USA > Illinois > St Clair County > History of St. Clair County, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 48
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From the time of Rev. Howell's death until 1867, nothing oc- curred to disturb the harmony of the church ; and during the year 1866, quite a number of the young people were converted under the preaching of elders French and Swift. January 25, 1867, a number of the most active members withdrew by letter to join the O'Fallon church, which was organized at that time. During the time intervening 1867, and the present time the history of the church is much the same as that of other churches ; we have had a number of gracious revivals, and many precious souls have added their testimony as to God's goodness. Also many who were former- ly the pillars of the church have been called to lay down their ar- mor, and enter into that rest prepared by God for his people. Ser- vices are held regularly every Sabbath-day ; if no pastor is present it is a prayer and conference meeting. Also the weekly Friday- night prayer-meeting has been regularly observed for many years. The present membership numbers ninety.
Present value of church property about $1000. The church has
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168
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
sustained a Sunday-school weekly throughout the whole year with varying interest for many years. The church building will accom- modate about 300 people.
DATE OF SERVICE BEGINNING.
NAMES OF PASTORS.
DEACONS.
CLERKS.
1851. until
R. Keele.
Wm. D. Ross, or-G. W. Darrow to dained Feb. 12, '54. Oct. 1854
June 1854, until Dec. 12, 1857, then until April 1859, then until
Wm. Storrs.
J. W. Thwing.
Wmn. Simons, from Red Bud, May 10, 1851.
1860. then
Jno. Shepherd.
nntil
1861, then until
D. M. Howell.
1865, then until 1866, then until
N. Kinney.
[ W. A. Darrow. } Joab Elliott. ordained May 14, 1877.
Horace Simons until July 13, 1861.
1867, then until
Wm. Ross.
S. W. Peach until
1868, then until 1870, then until
Ross and Deppe. J. Cole.
Wm. S. Scott, from O'Fallon.
W. A. Darrow until February 1863.
1872, then nntil
H. S. Deppe.
Wm. Peach from Wm. Peach, from New Hope, Nov. New Hope, Nov. 1857. 2.57, until Nov. '65. J. G. Scott, Feb.'67.
1877, then until 1878, then until 1830, then until 1881.
H. S. Deppe.
J. Cole
Wm. Peach until 1880.
H. E. Patterson.
This church is situated in a beautiful portion of the county, sur- rounded by well-to-do farmers and others, who are liberal sup- porters of the Baptist cause. Many historical associations cluster around the vicinity, where it is located, as being the place where the illustrious Dr. Peck resided for a good portion of his life ; and by reason of this an influence for good in the Baptist cause radiated, which was felt throughout Illinois and the West. The church has accomplished a mission of great good, and the element of strength it yet possesses may well be considered as an auspicious augury for yet greater progress in the Master's cause.
THE RICHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Richland Baptist Church, situated one and a half miles south- east of Smithton, was constituted by Rev. Henry Ross and Nathan Arnott, at the house of George W. Carr, April 23, 1842. The con- stituent members were William Sanders, Marinda Smith, Sarah Hol- roid, Sarah Tiner and Hannah Arnott. The first church meeting was held at the house of Abner Carr, May 7, 1842. Rev. N. Arnott was clerk, pro tem., at this meeting, and was chosen pastor of this church July 9, 1842. Nathaniel Smith was appointed clerk of the church at the same meeting, and served in that capacity until his resignation, Jan. 14, 1854.
John Woods, Jr., was ordained deacon of the church October 8, 1842. On the 12th of November, 1842, Runion Zuick, Conrad G. Carr and Nathaniel Smith were appointed a building committee to superintend the building of the Richland church-house; and June 10, 1843, William Rettinghouse, John Woods and John Retting- house were appointed Trustees. In encouragement of this enter- prise, Nathaniel Smith deeded a tract of land containing three acres to the church Trustees for the use of the church.
Rev. Nathan Arnott was elected a second time as pastor July 8, 1843, and again July 13, 1844. On August 10, 1844, John Woods was released from the office of deacon. On March 8, 1845, the first mecting occurred in the new meeting-house ; previously to this the
meetings were held at private houses. June 14, 1845, John Woods asked to be released from the office of trustee, and Jefferson Wild- erman was appointed in his place. Rev. Nathan Arnott was cho- sen pastor for the fourth time, July 12, 1845. On April 11, 1846, George W. Carr was ordained deacon of the church. Rev. D. L. Phillips was chosen pastor of the church August 8, 1846, and served until February 9, 1850, when he resigned. Joel Robertson was considered one of the deacons in 1847, June 12, as he was deacon of the church to which he formerly belonged.
Rev. Nathan Arnott served as pastor from February 9, 1850 to April 12, 1851, when Rev. Samuel Roach followed with a term of pastoral service, who was followed by Rev. H. S. Deppe, who was chosen pastor July 11, 1852. Rev. D. M. Howell was called to the pastorate August 13, 1853; and Rev. Nathan Arnott was again chosen December 10, 1853. G. W. Carr was chosen church clerk January 14. 1854, and John W. Wright, April 8, 1854, followed by Harmon Holcomb, September 9, 1854.
Rev. G. F. Stilwell was chosen as pastor December 9, 1854 ; and Rev. H. S. Deppe was elected a second time to the pastorate May 10, 1856. After April 11, 1857, until August 12, 1871, the church held no meetings. At the latter date Timothy O. Holcomb and Nathan S. Robertson were appointed church Trustees, Rev. J. M. Cochran acting as Moderator, and A. O. Miller as clerk. January 6, 1874, the members of Richland and High Prairie churches met, and by agreement, were united as one church, to be known as the " Old Richland Church." Rev. M. J. Badgley acted as Moderator at this meeting. John McCulley, who was deacon of the High Prairie church, after the churches united, continued as a deacon in this church until his death, January 15, 1875. A. O. Miller served as clerk until March 14, 1874, when he resigned. Rev. Thomas Deck was chosen as pastor January 14, 1874 ; and on March 14, 1874, N. S. Robertson was appointed clerk. Rev. Daniel Shipman was called to the pastorate March 4, 1876; and B. C. Retting- house and N. S. Robertson were chosen deacons of the church Au. gust 27, 1876. In 1877, May 12, Rev. Daniel Shipman was elected pastor for the second time, and resigned the charge September 8, 1877. Rev. Tolbert Smirls was chosen October 13, 1877, and served until October 11, 1879. In 1879, October 11, Rev. Daniel Shipman was again chosen to the pastorate, and is now serving the church.
The Superintendents of the Sabbath-school, at Richland, were Nathaniel Smith, Elias Miller, John Rettinghouse and George Woods. For the past year or more there has been no Sabbath- school. The church house is a brick building 30x40 feet, which is now much damaged by yielding of the foundation, and is of but little value.
The present numerical strength of the church is fifty-seven mem- bers.
THE LEBANON BAPTIST CHURCH.
In and preceding 1856, the Baptists of Lebanon realized the ne- cessity of establishing a church there, and at a little later period they built a good house of worship in that city. The membership is not numerous, and at times they are without pastoral services, while at other times meetings are held regularly, and the church and Sabbath-school interests prosper. Preston Peach is church clerk at this time. The church house is a good building, of capacity of some three hundred or more sittings.
Among the ministers who labored in building up this church was Rev. J. H. High, the celebrated blind preacher, who, at a period from 1856 to some years later, labored with the Baptist churches in this section of Illinois. He was a man of profound reading, ac-
[ Wm. D. Ross. ? Madison Ely.
[ Jno. Rader. ? Levi Elliott. ] ord'd Oct. 15, '54.
H M. Peck until Jan. 12, 1856, then J. M. Peck, until November 1857, then P. C. Culver until March 1860.
H. S. Deppe.
J. M. Cochran.
January 1862.
1874, then until
J. M. Billingsly.
169
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
quired chiefly by others reading for him, naturally eloquent, and a speaker of remarkable force and pathos.
THE NEW SILVER CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH,
Was organized at Griffin's School House, on Silver creek, St. Clair county, March 5, 1872, and comprised nineteen members. Previous to that time, G. W. Darrow, of Oak Hill community, near O'Fallon, an able and devoted worker in the Baptist church and Sunday-school interests of St. Clair county, organized a Sunday- school at that place; and some time later, he and Rev. H. S. Deppe conducted a meeting there which resulted in quite a number of con- versions, and the organization of the church followed. Rev. H. S. Deppe served as pastor at one time. Rev. W. A. Manville and Rev. Mr. Roach also served it as pastors. The church prospered for awhile, but has now declined, until but four members remain in the neighborhood.
THE NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH,
Located nine miles south-west of Belleville, in St. Clair county, was constituted at a private dwelling in the community, in 1854, by Rev. R. C. Keele, who was assisted by other ministers. Rev. R. C. Keele was its first pastor, and several other ministers served it in that relation afterwards. The church prospered for some time, and the membership built a house of worship.
Among the membership were Judge James Primm and family, the Ballard family, William Peach and wife, and others, who were good workers in the cause of religion. Judge Primm now lives near Pinckneyville, Perry county ; William Peach and family removed and located near O'Fallon ; and by reason of removals, and other causes, the church has now declined.
Rev. R. C. Keele, who assisted to constitute this church, and who for some time was its pastor, is an able minister and a success- ful evangelist : he has, by his missionary work and able gospel ser- mons, largely aided the Baptist cause in this county and throughout this section of Illinois. He now resides at Salem, Marion county, Illinois.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BELLEVILLE.
The First Baptist Church of Belleville, III., was organized Sept. 17th, 1831, by Rev. James Pulliam and others. He preached for them till 1834.
From that time Elders Davis, James Lemen, Joseph Lemen, and Arnett preached for the church until 1840.
We have been unable to learn from the church records, the date of the organization of the Sunday-school connected with this church.
The first reference to the Sabbath-school is found in the minutes Dec. 1839 ; and the fact is stated that a Superintendent was ap- pointed by the church at that time. Note this fact. It is the true position for the church to take in regard to the Sunday-school.
Rev. J. M. Peck was elected Pastor at this time, and served the church two years. He was a great and good man. This county was his home and the scene of his labors many years before he went on high.
The following minute was made April 20th, 1844: "Be it or- dered that Elder James Pulliam be appointed to attend to the poor members of the church."
This resolution embodies a scriptural principle which is essential to a Gospel church and very salutary when carried out in the spirit of Christ.
At the same meeting it was "ordered that Elder W. F. Boyakin, John G. Short, John W. Pulliam and John D. Hughes be appoint-
ed a committee to circulate a subscription paper to see what amount of funds can be raised towards building a Baptist meeting-house in the town of Belleville."
These brethren, with Elder James Pulliam and Thomas James, were appointed "a Building Committee, May 18th, 1844, with full power and authority to contract for building a meeting-house in the town of Belleville, of such dimensions as they might in their judg- ment deem best for the benefit of the church." Sept. 21st, 1844, Bro. David Phillips made application for license to preach the Gos- pel, which was granted Oct. 19th, of the same year.
Rev. W. F. Boyakin was the next pastor. He continued in office till June, 1847.
Then Rev. J. M. Peck was elected pastor the second time, and served them till Feb. 1849.
Sept. 20th, 1845, the Building Committee made their final report, which was received and the committee discharged. This was the first meeting held in the new house of worship. According to the minutes, the dedication sermon was preached by Elder James Lemen on the same day.
It was characteristic of our brethren in that time to dedicate their houses of worship with but little ceremony and ostentation.
Sept. 27th, 1845, the new meeting-house was tendered to the Baptist Sunday-school, Bible class, singing societies, and to preach- ers of all orthodox denominations.
Jan. 16th, 1847, each member was required to attend every church meeting. This rule is wise and salutary. If I had been present I would have moved the following amendment, "every meeting of the church." The pastor of the church was required, on Feb. 20th, 1847, to visit each member once every three months and report to the church the state and condition of every member.
This is another judicious rule when carefully observed. Rev. J. M. Peck, pastor, August 19th, 1848, " named to the church that it was his duty to call the roll of the members, and thereupon pro- ceeded and noted the delinquents." Why wouldn't this be a good rule for pastors now ?
"It was ordered, June 16th, 1849, that a collection be taken up the first Sunday of each month for missionary purposes, to be divid- ed between the Missionary Union and the Domestic Missions."
Rev. Jason Corwin was pastor 1849 and 1850. Rev. H. E. Hem- sted served the church a little over a year. His period of service closed Sept. 26th, 1852. Oct. 16th, 1852, T. A. Morton was elected pastor. Elder James Pulliam asked permission of the church to build a steeple and to furnish a bell at his own expense, April 16th, 1853.
"The Lord loveth a cheerful giver."
It is much more praiseworthy to volunteer generous services than to wait to be urged and persuaded to do thein.
But it is never right for one noble heart to give all for a worthy object, when there are others in the same church who give nothing.
Giving to the cause of Christ is a privilege and duty, and when performed in the right spirit is as much an act of worship as pray- ing. The citizens of Belleville put a clock in the steeple May 19tlı, 1854
The church adopted the following resolution, March 24th, 1855, viz .: "to put a baptistery in the church and to build a parsonage." The baptistery was built, but the pastor, Bro. Morton, bought a house for himself.
On July 21st, 1855, this important principle was expressed : "That no person can discharge his duties to God and his brethren while out of church relationship." This scriptural sentiment sharply re- proves those who though once members of the church, subsequently have neglected or refused to sustain this relation, while they still
22
170
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
claim to be Christians. It also condemns all Christians who have never united with the church. The church would not receive a letter that had been granted more than three months without satis- factory explanation.
Again they refused to grant letters unless the application was manifestly clear and proper. The following resolution was passed Sept. 23d, 1855; "That any member of our church who does not contribute, shall be dealt with for covetousness." In this connec- tion the church recommended a weekly offering according to the Apostle's direction. In March, 1856, the church made an appoint- ment according to the tax lists, which showed that they would have to pay $1.40 on the $100.00. There were 176 members then, and the taxable property owned by the church was $71,632.
Bro. James H. Ripley was elected deacon Feb. 28th, 1857. Elders James and D. M. Howell each preached to the church for, a short time. Elder E. Dodsou was elected pastor June 20th, 1857. The church decided Jan. 16th, 1858, to hold a covenant meeting at three P. M., on Sabbath after the regular church meeting.
Bro. Chas. Gooding was elected deacon Aug. 21st, 1858. Dec. 16th, 1860, James H. Ripley, Chas. Gooding and William Pulliam were ordained deacons. Elder H. S. Deppe served the church for several years. Rev. W. L. Jerman was pastor in 1860. The church for many years took up a collection every Sunday morning for church purposes. This custom was discontinued Jan. 21st, 1860. It was restored however May 17th, 1862, with the modify- ing clause, that the money was to be used for incidental purposes alone.
The discipline of the church in this period was Scriptural. The minutes generally begin ; "Church in peace," except, &c., and close, " Dismissed in fellowship." No church can be pure and ef- ficient without prompt and judicious discipline.
Sept. 13th, 1863, Thomas S. Mire was licensed to preach. The church voted Feb. 20th, 1864, that absence six months without a satisfactory excuse, warrants exclusion. This rule if kindly enforced would lop off many useless branches aud cause others to live and bear fruit.
License to preach was granted to Wm. Glover June,1864. May 20th, 1871, Brethren Frederick Merrells and M. T. Stookey were elected deacons.
The coupon system of raising money for church expenses was adopted March 16th, 1872. March 21st, 1872, the purchase of a parsonage was again agitated by the church, but was not accom- plished.
The envelope system was adopted for meeting church expenses Dec. 20th, 1873.
John Longhouser was licensed to preach Jan. 17th, 1880. I have mentioned the names of the pastors in the chronological order found in the minutes, except Peters, W. Green, Cyrus Thomas, W. S. Post and John Powell, for the reason that these belong to the immediate past, and to do justice to them and the church under their ministrations would extend this fragmentary history beyond the prescribed limits.
It will be fifty years next September since this church was organ- ized. She has had twenty pastors, serving on an average two years and a half. Short pastorates are unfortunate for the church and pastor generally. They show that there is something wrong in the church, or pastor, perhaps in both in many instances.
STATISTICS.
During the entire history of the church so far as I have been able to determine, two hundred and twelve have joined by letter, four hundred have been baptized, ninety-four have been excluded,
and two hundred and twenty-eight have been dismissed by letter. The present membership of the church is 173. The house of wor- ship was finished and occupied the first time Sept. 20th, 1845, had become dilapidated and unfit for use. And as the church had an opportunity of selling it at a fair price, they did so last July.
The old Baptist house of worship has been remodeled and con- verted into an agricultural warehouse by McCormic & Co. A more desirable lot was purchased last fall for the new building. The walls are up and ready for the roof. The new Baptist meet- ing-house is larger, more modern in style and better adapted in every respect to the purpose designed, than the old edifice. When finished, the new church will be one of the neatest, most comfort- able and tasty in the city of Belleville.
Rev. John Powell, who furnished the above data of the First Baptist Church of Belleville, and who was pastor of that church for some time, is a devoted minister of the Gospel, and commands the confidence and esteem of every community where he ever labor- ed. He is a man of liberal culture on all themes, and thoroughly versed in sacred literature; and as a speaker to expound the Gos- pel and urge its precepts of doctrine, discipline and grace upon the minds of men, he stands in the front ranks of the Baptist ministers of the State.
THE UNITY UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH.
In the early dawn of the present century the Baptist people es- tablished a settlement a few miles north-east of Belleville, and there has been an organized congregation in that vicinity, who at stated times has worshipped under the forms of the Baptist faith without any very great intermission for nearly eighty years. In the homes of the early settlers near Richland Creek was organized the first Baptist church in St. Clair County ; and the good influ- ences which this event called into action are yet felt and exhibited in that community ; for nearly three generations there, with but few years excepted, the groves along Richland Creek and vicinity have heard and echoed on each recurring Sabbath the prayer and praise and song of Baptist worship.
At an early day the noble pioneer families of the Badgleys, Whitesides, Shooks, and some others settled in the vicinity of the present Unity Baptist Church. They consisted of a noble band of men and women, whose religion and whose noble energy and tire- less industry were most potent factors in influence for good in the county and state. Those early Christians have long since passed away. It has been half a century since some of them entered that rest which God has promised his faithful children ; while at later times they have all one by one passed that vail which shuts out the infinite from mortal vision, and for many a year been' praising their Redeemer in the land of light and song. But the noble influence of these faithful men and women, who laid the first foundations of civilized government in this then western wilderness, and sanctified it with the benign light of religion, yet lives and sheds its hallowed fragrance ou the hearts and minds of those who are striving to emulate their noble example.
The descendants of those early families, many of whom reside in the vicinity of Unity Church, with other members of the Baptist faith who had located in that community, were the immediate founders of the Unity United Baptist Church, and they largely composed its constituent membership. This church was constituted September 8, 1850, by Revs. R. C. Keele and J. V. Rhoads. The members built a very good church house about four and a half miles north-east of Belleville, where they held worship with a reasonable degree of regularity on the Sabbath days, and where sessions of the church met at stated intervals for the transaction of
171
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
business. The interests of the church prospered : but a great calamity in the burning of their church house befell them a few years ago. Such a loss would have discouraged some churches of less piety and devotion in the Master's cause, but it had no such effect on the worthy, active membership of Unity Church. They surveyed the disaster, and scarcely were the ruins cold until they declared for building another church : which noble resolution they made good without delay. It required a large outlay to build a new house, but the members did their duty well, and their friends gave some assistance, and in due time they completed their new house of worship. It is very neatly constructed, will accommodate from 250 to 300 people, and stands near or about on the site of the first house. Ou the south of the house is a beautiful grove, and the surrounding country consists of fertile farming lands with here and there a forest grove. The neighborhood is settled by well-to-do farmers and others, who give the church a generous support, and who largely attend its meetings.
The pastoral succession of this church were Revs. R. C. Keele, John Brown, J V. Rhoads, T. N. Marsh, S B. Culp, and Wm. H. M'Cann-a band of able, devoted ministers of the Gospel, whose names and labors stand high on the lists of merit among the Baptist workers of Illinois. The church prospered under the pastoral care of each and all of these : there were, of course, times of depression, as in all other churches, when the interest would de- cline, but the general tendency of the church under their several administrations was in the direction of strength and progress. At times glorious revivals of religion would visit the church, and scores of anxious sinners would press forward for prayers, and many would experience a change of heart and unite with the church.
On the rolls of the church were the names of some noble workers in God's vineyard, whom the Master has taken unto himself : while among its members who yet battle for the church militant, are many good laborers in the Master's cause. Prominent among these is Warren Beedle, sen., one of the noble band who helped to main- tain and make Bethel Church, but is now a member in Unity Church, having transferred his membership by letter from Bethel Church to the latter church, from motives implying no want of fellowship with his Bethel brethren. Heis a man of large reading, liberal, wealthy, and highly esteemed by all who know him. He is eloquent and able in prayer and exhortation, and is an able worker in the Baptist cause and religious missions generally. He and his excellent Christian wife, Mary Beedle, live at their resi- dence on their farm some five and a half miles north and a little east of Belleville. Their sons and daughters-all married-are influential active Christians. As a family-parents and children -they have done much to sustain the Baptist cause. W. L. Beedle, a son, is clerk of Bethel Baptist Church ; and Samuel Beedle, another son, is one of the most active and influential mem- bers of that church.
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