History of Sangamon County, Illinois, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 100

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > History of Sangamon County, Illinois, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 100

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).

607

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

On the 7th of April, 1850, their new house of worship was dedicated to the service of God, and Rev. T. C. Teasdale, D. D., who had previ- ously been called to the charge of this church, preached the dedicatory sermon from Acts, 5:20. Elder Teasdale having accepted the call of the church, entered at once upon his duties as pastor, and a protracted meeting was held, resulting in the conversion of a number of persons. He re- mained a little over two years, and ninety were added by baptism, and twenty-two by letter, and two bv experience.

In July, 1853, Rev. William Sym took pastor- al charge of the church and remained two years, during which time eleven were added by bap- tism, and eighteen by letter.

Rev. N. W. Miner assumed the duties pertain- ing to the pastorate in April, 1855, and remained fourteen years. Rev. Nehemiah Pierce became pastor November 1, 1870, and died March 25, 1873. Rev. H. M. Worrell succeeded, acting as pastor from November, 1874, to June, 1878. Rev. J. L. M. Young came next, and remained about seven months, until the union of the First Baptist and North Church.

The constituent members of the church num- bered eight. The membership in 1838, was one hundred and four ; in 1840, ninety-three; in 1845, eighty-eight; in 1850, one hundred and twenty-six; in 1855, one hundred and seventy-four; in 1860, four hundred; in 1865, three hundred and forty- five; in 1870, three hundred and thirty-three; in 1875, three hundred and fifty; in 1878, three hundred and thirty-six.

The whole number received by baptism from 1830 to 1878, is one thousand and thirty nine; Received by letter, four hundred and eighty-one; Total additions, one thousand five hundred and twenty. Total number dismissed by letter, dropped, excluded and died, one thousand two hundred and six.

THE NORTHI BAPTIST CHURCHI

was constituted, fifty-two members of the First Church entering into the organization.

The first preliminary meeting was held April 17, 1860; Brethren W. W. Watson and Noah Divelbiss acting, respectively as Moderator and Clerk. After several meetings; and most thor- ough and earnest discussion, the organization was affected May 29. Articles of faith and covenant were adopted, and the following offi- cers elected: Deacons, W. W. Watson and J. O. Rames; Clerk, Noah Divelbiss; Treasurer; Henry Converse. There was also appointed a committee on pastorate, consisting of Brethren Watson, Foley and Divelbiss. The labors of

this committee resulted in extending a unanimous and hearty call to Rev. Ichabod Clark, of Rock- ford, who accepted, and commenced his pastor- ate in July, 1860.

The new church was publicly recognized Au- gust 16, 1860, the First Church of Springfield and the churches of Jacksonville and Berlin joining in the recognition services. The sermon was by Rev. R. R. Coon, hand of fellowship by Rev. G. S. Goodnoo; prayer of recognition by Rev. F. W. Ingmire. For nearly two years services were held in the court house, on the site of the present First National Bank. A house of worship was then built on north Sixth street and dedicated August 31, 1862.

Dr. Ichabod Clark was the first pastor, and was succeeded, in order, by Revs. A. C. Hub- bard, William Haigh, N. G. Collins, H. M. Carr, D. F. Carnahan, Perry Bennett, and C. W. Clark, the last serving when the union of the First and North Churches was effected. The mem- bership in 1860 was eighty; in 1865, one hun- dred and seventeen; in 1870, one hundred and fifty-three; in 1875, one hundred and sixty-nine; in 1879, two hundred and nineteen. The whole number received by baptism was one hundred and eighty-two; by letter, one hundred and sixty- nine. Total, three hundred and fifty-one.

THE CONSOLIDATION.

The first effort towards a union of the two churches was made by the First Church, in a series of resolutions adopted July 15, 1873, and presented to the North Church, July 25. The resolutions were received and referred to a com- mittee, which after careful consideration, made an able report, in which they gave their reasons for deciding that the time had not yet come for such a movement. The correspondence between the churches was courteous and fraternal, and the First Church cheerfully acquiesced in the decision reached. April 30, 1879, in a full meet- ing of the First Church, the question of union was again advanced for consideration. Resolu- tions were presented and unanimously adopted, embodying this basis of consolidation, in briet: A new organization was proposed; both churches disbanding and dropping their distinctive names; the officers of both churches to resign, and a new election to be held by the united body; the property of both churches to be deeded to the new organization.

The resolutions were presented to the North Church May 7, 1879. They were very cordially received and referred to a select committee of nine, who were authorized to meet for consulta- tion with a similar committee from the First

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

Church; the decision of the joint committee to be reported baek to each organization for final action.

These committees reported to their respective churches, heartily endorsing and recommending the proposed union. The report was adopted in the First Church by unanimous vote; in the North Church by a vote of forty-three to nine- majority of more than four-fifths.

The meeting for consolidation and organiza- tion was held in the North Church June 13, 1879, Deacon L. R. Brown, (chairman of the joint committee) was Modertor, and Isaac E. Roll, Clerk. The new body was named " The Central Baptist Church of Springfield." Articles of Faith and Covenant were adopted, and the fol- lowing officers were elected: Trustees, A. L. Converse, A. M. Gregory, J. O. Rames, L. Smith, S. S. Elder, David E. Roll; Deacons, L. R. Brown, Nelson Neher, D. W. Witmer, George Gough; Clerk, Isaac E. Roll; Treasurer, R. M. Huckey.

The first public services of the new church were held June 15, 1879. During the summer the pulpit was supplied by various ministers, and Rev. F. D. Rickerson was called to the pas- torate and entered upon his duties November 11, 1879.

A new house of worship, on the corner of Fourth street and Capital Avenue, has just been erected, at a cost of $18,000.

GERMAN BAPTIST.

In 1849, this church was organized by mem- bers withdrawing from the First Church. They have a small, unpretentious house of worship, on Capital Avenue, between Fifth and Sixth streets, and meet for worship every Sabbath. Rev. William Papenhansen is the pastor.

COLORED BAPTISTS.

There are two churches of Colored Baptists in the city, one situated on the corner of Twelfth and Mason streets, and known as the "Union," Rev. Mr. Robertson, pastor; the other on the corner of Ninth and Carpenter streets, Rev. George Brent, pastor.

CHRISTIAN CIIURCH.

Previous to the year 1832 there was no Chris- tian Church in Springfield. In the fall of that year, Rev. Joseph Hewitt, a widely-known and popular Evangelist of the Christian denomina- tion, came to Springfield and opened a protracted meeting and revival. He was a very persistent and eloquent divine and soon made a large num- ber of converts among the citizens of this place,

and in 1833 they were organized into the Chris- tian Church of Springfield. The first church edifice erected by them was built on Madison street opposite the City High School, and is now occupied and used by the Portuguese Church. After worshiping in that place for a few years the church bought a lot on the corner of Sixth and Jefferson streets and erected another house of worship upon it. This building the congre- gation have occupied ever since until the past year, when they purchased a lot on Fifth street opposite the Governor's Mansion, and upon it are erecting a new and tasty structure for the future use of the church. It is an elegant edifice and thoroughly modern in all its appointments, being octagonal in form, it presents a fine au- dience room which is to be seated with chairs in lieu of the old-fashioned benches. It is expected to be completed by Christmas and will cost about eighteen thousand dollars. The present pastor is Rev. J. B. Allen, to whose untiring efforts the congregation is indebted for the new house of worship. The present membership numbers about three hundred. The music is on the con- gregational order, led by an organ. The Sun- day school connected with this church has an average attendance of about one hundred and fifty scholars and is under the guidance of S. HI. Twyman, the Superintendent.

CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.

The first Catholic services held in Springfield are unknown, though it was at a very early day, ante-dating the old settlers' time mark, the deep snow, by several years. It was made a station some time between 1830 and 1840, and remained such until 1844, when Rev. George A. Hamilton organized a congregation, and built a church on East Adams street. To this church was given the name of St. John the Baptist.

In 1856, Rev. H. Quigley, D. D., organized the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and in the years 1857-8, a house of worship was erected on the corner of Monroe and Seventh streets. This is one of the largest church edi- fiees in the city, and the congregation that now worships there numbers five hundred families.

In 1869, Rev. Patrick Brady was appointed to the charge, and at once assumed the pastorate. Under his ministration, the church has prospered until it has a larger membership than any other in the city.

Becoming too large for the pastoral care of one man, Rev. Patrick Bourke was assigned to the position of Assistant Pastor in 1873, and the two reverend gentlemen have labored har- moniously together ever since.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

The German Catholic congregation of Spring- field, Illinois, was established in the year 1858, by Rev. J. Janssen, afterwards secretary of Rt. Rev. Bishop H. D. Junkers, of Alton. The first church was a frame building on Adams, between Ninth and Tenth streets. In 1861, a mission given by Rev. F. A. Weninger, S. J., raised a universal desire among the members of the con- gregation to build a more spacious edifice, and immediately exertions were made to raise funds for this purpose. At about the same time a pa- rochial school was opened with about fifty pu- pils enrolled.

In 1863, Rev. William Burch successor to Rev. J. Janssen, bought of the Ursuline Sisters, on the corner of Sixth and Reynolds streets, the ground for a new church edifice, for which the corner stone was laid September 27, 1865. In the autumn of that year the church was com- pleted so far that the first service could be held on the 30th of September.

The zealous pastor, after four years of hard labor and great sufferings, died of consumption July 13, 1867, which death was a great loss to the young congregation. He was succeeded by Rev. G. Luecken, who commenced his labors September 8, 1867, and who completed and ornamented the church building.

In 1869, the school house adjoining the church was built at a cost of $2,500, and the pastor's residence in 1870, at a cost of $3,200.

In 1872, the adjacent lot with dwelling house was purchased for $2,500, which was destined to be the Sisters' dwelling place. At this time the school was attended by about one hundred and sixty pupils.

The organ was replaced in 1874, by the pres- ent large pipe organ with twenty stops, built by Josegh Gratian, of Alton. It cost the sum of $1,700.

In 1869, a new bell was purchased, weighing one theusand and eighty-eight pounds, F sharp, and was placed in the steeple, at a cost of $455.

After Rev. Father Luecken left the diocese of Alton, Rev. F. G. Leve, the present pastor, by order of the Bishop of Alton, took charge of the congregation in 1875. Under his manage -. ment the heavy debt, amounting to about $11,- 000, has been reduced to a nominal sum, and would have been entirely wiped out had it not been necessary to make some needed repairs and improvements in both church and school buildings. He has purchased two new altars at a cost of $800; two chandaliers for $200; and different fine vestments, at a cost of $1,000.

Father Weinninger, who held the first mission with this church, held another in the spring of 1881, just before Easter, in which he infused new life into the congregation, and filled them with zeal for future work. By the advice of the missionary, it was determined by the congrega- tion to purchase the quarter of a block adjoin- ing the old property, and to build a school house, and erect a steeple on the building, and make other needed improvements.

ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH,

A Catholic Church, a little north of the city, having a resident pastor and a Catholic school.

In 1875, Rev. M. Kane was commissioned by the Rt. Rev. P. J. Baltis, D. D., Bishop of Alton, to come to this city and form a new congrega- tion, to include all the Catholics north of Car- penter street and those of the surrounding country.

By unwearied exertions and fine business capacity, Rev. Mr. Kane succeeded in building St. Joseph's Church and school house, both of brick. The church is about one hundred by forty feet, stone finished facade, with a steeple, one hundred and fifty feet from the ground to the cross. The interior is beautifully frescoed; it is lighted by gas; has three very fine altars, Gothic windows, a very good bell, two vestry rooms, a large basement, and is heated by hot air. The school-house is two stories high, and contains four large well ventilated class rooms. The whole situated in the midst of a grove, some two acres in extent, making it one of the prettiest and most attractive spots in the city or its sur- roundings. The congregation, numbering some three hundred families, is largely composed of farmers and men employed at the rolling mill and coal mines.

ENGLISH LUTIIERAN.

The first English Lutheran Church of Spring- field, Illinois, was organized in September, 1841, by Rev. Francis Springer. The number of per- sons entering the original organization was eight, including the pastor and his wife. The names of the others were James Zwisler, Thomas Lorsh- baugh, John B. Weber and his wife, Frederick Myers and John Hammer. Messrs. Weber, Zwisler, Lorshbaugh and Myers were the first elders and deacons.

The following is the list of pastors, in the order in which they served:

Rev. Francis Springer, 1839 to 1847; Rev. Ephraim Miller, Rev. Conrad Kuhl, Rev. S. W. Harkey, Rev. J. D. Garver, Rev. Francis Springer (again), Rev. William M. Reynolds

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

(began), 1858; Rev. B. C. Suesserott, Rev. Ephraim Miller (again), 1864; Rev. L. M. Heil- man, Rev. J. N. Black, Rev. P. G. Bell, Rev. P. Graeff, Rev. B. F. Crouse.

A church edifice was erected by the congrega- tion on the corner of Sixth and Madison streets, in 1856, during Rev. Francis Springer's second pastoral charge of the church. It is a neat frame edifice and cost about $8,000. It will seat about four hundred persons.

GERMAN LUTHIERAN TRINITY CHURCH.

The congregation was organized under the pastoral charge of the pastors of the English Lutheran Church of this city, Rev. F. Springer and Rev. S. W. Harkey, members of the Luth- eran General Synod, in 1851. In was re-organ- ized in 1855 under the pastoral charge of a Ger- man minister of the Lutheran Church-Rev. F. W. Eggerking-with fifty members. In 1860, a new church building was erected, and conse- crated November 11 of that year, under the name of German Lutheran Trinity Church; Rev. Th. Huschmann, pastor. The congregation has been in connection with the German Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States, since 1863, under the pastoral charge of the following named members of that Synod: Rev. W. Bart- ling, 1863 to 1870; Rev. H. Burckhardt, 1870 to 1874; Rev. Th. Benson, 1874 to 1876; Rev. F. Lochner, pastor, and Rev. A. Craemer, Profes- sor of the German Lutheran Theological Con- cordia College, assistant of the Rev. Lochner, since February, 1876. Members, ninety-five.

During the administration of the Rev. H. Burckhardt, a number of the members separated themselves from the Trinity Church in conse- quence of the resolution of the congregation, that no member of any secret society can be a member of the congregation as a part of the true Lutheran Church. Those separated members organized themselves as St. John's Lutheran Congregation, in connection with the Intheran General Synod.

According to the principles of the Lutheran Church, the congregation established in 1855, by their own means, a German-English Parochial School. A new brick building, of two stories, was erected last year, and opened for teaching in September, 1880. One hundred or more children will attend the school. Principal, Mr. Benjamin Gotsch; Assistant, Miss Johanna Gotsch.

St. John Congregation of the Evangelical Lu- theran Church was organized in August, 1870, with about forty members. They purchased the

church on the corner of Third and Washington streets, at a cost of $8,000. The church edifice is eighty by forty feet, and built of brick. The present membershipof the congregation is sixty. The names of the pastors since organization are as follows: Revs. Kassmann, Prachs, Stark, Bond, Richter, Heinegar, and L. W. Graepp.

FIRST PORTUGUESE PRESBYTERIAN.

The congregation was organized in Madeira in 1844, and its members emigrated in a body, as stated elsewhere in this work, arriving here in the fall of 1849. Services have been held continuously since that time. The present church building is a brick structure, situated on Madison street, between Fourth and Fifth. Rev. Mr. McGee was the last pastor the church had. The membership of the church is about one hundred.

SECOND PORTUGUESE PRESBYTERIAN.

This society was organized about 1857. Its present house of worship, an unpretentious brick structure, situated at the corner of Eighth and Miller streets, was erected in 1861. Rev. E. N. Piers is pastor of the congregation, and also has charge of a congregation at Jacksonville, and therefore only spends half his time here. Ser- vices, however, are held every Sunday, con- ducted by the elders. The membership is about one hundred and twenty.

GERMAN METHODIST.

The German Methodist of the city have a church edifice on the corner of Seventh and Mason streets, and meet for worship every Sab- bath. J. P. Miller is the present pastor.

COLORED METHODISTS.

There is a society of colored Methodists which meets on the east side of Fourth street, near Reynolds, with Rev. J. Dawson as the present pastor.

PLYMOUTH BRETIIREN.

The Plymouth Brethren meet for worship Thursday evening at 509 Monroe street, up stairs. E. R. Ulrich is the leader. They have no regu- lar pastor at present.

ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL.

This church was organized about 1837 by Rev. Samuel Chase. They own a fine church edifice on the corner of Third and Adams street, to- gether with a residence for the pastor adjoining on the east. Rev. E. A. Larrabee is the present rector. The church controls two missions in the suburbs of the city.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHI.

On the evening of December 11, 1866, a meet- ing was held of those favorable to the organiza- tion of a Congregational Church in Springfield, in the office of Dr. Charles S. Shelton. Those present were unanimously of the opinion the time had come to organize. Two meetings were then held December 17th and 18th, at which Rev. J. E. Roy was present and encouraged the enterprise. Among those favoring the establish- ment of the church and who were active in the work were Dr. Shelton, J. D. B. Salter, Lucius Kingsbury, Herbert Post, Dr. Samuel Willard, R. M. Tunnell, Frank W. Tracy, H. S. Dicker- man, C. D. Harvey, C. R. Post, J. M. Morse, J. W. Lane, J. B. Fosselman, Franklin Barrows, Simon Barrows, C. F. Lawrence, C. V. Hoag- land, N. C. Withington, H. C. Walker, L. W. Coe, Mrs. Julia E. Post, Mrs. H. M. Shelton, Mrs. J. J. Fosselman and Rev. E. Jemey.

Committees were appointed to procure pledges of money for the support of the proposed church, to secure a minister, to obtain a suitable room for worship, and to prepare a formula for the organization of the church. Rev. F. T. Water- man, of Monroe, Connecticut, accepted an invi- tation to act as temporary minister to the society. The first meeting for worship was held in Bryant, Stratton & Bell's Commercial College Hall. The Constitution, Articles of Faith, Covenant and Rules of the new church, as reported by the committee of revision, were adopted at a meet- ing held January 28, 1867. Two weeks previous to this, C. S. Shelton, Lucius Kingsbury and Frank W. Tracy were appointed a committee to address letters missive to certain churches for the purpose of forming a council, to assist in completing the organization of the church.

The Council convened February 6, and was attended by a number of ministers from other places, and advised the completion of the organ- ization.

The new church had seventy-five members at the start, fifty-five coming from the Second Presbyterian Church. The first officers elected were: Deacons, C. S. Shelton, Lucins Kings- bury and C. R. Post; Standing Committee, William M. Baker, L. W. Coe, C. H. Flower, C. F. Lawrence and H. S. Dickerman; Trustees, J. D. B. Salter, J. B. Fosselman, II. C. Walker, F. W. Tracy and S. C. Willard; Clerk and Treasurer, R. M. Tunnell; Superintendent of Sunday School, Herbert Post; Secretary, Alex. Bunker.

It was two years before a house of worship was erected. Rev. T. T. Waterman supplied

the pulpit until October, 1867, when Rev. John Knox McLean was called and entered upon the duties of the pastorate, December 4, 1867. On Thursday evening, December 10, 1868, the house of worship, erected and furnished at a cost of $24,000, was dedicated to the services of Almighty God. Rev. Mr. McLean served about five years, when Rev. John H. Barrows was called to the work. Mr. Barrows has been suc- ceeded in turn by Revs. H. D. Moore, II. B. Dean, R. Nourse and R. O. Post, the latter now serving the church. The present church mem- bership is one hundred and sixty-five, and that of the Sunday School, two hundred.

HEBREW TEMPLE.

An organization of Israelites was effected in this city in 1865, for the purpose of public wor- ship according to the law given to Moses. Rev. B. Deutch was the first to minister to the congre- gation, and served the membership for nine years. He was succeeded by Rev. L. S. Ensel, who, in turn, was succeeded by Rev. D. Burg- heim. In 1875, the congregation erected a handsome Temple on North Fifth street, near the Arsenal, at a cost of over $7,000. Before the completion of the Temple the congregation met for worship in Hart's Hall, on South Fifth street. Services are held each Friday evening, and often on Saturday morning, and are held in the Hebrew, English and German languages. The following are the names of the officers in 1881: S. Benjamin, President; L. Rosenwald, Vice President ; B. A. Lange, Treasurer ; L. A. Hammerslough, Secretary. Each of the forego- ing are also Trustees, in addition to D. Seligman, D. Phillips and Z. Levy.

THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

By Isaac R. Diller.

" The Young Men's Christian Association was organized in Springfield shortly after the 'Great Revival,' in 1866, and commenced active work immediately, opening reading rooms, and in other ways seeking to reach and benefit young men. The first report showed a debt had been incurred which increased each year, and caused many to leave the Association, increasing the burden on the few faithful workers, until in 1872, they were obliged to give up their rooms and abandon active work. The sign still hung on the front of the building and put the thought into the hearts of several young men, not yet out of their teens (who had formerly met in the rooms of the Association in the capacity of a boys' prayer meeting, under the name of the ' Young Men's Christian Association, Junior,) if

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

they could not benefit their companions by or- ganizing a 'Young Men's Christian Association.' Upon consultation they found several of their friends had thought the same, so after issuing a call and holding several preliminary meetings, they effected an organization March 24, 1874. They found their predecessors, after abandoning the active work, had still kept up an organiza- tion, but gladly turned their books over to their charge, and wished them God speed in their work. On account of their youth and inexperi- ence the general prediction was, that a few months would witness their dissolution, but they had ' put their hand to the plow' and dare not look back, but through the difficulties and dis- couragements that encompassed them looked up to ' Ilim who was able to help.' One of their principles was, 'avoid debt,' and another 'work.' They immediately started a young men's prayer meeting in their rooms (having secured a place for meeting in Cook's building, on Monroe street) and a prayer meeting on Monday night at the Home for the Friendless, both of which are still maintained. During the summer, Professor Stephen Bogardus, proprietor of the Commercial College, offered the Association the use of his hall free of charge, which offer was gladly ac- cepted, thus enabling them to save the rent for several months, which was no small item to the Association. During this time the Association was first represented in a gathering away from home, the occasion being a district convention in Mason City. The Springfield delegate gave expression to the feeling of his fellow workers, when he.stated their determination to prosecute their work 'if we have to hold our meetings under the gas lamps.' In the fall the rooms on Monroe street were re-rented and furnished, and were the home of the Association for over two years, when they accepted the kind offer of C. W. Freeman to lease them rooms in his building on Washington street, near the square, for two years. At the expiration of the time the rooms were moved on Sixth street, opposite the post office, where they are still located. The rooms are by far the most pleasant yet occupied, and it is the hope of the Association that the next move they make will be into a building of their own for a permanent home. An effort was made last spring to secure a lot, but was dropped when they learned one of the city churches was also desirous of obtaining it, but the success achieved as far as the committee went was flattering. The Association have a State charter, and can own and hold property to the extent of $75,000, free from State or city taxes.

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History of Sangamon County, Illinois, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 100

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company Number of Pages: 1084

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084