History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches, Part 82

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co.
Number of Pages: 698

USA > Illinois > Madison County > History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches > Part 82

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MARINE CHURCHI.

This church was established April 7, 1860, at a place then known as Reid school-house; Elder William Birge acted as

the officiating minister. The following names were enrolled at the beginning : A. W. Jetfress, Mary A. Jeffress, J. W Jeffress, D. W. Biggs, Catherine Biggs, Elisha Stapleton, Mary Stapleton, Curinda Stapleton, Anna R. Farghuharson, Mary E. Parker, Margaret Graham, Adaline O. Bacon, Ella Stocton, Harriet Weidman and Ella Boosinger.

For seven years from the date of the organization services were held in the Coon school-house. The following named preachers served the church while meeting in the above named place : William Birge, Johu C. Mathers, John C. Tully, John A. Williams, Jacob Creath and John Sweeney, Sr. In the year 1871, with a view to convenience and a wider field of usefulness, a meeting-house was built in the town of Marine, at a cost of $2,500. The dedication took place on the 3d Lord's day in December, 1871. St. Clair Mckean, E J. Jeffress, P. S. Weidman, J. W. Boosinger and David Crandall were chosen trustees. The following named preachers have served the congregation since its removal to Marine : Frank Talmadge, J. Ellis, George T. Bridges, J. H. Garrison, F. M. Philips, B. F. Lucas and W. B. Foster. W. H. McGinnis is pastor at the presei t time. This congregation though small, (numbering only about thirty-five) includes in its membership a fair propor- tion of the best citizens of the community. Religious intelligence and steadfastness of faith manifest themselves in most of its members. The traits of Christian character have secured the existence of the church amidst a very strong and bitter opposition.

FAIRVIEW CHURCH.

This church was organized in May, 1873, during a meet- ing held by Elder Frank Talmadge. At that meeting there were thirty conversions. A. H. Goodman and Jones Toutz were chosen elders. George S. Thompson and Allen J. Armstrong were chosen deacons. F. M. Philips and George F. Bridges have done excellent evangelistic and pastoral work. A meeting-house was erected in 1874, at a cost of $1,350. Fairview church has shown commendable zeal in religious work. More than two hundred souls have been brought into her communion. But death and removals have kept the membership from being very large at any one time. There remain about twenty-five faithful members in whose hands the cause of Christ is safe in that community. Thomas Vance, pastor at the present time.

RIDGELEY CHURCHI

Was organized about forty years ago. Through the Chris- tian zeal and liberality of Mrs. O'Banon, a meeting-house was soon afterward erected, and is still kept in good repair. Prosperity attended the church for a number of years, but death and removals have reduced its numbers until only about twelve remain. But these are true to their profession, being prompt at divine service and in the exercise of a wholesome influence throughout the community. Eldler E. L. Craig was one of their earliest pastors. His memory is precious in the hearts of many Christians in Illinois and other states. After him, Elders Houston, Foster and Cor- wine preached for them. From 1873 to 1879, James E.

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Masters served them as pastor with great acceptance. Elder W. H Groner is their present pastor. The outlook toward future prosperity is very encouraging.

NEW DOUGLAS CHURCH.

This congregation was organized in 1875, through the labors of Elder T. J. Shelton. The following persons were charter members: Samuel Bennett, Sarah J. Bennett, Burrel HI Hill, Rebecca Hill, Sarah A. McCottery, Marion Fletcher, Jennie McCottery, B. H. Mckinney, Siddie Mckinney. A neat and substantial house of worship was built in 1879. Elder H. R. Tricket preached the dedicatory sermon. Elders Fisher, Linn, Smart, Tandy, Katheart, Avery, have held meetings and served as pastors. Elder Thomas Vance is the present pastor. Fifty two persons have been added to the church since its organization.

UNITARIAN DENOMINATION.

BY REV. J. FISIIER.

The history of Unitarianism in Madison county is that of a single church or society, in the city of Alton. As early as the year 1836, Rev. W. G. Eliot, D. D., pastor of the Unitarian Church of the Messiah in St. Louis, Mo., held occasional services in Alton, preaching to a small congregation either in a school-room or in the office of one Dr. Emerson, brother of the celebrated Ralph Waldo Emerson of Concord, Mass. This was when the facilities of travel were such as made it necessary sometimes to go on horseback or on foot, or else by the river-boat which required eight hours for its trips, stopping twice to " wood np," on the way. Dr Eliot continned his frequent visits for several years, and it is sup- posed some kind of organized society existed as the result of his labors, although no definite records have been preserved. The first regular minister was Rev. Charles A. Farley, who is remembered as an eloquent preacher and excellent man. This preliminary organization, however, became inert and virtually extinct.

In October 1853, Rev. W. D. Haley, a young man of character and gifts, came to Alton with a purpose to re- establish the society, and shortly succeeded in awakening such interest as led to the organization now existing, known as " The First Congregational Society of Alton," which adopted a constitution essentially the same as that of Dr. Eliot's church in St. Louis. Its first board of officers were the fol- lowing : Edward Keating, President; B. F. Barry, Secretary ; Moses G. Atwood, Treasurer ; Henry Lea, Marcus H. Top- ping, Geo. B. Ingersoll, L. S. Metcalf and Wm. McBride, Trustees. On the records of the first year, appear, besides these, the names of the following members : N. Hanson, E. D. Topping, A. K. Root, S. W. Robbins, C. Stigleman, W. A. Platt, A. L. Corson, Robert Smith, H. W. Billings and George Moody.

In January, 1854, it was decided to build a church, and money was raised for the purpose, the St. Louis society con-

tributing $3,500 in aid of the enterprise. Before the close of the year opportunity occurred for the purchase of the Roman Catholic Church and grounds, corner of Third and Alby streets, which church, a massive stone building beau- tiful for situation, had been partly destroyed by fire. Re- construction was at once begun, and the new edifice, costing the society about $13,000, was dedicated October 14, 1855, Rev. G. W. Hosmer, D. D., of Buffalo, N. Y., preaching the sermon for the occasion. A church organization was formed with a list of thirty communicants.

The ministry of Mr. Haley was closed by his resignation, October 1st, 1856. He was succeeded by Rev. J. G. For- man from Massachusetts, installed May 17th, 1857, under whose earnest ministry the society enjoyed a period of growth and prosperity for the next five years. The war of the Re- bellion being then in progress, he enlisted as a chaplain in the Federal service, and the church was closed from October 1861, until May 1863 ; after which, he returned and con- tinued his service for about one year. On his retirement, Rev. Joseph Mason and Rev. D. A. Russell preached, each for a short time, but not as regular pastors. In 1865, Rev. D. H. Clark was called, and continued pastor two years, followed by Rev. H. P. Cutting, two years. In June 1870, Rev. Isaac Kelso was engaged, and served three years, after which occasional labors were rendered by Rev. Dr. Eliot, Rev. J. L. Donthit and others, until December 1874, when a call was given to Henry C. Hogg, a young man, who with anspicious tokens entered upon a ministry which was sud- denly closed by his death, April 14, 1875.

During the three years following, the society was without a minister ; yet at no time relinquished its regular Sunday- school service, nor its labors in laying up treasure for future enterprise. In April 1878, a call was extended to Rev. Jud- son Fisher from Wisconsin, who remains the pastor to the present time. The same year, a commodious parsonage was built and repairs made upon the church edifice. The society, although deprived by death and removal of the larger part of its original members, is financially without debt and in a united and prosperous condition. It embraces about thirty families, and has an active and growing Sunday-school, with a valuable library of 600 well chosen volumes.

The following is its board officers for the year 1882 : Marcus H. Topping, President ; John S. Roper, Secretary ; Mrs. A. D Spark, Treasurer ; M. H. Topping, Dr. W. A. Haskell, Homer Sanford, D. R. Sparks, H. G. McPike, Trustees.

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

BY REV. W. C. LOGAN.

The opening years of the19th century witnessed the intro- duction of Cumberland Presbyterians into Madison County. As early as 1817, perhaps earlier, Mr. Robert Paisley came from Kentucky into Illinois, and settled at or near Edwards- ville, county seat of Madison county. He found none of his

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own religious faith there, but in the community were a few In 1856, the services of Rev. W. W. Brown were secured, who labored among this people until some time in 1861. Dur- ing his service the society took steps toward erecting a church house of their own. They received a grant of land by deed dated Aug. 13th, 1859, in trust from Jefferson Fruit and wife for the purpose of erecting thereon a house of worship. In 1861, Rev. C. G. Keown was employed for a part of his time. He served them until the spring of 1863, when the with them for three years. He was followed by Rev. Wm. Turner. Mr. Turner sustained his relation with them for ten or a dozen years, preaching to them, baptizing their chil- dren, marrying their young and burying their dead. The congregation flourished during the time he had charge of it. For some time, as early as Aug. 1869, the congregation worshiped in the school-house, and sessional meetings were frequently held in it. In accordance with an arrange- ment entered into by the ministers and others interested, a quarterly association was held to discuss questions relative to the prosperity of Cumberland Presbyterians in Madison county. Methodists and Presbyterians, most of whom were converts of the great revival of 1800. Being religious a prayer meet- ing was soon in operation. Being destitute of the means of grace they entered into a verbal agreement to pray both for a revival, and for a minister to preach for them, agreeing to employ the first one that should come, of whatever evan- gelical denominatiou. Mr. Paisley, feeling anxious that one of his own choice should come, wrote to Rev. Wm. Barnett, , services of Rev. A. Johnson were secured. He remained of Kentucky, stating the condition of things and urging him to come. Upon the strength of that letter money enough was raised to complete his outfit, and the trip was made. As Mr. Paisley said nothing of what he had done, and as Cumberland Presbyterians were strangers to most of the people, a strong prejudice at first sprang up, but it was speedily overcome. As only a few days' notice was given of the coming of Mr. Barnett, the only place where the meet- ing could be held was at what was called Ebenezer eamp ground, about two miles south of Edwardsville. Ouly one person made profession of religiou at that camp meeting, and he was a colored mau. This was the first camp meeting held by Cumberland Presbyterians in the state. No organi- zation was effected then, although there seems to have been material. The results of this meeting, however, may be seeu to-day. The seed was there sown which sprang up, grew and inereased, until to-day there are four good, active congregations in the county, which have been instrumental in accomplishing mueh good.

As early as Dec. 1824, Mt. Pisgah congregation was organized at the house of David Robinson, who, with Joseph Robinson, constituted the first session. The minis- ter first iu charge was Rev. John Barber, Sr. There were seven charter members. A good meeting continued from the organization for two days, and work then begun seemed to continue and numbers were constantly added to the membership. Thus the vine was fruitful for some time. Schism, however, entered after a while and caused confusion in the ranks. How long this continued, or what was the history of the congregation further is not known to the wri- ter. In 1841, according to a request sent by the congrega- tion, Vandalia Presbytery divided it, forming therefrom a OMPII-GHENT. new congregation. The organization was effected by Rev. Omph-Ghent congregation was organized on the 10th of J. M. Bone, on Monday, Nov. 1st, 1841, at the house of , April, 1848, this being the second organization effected in Robert McKee. The new society was called Goshen. Seventeen of the parent organization became charter mem- bers of the new. Joseph Robinson, Robert and J. N. Mc- Kee constituted the first session. Additions were continually made, and the new organization seemed to flourish under the ministrations of Mr. Bone. The congregation had no house in which to worship, and it is not known where their meetings were at first held. The name of the congregation was changed from Goshen to Columbia. The latter is its present name. The change was made between Aug. 13th, 1859, and May 22d, 1864.

Rev. John Barber succeeded Mr. Bone as ministerial sup- ply (whether father or son is not stated ) In 1847 Rev. T. K. Hedges became their pastor. For six years (more or less), he served them, and was succeeded by Rev. A. M. Wilson.

On the 11th of August, 1871, it convened with Columbia congregation. The assembly discussed two questions : How to strengthen and make more efficient the congregations, and how best to promote revivals of religion. Encouraged by the success of the meeting, on Monday, 14th inst., the male members met in the school-house to consider the ques- tion of building a house of worship. Rev. Joel Knight pre- sided and Rev. J B. Logan acted as secretary. After a full and harmonious discussion a paper for subscriptions was cir- culated on a basis of not less than $1500. The offer of John F. Sloan of a site for the house was accepted, and the house was built. It is a neat frame structure, a credit to the comunity in which it stands. After a long and useful service Mr. Turner severed his connection. He was sue- eeeded by Rev. W. J. McDavid, who became the incumbent in 1876, and remained to this day. He is surrounded by a good people by whom he is beloved, aud bids fair to do them and the entire community great good.

the county. Eleven persons petitioned Vandalia Presbytery to form them into a congregation. The petition was granted, and Rev. J. M. Bone ordered to effect said organization. For this purpose the petitioners met at the Omph-Ghent school-house at the time mentioned. Rev. J. M. Bone and T. K. Hedges were present. The ruling elders elected were Daniel Crowder and John B. Robinson. Rev. T. K. Hedges was secured immediately to serve the new congregation. The organization was followed by a protracted meeting, in which the Rev. J. M. Bone assisted the pastor. This meet- ing seemed to be one of unusual interest; and many were added to the church as its result. It being inconvenient to meet in the school-house, a subscription paper was circulated for the purpose of building a house of worship. Money was secured, the house was built, and on the 15th of September,

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1811, it was solemnly dedicated to God, Rev. J. G. White, preaching the sermon. Two days after Vandalia Presby- tery met there, which resulted in a protracted meeting of great power. October 6th, a missionary society was formed in the church to aid Vandalia Presbytery in its missionary operations. In April, 1850, Mr. Hedges severed his con- nection with the congregation. Presbytery meeting there, the services of Rev. Barber were secured for six months, to preach one-half his time.

On the 11th of March, 1850, the session adjourned to meet at Liberty Prairie school-house on Monday evening, April 8th. At. a session meeting September 1st, the services of Mr. Hedges were again engaged with the understanding that he preach in the Omph-Ghent church the first and third Sab- baths in the month, and at Liberty Prairie school-house at night of the same Sabbaths. On the 19th of June, 1852, the session ordered one of the members to appear and answer to several charges - of misconduct unbecoming the Chris- tian character. These charges show the vigilance exercised in early days over members of the church. Mr. Hedges continued as pastor until some time in 1853, when he became involved in difficulty with his session, because of unlawful power assumed hy him and the neglect of duties ordered by the session to be performed. In view of these facts the el- ders resigned their offices-at least until a new minister was secured. This was a heavy blow to the congregation, and threw it into disorder. Some time after the services of Rev. J. B. Logan were secured for one Sabbath in the month for one year. His services closed with a series of meetings of profound interest and widespread results. Four months later Mr. Logan came to receive members into the church, bringing with him Rev. J. B. Lowrance. These two, with one elder, composed a session. Mr. Logan ceasing his con- nection with the congregation, Mr. Lowrance succeeded him. After six months (October 1855) Mr. Lowrance, left. During the following winter Rev. A. M. Wilson, of Upper Alton, supplied them. In October, 1856, Rev. W. W. Brown entered upon his duties as their pastor, and continued to serve them till the fall of 1861. At that time Rev. C. G. Keown was ordered by his Presbytery to supply the congre- gation according to their request. During the winter of 1864 the congregation was without a minister. Rev. A. Johnson was secured in the spring to minister unto them, in connection with Columbia congregation. He served till the spring of 1866, when he resigned.

In 1866 Rev. Wm. Turner accepted the call to this church, which then only enrolled the names of 14 members. For a number of years he divided his time between Omph- Ghent and Columbia congregations. During the fifteen years he served Omph-Ghent, he received 66 persons into the church In 1880 there were five elders, one deacon, six addi- tions, four adult and two infant baptisms, fifty-seven commu- nicants, sixty-two in Sabbath-school, two hundred volumes in library. They contributed during the year, 860 for the Sunday-school cause, $50 for home missions, $175 for foreign missions, 8340 for pastor's salary, $65 for supplies, $5.30 for Presbyterial purposes, $88.75 for donation to pastor- total, $695.30. Value of church property, $4,000. After

a long and successful pastorate, Mr. Turner gave way in 1881, to Rev. J. W. MeDavid. He is a faithful, energetic worker, untiring in the discharge of duty. He has the esteem of the entire communities where he labors. The congregation has been well trained, and gives liberally to every enterprise of the denomination. While the old parent church at Omph-Ghent is losing its hold, the one at Liberty Prairie is fast in the ascendaney, and is destined ere long to give name to the congregation. At the latter place there is a pretty country church, with many of the modern appli- ances, close to which is a convenient parsonage, all located in a fine farming country. The congregation is prosperous and hopeful.

Connected intimately with the history of Omph-Ghent, was Samuel L. Miller. Born in Baltimore, Md., March 7th, 1803, he came to Omph-Ghent in 1839 or 1840. He united with the church soon after its organization, and for more than twenty-seven years was a member and clerk of its Ses- sion. He was a frequent attendant upon the lower judica- tories, and always interested in any plan put forth for the welfare of the church He was eminent also in other circles. Before leaving Baltimore he had taken all the degrees in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and it was his pleasure to organize the first lodge west of the Alleghenies. He organized the first lodges in St. Louis and Alton. He was indeed the oldest Odd Fellow but one in the United States at the time of his death. After leaving Baltimore he lived for five years in Alton, whence he moved to Omph-Ghent, where he lived the rest of his days. He died at his home, July 25th, 1879, at the ripe age of 76 years. Honorable mention should also be made of John Estabrook, a member of this congregation. He inaugurated the move- ment of sending two young men as missionaries to Japan, by subscribing $1000. Nor did his beneficence in this direction cease here. For several years after he gave each year $100 to the same cause. He died a few years since, beloved by all.

No unfair distinction will be made if notice is taken of J. Russell Newman. Devoted to his church, he has spared neither time nor means to help it advance. The neat little cottage in Liberty Prairie is due largely to his liberality. The parsonage that stands close to it, costing something more than $1 200 was built entirely by him.

Omph-Ghent congregation may well be proud of its record. If it has not been great, it has been useful, and bids fair for a long and prosperous career. It is thought it will soon purchase the p rsonage, and hold it as church property.

ALTON.

Alton congregation has had the most eventful history perhaps of all the congregations in the county, and, in some respects, in the State. A missionary society organized by Vandalia Presbytery employed Rev. A. M. Wilson as mis- sionary under the bounds of the Presbytery, who reported, in the fall of 1850, a subscription paper for sustaining a missionary at Alton. The proposition met with such favor that in 1853, Rev. T. H Hardwick was employed as a inis- sionary there. He entered upon his work December 1st.

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

During this time he and others held a meeting of considera- ble interest in Upper Alton, at which there were over 30 pro" fessions, and twenty-six offered themselves to form an or ganization. Mr. Hardwick, however, became discouraged from some enuse, and refused to stay longer than one year. For about six months Rev. A. M. Wilson supplied the mis- sion. In the spring of 1855, Rev. J. B. Logan, who was then publishing the Missouri Cumberland Presbyterian in St. Louis, removed to Alton. He was solicited to take charge, and agreed to do so until a missionary could be secured. In June of that year he organized a congregation of 18 members,-all females except four,-in the Lutheran church on Henry street. The four male members were Benjamin Rose and A. M. Wilson, of Upper Alton, and William Blair aud Stephen Lufkin, of Alton. Only one of these-Mr. Wilson, is alive at this writing so far as the writer knows. William Blair was the father of Mr. J. L. Blair, an old and estcemed citizen of Alton, who for many years was one of her leading wholesale merchants. Mr. Lufkin removed from Alton to Joliet, and became warden of the penitentiary there. Mr. Rose lived to a ripe old age and died in Upper Alton. These three laymen were the origional elders.

The Lutheran people had promised the use of their house each Sabbath afternoon to the new organization. But one Sabbath when the time for assembling came the pastor and his people found the door locked against them. Only a few services were held after this until the first Sabbath in January, 1856, when the basement of a building they had begun was so far finished that they could worship in it. The next Sabbath a Sabbath School was organized of twenty-five or thirty members, with Mr. Lufkin as superintendent. In the spring the audience room was finished, and the building was formally dedicated in June, Rev. Jacob C. Clark, of Sullivan, Mo., preaching the sermon. The building and grounds cost about $5,500, not more than one half of which was provided for.

The mission flourished until the war came on in all its darkening fury and cast a black pall of despair over it. It was cut off from communication with the Board of missions at Lebanon, Tenn., from which it was receiving $200 a year. Added to this was a debt of nearly $2,300, bearing ten per cent. interest. To deepen the darkness, Mr. Logan was on a small salary, all of which he never received, and he was individually responsible for the debt on the church. But generous friends provided for the wants of the missionary and his family, who, aided by Mr. R. M. Beard as agent, raised the money and paid off the debt. The re-adjustment everywhere taking place after the war, had its effects upon the church, crippling her numerically and financially. On the heels of this an addition was made to the church build- ing involving a debt of $2,500, which, to some extent, still hangs over the congregation. Up to 1870 there had been in that church over seven hundred professions of religion, and between four and five hundred had been received into membership. In 1871, Mr. Logan, after a long, active and useful service, resigned. His resignation was not accepted, however, and he was prevailed upou to serve them another

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History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches, Part 82

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co. Number of Pages: 698

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co.
Number of Pages: 698