USA > Illinois > Kane County > Elgin > The history of Elgin, Kane County, Illinois, 1835 to 1875 > Part 8
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The officers of the church are as follows: Leo M. Woodruff pastor; Abel D. Gifford, R. W. Padelford, Hezekiah Gifford, Wm. F. Sylla, deacons ; R. W. Padelford, clerk ; A. D. Gifford, R. W. Padelford, Wm. E. Bent, Increase C. Bosworth, Hezekiah Gifford, trustees. Present number of members 380.
THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
In the autumn of 1862, Rev. B. Thomas, formerly pastor of the First Bap- tist church in Elgin, but then an army chaplain, brought to this place from the south about 100 contrabands or newly-liberated slaves.
Their advent among us was by many regarded quite unfavorably, and one of our citizens who was afflicted with chronic colorphobia, procured a war- rant for the arrest of Mr. Thomas, on the charge of violating an old state law which prohibited bringing colored people into Illinois without giving bonds that they should not become a public charge. But the resolute chap- lain refused to be arrested, claiming that he acted by authority, and finally both he and his proteges were suffered to remain unmolested.
The number of colored residents was increased by subsequent arrivals, and although they suffered much from sickness while becoming acclimated, and much from prejudice which, for a time, was so strong as to exclude their children from equal school privileges with the whites, they have become a permanent and valuable element of our population.
In 1866, the Second Baptist church, composed of colored members, was
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organized, and for some time fostered by the late Rev. A. J. Joslyn and others. They soon after purchased a portion of the old Methodist church, removed it to a lot on Dundee street, and fitted it up for a place of worship. This they occupied until it was burned, March 28, 1875, since which they have met in the city court house. The present membership is thirty-three. They have preaching once a fortnight, and a sabbath school of about fifty, super- intended by Geo. H. Knott, who for several years has labored assiduously for their spiritual welfare.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
BY REV. C. E. DICKINSON.
Rev. N. C. Clark came to Illinois under a Home Missionary commission in 1833, two years before the settlement of Elgin (some months before there was a white settler in Kane county), and first located at Naperville, DuPage county. February 15, 1836, Mr. Clark visited Elgin by invitation, for the purpose of consulting with the settlers here respecting the organization of a church. Mr. Clark preached a sermon in the log house of Jas. T. Gifford, Esq., where Rev. John H. Prentiss, of Joliet, had preached the day before (Sabbath, February 14). This house stood near the present intersection of Villa and Prairie streets, a few feet north of the west end of the small trian- gular park.
Three months later Mr. Clark again visited Elgin by invitation, and, on the 12th of May, 1836, the Congregational church, the oldest in the city, was organized, composed of the following members, who presented letters from sister churches : George McClure, Sarah E. McClure, Julia McClure, Philo Hatch, Reuben Jenne, Jas. T. Gifford, Laura Gifford, Experience Gifford, Ruth G. Dixon, Relief Kimball, Mary Ann Kimball.
In September, 1837, this church assumed the support of Mr. Clark for one- half of the time, he dividing his labors between Elgin and St. Charles. In 1839, this church assumed his whole support.
During the first years of the existence of this church, Sabbath services were held in the house of Jas. T. Gifford ; when there was no preaching a sermon was read. In 1838, the " Elgin chapel " was built, and occupied jointly with the Baptists. This house stood on the northeast corner of DuPage and Geneva streets ; its dimensions were 24x28 feet.
In 1843, the Congregationalists sold their interest in this chapel to the Baptists, and July 1, of that year, the corner-stone of the present edifice was laid. The basement of this building was occupied for worship from May, 1844, till July 29, 1847, when the completed building was dedicated to the worship of God. This house was rebuilt and enlarged in 1869 and 1870. The audience room in its present form, was occupied for the first time Octo- ber 9, 1870.
During the thirty-nine years of the existence of this church, it has had nine pastorates and seven pastors, as follows : Rev. N. C. Clark, from
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Sept. 1, 1837, till June 13, 1845; Rev. Marcus Hicks, from July 17, 1845, till April 19, 1847 ; Rev. N. C. Clark, from July 29, 1847, till July 13, 1851; Rev. Wm. H. Starr, from Sept. 1, 1851, till his death, March 6, 1854 ; Rev. Wm. E. Holyoke, from March 20, 1854, till Sept. 14, 1858 ; Rev. J. T. Cook, from April, 1859, till April, 1860; Rev. N. C. Clark, from May 1, 1860, till Sept. 1, 1862; Rev. Fred. Oxnard, from Sept. 1, 1862, till Nov. 1, 1866; Rev. C. E. Dickinson, the present pastor, commenced labor with the church May 12, 1867.
This church has enjoyed fourteen or fifteen seasons of revival. The years 1839, 1857 and 1874, witnessed the largest accessions to its membership, but some have been added during almost every year of its existence.
In the spring of 1841, sixteen members were dismissed to be organized with others into the Congregational church of Dundee. May 28, 1848, twenty were dismissed to be organized into the Congregational church of Udina, and Feb. 5, 1853, twenty-three were dismissed to be organized into a Presbyterian church in Elgin. The whole number of members from the first has been 980. Present membership, 300.
The church is now in a prosperous condition. Their pleasant and commo- dious house is open to all worshipers. All the sittings are free, and the revenue is derived from weekly offerings.
Preaching every Sabbath at 10:30 a. m. and 7:30 p. m. Sunday school at 12 m. Sunday school teachers' meeting, Sabbath evening, one hour before service. Young peoples' meeting, Monday evening. Prayer meeting, Wednesday evening.
Pastor's residence, 25 Villa street. Study in the church.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
BY REV. W. L. BOYD.
The first Presbyterian church of Elgin was formed by the Chicago pres- bytery (N. S.) February 8, 1853, with twenty-five members from the Congre- gational church. The congregation bought and occupied a small building on Center street, south of the Methodist church. Rev. A. W. Henderson served them as pastor from June, 1854, till August, 1856, and Rev. J. V. Downs from March, 1858, till March, 1861.
The organization flourished and promised success for some years, but on account of removals, became weak, and was finally disbanded in March, 1861.
The present organization was organized May 14, 1855, by the Chicago presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian church, with twenty-five mem- bers. The first board of elders were James Christie and George Kirkpat- rick. Rev. J. B. McCorkle was elected to the pastorate September, 1855, and faithfully and acceptably served them till April, 1864. The house of worship on the corner of Center street and Dexter avenue was built in the spring of 1856.
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After the resignation of Mr. McCorkle the pulpit was vacant for about three years, being supplied by the presbytery, when Rev. D. C. Cooper was called May, 1867, and served as pastor till September, 1868. August 18, 1867, the congregation, with their pastor, Mr. Cooper, withdrew from the synod of the Reformed church, and united with the general assembly of the Presbyterian church (O. S.). Rev. Samuel Hair then served them as stated supply from October, 1869, till January, 1871, when Donald Fletcher (a student) was sent from the Northwestern Seminary to supply them, during whose administration the old church on Center street was sold and an elegant new one built on the corner of Chicago and Center streets, which was dedicated July 11, 1872, and the following December 5 burned down.
Mr. Fletcher vacated the field October, 1872, when Robert Mckenzie was called and settled as pastor. The congregation immediately commenced the erection of the present chapel, which was dedicated in December, 1873. February, 1874, Rev. Robert Mckenzie was dismissed from the charge, and the following May Rev. W. L. Boyd was called and settled pastor, who contin- ues to serve them. The congregation met with a severe trial in the burn- ing of their new church, which cost near $14,000, leaving them without a church and heavily in debt; but, by noble, self-sacrificing efforts, they are now in a safe and prosperous condition. There are at present about 100 members. The present board of elders consists of James Christie, Wm. Fra- ser, Wm. Kirkpatrick, W. W. Kennedy and Peter McKinnel. The board of trustees are Wm. Fraser, James Christie and E. L. Gilbert.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first sermon ever preached in Elgin was by a Methodist minister, in 1835. In the summer of 1836, one or two families by the name of Hammers, and others favorable to Methodism, settled at Hoosier Grove, four miles east of Elgin, and during this year Rev. Wm. Royal, who was then on Fox River circuit, established an appointment here and formed a class. It had seven members, viz. : Joseph and Mrs. Russell, his son Joseph Russell, Jr., and his wife, George Hammers, Rebecca Hammers and Elizabeth Hammers. Geo. Hammers was the leader in 1836, and was succeeded by Benjamin Burritt. This was the beginning of the Elgin Methodist church.
On the 12th of December, 1836, Rev. Washington Wilcox preached at the house of Solomon Hamilton, about two miles west of the village, being prob- ably the second Methodist sermon in the town of Elgin. Mr. Hamilton was one of the chief pillars in the Methodist church of Elgin from its formation until his death, nearly twenty years afterward. After his year of labor, Mr. Wilcox reported 280 members on his circuit, a territory which now embraces over 15,000.
In 1838 the Elgin circuit was formed. It was forty miles square, with thirty-two preaching places.
In 1839 the preaching place in Elgin, which hitherto had been migratory,
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was located on the east side of the river, and for a time worship was held in the union chapel, corner of DuPage and Geneva streets, a part of which is now the residence of Dr. Jæger. A camp meeting was held this year, which greatly advanced the interests of the church. The circuit now embraced all that part of the country lying between Fox river and the lake, north of a line drawn from Chicago to St. Charles. During this year, measures were taken to erect a church, which, however, was not completed until 1840, and when done was a small affair, only 25 by 42 feet, but amply large for the congregation.
The land on which this house stood, and which is the present church lot, was donated by J. T. Gifford. The timber for the frame was given by the Hammers. George Hammers shaved the oak shingles for the roof, and Horace Benham did the carpenter work for $150, receiving $3 in cash and the balance in sundries. When the present brick church was built, the old frame building was sold to the colored Baptists, and removed to their lot on Dun- dee street, where it was occupied by them until its destruction by fire on the 28th of March, 1875.
In 1839, Rev. John Nason and Rev. J. M. Snow were sent to the circuit. In 1840, it was made a station, with one or two outside appointments, and Rev. Sias Bolles, now of Minnesota, designated to labor here. In this latter year the following persons were elected as the first trustees of the society : Solomon Hamilton, Burgess Truesdell, James P. Corron, Benjamin Burritt and Jonathan Hinsdell.
The next year Rev. Wm. Vallette was sent to the charge. He afterwards located, on account of ill heath, and for several years practiced medicine in this place.
Rev's S. P. Keys, W. Wilcox, G. L. S. Stuff, -Early, -Brown and R. K. Bibbins, served the church during the remainder of the decade.
In the fall of 1850, Rev. S. Bolles was again sent from the conference as pastor, and in the summer of 1851, the congregation had increased to such an extent, that an addition to the church was built for their accommodation. Mr. Bolles was continued in charge another year, and in the summer of 1852, still another addition was built in the form of a wing. The preacher's salary at this time was $500, about one-third of what has been paid during the last few years. Pastors in succeeding years were S. Guyer one year, W. P. Jones one year, and Silas Seal two years.
In 1856, Rev. C. M. Woodward became pastor, and in 1857 some efforts were made to build a house of worship. Three hundred dollars were ex- pended for plans, etc., but the project was dropped for want of sufficient subscriptions to warrant going on with the work. In the fall of 1857, Mr. Woodward was reappointed for another year.
Rev. G. L. S. Stuff was again pastor from the fall of 1858 to the fall of 1860, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. Q. Fuller, now editor of the South- eastern Christian Advocate, at Atlanta, Ga., who continued here two years.
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In 1861 the twenty-fifth year of Methodism in Elgin was completed, and its establishment celebrated. An interesting meeting was held to commem- orate the event. when addresses were delivered by Rev's E. Q. Fuller, A. D. Field, H. Crews, J. W. Agard, M. Sherman, and N. C. Clark.
But in this year the war of the rebellion broke out, and while it continued, everything of a moral and religious nature suffered from its blighting influ- ence. In 1864 there were only 116 members in the society, with a church and lot valued at $1,000, and a parsonage at $1,200.
The pastors succeeding Mr. Fuller were Rev. W. P. Gray, from the fall of 1862 to the fall of 1864; Rev. John Gibson from the fall of 1864 to that of 1865, and the Rev. W. D. Atchison from the fall of 1865 to that of 1868. While the latter was in charge it was agreed at a meeting of the official mem- bers held March 17, 1866, to erect a church, and on the 1st day of May fol- lowing the work was commenced. It was so far built that the congregation occupied the spacious basement the next winter, and during the succeeding summer it was completed and dedicated on the 8th of September, 1867. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. T. M. Eddy, then editor of the Northwestern Christian Advocate, who, with the help of others, secured pledges on that day to the amount of some $15,000 to liquidate the indebt- edness. Some of these pledges proving unreliable, and interest, etc., in- creasing the indebtedness, it was found in 1871, that the obligations of the society were still some $10,000 or $12,000, but this amount was greatly reduced by the persevering efforts of Rev. D. J. Holmes, who was pastor at that time.
In October, 1868, Rev. W. H. Gloss was appointed pastor, continuing two years ; in 1870, Rev. D. J. Holmes, continuing one year, and in 1871, Rev. N. H. Axtell, continuing three years. The present pastor, Rev. W. C. Dandy, D. D., was appointed October, 1874.
The presiding elders until the conference of 1851 were Rev. John Clark, Rev. John T. Mitchell, Rev. James Mitchell and Rev. A. S. Risley. Since 1851, they have been Rev. John Sinclair, until the conference of 1855 ; Rev. E. H. Gammon, until 1858; Rev. Luke Hitchcock, until 1859; Rev. J. W. Agard, until 1863 ; Rev. L. A. Sanford, until 1864 ; Rev. S. P. Keys, until 1865 ; Rev. H. Crews, until 1869; Rev. W. C. Willing, until the fall of 1873, and Rev. W. P. Gray, since that time.
The membership of the church is now about 400. The Sabbath school, under the superintendence of Mr. John S. Adams, is large and prosperous, and the various departments of church work are well cared for.
THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH.
BY E. A. KIMBALL.
The first Free Methodist society in Elgin was organized in the fall of 1865, with four members, by Rev. C. H. Underhili, who, about this time, was appointed to this field of labor by the Illinois annual conference of the
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Free Methodist church, and remained until the spring of 1867. During this time a lot was purchased on the corner of Center and Milwaukee streets, and a fine church edifice erected, 40x60 feet, at a cost for building and lot, of about $7,000. The membership at this time was about forty-five, and the society in a prosperous condition. Mr. Underwood being called to another field of labor, Rev. E. P. Hart was his successor, until the sitting of the following conference, which was held here in October, 1867. At this time Rev. N. D. Fanning, with Rev. Julius Buss as his colleague, was appointed to the work, and remained until the spring of 1868. His health having failed he was compelled to resign the work to others, and Rev. J. Buss being called away, Rev. C. E. Harroun supplied the pulpit until the sitting of the next conference, in the fall of 1868. This appointment becom- ing connected with the Belvidere and Marengo circuit, Rev. Lewis Bailey and W. W. Kelley were appointed to the circuit. But it was thought advis- able to divide the work, and Rev. D. M. Sinclair, of the Susquehanna con- ference, was appointed to this place by the superintendent, and remained until the fall of 1870. During his administration the church became very much weakened and divided on account of injudicious management on his part, in persisting in the sale of the church property at a great sacrifice, which came near destroying the society, and caused many of the largest contributors to withdraw entirely. In the fall of 1871 Rev. J. W. Dake suc- ceeded Mr. Sinclair, laboring with acceptability for one year without any very marked success in reinstating the church to its former position. In 1872 Rev. M. V. Clute was appointed his successor, filling the place with acceptability until, his health failing, he was compelled to withdraw. In the fall of 1873 Rev. N. E Parks was appointed to the work here and in Clinton- ville, which place he has filled with acceptability until the present time. In the fall of 1874 Rev. E. C. Best, a young man, was placed on the work as a supply, whose labors have been divided between this place and Clinton- ville in connection with Rev. Mr. Parks. The society is now worshiping in the small church obtained in exchange for the former church building from the German Evangelical brethren. The present membership is about 20.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
BY REV. S. J. FRENCH.
The records in existence do not state when the first church services were held in this parish. Official consent was asked of the bishop of Illinois to the formation of a parish by a committee appointed at a meeting of the church members on Jan. 24, 1858. This committee consisted of the following named gentlemen : Robert Blenkiron, Buel Sherman, Benj. H. Lobdell, E. Hawley Sherman and Z. H. Adams. In reply, the consent asked was given in a letter from Bishop Whitehouse, dated Feb. 8, 1858. On Ash Wednesday of that year (Feb. 17), after divine service and the holy communion, a parish was organized under the name of the Church of the Redeemer. The follow-
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ing were chosen as the officers : Wardens-Buel Sherman, Robert Blenkiron ; vestrymen-Benj. H. Lobdell, Zopher H. Adams, E. Hawley Sherman, Robert Vasey, W. J. Tillottson. The Rev. J. H. Waterbury was elected rector. It was determined to depend solely on free offerings for the support of the parish. At the Easter following there were fourteen communicants.
The following is the succession of rectors, with dates of the beginning and close of each rectorate : Rev. J. H. Waterbury, now at St. John's church, East Boston, Mass., from Feb. 17, 1858, to Aug. 21, 1859 ; Rev. J. F. Esch, now of College Point, Long Island, from Aug. 26, 1859, to Feb. 20, 1860 ; Rev. Samuel D. Pulford, now of Portage City, Wis., from March 5, 1860, to Dec., 1860 (at this time there were twenty-eight communicants); Rev. D. C. Howard, now of Pittsburg, from June 1, 1866, to Oct. 10, 1866 ; Rev. George Wallace, now of Janesville, Wis., from Aug. 1, 1870, to June 1, 1871 ; Rev. S. J. French (present incumbent), from Aug. 1, 1874.
Since the organization of the parish there have been of baptisms 108; con- firmations 35 ; marriages 16; burials 9.
Present status. Officers : Rector-Rev. S. J. French, M. A. Senior warden-A. E. Bentley. Junior warden-J. P. Goodale. Vestrymen-W. L. Pease, George D. Sherman, John B. Hobrough, Henry Procter, J. E. Leavitt, Dr. E. A. Kilbourne. Treasurer-J. B. Hobrough. Parish clerk- Geo. D. Sherman.
Communicants 65. Sunday school 40. Services every Sunday morning and evening in Odd Fellows' hall. Sunday school and Bible class after the morning service.
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
BY REV. W. S. BALCH.
In the years 1847-8, some of the liberal people, mostly Unitarians and Uni- versalists, joined together and built the little church on Center street, now occupied by the Free Methodists, and employed Rev. Mr. Conant for their pastor. The church was afterward sold and occasional preaching was held in Masonic hall, by Rev's. S. P. Skinner and L. B. Mason. Afterwards serv- ices were held in the Free Will Baptist church, corner of Spring and Division streets, now occupied by the German Lutherans, and Rev. O. A. Skinner was engaged as pastor. After his removal to the presidency of Lombard University, no meetings were held until Rev. H. Slade gathered a regular society in 1865, which proceeded to erect the church now occupied, on the corner of Center and DuPage streets. At the end of 1870, Mr. Slade resigned his pastorate, and not long after, Rev. W. S. Balch was invited to fill the vacant pulpit, which he has done until the present time. The society now numbers about 100 members, and the Sabbath school about 120.
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
BY J. A. SPILLARD.
The first priest who visited Elgin (a missionary) was Rev. M. De St. Palais, a zealous Frenchman, and at present Bishop of Vincennes. He officiated here, perhaps, once in three months, for over four years. Then came Father Doyle, after whom came Rev. Wm. Feely, who was priest from 1845 to 1852. It was during his mission that James T. Gifford donated a lot on Gifford street, and Father Feely at once commenced the erection of the present church on the same. From 1852 to 1857, Rev. Jas. Gallagher, and from 1857 to 1859 Rev. M. Carroll ministered to the wants of the Catholics in this vicinity. After Father Carroll came Rev. A. Eustace, who remained from 1859 to 1868, which brings us down to the advent among us of Rev. T. Fitzsimmons, whom every one knows as an earnest worker in the temperance cause, and who has accomplished very much good in Elgin. In addition to this Father Fitzsimmons, with the Catholic congregation, is erecting an academy or seminary on Center street, at a cost of about $15,000, to be managed by a religious community of sisters. He donates a beautiful building on Gifford street to the sisters, where they expect to accommodate thirty or forty young lady students (boarders), and also educate some of the younger children of the parish. The Catholic community here, although not very numerous, is as intelli- gent and enterprising as any in the state.
THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH. BY REV. MR. ALBERDING.
This church was started in 1855 by Rev. Mr. Schnacke, who was the first German missionary here, and preached the first sermon in German in Elgin. He was followed by Rev's. Anthes, Vetter, Lechler and Ragatz, who preached in private houses. In 1859, Rev. Mr. Hintze was appointed to the charge, who labored with great success. In this year the society purchased from B. W. Raymond and D. Hewitt, a small meeting-house on Center street, nearly opposite the Congregational church. This meeting-house was built at an early day by the Unitarians, then occupied for a while by the Presby- terians, and finally became private property.
Since the time of Mr. Hintze, the pastors have been Rev's Schneider, Gackly, Keist, Vorkel, Sindlinger, Miller, Hummel, Stamm, Fear, Alber- ding and Busse.
In 1869, under the pastorship of Rev. Mr. Hummel, the society exchanged their small house of worship with the Free Methodists for a larger one, which the latter had erected on the corner of Center and Milwaukee streets. The membership is now about 130, with a good house of worship paid for, and the church is in a prosperous condition. The Sabbath school numbers about 100. Public services are held every Sunday at 10:30 a. m. and 7:30 p. m.
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Singing and catechism teaching every Tuesday evening, and prayer meet- ings on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH. BY REV. F. W. RICHMANN.
The Evangelical Lutheran St. John's congregation (German) was organ- ized the first of October, 1859, and soon after purchased what was formerly the Free Will Baptist church, corner of Spring and Division streets, which they still occupy. The following have been the pastors, in the order named : Rev. R. Dulon, Rev. Mr. Israel, Rev. R. Buhler and Rev. F. W. Richmann. The last named has been in charge since the first of August, 1869. Under his care the congregation has increased from 20 to 80 families. They have good prospects of future growth, but stand very much in need of a larger edifice.
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