USA > Illinois > Woodford County > History of the Baptist churches of Woodford County, Illinois > Part 2
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A young people's society was organized May 17th, 1889. A part of the year 1894 Elder J. F. Howard served the church part of the time. On July 1901 a meeting was called for the pur- pose of disposing of the Panola Baptist church. It was voted to sell the church to the United Evangelical church for the sum of $450, the same to be turned over to the Baptsit Association and it was decided to turn the records of the church over to the El Paso Baptist church to be preserved by the church clerk.
CHAPTER VI. The El Paso Baptist Church.
HE El Paso Baptist church was organized January T 22nd, 1858, the organization being effected at a meet- ing held in the old Crawford hall, which at that time stood on the corner just west of where John Engel's residence now stands. For several years services were held at the homes of the various members and in halls
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and rooms down town. The charter membes of the El Paso church were: Rev. and Mrs. Branch, Anthony Daffam, Mrs. Sarah Daffam, Lewis McOmber and wife, James Crawford and wife, James T. Hewitt, Mrs. H. M. McOmber, H. H. Hewitt, Miss A. Whittaker, Miss Deborah Whittaker and Irene McOmber.
Rev. Branch served as pastor until 1860, and was followed by Elder S. F. Stimson, who remained until December 1865. It was during his pastorate that the first house of worship was erected. It was torn down during the summer of 1911 to make room for a new church. It was dedicated in December 1864, and it was built during the closing scenes of the war and many difficulties were encountered in its erection as were also in the erection of the M. E. church the same year.
Following Elder S. F. Stimson came A. H. Stowell, who served the church one year, being succeeded by Rev. R. C. Palmer, who served the church one year and improved the farm now owned by W. Strickland. A. B. White came next and served one year, after which J. E. Ingham was in charge two years. J. F. Minian came the next year and in 1873 Rev. S. B. Gilbert became pastor and remained three years. Rev. J. B. Hutton served from November 1878 to January 1882. During the summer of 1882 Rev. L. C. Morehouse was chosen pastor and served for the next two years, when Rev. E. C. Cady came to the charge. During the pastorate of Rev. Cady the old William Jenkins' residence was purchased for a parsonage. Rev. E. C. Cady served as pastor until 1890. After a brief period without a pastor the church called Rev. J. F. Howard, who was chosen in November 1890, serving the church over ten years. On July Ist, 1901, Rev. W. A. Fuller commenced his pastorate and remained until October 1910. For almost two years the church was without a pastor. During the latter part of Rev. Fuller's pastorate he advocated a new church building. In this connection we are able to chronicle the peculiar fact that a magnificent church building has been erected without a
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pastor. The building committee consisted of A C. Jones, W. H. North, I. B. Hammers, Harvey Leonard and Omer North, with L. K. Evans as treasurer, who had full control of all the work. The building contract was let to James A. Reichel. The church and its equipment cost approximately $18,250, all of which was raised before the dedication, except $3,300. This latter sum was easily raised with enough additional to make the sum $4,060. All this sum was raised approximately among the members of the Baptist congregation, except about $1,000. About two-thirds of the entire sum was subscribed by twelve members of the church as follows: Mrs. Eunice Evans, $5, 500; A. C. Jones, $1,500; J. W. Ostler, $1,000; F. L. Jones, $750; Miss Anna Tipler, $750; W. H. North, $600; Charles North, $600; Omer North, $600; James North, $600; Lewis L. North, $600; Mrs. Will Gibbs, $500; I. B. Hammers, $500. Other members gave liberally but we have mentioned only those who gave $ 500 or more. Mrs. Eunice Evans, besides her magnificent gift toward the church building, has furnished the ladies' parlor at an estimated cost of $200 On April 14th, 1912, all the churches in the city united in the dedication services, the follow- ing program being given, beginning at 10:45 a. m. :
PROGRAM
Organ prelude. Mable Clarie Jones, of Bloomington. Anthem, chorus from the various church choirs. Scripture reading.
Hymn.
Invocation.
Vocal solo, Grace D. Hastings, of Bloomington.
Announcements.
Anthem.
Sermon, Dr. E. P. Brand, of Normal. Hymn.
Report of bullding committee.
Dedication prayer.
Dedication hymn. Benediction.
Postlude, Miss Jones.
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCHES
7:30 P. M.
Organ prelude, Miss Jones.
Evening hymn, Miss Barbara Toussing, Miss Bertha Barlow, L. K. Evans and Eddy McOmber.
Vocal solo, Miss Hastings.
Anthem, chorus. Scripture reading and prayer. Anthem and chorus. Sermon, Dr. Brand. Closing hymn. Postlude.
Revs. Klopp, McNemar, Woolley and Cressy, pastors of the other churches of El Paso, were given an opportunity to speak a few words during the evening, and each personally expressed a message of congratulation on behalf of their congre- gations. Rev. Morehouse also spoke a few words of congratu- lation to the congregation over which he presided over a generation ago.
On September Ist, 1912, Rev. Frank M. Spooner, of Toledo, Ohio, began his pastorate.
The present officers are as follows: Deacons, W. H. North, J. W. Ostler, A. C. Jones; trustees, James R. North, L. L. North, Frank L. Jones, Charles North, John W. North, L. K. Evans; clerk, J. W, Ostler; treasurer, L. K. Evans.
CHAPTER VII. The Meridian Baptist Church.
A FEW Baptist members living in the vicinity of the Washington school house, Linn township, Woodford county, had been holding meetings from time to time for some eight months, Elder C. D. Merrit preaching for them every two weeks on Sunday afternoons. Early in the winter there seemed to be unusual interest in the prayer meetings, a deep solemnity under the
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preaching of the gospel and the few members resolved to form themselves into a church for which purpose they appointed a meeting on Saturday, January 17th, 1857.
According to appointment a number met, meeting called to order by Elder Merrit who also opened the exercises by prayer, after which the following persons presented their letters from sister churches: S. R. Davison; A. M. Davison, E. R. Nye, D. L. Nye, E. D. Davison, Mary S. Davison, A. L. Davison, Emily J. Davison. At the same time A. C. Atwood was received for baptism. E. R. Nye was chosen clerk. They voted to call the body The Meridian Baptist church and adopted as the expres- sion of their faith The Articles of Faith and Church Covenant adopted by the New Hampshire State Convention and published in the Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge.
Sunday, the first day of February, was the usual time for holding preaching service by Elder Merrit after which A. C. Atwood was baptized. The church decided to protract the meeting from evening to evening. The Lord heard their prayer and precious souls were converted.
On February 7th four persons were received for baptism and on the next day they were baptized and received into the church. Also one received by letter.
Saturday, February 14th, seven were received for bap- tism and four by letter. Eight persons were baptized at the close of the service.
On March 14th, 1857, S. R. Davison and N. L. Davison were elected deacons.
The church invited a council to meet at their usual place of worship to take into consideration the propriety of recognizing their body an independent church on Wednesday, April 29th, 1857. Elder Fuller was voted the solicitor to invite the follow- ing churches: Peoria first church, Peoria, Adams street church, Tremont, Metamora,, Washburn, Morton, Richland, Belle Plain and Panola churches. According to appointment the council met on April 29th, and after making all necessary inquiry and
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCHES
receiving satisfaction unanimously resolved to recognize them as a church with the following exercises: Reading of the scriptures, Elder Whittaker, Tremont church; sermon, Rev. H. G. Weston, Peoria First church; recognition prayer, Rev. C. D. Merrit, Washburn church; right hand of fellowship, Rev. W. M. Brooks, Belle Plain church; charge, Rev. J. Edminster, Peoria Adams street church.
S. R. Davison, J. M. Davison, S. S. Jackman and S. J. Shepler went as delegates to the association held at Brimfield June Ioth, 1857.
Elder M. L. Fuller was hired to preach half the time for one year.
March 14th, 1858, five were received into the church by baptism. Elder Fuller tendered his resignation on April 12th, 1858, which was accepted and a call was given to Elder C. D. Merrit, who preached the next Sunday. He said that his church at Washburn could not give him up but that he would come and preach as often as he could. Elder Brooks also preached at times. The services of B. F. Scriven, of New York, were finally secured, he agreeing to preach each alternate Sunday for $140 per year and commenced his labors on Sunday, July 4th, 1858. Sunday, December 29th, Brother Scriven was ordained as a minister, the churches at Metamora, Belle Plain, Washburn and Richland assisting in the ordination.
On Sunday, January 2nd, 1859, ten persons were re- ceived into the church, five by baptism and five by letter and experience, and on January 9th five were received by baptism. January IIth six more were baptized and received. January 23rd two more were baptized.
On March 5th, 1858, Rev. Scriven was hired for another year for $ 300 to preach every Sunday.
During the winter of 1858-59 the public school at the Washington school house was taught by P. H. Davison. He had some trouble with some of the larger boys and punished some quite severely which caused quite a feeling in the neigh-
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borhood and the trouble was finally, very foolishly, brought into the church. A division sprang up during the summer and several members withdrew from the church, the most of them joining with the Belle Plain Baptist church situated just over the line in Marshall county. The remaining members continued holding services but changed the place of worship from the Washington school house to the Jefferson school house, two miles east.
No church record can be found from the spring of 1859 to the fall of 1869. As near as can be remembered by people now living who were members of the church at that time, Elder B. F. Scrivin continued preaching until the spring of 1860.
The next pastor hired was Elder Hamilton Sampson. It is not known just how long Elder Sampson preached but was probably two years. He had three sons, all of them enlisting in the army and all three died before they had been in the service a year. Shortly after this Elder Sampson quit preaching as the records of the Belle Plain church show that he and his wife put their membership in that church October 26th, 1862.
No more regular services were held during the remainder of the war and for some years after, when a few of the remain- ing members with the assistance of brethren from Minonk, Belle Plain and other churches assisted by Elder Merrit and Moses Parker commenced a series of meetings December 12th, 1869 which resulted in the conversion of many souls and the resuscitation of the church.
During the succeeding summer the church procured the ministerial services of Elder C. D. Merrit every alternate Sun- day. A very interesting Sunday school was also held with John M. Davison as superintendent. During the year 1871 Elder Moses Parker preached half the time, being employed by the Clayton Baptist church the other half. Elder Isaiah Reed preached in 1872 and in 1873 no regular services were held. In 1874 Elder James preached occasionally; in 1875 no regular ser- vices. In January 1876 the church procured the services of Elder Charles Sands for regular Sabbath preaching. He preached at
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCHES
the Belle Plain church in the forenoon and at Meridian church in the afternoon until 1882. During the winter of 1877 a series of meetings were held and much good accomplished and at the ciose of the meeting thirty-one were baptized, seventeen joining with the Belle Plain church and fourteen with the Meridian church. Regular preaching service and Sabbath school during the remainder of Elder Sands' pastorate, he resigning in 1882. In 1883 Elder A. J. Ammerman was called as pastor for one year. Many of the members moved away from time to time and after Rev. Ammerman's pastorate no regular services were held, although) Sunday school was kept up with the exception of a few years and preaching a part of the time by ministers from Minonk and Benson. On January 26th, 1888, a special meet- ing was held at the residence of Elder Sands, who still continued to live in the neighborhood, and A. H. Parks, the church clerk, was authorized to grant letters to all worthy members and the church disbanded.
During the spring of 1893 the Sunday school was again organized, the attendance being good, it was decided to invite Rev. H. D. Morwood, who was pastor of the Benson Baptist church at that time, to hold preaching services. In October of the same year a series of revival meetings were held which resulted in the conversion and baptism of eleven persons, some of them uniting with the Minonk church and the balance with the Benson church. Rev. Morwood resigned in May 1898. Since that time the following pastors of the Benson Baptist church have con- tinued the preaching service every Sunday afternoon. Sunday school has also been regularly held. Rev. W. L. Jones from November 5th, 1898 to August 27th, 1899, Rev. J. S. Marple from October Ist, 1899 to October ist, 1900, Rev. George N. Spencer from October 30th, 1900 to May 25th, 1902, Rev. F. N. Johnson from August 31st, 1902 to the spring of 1906, Rev. Edgar Ford from March 28th, 1906 to February 24th, 1907, Rev. E. E. Kraus from June 9th. 1907 to August 29th, 1909, Rev. Harry Weddington from October 24th, 1909 to October
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OF WOODFORD COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Ist, 1910, Rev. W. E. Tharp from December 20th, 1911 to -.
During Elder Johnson's pastorate a meeting was called to consider the re-organization of the church but it was decided to become a mission of the Benson Baptist church. Although not an independent organized church, regular preaching service and Sunday school are now held with very good attendance.
The present superintendent, Victor Davison, was elected to that office when he was sixteen years old so the old Meridian church is among the oldest in years of service and has the youngest Sunday school superintendent of any Baptist church in the county.
CHAPTER VIII.
The Minonk Baptist Church.
T HE Minonk Baptist church was organized June 6th, 1858, consisting of fifteen charter members. A, H. Danforth was chosen the first clerk and was the only one left of the original members at the fiftieth anni- versary. Acting on the invitation of the members, a council was convened for the purpose of examining the mem- bers in regard to church doctrines and articies of faith. Having found that they were orthodox, it was recognized as an inde- pendent church. The pastors present were Rev. G. S. Baily, Metamora; Rev. F. Ketchem, Panola; Rev .. C. D. Merrit, Washburn; and the Richland church was represented by Elder M. L. Fuller. The church was officially recognized on June 20th, 1858. The services were held in the East Side school building until the church was built. On July 30th, 1859, having been without a pastor for 13 months, a call was extended to Rev. C. D. Merrit. At this time Berry Hall had succeeded A. H. Danforth as clerk. He was to collect $ 11.00 to pay for a lot upon which to build a church. We must remember that lots at that time were on the open prairie. In March 1860 the church voted to allow Rev. C. D. Merrit to preach half time at the Belle Plain church.
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCHES
Many from this organization being enlisted in the army, they still kept in touch with the church by writing letters and receiving letters from the members. Having been without a church building for six years, they decided to build. The church having been completed it was dedicated October 3oth, 1864. The building committee consiste l of Rev. C. D. Merrit, D. P. Ken- yon, J. P. Danforth, S. D and M. A. Cushing. The cost of the building, completed was $3,691. The dedication taking place a bright, clear Sunday. The butlding was considered a fine structure for that time. The original church went thru many changes and still to the older members it was still the old church. A man by the name of Baily was the builder, he being assisted much by volunteer work by some of the members. Sometime, we do not know just when, a Baptist church situated seven miles west, came and united with the Minonk church. In the year 1873, the original church being small to house the congregation, it was decided to build an addition of 16 feet to the north end of the structure. The membership was then 200. The following men were appointed a committee to raise funds and to superintend the work: Rev. C. D. Merrit, J. A. Simpson and A. H. Danforth. In July the contract was let to S. A. Baily for $850, the total expense being $968.90. For a period of a few years the church enjoyed great prosperity, receiving many new members and good work was done.
On Sunday morning, January 30, after having served the church for nearly seventeen years as its pastor, Rev. C. D. Merrit informed his congregation that it was his wish to resign his labors as pastor, the same to take effect in February. The church still wishing to retain him as pastor decided not to accept his resignation so that he continued as pastor. But in the fol- lowing year he again offered his resignation, saying that he would be obliged to leave on account of his wife's health. They accepted his resignation and drafted resolutions in regard to the Christian fellowship of pastor and church.
After a month's deliberation and consideration, on March
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4th, 1887, a call was extended to Rev. George Sutherland to become pastor and he remained with the church until April 5th, 1879. The next pastor was A. J. Caldwell, extending from June Ist, 1880 to May 16th, 1881. Rev. J. J. Shipp was the next pastor. He closed his labors on August 24th, 1882. One event of his pastorate was his marriage to Miss Gertrade Miller in the church at an evening service. The next pastor was Rev. Minch, who held the pastorate from October 8th, 1882 to Janu- ary 20th, 1884. For a short time the church was supplied by Rev. S. B. Rundler. A little later a call was extended to Elder Coffman and after him came Rev. Burnham. Until this time the church had no parsonage, the pastor living wherever he could get a house. Brother Burnham started the move to build a parsonage. A building committe was appointed, the cost not to exceed $800. Brother Burnham resigned soon after its com- pletion and Brother Shipp took up the work, remaining three years. In 1891 the whole design of the church was changed, the total cost was $ 1324. In July 1892 Brother Shipp resigned and was followed by Rev. Swift. While Brother Swift was there he was ordained. Rev. Wiley commenced his labors in June 1892 and remained four years. Rev. Moon followed and after him came Rev. Wallace, who commenced his labors in July 1900. About this time the church began to think about erecting a new building. Mrs.S.M. Parks died in December 1902, and in her will she set aside $ 2000 as a nucleus for a new church. While this was a good start, had not the minister, Rev. Wallace, and the trustees urged and planned for a new building it is doubtful whether anything would have been done. Rev. Wallace resigned in June 1906, having worked hard for a new church and having constantly kept the new church project before the congregation. After him came Rev. McCormick, who led the people thru the trying period of erecting a new house of worship. The old church building was torn down July 1907 and the same month ground was broken for the new church. In November 1907 the corner stone was laid with due ceremony, and the
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCHES
building continued all winter. The church services were held in the Woodman hall and in the German Baptist church during the period of the erection of the new building. The dedication service began at 10 a. m., January 3rd, 1909, presided over by Rev. Wallace, a former pastor, the protestant churches and pastors taking part in the exercises. The dedication sermon was delivered by Rev. J. B. Thomas, of Chicago.
Brother Baker, of Walnut, became pastor on January 24th, 1909, and a council was called to ordain him. It convened for that purpose on June 22nd, 1909. The council was organ- ized by electing Brother Wallace, of Utica, moderator, and Brother Barnet, of Clinton, clerk. Sixteen delegates were pres- ent, representing eight churches. The ordination sermon was delivered by Rev. Baker, the ordination prayer by Rev. Straus, of Benson; charge to candidate Rev. Fuller, of El Paso; charge to church, Rev. Shipp, Graymont; benediction by the candidate. Rev. Baker served the church until November 7th, 1909, when a call was extended to Rev. W. H. Trolliver, of Indiana, to become its pastor. He closed his work there April Ist, 1912. On August Ist, 1912, Rev. J. C. Oranger took charge of the church as its pastor. The officers are as follows: Trustees, A. H. Parks, Tom Pickard, Heddo Vosberg, R. H. Parks, W. S. Morrison, C. E. Ridge and Otto Ravnehorst; deacons, James Ridge, H. P. Parks, Jacob McChesney, William Hohlen and Joseph Pickard. Present membership 214.
CHAPTER IX. The Clayton Baptist Church.
T HE Clayton Baptist church was organized at the home of Deacon Huxtable about1862, by Rev. M. L. Fuller, one of the pioneer Baptist preachers of Illinois, assisted by Rev. Sampson and Rev. Hedlock. The meetings were held in the home of Deacon Huxtable until the building of the church in 1866. The dedication took
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OF WOODFORD COUNTY, ILLINOIS
place under the pastorate of Elder William Parker, who served as pastor for three years. He was followed by George Reed, who remained pastor four years. He was followed by Elder Regan, who served as pastor the next year. Rev. A. L. Colby was pastor two years. During the time intervening before the calling of Brother G. E. Dye, in May 1879, the church was supplied by different preachers, having no settled pastor. Brother G. E. Dye was ordained while pastor and remained with the church until October 1880. Elder Ammerman served the church as pastor until the church called Elder Samuel Break- well in June 1883. The next pastor was Rev. I. C. Hall, who closed his labors when the church called Brother L. R. Banks on March 21st, 1885. He was ordained at Benson November 12th, 1885, resigning June 27th, 1886. On March 12th, 1887, Brother Neyman was called as pastor and ordained at Benson May 19th, 1887. This closes the connection between the Ben- son and the Clayton churches as one church and on February 17th, 1888, a new organization was formed from members of the Clayton church, to be known as the Benson Baptist church.
The Benson Baptist Church.
T HERE was a Sunday school organized in Benson in Coleman's hall, April 26th, 1874. Dr. D. W. Slemens was chosen superintendent. This continued in con- nection with the Clayton Baptist church from 1874 to 1883. August 19th, 1882, a council was called to organize a separate church, the same to be known as the Benson Baptist church. Rev. A. J. Ammerman moderator and John Fry, secretary. It was decided to solicit funds for a church. B. F. Zinser, D. Davis and Samuel Peterson were chosen a building committee. John Fry, D. Davis and Joseph Tallyn were chosen trustees. The property known as the Matthew Kolb property was bought as a site for the church. The building being completed it was dedicated July 22nd, 1883, free from debt, costing about $2300.
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCHES
On the 25th day of March, 1888, the church was finally organized as a separate church, having been up to that time, connected with the Clayton church. The following 27 persons had been granted letters from the Clayton church on February 27th, 1888, to organize the Benson Baptist church: D. Davis, John Fry, Joseph Tallyn, Sarah Tallyn, Charles Tallyn, B. F. Zinser, Marcia Davis, A. L. Fry, S. W. Woltzen, May B. Fry, Susana Fry, Susana Lee, Newton O. Tallyn, Irene Tallyn, Lizzie Fry, Amelia Fry, Carrie S. Tallyn, Lottie Lee, F. N. Tallyn, E. W. Tallyn, A. H. Tallyn, Ella F. Tallyn, Alice A. Tallyn, Emma Smilie, Lizzie Kindig and Hannah Parks.
At a meeting held at Benson March 2nd, 1888, with E. C. Cady acting as moderator and D. Davis as secretary, it was organized as a separate church, and at the same meeting B. F. Zinser, John Fry and Joseph Tallyn were elected deacons and Joseph Tallyn, John Fry and D. Davis trustees. During the year 1889 Rev. Gunther served the church part of the time. November 8th, 1821, Brother F. A. Gregory held a series of meetings that continued until November 19th, 1891, and did much good. On July 9t.1, 1890, Rev. Morewood was chosen to supply the church for a while. The next pastor was Rev. W. L. Jones, who began his labors November 28th, 1891. He acted as pastor until August 27th, 1899. Rev. J. S. Marple became pastor October Ist, 1899. He held a series of meetings resulting in much good. He served as pastor until August 28th, 1900. Rev. Spencer began his labor as pastor December 9th, 1900, and remained until May 25th, 1902. Rev. F. M. Johnson was called August 31st, 1902. About January 25th, 1903, a series of meetings was begun, he being assisted by Rev. Fuller, of El Paso, and Dr. Simmons, of Peoria. Brother Ford was supplying the church about May 2nd, 1906. Brother J. B. Brown supplied the church a short time in 1907. After having been supplied by several preachers, a call was extended to Brother Krause, who commenced on the 15th of August, 1907. Brother J. M. Wood assisted him to hold a meeting in the fall
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