USA > Illinois > Marshall County > Old Sandy remembers: Evans Township, Marshall County [history] > Part 7
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ceremony was repeated at Cumberland. After the decorating of the graves everyone went to the timber between the cemetery and the church. Horses were unhitched from carriages, tied to the trees and fed. The women spread tablecloths on the ground and put out a bounteous picnic dinner. In the afternoon there was a speaker at the church and special music. In honor of the day red, white and blue bunting and flags adorned the church.
Cumberland Church sat in a lonely location on a southern slope and a fine board fence enclosed the yard. At the southeast corner of the yard was a stile where the ladies, stepping out of their carriages onto the steps, could escape any mud on bad days while the driver drove on to tie up the horses. An elaborate chandelier hung from the ceiling which held eight kerosene lamps that furnished the lighting and two wood burning, low, oval- shaped stoves with long stove pipes extending overhead to a chimney on each side of the church were the heating equipment for the church.
A few items from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church have been preserved; a Bible, two pulpit stands and a chair, found in the yard following the removal of the church. They are in the possession of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Mann. Also in the possession of the Manns is a bench from the church, purchased at the Carrither's sale in Toluca.
Virgil Mann recalls seeing Roy Winter walking to church with his "church" shoes tied around his neck and wearing his "mud" shoes. Miss Gertrude French remembers Roy and his sister, Florence, as a little boy and girl singing a duet to the tune of "When the Roll is Called up Yonder, I'll Be There." Miss French and Mrs. Frances Peterson Lundgren also tell us the last social affair at Cumberland was a Box Social and home talent show in which Miss Peterson was cast as one of the characters. Frances was a pupil at Brush College. This was about 19".5.
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METHODIST EFISCOPAL CHURCH IN EVANS
One of the oldest Methodist Societies in the County is at Cherry Point. Early in the fall of 1831 John Dixon, a local preacher of Dry Grove, came to Cherry Point to visit his son. While here he held a twp-day meeting in the cabin of Thomas Brooks, situated on the east bank of the little creek on the west side of the Adams farm.
A Methodist class was organized, consisting of Thomas Brooks and wife, Justus Jones and wife, Abram Jones and wife, Joshua Evans and wife, Thomas Dixon and wife, and probably Barton Jones. The Jones family had just come into the neighborhood, This was the first religious society organized in the Township, and has continued with various degrees of prosperity until the present time.
In the fall of 1831 Wm. Royal was appointed to the Peoria mission which embraced the territory from Peoria northward without any special limitation. The mission actually embraced a part of the Fox River country. Her arranged for services at Cherry Point, but the Black Hawk was seriously embarrassing to him in his work. His family occupied a cabin near where Enoch Dent lived for many years, and considering it unsafe here, he removed further south to a place of safety, but returned at the close of the war and filled out the year.
In the fall of 1832, Jesse Hale, an eccentric old bachelor, was appointed to the Pekin mission. Some of his brethren thought he ought to get married, and arranged for him to visit a lady they had selected, and she willing to make the best impression possible, arrayed herself in goodly raiment and set off with flowers and ribbons, in that day quite un-Methodistic. The preacher viewed carefully the dress of the lady candidate for matrimony and then said, "Sister, are you not afraid the devil will get you?" The sequel was not a wedding.
Asahel Elihu Phelps, Presiding Elder, was one of the most profound and brilliant men of Western Methodism. He was not only an orator, but a controversialist of unusual ability, and is remembered all over Central Illinois by the early Methodists as the great defender of their faith.
The little class organized by John Dixon and taken into the Peoria Mission by W. Royal was soon depleted by the removal of Thomas Brooks, Thomas Dixon and Abram Jones and their wives.
The oldest class book in existence is dated August 29, 1834. John Sinclair was Presiding Elder, Z. Hall, preacher in charge, and John McHenry assistant. Justus Jones was class leader, and the additional members were Sally Jones, Joshua Evans, Elizabeth Evans and Barton Jones. Justus Jones remained leader of the class until his death in October, 1849, when he was succeeded by his son,
Nelson's Automobile with Cherry Point M.E. Church in Background (about 1907)
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Daniel W. Jones, who retatined that position until his death in 1853.
In the early part of 1835 the name of Barton Jones disappears, leaving only four members, namely: Justus Jones and wife, and Joshua Evans and wife. In the latter part of that year the names of Vincent Bowman and Martin Kennedy appear on the class book. In 1836 Hannah Radcliff joined the Society, and in 1837 the class was strengthened by the addition of Wm. Evans, Sarah Evans, Daniel W. Jones, Joseph Long, Eliza Long and Robert Brown. In 1838 Mary A. Brown, Almira Evans and Truman B. Hall were added to the class. In 1839 first appear upon the records the names of George Beatty, Effie Bowman, Louisa Jones, Parmelia Bowman, William Bowman, John C. Bowman and Joseph Warner. The additions in 1840 were Rachel Caldwell, Chauncy W. Barnes, Sarah Barnes and Wm. Swarts.
In 1841 the Society was strengthened by the Alexander family, who moved into the neighborhood from Kentucky. The first death in the Society was that of Joseph Warner, who died September 5, 1842, at the advanced age of 104 years. In October of the same year Rachel Caldwell was buried. July 12, 1843, Elizabeth Evans died with the small-pox and Jane, wife of Wm. Evans, on the 26th of the same month, died with the same disease. Between 1845 and 1850 the Society was very much reduced, and even threatened with extinction. The Methodist Protestant Church had organized a Society, and for a while seemed to have a prospect of taking the community. But in the early part of December, 1849, R. N. Morse held a series of meetings in the Evans School House, which resulted favorably for the M. E. Church. He was assisted part of the time by Rev. Johnson of the M. F. Church, but the meeting was in charge of R. N. Morse, and the M. E. Church was most largely benefited. Thirteen joined the church (also a few from the M. P. Church) at the close of the meeting, and out of the thirteen, five became ministers, viz: C. Springer, L. Springer, M. C. Springer, J. G. Evans and Z. I. Jones. A new impetus was given to the Society, and in 1852, under the administration of H. J. Humphrey, the erec- tion of a church edifice was projected. It was completed in the spring of 1854, and dedicated in April, by Silas Bowles of Chicago, Rev. A. M. Early and J. B. Craig being pastors at that time.
The Sandy M. E. Church cost $1,200, Daniel W. Jones, Joshua Evans and William Evans being the largest contributors. Since the erection of the Church building the Society has been upon a permanent basis, and is now one of the strongest and most flourishing churches in the country.
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METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN EVANS
One of the oldest Methodist Societies in the County is at Cherry Point. Early in the fall of 1831 John Dixon, a local preacher of Dry Grove, came to Cherry Point to visit his son. While here he held a two-day meeting in the cabin of Thomas Brooks, situated on the east bank of the little creek on the west side of the Adams farm.
A Methodist class was organized, consisting of Thomas Brooks and wife, Justus Jones and wife, Abram Jones and wife, Joshua Evans and wife, Thomas Dixon and wife, and probably Barton Jones. The Jones' had just come into the neighborhood. This was the first religious society organized in the Township, and has continued with various degrees of prosperity until the present time.
In the fall of 1831 Wm. Royal was appointed to the Peoria mission which embraced the territory from Peoria northward without any special limitation. The mission actually embraced a part of the Fox River country. He arranged for services at Cherry Point, but the Black Hawks seriously harrassed him in his work. His family occupied a cabin near where Enoch Dent lived for many years, and considering it unsafe here, he removed further south to a place of safety, but returned at the close of the war and filled out the year.
In the fall of 1832, Jesse Hale, an eccentric old bachelor, was ap- pointed to the Pekin mission. Some of his brethren thought he ought to get married, and arranged for him to visit a lady they had selected, and she willing to make the best impression possible arrayed herself in goodly raiment set off with flowers and ribbons in that day quite un-Methodistic. The parties were introduced by a mutual friend and results waited. The preacher viewed carefully the dress of the lady candidate for matrimony and then said, "Sister, are you not afraid the devil will get you?" The sequel was not a wedding.
Asahel Elihu Phelps, Presiding Elder, was one of the most profound and brilliant men of Western Methodism. He was not only an orator, but a controversialist of unusual ability, and is remembered all over Central Illinois by the early Methodists as the great defender of their faith.
The little class organized by John Dixon and taken into the Peoria Mission by W. Royal was soon depleted by the removal of Thomas Brooks, Thomas Dixon and Abram Jones and their wives.
The oldest class book in existence is dated August 29, 1834. John Sinclair was Presiding Elder, Z. Hall, preacher in charge, and John McHenry assistant preacher. Justus Jones was class leader, and the additional members were Sally Jones, Joshua Evans, Elizabeth Evans and Barton Jones. Justus Jones remained leader of the class until his death in October, 1849, when he was succeeded by his son Daniel W. Jones, who retained that position until his death, in 1853.
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In the early part of 1835 the name of Barton Jones disappears, leaving only four members, namely: Justus Jones and wife, and Joshua Evans and wife. In the later part of that year the names of Vincent Bowman and Martin Kennedy appear on the class book. In 1836 Hannah Radcliff joined the Society, and in 1837 the class was strengthened by the addition of Wm. Evans, Sarah Evans, Daniel W. Jones, Joseph Long, Eliza Long and Robert Brown. In 1838 Mary A. Brown, Almira Evans and Truman B. Hall were added to the class. In 1839 first ap- pear upon the records the names of George Beatty, Effie Bowman, Louisa Jones, Parmelia Bowman, William Bowman, John C. Bowman and Joseph Warner. The additions in 1840 were Rachel Caldwell, Chauncy W. Barnes, Sarah Barnes and Wm Swarts.
In 1841 the Society was strengthened by the Alexander family, who moved into the neighborhood from Kentucky. The first death in the Society was that of Joseph Warner, who died September 5, 1842, at the advanced age of 104 years. In October of the same year Rachel Caldwell was buried. July 12, 1843, Elizabeth Evans died with the small-pox and Jane, wife of Wm. Evans, on the 26th of the same month, and with the same disease. Between 1845 and 1850 the Society was very much reduced, and even threatened with extinction. The Methodist Protestant Church had organized a Society, and for a while seemed to have a prospect of taking the community. But in the early part of December, 1849, R. N. Morse held a series of meetings in the Evans School House, which resulted favorably for the M. D. Church. He was assisted part of the time by Rev. Johnson of the M. P. Church, but the meeting was in charge R. N. Morse, and the M. E. Church was most largely benefitted. Thirteen joined the church (also a few from the M. P. Church), at the close of the meeting, and out of the thirteen, five became ministers, viz: C. Springer, L. Springer, M. C. Springer, J. G. Evans and Z. R. Jones, A new impetus was given to the Society, and in 1852, under the administration of H. J. Humphrey, the erection of a church edifice was projected. It was completed in the spring of 1854, and dedicated in April 24, by Silas Bowles, of Chicago, Revs. A. M. Early and J. B. Craig being pastors at that time.
The Sandy M. E. Church cost $1,200, Daniel W. Jones, Joshua Evans and William Evans being the largest contributors. Since the erection of the Church building the Society has been upon a permanent basis, and is now one of the strongest and most flourishing churches in the country.
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WENONA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPRINGS FROM SERVICE HELD IN SMALL GROVE BACK IN 1852
Wenona was little more than a cross roads with a railroad stop when a little group of ten people met June 26, 1852 to make official application for the organization of a church. The group included Newton Ervin and his wife, Ira and Henry Lowry, C. B. Rushmore and his wife, Samuel and wife, and William Lowry and wife.
"After a session of prayer for Divine instruction and guidance," reads the old record, "this small groun of ten people invited the Rev. Joserh Fowler, rastor of the Lacon Presbyterian Church, to conduct a service here."
An outdoor service was held in the grove, Rev. Fowler taking as hist text John 20-21. A large crowd attended and people proscuted their children for baptism and the Lord's supper was observed.
START WEEKLY SERVICES
Regular weekly services did not start until May 7, 1853, when the Sunday School was organized. The meeting place was the newly erected station house of the Illinois Central Railroad. The young boys rode through the country to notify people there would be a service held by a circuit rider who stopped at an Inn owned by Mrs. Almeda Cahoon's grandmother.
The future looked bright for the little village and it grew rapidly. In 1885 the railroad platted the town and donated a lot to the embryo church. On this lot the first church was built and was dedicated late that same year by Rev. J. F. Dunn, assisted by Rev. Carey. Rev. Dunn was Wenona's first resident pastor and served the community well. The church prospered, growing from the humble beginning to a large congregation. It is more than likely that Christian people of other demoninations attended until their own churches were organized, since this was the custom in those days.
The Methodist Society used the church for its services for two years until its own building was ready for occurancy in April, 1860.
The congregation out-grew the first church and in 1883 the old church was moved away and the rresent one built. The first service in the new edifice was held January 5, 1884, with the rastor of the church, Rev. Wotring, in charge.
The large manse with three spacious living rooms was built in 1909, and was used for all social activities of the church. During the rastorate of Rev. George Flug the church was remodeled and re- rededicated October 19, 1924.
The Diamond Jubilee was observed with fitting ceremonies in 1927. At the close of the service Mrs. Flug, the pastor's wife, planted a little evergreen tree in honor of the beginners class. The tree still stands today as a living memorial to Mrs. Flug and her service to children of the church.
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SOCIETY ORGANIZED
The first society in the church was organized as the Venona Benevolent Society in 1860. It was reorganized November 19, 1877 as the Ladies Aid Society. The group continued to function for many years, meeting Wednesday afternoons to sew or quilty. Their earnings were given to the church to be used "where most needed".
The Missionary Society was formed at a meeting called by Rev. Wotring Cct. 5, 1883. From the initial group of only three members, the society had increased to membership of 53 when it celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1923.
The Social Union was organized as the Wednesday Society in 1906. The group has always contributed generously to the finances of the church.
The Hope Circle was organized as a Sunday Class in 1918 by Miss Ethel Judd (Mrs. Ethel Caldwell). Mrs. Louisa Clampitt is the only remaining charter member.
The Westminister Society is an outgrowth of the Westminister Guild, a class of girls taught by Mrs. Mercy Scott from 1930 to 1936 and later by Mrs. Flora Taggart. In March it was reorganized for missionary study and social fellowship.
The l'estminister Fellowship was organized in 1949 by the young people of the church.
The Fireside Fellowship was organized in January 1950. It meets weekly at Sunday time.
A cradle roll was started in 1898 by Mrs. Almeda Cahoon, who saw an article in a Sunday School paper about one of the earliest ones in the Madison Avenue Church in New York City. She inquired about it and found herself appointed to the task of creating one.
Her carefully kept records have been used in lieu of a birth certificate several times. It soon became known as "Auntie" Cahoon's cradle roll.
The Church pioneered with motion pictures also, and has the old projector and films of the early 1900 period.
CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL
June 22, 1952 the Presbyterian Church of enona celebrated its centennial. An organ icrital with hiss Betty Moody, Feoria, Illinois was guest organist. Reb. walter hockenstein conducted the worship service.
Mrs. Glada Jenkins, church organist, presided at the rededication of the Sanctuary and Chancel.
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DENONA METHODIST CHURCH HAS INTERESTING HISTORY. STARTED WITH SIX MEMBERS BACK IN 1856
When Ahab Keller came to Wenona in 1856 to make arrangements for regular Methodist preaching services in the village, he found only six members for his first class. The group was assigned to the Tonica circuit and Solomon Wise was appointed the leader.
Services were held in the Presbyterian Church during the years 1856 and 1857 and Rev. J. G. Evans, pastor of the Tonica circuit, was the first to serve the church and held preaching services whenever he could.
In the spring of 1859 under the leadership of B. P. Theat, the erection of a church was planned. The enterprise was difficult for the society was small and weak financially. During the summer the building was enclosed. In the fall it was plastered and used, un- finished that winter. In the spring it was completed and dedicated in April of 1860 by Rev. C. S. Munsell, D.D., president of Illinois Wesleyan University.
ONE CF STATIONS
The Sandy Methodist Episcopal Church became the center of a new charge under the name of Wenona Circuit in 1865, and the Wenona church was one of the stations. The records are vague but apparently Wenona was connected at various times in the 1860's with Evans, Cherry Point, Phillips Lane, Turners's School House, Climax and Lostant.
The first religious notice published in the Wenona Index was that of Mer. 21, 1865 in Vol. 1, No. 2 (the second issue of the paper) which states that "preaching services will be held in the Methodist Church at 1 o'clock P.M. and Sunday School at 3 o'clock P.M. Prayer Meeting every Sabbath and Thursday evenings. A. Bower, Fastor."
The church property was sold in May, 1887 to the Zion German Lutheran congregation and the lots diagionally across from the church purchased from William and Orie Downey, 100 feet; and from Annis G. Robbins's widow, 60 feet. At that time was a blacksmith shop on the Robbins property which had been operated by Annis Robbins.
' The old church was used jointly with the new owners until the new Methodist Church was completed. The last service in the old church for the Methodists was held Feb, 24, 1888, with the pastor, Rev. Edward Wasmuth, in the pulpit.
Great credit was given Rev. Wasmuth for inspiring the effort to build a new church for his sustaining faith that the project could be carried through successfully. The building committee for the church included A. M. Statler, Charles Howe, Benjamin Turner and Benjamin Wilson.
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As early as April 28, 1887, much effort was being given to raising money for building the church. The ladies of the church sponsored festivals, ice-cream socials, New England dinners and other projects. One favorite endeavor was the "Elocution, " evidently a presentation of outstanding orators and elocutionists.
LAY CORNER STONE
The corner stone of the edifice was laid in August, 1887, and the first service held there was the dedicatory service on Sunday, Feb. 19, 1888. Rev. H. B., president of Illinois Wesleyan, was the speaker. Only $700 of the total cost of nearly $8000 was yet to be raised that day and was entirely subscribed before the dedication ceremony .
The Foreign Missionary Society was re-organized in 1893 with 19 charter members. Mrs. Jesse Heflin was the first president.
In March, 1911 the congregation undertook the purchase of a pipe organ. With a grant of $625 from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation as a starter, sufficient money was soon on hand for the $2000 instrument. (At that time Andrew Carnegie was encouraging churches to install pipe organs by assisting in their purchase. ) August 7, 1911 at a recital given by Prof. William Rolf of Peoria, was the dedication service of the new organ.
NAME IS CHANGED
Following the union of the three great Methodist organizations in 1939 the name of the church was changed to St. Jon's Methodist Church of Wenona.
One of the pastors, P. Henry Lotz, Ph.D., wrote three books in the field of religious education during his stay in Wenona from 1939 to 1942.
The installation of the new pipe organ in 1911 gave considerable impetus to the music of the church. Miss Bernice Bredge and Myra Fosbender were the first organists. Miss Blanche Lindgren has been organist since 1929.
The Wesleyan Service Guild was organized in the home of Mrs. Donald Gregg in July, 1946. It was sponsored by the members of the Epworth Guild for business and professional women and for those who found it more convenient to attend evening meetings. Mrs. Phillip pickard was the first president.
At a meeting in January, 1950, four womens organizations, The Enterprise Society, Epworth Guild and the Home and Foreign Missionary Societies united to the Womans Society for Christian Service, conforming to the Methodist pattern of organization for woman's work. Mrs. Marna Winters is W.S.C.S. president (1968).
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EMPHASIS ON YOUTH
The Wenona church has always placed considerable emphasis on youth work and had an active Epworth League in 1896. Its successor, the Methodist Youth Fellowship differs in one respect, it is exclusively for the youth of the church. It was organized in 1939 and has a fine record of contributing to the mission work of the church. Miss Juanita Baker is the M.Y.F. president (1968).
QUILTING LADIES
Some time between 1890 and 1900 the Enterprise Society came into existence. There was an industrious group of women who met every week to quilt and often they had all day meetings at which they quilted, tied comforters, sewed carpet rags, made arrons and sunbonnets. They also gave socials and festivals. In later years their activity was confined to quilting under the leadership of Mrs. Axel Helander. Present members are Electa Helader, Carrie Engle, Anna Lambourn, Minola Freeman and Marguerite Osborn.
OBSERVES CENTENNIAL
On Wednesday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 23, 1956 St. John's Methodist Church observed its 100th anniversary with Rev. Cornelius C. Keur pastor. At the 9:45 A. M. service Dr. Eugene N. Wisley, Supr. of Peoria District, delivered the sermon "The Church of My Dream." A solo "Come Unto Him" (Handel) was sung by Mrs. Effie Siljander, Oak Park. The M. Y. F. choir sang "Open Your Eyes." (MacFarlane)
A noon basket dinner was enjoyed, after which the Centennial Praise Service was given at 2 P.M. The opening prayer was given by Pastor J. Melvin Hedin of Bethany Lutheran Church. A solo "How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings," music written, played and sung by Miss Blanche Lindgren, our church organist. Scripture Reading: Fsalm 150 by Pastor Victor Lehenbauer, Zion Lutheran Church. Former Pastors and Members were present and spoke of their years spent in Wenona and since leaving. Present Fastor, Rev. R. Edward Finder S.T.B., O.S.L.
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ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH /ND PAROCHIAL SCHCOL
During the years from 1839 to 1842 any member of the Catholic faith in the Sandy area who wished to attend service or receive the Sacraments would have to travel to Peru, Indiana where Rev. M. J. Clarke served as pastor of a small frame church. In 1843 Father Clarke went to LaFayette, Indiana, erected a church and school there and was pastor there until 1857. Worship was a bit easier for Wenona area Catholics by 1859 because this same Father Clarke became pastor of Amboy, Illinois and attended many communities including Sandy Hill, Maytown, Derkin Grove and Wenona area. The first resident rastor in Wenona was Rev. Murphy, appointed by the Bishop of Chicago, November 24, 1867 and the first recorded baptism was on that date. Rev. M. J. Clarke became pastor of Wenona from May, 1868 to August, 1869 and again from March, 1970 to January 9, 1873, the date of his death. He had contracted a cold at Christmas time and complications caused his death. During his career he had been through many hardships and endured much for his faith. Born and educated in Ireland, he was ordained at Vincennes, Indiana where the reople were predominantly French. He was buried in Wenona, Illinois.
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