History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 54

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens > Part 54

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

NEW BRADFORD CHRISTIAN CHURCH, WALNUT GROVE TOWNSHIP.

The church edifice stands on the north- west corner of section, 7, and was erected in 1876, at a cost of $2,500. The size is 32x56 feet. It is one of the neatest country churches in the county, and an honor to any community. The society was orga- nized by Elder J. H. Breeden, with 14 members, in November, 1871. John Huston and J. H. Painter have also acted as pastors since the organization, and have done excellent work in this com- munity and congregation.

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, MACOMB.

The Evangelical Lutherans date their organization from October 31, 1517, when Luther nailed 95 theses (or protests) against the church door of Wittenberg, which he proposed to defend; they being directed against the papal abuses. In 1530 the adherents of Luther, in defense of their faith, laid before the Diet at Augsburg a summary of their doctrines, which has been known as the "Augsburg Confession," and which has formed the foundation for all Protestant confessions. These adherents to, and defenders of, the pure bible doctrine wished to be known simply as Evangelical Christians, but they were constantly called Lutherans in derision; and since Luther restored the gospel to the people, they finally ac- cepted the name as an honor, and joined it to their "Evangelical " designation. Doctrinally, the Evangelical Lutheran church glories in being "the church of the world," maintaining the duty of sim- ple faith in the word of God without re- gard to human philosophy or logic. She insists on the careful indoctrination of her young people in Luther's catechism, a summary of bible doctrines through her pastors. In theological literature the Lutheran church stands pre-emi- nently front in the ranks.

Her researches are acknowledged as the most profound, and many of her writers are the indispensable aids of ev- ery christian scholar. Her progress in this country was much retarded on ac- count of the less demonstrative character of her people when compared with the puritanic element coming from England, and also by the transition from the vari-

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY. 481

ous foreign tongues to the English lan- guage. For the last 35 years, however, she has increased at a much greater ratio than any other Evangelical denomina- tion. In this county the first organiza- tion was effected April 7, 1871, by the Rev. G. H. Schnurr, who located at Bushell at that time. This organization took place at the Jerusalem chapel, three miles northwest of Bardolph, and was known as the Mount Pisgah congrega- tion. In the space of a few years sev- eral families having removed from the neighborhood of Jerusalem chapel to the vicinity of Macomb, the question of transfer of the congregation to Macomb was agitated. The proper arrangements having been made, a meeting for that purpose took place at the Cumberland Presbyterian church in Macomb,January 11, 1875, where the congregation re-or- ganized under the name and title of Trin- ity Evangelical Lutheran church.

At the time of this re-institution and establishment of Trinity church a con- stitution was adopted according to the usage of the church: Charles Kline, C. H. Rahe, Matilda Rahe, Charles Filbert, Charles Rost, Christian Senn, Elizabeth Senn, H. W. Ferster, Lydia Filbert, Carrie Clarke, Helen A. Swana, A. P. Swana, Andrew Haynes, D. M. Crabb, Helen Crabb, Heinrich Hadem, Mrs. H. Hadem, David McNelly, Cal. McNelly, Daniel R. Ferster, Lydia Ferster, Albert Hosler, Susan Hosler.

The congregation purchased the old Congregational church edifice and re- paired it, at a total cost of about $1,000, and dedicated it anew as a place of divine worship. The church was under the ministry of Rev. G. H. Schnurr until

April, 1879, when the pulpit became va- cant, and so remained until July 16 of the same year, when Rev. William Rosen- stingel assumed the pastorate. He con- tinued at this post until February 15, 1880, when he was succeeded by Rev. S. E. Smith. In April, 1882, it became pastorless, and remained so until the fol- lowing November, on the 12th of which month the Rev. Professor E. F. Barthol- omew, of Carthage, assumed charge, and served one year. When his time had expired the church extended a call to Rev. A. R. Height, of Fairview, Fulton county. He accepted it, and is serving as pastor at the present writing (1885).

LUTHERAN CHURCH, CHALMERS TOWNSHIP.

The building used by this denomina- tion is situated on the southwest quarter of section 14, and was completed in July, 1872, by the Lutheran and Methodist societies, of this township, who erected . and own it jointly. The size of the building is 28x40 feet and was completed at a cost of $1,600. The Lutheran soci- ety was organized in July, 1872, by Rev. George H. Schnurr. The original mem- bers of the organization were William F. Steckel, August Plassmann, Wil- liam Fry, George Krause, Peter Ehr- dard, Joseph Pemrose. Rev. George Schnurr was the minister in charge until 1878, when he was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Smith, until 1881. Then came Rev. E. F. Bartholemew, who remained one year, since which time Rev. E. K. Height, the present pastor, has had charge. The present membership of the church numbers about 35. It was mainly through the efforts of George F. Steckel and Rev. George. Schnurr, that

482

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

the organization of the churchi was af- fected; and to these gentlemen rightly belong great credit for their untiring labor in placing the church upon its present flourishing and successful foun- dation.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, . MACOMB.

The Congregational church, of Ma- comb, was organized in 1858, with the following original members :- Hector McLean and wife, Harvey Chase, J. P. McCandless and wife, James L. Ander- son and wife, Lorenzo Clisby and wife, Z. T. Trull, Mrs. Mary Bartleson, Thomas Gilmore and wife, Mary Smith, John McLean and wife, Isabella Mc- Lean, Reid and family, and Mrs. S. Beardsley. From 1863 to 1867 no reg- ular pastor was employed, and no relig- ious advancement was made. In 1867 the Rev. G. L. Granger was called as pastor, and spent two years, when the Rev. Lemuel Jones was called to the pastorate. Rev. Z. K. Hawley was the first pastor. In 1872 and 1873, the con- gregation erected a neat church edifice on Carroll street, east of Randolph street, at a cost of $6,500. After Lem- uel Jones, the following served as pas- tors: Ira Norris, A. R. Dodd, H. M. Burr, and H. M. Perkins. In Novem- ber, 1883, the society, which consisted of about 70 members, united for one year with the Baptist church. There has been no pastor of the church since that time and about a year since, the building was leased to the Episcopal society for a term of three years. No services are held at present, although the society has not disbanded, but still

sustain their officers. The first officers of the church were Hector McLean, James L. Anderson and Lorenzo Clisby, deacons; Lorenzo Clisby, clerk.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, PRAIRIE CITY.

The First Congregational church, of Prairie City, was organized at Virgil, Fulton county, October 1, 1842. The Rev. Levi Spencer, who was laboring at Canton, had held a series of meetings at this place, and his conversions formed a nucleus out of which this congrega- tion was organized, and consisted of the following 11 members: Ezra D. Smith, Cynthia Smith, A. G. Andrews, Freder- ick R. Andrews, George S. Smith, Al- mon Tainter, Levi Curtis, Nancy Smith, Sarah Schofield, Laura Gorham and Chloe Andrews. This church was de- pendant on the Home Missionary soci- ety until November 15, 1845; then for ten years it received aid from the Knox presbytery. After that, and until 1868, aid came from the Home Missionary society. The church was removed to Prairie City, October 9, 1858, and those called to labor with the church since as pastors, were Revs. Samuel Dilley, B. F. Worrell. A. Y. Drake, L. Jones, and H. B. Swift. Initiatory steps were taken October 5, 1860, toward erecting a house of worship. The building was com- pleted and dedicated September 27, 1865. It is a good, substantial frame building, costing $3,000. The present member- ship is about 35.

UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, MACOMB.

This denomination has never made any special effort to evangelize in this county, and therefore do not number

483

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

very largely, having only one congrega- tion, which is located at Macomb. The first sermon ever preached in Macomb was delivered by the Rev. Gardner, in 1846. In 1853 a congregation was or- ganized by Rev. I. M. Westfall. The following named persons were among the original members: R. M. Bonham, J. W. Westfall, J. M. Martin, John S. Smith, Orsamus Walker, J. L. N. Hall, William D. Penrose, F. L. Westfall, D. D. Roll, Green C. Lane, H. H. Burr, John Q. Lane, John L. Henton, and J. H. Baker. Services were held in the court house until 1855, when the present church structure was erected. It is lo- cated on east Jackson street, near the , square, and is a good frame building. It is 35x50 feet in size and cost including the lot, about $4,000. Those that have served as pastors for this congregation are: Revs. I. M. Westfall, Gregg, T. J. Carney, Wm. Livingston, John Hughes, S. S. Hebbard, T. H. Tabor, D. R. Bid- dlecome, Chas. P.West, B. N. Wiles, J. B. Gilman, Arthur Beavis, Edgar Leavitt. They have had no regular pastor since October, 1884, when Edgar Leavitt quit. The first officers of the society were R. M. Bonham, J. L. N. Hall, and William D. Penrose, trustees; J. W. Westfall, clerk. The membership at present num- bers abont 50, with the following officers: Thomas Farley, C. I. Imes, G. W. Pace, trustees; I. M. Martin, clerk.

UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST

is the title of the church which, in the latter part of the last century, grew out of the religious awakening of Philip William Otterbein.and a number of his . friends. Philip William Otterbein, the

leader of this movement, was a distin- guished divine and missionary of the German Reformed church, who was sent by the synod of Holland, in 1752, from Dillenburg, Germany, to America. As a young man he preached with great power and learning. It was not, how- ever, till after his settlement at Lancas -. ter, Pennsylvania, his first charge in America, that Otterbein, after much prayer, realized that God had poured upon him the spirit of grace and power. He began to urge the necessity of a new birth and of experimental godliness.

Rev. Martin Boehm, a zealous Men- nonite, having himself experienced a similar change of heart, was engaged in a different field in the same work. At a "great meeting" held about 1766, in Isaac Long's barn, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, both these ministers, with many others, were present. At the close of a very earnest sermon by Mr. Boehm, Mr. Otterbein arose and embraced the preacher, crying, "We are brethren!" These words suggested, a number of years later, the name for the new denom- ination which finally sprung from this meeting. For the purpose of of uniting and establishing the believers in the new life a conference of the ministers was held in 1789, at Baltimore. In 1800, the societies interested in the movement united and formed the "United Brethren in Christ," with Mr Otterbein and Mr. Boehm as bishops.

The first general conference met June 6, 1815, near Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylva- nia. Fourteen ministers were present, from four states. The confession of faith was adopted and a book of disci- pline. In 1845 there were about 500

484

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

ministers and 36,000 members. The church has an extensive publishing house at Dayton, Ohio, and is actively engaged in the educational and mission work. In 1884 there were 13,036 itiner- ants, with 166,000 members, contribut- ing about a million of dollars for church work. ·

The church is not an off-shoot from any denomination, its founders having held in view the accomplishment of a special mission. It did not arise from differences in doctrine, for it presents no new doctrines of any kind. Its beliefs are those of other evangelical churches, and its theology is Arminian. It enjoins the ordinances presented by the scriptures and followed by the christian churches in general. Its found- ers united to emphasize the need of con- secration of soul to God, and this has been its spirit. In its administration it is distinguished as a body in which the power is almost equally divided between the ministry and the people. All officers hold their place by consent of the mem- bers, expressed by vote, either directly or by representatives. The people choose the local church officers, who form the official board, in many conferences, a lay delegate to the annual conference, and the delegates to each general con- ferance. The annual conference chooses its presiding elders and its other officers. The general conference elects all the officers and boards of the church. But one order of ministers is recognized- that of elder. Bishops and presiding elders are chosen from among the elders simply as superintendants. In supply- ing the congregations with ministers, the' "itinerant system " is the adopted

method. All pastors are subject to set- tlement and change as determined by the committee chosen by each annual con- ference. A minister may not remain upon a charge more than three years without consent of two-thirds of the annual conference.

In form of worship, the church seeks directness and simplicity. She has no liturgy and does not enforce uniformity in service, each congregation deciding the method for itself. The meetings of the church include the regular Sabbath preaching of God's word, the weekly prayer and class meetings and the Sun- day school, with such others as each congregation may determine. Four times during the year the quarterly meeting of each charge is held by the presiding elder, at which time the gen- eral business of the charge is trans- acted, the communion service usually being held upon the Sabbath.

A natural result of the principles which led to the formation of the church, has been to require of its members devotion to Christ, simplicity of faith, purity of life, and uprightness of con- duct. Upon all questions of morality, the position of the church has always been decided. No compromise with evil has been suggested. The law of the church forbids the sale or use of intoxi- cating liquors by its members; and the renting of property to liquor dealers, or signing a petition favoring them, is con- sidered immoral. The members are always found active in every movement for the growth of temperance. Against the use of tobacco the sentiment is strong. Many conferences refuse to admit to the ministry those who use it

485

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

in any way. Slavery was always thought to be a sin, and in 1821, was entirely forbidden, the holding of slaves being made a misdemeanor. This position has never been changed. Many mem- bers in former days suffered severely in defense of this principle. The church has always held that secret societies are evil in their nature and tendency; that union with them is inconsistent with christian life. Its laws, therefore, for- bid its members to hold connection with such societies, and provide stringent rules for the violation of these pro- visions.

The authority of the civil government is recognized, and the members are en- joined to obey its laws; and while dis- approving warfare, the church acknowl- edges the obligation of every citizen to protect and preserve the government in time of treason and invasion.

On the questions of the observance of the Sabbath, of divorce, of the true rights of man, the position of the church is undoubted. Its principles and its practice can not fail to lead to high christian life.

GOOD HOPE CIRCUIT.

This charge consists of four churches, all in the northern part of McDonough county, viz: Center, Jerusalem, Willow Grove and Pleasant Gale.

CENTER U. B. CHURCH.

In 1863, the Illinois conference estab- liahed Deer Park mission, in the north- east part of this county, afterwards called Good Hope circuit, and appointed Rev. J. Slutts in charge. Mr. Slutts established an appointment at Center

school house,and held a meeting of some interest, and organized Center class. Some of the first members were Henry Radenbaugh, Mrs. Margaret Raden- baugh, L. Laney, Moses and Mrs. Hait.

In 1867 the place of meeting was changed to Linn Grove school house, two miles east. After a varied experi- ence of some years, in 1875 they returned to Center school house, Wm. P. Pease being pastor. A meeting held by Mr. Pease resulted in awakening considerable religious interest, and in the conversion and accession of a number of persons, when the church was reorganized with the following members: John Snook, Thomas Brooks, Henry Radenbaugh, Andrew J. Hyde, George B. Hastings, Edith Snook, Sarah Brooks, Elias R. Smith, Cyntha Arbogast, Mary M. Has- tings, Richard H. Paugh, Edwin M. Smith, Belle Smith, Eva Smith, John Snapp, Barbara C. Snapp, David Hyde, Eliza Hyde, James C. Booth, Sarah Booth, George W. Hudson, Rebecca Hudson, Simon Rutledge, Mercy, Rut- ledge, R. G. Carter, Mattie Carter, Matthew M. Boden, Francis Boden, Jacob Van Doren, Margaret Van Doren, Catharine Van Doren, Henry Raden- baugh, Joseph Arthur,Elizabeth Arthur, Henry Hudson and J. W. Buckley.

Feeling the need of a suitable and permanent place of worship, measures were taken to build a house. In 1876, H. Radenbaugh, George B. Hastings, Quintus Walker, Simeon Rutledge and T. J. Brooks were elected a board of trustees. A subscription was circulated. The more liberal doners were T. J. Brooks, Peter Rutledge, M. Boden and George Hastings. The trustees procured

486

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

a lot from George Hastings, on the southeast corner of section 14, in the geographical center of Walnut Grove township, and proceeded to erect a house 36x44 feet, at a cost of about $2,000, which was dedicated in December of the same year, Rev. W. J. Hott, of Dayton, Ohio, officiating. The present officers are as follows: J. P. Paul, leader; T. J. Brooks, steward; T. J. Brooks, superin- tendent of Sunday school; George B. Hasting,Ahaz Bryan, J. P. Paul, George Wetsel, T. J. Brooks, trustees.

PLEASANT GALE U. B. CHURCH.

In 1868, Rev. J. Dunham, of Blandins- ville, at the request of some friends, held a series of meetings at ·Pleasant Gale school house, which resulted in the or- ganization of Pleasant Gale church. Some of the first members were: Sam- uel Rush, Mrs. E. Rush, M. Elwell, Mrs. Elwell, Eunice Purkey. Mr. Elwell was elected leader, and Samuel Rush steward.

In 1872, A. Worman, pastor, con- ducted a series of meetings which re- sulted in a number of conversions, and acceptions and in awakening a desire for a more suitable place of worship. · C. Aten, Samuel Rush, and William Aten, were appointed a board of trustees, and in the following year a subscription was circulated. The more liberal donors were Wm. Aten, S. Bush, B. K. Purkey, C. Aten, Thomas Killough. A lot was procured from Thomas Killough, on the northeast corner of section 8, Sciota township, upon which a house 30x40, with a neat belfry was built, at a cost of about $2,100. This was dedicated in December of the same year, Rev. J.

Wagner being pastor. Mr. Wagner's pastorate resulted in strengthening the church. Within the past few years quite a number have removed to the west. The society though somewhat re- duced in numbers, is active, healthy and hopeful. Pleasant Gale is four miles north of the village of Sciota. The pres- ent officers are the following: Ahaz Bryan, leader, John Rush, steward, Jos- eph Briner, superintendent of the Sun- day school. The trustees are: William Aten, Ahaz Bryan, Joseph Briner.

WILLOW GROVE U. B. CHURCH.

The first religious services, under the auspices of the United Brethren church, were held by Rev. J. H. Snyder, of Blandinsville circuit, in 1867; at the Good Templars' hall. In 1870, this ap- pointment was added to Good Hope cir- cuit, Rev. N. A. Walker, preacher in charge. During this year a society was formed. Some of the first members were, Alfred Brown, Sarah Brown, Wm. Watts and family, A. M. Hainline, T. A. Hainline. Alfred Brown was elected leader, and Wm. Watts, steward.

A union Sunday school was conducted at this place for a number of years prior to this.

In 1872, A. Worman; preacher in charge, conducted a meeting which re- sulted in some conversions and acces- sions. Feeling the need of a house of worship, Alfred Brown, William Watts, John Isom, A. Hainline, and Quincy Hainline, was elected a board of trustees. A lot was procured from Alfred Brown, in the center of section 1, Hire town- ship, upon which a house 30x40 was erected at an expense of about $1,800,

487

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

and was dedicated October 8, 1873, Bishop D. Edwards officiating. The present officers are the following: Al- fred Brown, leader, Q. Hainline, steward.

JERUSALEM U. B. CHURCH.

In 1865, Rev. J. L. Condon, of Pilot Grove circuit, held the first religious ser- vices under, the United Brethren aus- pices, in this community, at the Collins school house. In 1866, this appointment was added to Deer Park mission, and Rev. N. A. Walker placed in charge. In - the early part of the year Mr. Walker conducted a series of meetings of consid- erable religious interest and organized a society, consisting of the following eight members: Abraham Switzer, John Dob- bins and wife, Wm. Earley and wife, Polly Spangler, Alice Wilson and An- gelie Markham. Abraham Switzer was elected leader, and John Dobbins, stew- ard. The following year, Rev. D. J. B. Ross, pastor, was one of religious inter- est, a number being added to the church. As the place of meeting seemed straight- ened, A. Switzer, J. B. Conley, E. Span- gler, J. C. Dobbins and Wm. Early were elected a board of trustees to build a house. A lot was procured from Nicho- las Combs, on section 11, Macomb town- ship, and through the liberality of A. Switzer, E. Spangler, J. B. Conley, A. L. Bryan, Levi Shriner and others, a house 28x36 was erected upon it, and dedicated December 22, 1867, Rev. D. J. B. Ross officiating.

The house was refitted in 1876, princi- pally through the liberality of A. L. Bryan. This church is located in the midst of an intelligent and enterprising people. A number of interesting meet-

ings have been held here, notably one conducted by Rev. J. Wagner, in 1874. The present officers are: George Wet- sel, leader; John Swisher, steward; Geo. Wetsel, superintendent of the Sunday school, and A. L. Bryan, E. Wetsel, Geo. Wetsel, trustees .. Under the itinerant system, pastors are frequently changed. Since the organization of the work, the following ministers have been in charge: Revs. J. Slutts, S. Austin, J. Deardorf, J. L. Condon, J. Dunham, N. A. Walker, J. Wagner, W. P. Pease, I. Valentine, D. C. Martin, J. B. King, M. Douglass and A. Worman, the present incumbent of the pastoral charge.

UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH, OF BLANDINS- VILLE.

[By Rev. J. Dunham.]

This article being written entirely from a memory extending back over a space of 30 years, and relying mainly on gen- eral information for facts previous to that, are necessarily brief and imperfect, and the writer craves pardon for any omissions or errors that may creep in. The traditions of this church state that in or about the year 1846, Revs. Daniel Porter, Josiah Terrell and others com- menced preaching in Blandinsville, and formed a small society, consisting of Francis, John and Wesley Freeland, and their wives. William Blandin and others united with the congregation shortly af- terwards. This little band continued to hold services and thrive, having a con- siderable religious influence. In 1852, the Illinois annual conference deter- mined to build an institution of learning at this place, and, in furtherance of the scheme, appointed five trustees for the

488

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

purpose. In that and the ensuing year, they erected a house in the village and gave it the name of the Blandinville seminary. In 1855 a school was opened with a faculty composed of Professor Keller, of Indiana, president, and J. C. Ross, professor of mathematics. This helped to strengthen the infant society, and when in 1854 the annual conference convened at this place it had a good in- fluence on the status of the church of Blandinsville. At this conference it was determined to place at this station or mission, the Rev. J. Dunham, and un- der his ministry the congregation throve and grew until it numbered 100 mem- bers. The congregation worshipped in the chapel of the seminary until 1868, when the seminary building passed into the hands of the township officers, and has been used for public educational purposes ever since. The congregation, thus deprived of a house of worship, im- mediately set about the erection of a proper church building, and soon it was completed and dedicated to the service of the Almighty God. The number of mem- bers increased under the different pas- tors that from time to time supplied its pulpit, until death, the spirit of emigra- tion, and other causes, commenced to weaken the ranks of this company of the christian army. The church, owing to its discipline prohibiting the reception of individuals who are members of any se- cret society, has become quite small, but still keeps up its organization. Rev. J. Dunham is the present pastor, and Rev. O. F. Smith, the presiding elder.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 54

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150