his generous tenderness, his strict fidelity to every trust. His death causes in our parish and its vestry a vacancy which will be hard, if not impossible, to fill. We extend our cordial and heartfelt sympathy to his wife and children, counting ourselves in the list
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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
of his mourning friends, thanking God for his goodly example, and humbly praying that we with him and all the faithful may have our perfect consum- mation and bliss, both in soul and body, in God's heavenly and eternal glory, through Jesus Christ, our Lord."
In this was shown the appreciation of the church in one member of the banking house of Chesnut & Dubois, one who for a long period was county clerk, his records being models of accuracy and neatness. He was a man who commanded respect anywhere and was a most distinguished citizen.
MARRIED ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Returning once more to Rev. Dresser, he was the eldest in a family of five or six children, his father being an Episcopalian minister. Mr. Dresser re- lated that one evening when the family were seated at the supper table, a gen- tle knock was heard at the door, and when one of the members of the family opened the door there stood a young man, who was a near neighbor of the Dresser family. The father then went to the door and the young lawyer said : "Deacon, I would like to have you drop around tomorrow at Mr. - - and tie the knot for Miss Todd and me." This was Lincoln's way of asking the Rev. Dresser to perform his marriage ceremony and the son remembered the conversation between his father and Lincoln when the latter called at the Dresser home to secure the services of the father for this event.
The Episcopalians of Carlinville look upon Rev. D. W. Dresser as the founder of the church here. After he left the church he was succeeded by Rev. Higgins who remained only nine months. In April, 1884, the church called D. D. Hefter, a young man, who was as yet not ordained. He remained until October, 1885. In May, 1886, it was arranged to have Rev. Taylor, who was serving the church at Alton, to come to Carlinville on the second and fourth Sunday evenings of each month and hold services. He thus served the church until November, 1886. Rev. Dyer then served the church from Feb- ruary to July, 1887, and in August of that year Rev. H. M. Chittenden became pastor. He was a man of social nature, very popular among his congregation, and in many ways was a man of Rev. Dresser's character. After serving the church six or seven years, Rev. Chittenden resigned and the church was then without a pastor for a long period. On the 3Ist of January, 1901, a call was extended to Rev. E. D. Irvine, who for two years gave half of his time. Prior to this, however, in 1900, Rev. Mr. Stiwell, who had charge of the Waverly church, came to Carlinville and preached occasionally. February 18, 1905, Rev. Aubrey F. Todrig came and remained two years, devoting one half of his time to this church. In August, 1907, Rev. C. G. A. Monro came, remaining with the church for two and a half years, when he resigned. In November, 1910, Rev. Angus E. Ferguson was sent as a missionary to supply this pulpit as well as Gillespie and Bunker Hill. On the Ist of May, 1911, the Carlinville church, feel- ing that it was then in position to arrange for all of Rev. Ferguson's time, made such arrangement and since that time have had regular services every Sunday.
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The present vestrymen are: J. D. Conley, warden; B. M. Burke, warden; George J. Castle, Sr., Solomon F. Steidley, C. F. Parker, Robert Whiteley, Sr., Howard O. Talley and George J. Castle, Jr.
In connection with the church is a woman's society known as the Guild. Mrs. J. P. Denby is president; Miss Netta Lynch, secretary ; and Miss Jessie Ander- son, treasurer.
The church and the society are now in a prosperous condition with bright prospects for the future.
ST. MARY'S CATIIOLIC CHURCH, CARLINVILLE.
This parish was organized in 1856 and the first services were held in private homes until the building now used for a schoolhouse was erected in the same year. It is a brick structure and cost about $600. In 1868, under the pastorate of Rev. F. Schreiber, the present church building was started and finished to the roof, when, in November, it was blown down to the foundation. About that time Rev. H. J. Hoven, present pastor of St. Joseph's church, was placed in charge and was empowered by the bishop to rebuild. He followed out his instructions and the present building was the result of his labors and administration.
The same year, under the direction of the bishop, Father Hoven was directed to build the present St. Joseph's church.
St. Mary's structure with the rectory detached, cost about $19,000 in all. The pastors of St. Mary's have been: Rev. F. Schreiber, 1861-68; H. J. Hoven, 1868-78; L. Hoye, 1878-90; Rev. Kerr, 1890-92; Rev. Daw, 1892-97 ; Rev. Mas- terson, 1897-99; Rev. Thomas Costello, 1899-1907; Rev. H. J. Hoven, 1907-09; Rev. P. MacDonnell, 1909 and is the present incumbent.
ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, CARLINVILLE.
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St. Joseph's church was organized in 1868 and was placed under the adminis- tration of Rev. H. J. Hoven. The building was erected by him in that year at a cost of $20,000, to which an addition was built in 1896. A pipe organ was in- stalled in 1894 at a cost of $1,000. The property in all belonging to St. Joseph's church is worth about $40,000. There were thirty-five families in the church in 1868. The number now is one hundred and twenty. The Sunday school has an average attendance of seventy. On the 28th of May, 1911, there were sixty- five confirmed.
The church is in a very prosperous condition, has a parochial school and sev- eral societies.
The second pastor was H. Eggenstein, who came in 1870. He was followed in 1877 by F. A. Ostrop. His successor arrived in 1892 in the person of C. Som- mers, who was succeeded by A. Adei in 1900. Father H. J. Hoven returned to
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this parish in 1909, but on the Ist of October, 1911, he resigned and was suc- ceeded by Rev. W. Michael, of Pierron, Bond county, Illinois.
ST. CATHERINE'S CATHOLIC CHURCHI OF VIRDEN.
The first Catholic society in Virden was attended from the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Springfield, Illinois, by a priest who celebrated mass only about once in two months in private houses. Later Virden was made a station and attended from the church at Carlinville. It was about the year 1854 or 1855 that a church was erected at the corner of Jackson and Emmet streets and the first resident priest was Rev. Richard Grant, who served the church from 1867 to 1868. His successors in turn were Revs. M. Clifford, D. Tiomey and Very Rev. T. Hickey, who was later made vicar general of the Alton diocese. The latter was succeeded by Rev. Lawrence Ryan, who died while pastor of this church. He was followed by Rev. D. J. Ryan. Next came Rev. J. Murphy, who was succeeded by Rev. L. Hansen. From 1880 until 1887, Rev. P. J. O'Reilly was pastor of the church and he was followed by Rev. James Haward, William J. McGee, T. J. Morrow and J. J. Clancey, the latter being sent to another charge in September, 1899. Rev. Francis J. Hussey was the next pastor of the church and during his pastorate the church underwent some needed improvements. Father Bell then became pastor but remained only one year, re- signing on account of ill health and going to the west. During his service a steeple was built on the church and in the tower was hung a bell. There were also placed new memorial stained glass windows, which were donated by the parishioners. In 1903 Thomas J. Carroll came to St. Catherine's and has been the pastor to the present time, 1911. About four years ago quite an addition was built to the east end of the church, which has added materially to the seating ca- pacity, while the altar and vestry was placed in the space which was built on. The interior was also newly decorated and frescoed in beautiful design. The .church now enjoys a large membership.
In 1911 a new parochial school was built on ground to the rear of the church and rectory and will be opened for educational purposes in the fall of the present year. These buildings stand in the midst of spacious grounds and altogether St. Catherine's has a valuable property.
ST. MICHAEL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, STAUNTON.
The members who form St. Michael's parish were from New Douglass and Staunton and the church was organized by Father O'Halloran, of East St. Louis, in 1867. The present church edifice was erected the same year. The first con- gregation was attended as a mission from Edwardsville, when it was served by Revs. Lohman, Kuhlman, Janson and Schlegel. It then became a mission from Raymond and was served by Revs. Happe, Haase and Dietrich: It became self supporting in 1888, Rev. A. Zurbonsen being the first pastor. He was followed in 1898 by Rev. J. A. Postner. He was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Duval, who came in 1907.
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. It was during the incumbency of Rev. Zurbonsen that the parsonage was built and the school started in a building leased from the Consolidated Coal Company near No. 5 mine. The mission at Mt. Olive was also started by him, and the latter became self supporting in 1855. Rev. Postner built the sisters dwelling and in 1904 erected the school building just east of the parsonage. It has two full stories and a basement, is 53x73 feet and contains four school rooms and a hall. In the basement are a bowling alley and reading rooms. The school is under the instruction of the Franciscan sisters and has an enrollment of 190. The church congregation comprises 250 families.
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION, MT. OLIVE.
This Catholic society first held services in private homes, it being a mission established from the Staunton church, and Rev. Father A. Zurbonsen had charge from 1891 until 1898. In 1890 the congregation decided to build a church, which was dedicated on New Year's day of 1891, at a cost of $2,000. Father Zurbon- sen was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Postner, who served from 1898 until 1905, when, on the Ist of January of the latter year, Rev. L. P. Hurkmans took charge of the parish, he being the first resident priest. During his pastorate, in 1906, a rectory was built, the entire value of the church property being now $6,000. On the Ist of June, 1911, Rev. W. A. Toomey took charge.
There are about 150 Catholic families in Mt. Olive, most of whom are com- municants of the Church of the Ascension.
CHURCII OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN, BUNKER IIILL.
A Catholic society was organized here in 1854 and the same year a frame church was erected and a rectory also adjoins the church property. In former years a parochial school was sustained but this has been closed for the past twenty years, although the building still stands. The communicants number fifty-five families.
The pastors who have served this church are: 1854-65, Rev. A. B. Rinkes; 1865-69, P. J. O'Halloran ; 1869-71, M. Clifford; 1871-4, William Cluever; 1874- 9, William Neu; 1879 to the present time, 1911, F. H. Zabel.
BUNKER IIILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This society grew out of the Woodburn church and dates its organization from September 13, 1842. The early history of the church is closely connected with that of the Woodburn church. The first minister, as appears from imperfectly kept records, was William Fithian, during the year 1843. Mr. Fithian did not continue permanently here but was for a time agent for the American Peace Society. J. S. Graves served from 1846 until 1848 and the pulpit was supplied by George Spaulding from the latter year until 1852. Rev. Donatus Merrill preached one half the time at Bunker Hill while he was at Woodburn, and from 1854 to 1857 Rev. C. B. Barton divided his labors between Woodburn and Bunker Hill. James Weller was the pastor from 1857 to 1866, and William E.
ST. JOSEPIT'S RECTORY, CARLINVILLE
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سخير
LUTHERAN. CHURCH. CARLINVILL
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, CARLINVILLE
LUTHERAN CHURCH, CARLINVILLE
ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL, CARLINVILLE
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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Holyoke from 1866 to 1868. R. C. Stone was the pastor from 1868 to 1872, and G. W. Bainum from 1872 to 1879. Since that time the historian was unable to get a record of the pastors but at the present time, 1911, Rev. J. C. Stoddard is serving the church, having been here four years. The present membership is 150.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, BRIGHTON.
This society was organized June 6, 1867. For a year the congregation wor- shipped in a hall but in 1868 a house of worship was erected at a cost of $3,500, H. D. Platt preaching the dedicatory sermon. Some of the early pastors were John E. Wheeler, Charles L. Tappan, Isaiah W. Thomas.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CHESTERFIELD.
This society was organized March 6, 1868, with fifteen charter members. Rev. T. B. Hurlbut was the first pastor, remaining with the congregation until 1850, when he was succeeded by James R. Dunn, who remained until 1854. Others who remained for brief periods were S. P. Lindley, G. W. Stinson and J. C. Downer, and the latter was succeeded by H. D. Platt, who had charge from 1858 until 1868. Then came H. N. Baldwin who remained until 1870, when he was followed by Elihu Loomis, who remained in charge eight years, when he was succeeded by Calvin Selden.
In the spring of 1855 a house of worship was built, at a cost about $2,000.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, CARLINVILLE.
The Christian church society here was organized in 1896, with sixty-three charter members, among whom were Dr. Jesse H. Smith, his wife, Margaret A. Smith, John Wilson and Emma Wilson, his wife, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Richard- son, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cunningham and others whose names are not at hand.
In the year above mentioned a substantial and attractive church building of brick and stone was erected at a cost of about $12,000, which was all paid at the time. The building is designated as the Taylor-Smith Memorial church, be- cause of the fact that Mrs. Margaret A. Smith gave the proceeds of eighty acres of land, which came to her through her first husband, Richard Taylor, one of the early settlers of Honey Point township. The money obtained from the sale of the land was given by Mrs. Smith as a building fund for the church. The donor was born, Margaret Sparks, and married Dr. Jesse H. Smith, a pioneer minister of the Christian church, of central Illinois, who was for a short time pastor of this charge. He died in Carlinville and lies buried at Auburn, Sanga- mon county.
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