USA > Illinois > Marshall County > Past and present of Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 16
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > Past and present of Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 16
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Ministers of the gospel were the first educators on the ground. It was not until 1834 (seven years after the first settlement) that the first school was taught, Miss Burr being the teacher. The "cdifice" was constructed strictly acording to specifications, of logs, with a 12x12 auditorium, usually used by Mr. Wafer as a smoke house.
The first school building erected in the village
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was the "academy," reminiscences of which our forefathers never tire of recounting. Rev. Nathan Gould, the first Presbyterian minister who settled in the township, was the projector, not only of the academy, but of the village itself. Granville, as we glean it from the records of the olden times, is the fossilized embryo of blighted anticipation. It appears that Rev. Gould was not the only per- son who desired to found the loveliest village of the plain. Rev. Gale, founder of Galesburg, the seat of the Harvard of the west, had followed the star of empire westward till it stood over the enchanted spot dear to the heart of Brother Gould. Failing to persuade Mr. Gould that "that divinity that shapes our ends" had directed him here to father the speculative enterprise of founding a city and college, Rev. Gale moved on, believing there was yet a sacred spot upon which to build his Sweet Auburn. Both gentlemen sought to promote the interests of humanity; both sought to bring within the confines of civilization the roll- ing wealth of the Sucker domain.
How wisely and how well each had builded time has told. Each in his own peculiar way has en- joyed success ; yet we cannot refrain from express- ing the opinion that had the spirit of union among ministers of the gospel existed then as now, the reverend gentlemen would have united their efforts and their fortunes and today Granville would be the educational center of the whole west and in all probability one of the largest cities of the state, the grand result of the united effort of two great and noble lives.
In the early days the Academy was a popular institution, being patronized by young people of promise from various parts of the state.
Her "roll of honor" is resplendent with illus- trious names. Many of her dear boys have played well their parts in the drama of life, as educat- ors, pulpit orators and statesmen.
Although Rev. Gould but partly accomplished the work he had planned to do, and but saw the alpha of his darling project, he lives today in the glorious results of the efforts and influence he exerted.
Many admirable characters molded in the prin- ciples of true manhood, whose lives are blessings to humanity, are noble monuments to his honor.
In 1837 the academy was turned over to the township trustees for the purpose of opening a
public school. Prof. Otis Fisher was the first principal in charge.
Miss Lovejoy, sister to the noted Owen Lovejoy, followed Prof. Fisher, who became a celebrated Baptist minister. It is no uncommon thing at the present time to hear praises to the names of these early teachers, who educated not only for time but for eternity.
Many of Prof. Fisher's students followed him into the ministry and became successful work- ers in that most important field of usefulness. Among those who turned their attention to law and politics were Judge Burns and ex-Governor Beveridge, whose names are familiar in all our homes.
Continual improvement is necessary to keep abreast of the times. "Onward" is inscribed upon the banner of civilization. . Success in the agri- cultural world assures success in the commercial. Agricultural and commercial success depend upon the educational.
As agricultural and financial success came to Granville township the pressing need of the hour seemed to be a much more commodious building, which under the rushing supervision of Mr. Hiram Colby, was erected in 1869, a structure of impos- ing appearance that could be seen for miles around, the pride and glory of the township. From this building many splendid men and women went forth to engage in the conflict of life-to make practical application of the principles imbibed at their alma mater.
Other schools of good standing coming into ex- istence in various parts of the state, this school gradually narrowed down to the township, still maintaining the same degree of excellence. To- day, Granville boys are filling positions of honor and trust in various parts of the union. To home influences most of their success is attributed; but it is with pride that they refer to Granville as one of the dearest spots on earth, made doubly dear by so many sacred memories of happy days and school-day associations.
GRANVILLE LITERARY SOCIETY.
About forty years ago a literary society was organized at Granville, of which the teachers and ministers and the intellectual people gener- ally were members. This society was very much
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like any other organization that has for its aim the culture and development of the young people of the community. It became one of the fixed institutions of society and all the young people who expected to become something or somebody felt the benefits to be derived from a course in this literary society. Not only did the young peo- ple receive constant drilling and coaching and encouragement, but the maturer ones found here an intellectual arena for mental combat and the preparation afforded the young man has been telling, not only in this community, but in various communities in which they are exercising today their talent. Many young men went out to col- leges and took training in specialized work and are now filling positions of importance in various parts of the United States. In connection with this literary society there developed the Granville lecture course, which had for its object the in- troduction of high-class attractions in the lecture field. Not only speakers, but musicians of su- perior talent and novelty entertainments of a high class were thus presented to the people of the rural community, thus bringing to them the cul- ture and refinement of more favored communi- ties. The very best talent of America has thus been brought before this community. Wendling, Beecher, Joseph Cook, Wendell Philips, Lovejoy, Greeley, Burdette, Moody, Bryan, and in fact nearly all of the great speakers of the country have appeared upon the Granville platform, and thus this lecture course has flourished through forty or fifty years and is still maintained with as much interest and enthusiasm as in days gone by.
Mr. Archibald W. Hopkins, who is now past sixty years of age, is one of the boys who began his career in the Granville Literary society and who for twenty-five years managed the business of the Granville lecture course successfully, who is en- titled to much of the credit for the life of the organization.
CHAPTER X. CHURCHES.
As has been noted heretofore, the religious spirit of the early settlers dominated everything they did. They believed firmly in practical Chris- tianity. They believed in the principles of the
Sermon on the Mount as applied to life upon the plains. In their private life they conscientiously adhered to the professions they made. In public gatherings they did not forget to recognize their Creator, and in business affairs, honesty was with them not a policy, but principle. Though many of the events that have helped to make the his- tory of the county may conflict with this asser- tion, yet the evidence remains that violation of this principle was the exception, not the rule. One previous historian rolled as a sweet morsel under his tongue the misdeeds of the few men whose lives were not in keeping with the general character of the community. It has been stated that Satan himself once inhabited the heavenly realm but was cast out for lack of affinity and harmony with his environments. Since that time wherever good men have congregated Satan came also in the person of his devotees. While it is proper to cite the deeds of these evil persons to show the reader the harm to follow as natural consequences, that he may avoid them, we cannot feel that in this brief narrative the recounting of the wickedness of these men is in any way inter- esting or necessary. This is particularly true to those who have descended from these progenitors and who, while they cannot be held accountable for the deeds of their ancestors, are the fulfilment of the prophecy, "Visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children," etc.
It has been said that in opening up civilization the Bible leads the way, missionaries push out into the unknown and unclamed regions, the military follows, and civilization is the result.
As early as the beginning of 1829 a Bible so- ciety was formed at Union Grove church under control of the Presbyterian people; the first Bible society in this part of the state. The officers were James A. Warnock, president; Christopher Wag- ner, vice-president; James W. Willis, correspond- ing secretary; Hugh Warnock, recording secre- tary.
The territory over which this society had juris- diction originally extended from the Vermillion to the Illinois river, and from Tazewell county to the Illinois on the north. Just what work was accomplished by this society we are not told, but no doubt it was out of their work that sprang the different churches in the limits of their territory.
Quoting from the first authentic history, Henry A. Ford's work, we find that the first church in
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the county was the one at Union Grove upon whose historic ground still remains the largest audito- rium in the county. The rear of the building is next to the street and the entrances front the south with doors on either side of the pulpit with- out a hallway. The church-goers stepped abruptly into the presence of the assembly and climbed the elevated floor to their particular stall. Each pew was enclosed and had a door and when the family were once in, the juvenile members were expected to remain, calm and dignified, during the hour and a half or two hour sermon. The interior of the building remains to this day as constructed over half a century ago. Over the exterior beautiful ivy vines have grown which . give it much the appearance of an ancient castle ruins. The property is kept intact by a special fund under trustees who have control of the property belonging to the society. Church serv- ices are no longer held in the building, but an ocasional funeral is conducted within its hallowed walls. One appreciates the spirit of the muse that took hold on Gray when he penned his im- mortal Elegy, as he sits in the shadow of this ancient kirk.
In this cemetery, awaiting the sound of Ga- briel's trumpet, lie many of the forefathers of the community. They have played well their parts, and to them cannot be ascribed too much of the credit for the social condition of the present time.
Ford says: "The first church erected in Put- namn county was put up in the Grove in 1830 -a little rude log building in the wilderness, whither the pioneers and their families for miles around repaired for the worship of God. Here in the season of Indian difficulties there was an ap- pearance of the warlike mingled with the devo- tional, as many settlers carried their guns to meeting to guard against surprise from the sav- age foe. A strong religious sentiment pervaded the entire community, and the settlement was named Union Grove in token of the peace and harmony which reigned there, and which it was hoped would abide forever within its borders."
The church history of the county would of itself make many volumes and in our brief space we cannot particularize. We have not time to elaborate, but let us in a general way take a glimpse at the progress of the church since its organization.
The early settlers were pre-eminently religious
people. One of the first things they did was to furnish a place in which to worship. There was no lack of earnest, self-sacrificing ministers who held services at the different private houses, or in the groves. These services were usually well at- 1 tended and always received the strictest attention. The good these men did was not interred with their bones, but lives after them and bears its fruit to this day.
Scattered throughout the county in the location of the original settlements there still stand churches in various stages of disintegration. One of the first sects to establish an organization was . that of the "Friends" or Quakers, who settled . in Magnolia township near Clear Creek as early .as 1833. These people have made the southern . portion of the county famous by their interest in religious and educational matters as well as by their success in agricultural pursuits. Many of the most illustrious names in the annals of the county come from this section.
This society was broad in its influence and its reputation as an intellectual and religious com- munity was known throughout the entire west. In 1869 they built a large and. convenient meet- ing house where it, now stands, and vied with the Union .Grove church in having the largest auditorium in the county. The regular annual meeting draws immense crowds, not only of Friends, but also of their friends of other denom- inations. The organization still stands and holds to the traditions of their fathers, although ma- terially broader and more liberal in their ideas of religious conduct, which is true of most of the modern churches.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
This church organization first established itself in the county at Hennepin in 1833. The first workers came into the country as missionaries and went about from house to house holding what modern-day people would call cottage prayer- meetings. As interest grew the numbers affili- ating with this society increased until they per- fected a church organization and constructed a modest meeting-house in which they worshiped for a number of years, until 1866, when the pres- ent commodious brick building was dedicated.
In the vicinity of Granville, Union Grove and Florid the blessings of Christianity were taught
UNION GROVE CHURCH.
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by these early day missionaries, among whom are named Revs. William Royal, a Methodist; Mr. Parker and Edward Haile. There are still evi- dences that the seed sown has been ripening with increasing fruitage. There are today in the county of the Methodist denomination, church organiza- tions at Hennepin, Granville, Magnolia, Strawn's, Putnam and Caledonia.
CATHOLIC CHURCH.
In 1845 the Catholic people in the vicinity of the county seat began to hold public religious ser- vices, ministered to by different priests sent over from LaSalle. Antedating this period priests had come up from Peoria and even St. Louis at inter- vals depending upon circumstances, such as deaths or sickness where the last sacrament was desired. Not until 1852 did they erect a church building which was later enlarged, and within the past few years a beautiful brick structure facing the Court House stands as a monument to Patrick Dore, the principal donor and called in his name, St. Pat- rick's Church.
The only other organization of the denomina- tion in the county is the church at Mt. Palatine which secured the building originally erected for a college and which is treated more fully as Judson College under the general head of Schools. At the very close of 1906 the number of Catholics who have come into Granville have made it possible for them to plan an organization in that place and no doubt within a year a splendid church edifice will be added to the list already given.
BAPTISTS.
There are now no active Baptist organizations within the county, though history recounts and many of the oldest settlers distinctly recall several flourishing congregations. As the new settlers came in they brought their religious notions with them and it would seem that they attached more to doctrine and ritualism, three-quarters of a cen- tury ago, than we do today. Nearly all of the leading protestant denominations were represented among the new comers. We find at least three Baptist churches have come into existence, flour- ished and passed away. In 1836, Elder Thomas Powell was the first Baptist minister to preach in Granville, holding his services in an unfin-
ished frame store building erected by James Laughlin which was crowded to the utmost with Presbyterians, Seceders, Congregationalists and Baptists. Elder Powell had been sent as a mis- sionary by the Baptist Home Mission Society. The people of the community generally were very anxious to have regular religious exercises and they invited the Elder to divide his time between them and his other appointments which included Hennepin, Clear Creek, Payne's Point, Magnolia and on the Vermillion where Streator now stands. There were thirteen Baptists in Hennepin and Granville who organized into the Baptist church of Granville. For many years it was one of the most important factors in social life of the com- munity; it furnished four young men for the min- istry, one of whom went as a foreign missionary and one established a church at the mouth of the Columbia river in Oregon, which was said to be the first protestant church on the Pacific Coast. Very few of the members of this church remain in the county and most of them are identified with other church organizations. A magnificent church bell that was purchased by general subscription was donated by the organization at its last meeting when it met for disbandment, to the Baptist church at Utica. Many of the oldest settlers claim that this was the sweetest toned bell that ever pealed forth the call to worship.
The church organizations at Mt. Palatine was established in 1845 and Elder Powell was its first pastor, which goes to show what indefatigable workers these pioneer missionaries must have been. A few of the names upon that church list still live, but many of their descendants occupy the same territory as that once belonging to their ancestors.
A Union church, since the passing of the Bap- tists, was maintained for awhile by the people of that vicinity which also having lived out its time, gave place to the present organization which is Congregational.
PRESBYTERIAN.
This rich Illinois soil was very productive of good Presbyterian stock, and in the formative period the Presbyterians seem to have been more numerous than any other sect. Particularly is this true in Granville township and Union Grove. At one time there were two branches of the de- nomination in the village of Granville and the
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Grove church was the great church of the county. The mere mention of the names of the organizers of the church in Granville will serve to show the strength of character that the infant church must have assumed. There were Mearses, Wares, Pools, Laughlins, Wafers, Nashes, and Shorts. In less than six months after the organization the church was called to mourn the death of one of its first chosen Ruling Elders, James Mears. Rev. H. G. Pendleton was the first pastor of the church. The church was torn with dissention by matters of personal interest, especially true was this on the slavery question. Many of the members with- drew from the church and connected themselves with a Congregational church which still exists. The history of this church is quite interesting but unfortunately demonstrates that even those who profess to be imbued with the spirit of the gentle Nazarine may so far forget His example as to bring disrespect upon their profession. But this is not a church history. There does not remain a single active society of this faith in the county today, though the tenets and the pious example of many of these saintly people are among the richest inheritances of the community.
The Clear Creek congregation of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church was organized by Rev. S. E. Hudson, of Pennsylvania Presbytery, No- vember 26, 1854, A. D., and flourished during the middle of that century, but did not live to see its close.
CONGREGATIONALISTS.
Three Congregational churches constitute the complete number of that denomination ever organ- ized in the county, at Granville, in 1850, in Mt. Palatine in 1869, and in Hennepin in 1874. These organizations, as their name implies, were made up on what in the early days was called the broad gauged plan. The ultimate destiny of every religionist is heaven. All the sectarian doc- trines teach this idea. Much as we may differ on non-essentials, there are many general doctrines upon which we agree. This denomination origin- ally was made up of comers from all the other denominations. These three churches still live. The one at Granville being the strongest religious organization in the county.
The men and women who have stamped their personality most indelibly upon the community life have been church people. For the past third
of a century the social life of the county has been dominated by the membership of this church. No spirit of clannishness or intolerance prevailed, but rather the higher and nobler tie of Christian fellowship.
The congregation at Granville erected a fine modern church in 1892 with a seating capacity of 500, and often this will not comfortably hold the crowd. The entertainments of the Granville Lec- ture Association are held in this room and while the church does not think that secular matters should be taken into the church as a usual thing, under the existing circumstances, in as much as there is no audience room in the town large enough to hold the patrons of the Course, it is used for that purpose only. No church fairs, or plays, or suppers or anything of that kind for the purpose of raising money to support the church are now, or ever have been tolerated.
The church at Hennepin has a nice little build- ing, well furnished, with regular services. The church roll bears many of the historic names of the community, who have stood for the things that build up a people.
'The Mt. Palatine church has decreased in num- bers by deaths and removals, and no longer sup- ports a resident pastor, but is ministered to by the pastor from the Tonica organization. The church edifice is a fine one, and occupies a com- manding site overlooking the broad expanse of the beautiful prairie homes whose occupants, at the ringing of the angelus, may turn their faces toward Mt. Zion, which Mt. Palatine might well be called.
In association matters, denominational or un- denominational, of any Christian character, this denomination, true to its name, is ever in the lead.
MISCELLANEOUS CHURCH ORGANIZA- TIONS.
Owing to the cosmopolitan character of the people of the county in the past few decades, there have come into existence various churches to meet the requirements of these new people. Upon the county line north of Mt. Palatine, in a German community, there exist two German churches, a Lutheran and Evangelical.
The Lutheran church is just over the line in LaSalle county, but a large area of the parish is in Putnam. This last statement is also true of
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the Evangelical church. For a quarter of a cen- tury Rev. Baumann ministered to the Lutheran congregation, a man of rare talent and personal magnetism, who has but recently left the scenes of so many happy and active years.
The Evangelical church is ministered jointly with the church in Richland township, LaSalle county, and is composed of a strong, earnest, consecrated membership.
In the village of Granville a neat little chapel stands as the worshiping place of the Swedish Lutherans of the community which with the in- creasing population is growing in numbers and in influence. It maintains a Sunday school in English, and its whole service is American in character, though the native tongue is spoken from the pulpit for the benefit of the older members.
At MeNabb the Danish citizenship support a church. A very nice, modern structure with a parsonage adjoining and a resident pastor. This organization, too, is wielding an influence increas- ing in extent constantly.
Within the recollection of the writer, a Dunkard church existed at Florid, but has long since passed away. A nice village kirk stands on an eminent location in the center of the village, where services are held regularly, ministered to either by the Con- gregational pastor from Hennepin or a Presby- terian Theological Seminary student.
This church maintains a Sabbath school and a Young People's Society, and much of the real social life of the community clusters about the organization.
One of the strong churches of the county is the Christian organization at Putnam, of whose his- tory we know very little except by their works. Many of the influential people of the township are communicants of this body, and in general religious gatherings are ever ready to send repre- sentatives or extend fraternal courtesies to their home church. It is the only church of the denomi- nation ever organized in the county, we believe.
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