Bureau County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 8 of those read), 1906

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 8 of those read)

The transforming power of the Christian religion can not be successfully denied even by the most skeptical. Our forefathers landed upon the wild and barren shores of this new contine»<t with l)ut little of this world's riches, but Ihey possessed that which was far more comforting and .sustaining in the dark hours of solitude and jieril which they were called to endure for Ihcv held within their breasts an uncompromising faith in the directing power of the eternal God ai.d the ofTieacy of the Christian religion. .Mthough their zeal and misguided Judgment sometimes led them into paths of error and wrong yet out from ui'der those clouds of darkness and gloom there can";C ihe Star of Hope and progress that finally le>l theju into the full sunlight. A Christian character that ripened into the higher and broader life of the present time. It needs no argument to convince any fair minded person that the religion of the gospel of Christ has heen the most potent influence in bringing about our advanced civilization as a nation and a people. The civilization of the Oriental world which has been in being for centuries, under various forms of religion, has done iiut little to raise the people to a higher and more advanced standard of living. The same fashions and customs prevail as in the days of Confucius. Heathendom is one vast .sepulchre of buried hopes and opportunities; located as it is in one of the most productive regions of the globe under the golden sunlight of the temperate zone, threaded with rivers and studded with lakes, with forest of the most valuable timber and rich in minerals and yet with all these natural advantages she remains in her squalor and degradation, plowing with sharpened sticks, eating without knives and forks and distorting the feet with wooden shoes, beside paying honuige and offering prayers to hideous idols. Such is the condition of heathendom today and such it is likely to remain unless the seeds of Christianity can he sown within her borders and allowed to germinate until the little leaven shall leaven the whole people. Contrast the above described civilization with that of Christendom and draw 3'our own conclusions. luid especially would we invite you to consider the evohition of our own country. .V little over four hundred years ago in a quiet harlior on the coast of Spain three small vessels were being fitted for an unknown voyage. Everything being in readiness the good-byes were said, the vessels loosed from their moorings and the long and perilous voyage of di.scovery was instituted. Their course lay across the broad expanse of ocean upon whose bosom no sail had ever floated, no keel had ever ploughed and no com|iass had ever directed, although trials, danger and distress followed in their ]iathway and at times almost overpowered them, they moved on placing their trust in the ever living God and relying u])on him for guidance and ))rotection. until at last they landed ujmn an unknown shore where the ]irimeval landscape and a race of savage men were all that met their vision. '*>'et nothing daunted they raised the banner of their country and beside it the cross of the Christian's hope, and out of this beginning has emanated the grandeur of our present inheritance. For somewhat over a hundred years this country was left in its original solituile. But at last came the decisive hour of religious intolerance and with it came the ihoiinht that toward the setting sun there was a land which was free from the tvrannv and oppression of the past, a land where mankind could offer up their devotions to an All-wise Creator untrammeled by lust and unfettered by tradition and with this thought in view our forefatliers came to our shores and here in the trackless wilderness, surrounded by savage beasts and more savage men. tliey built the lowly cabin and erected the altar of faith and prayer. Settlement after settlement came into existence and wherever they were planted the church and school house followed in quick succession and out of these small beginnings has come the grand civilization of today. Our seminaries, colleges, asylums and benevolent institutions are all the outgrowth of Christian fellowship. This being true it is but right and proper that we should take sufficient space in this volume to give a short history of some of the different churches of Bureau county. In doing so we do not expect to be able to gather all of tlie facts and experiences that would be interestins to tlie people, but what we do give we trust will be acceptable.

Congregational Chukch Of Princeton

The old Hampshire Colony church or First Congregational church of Princeton was organized in Northampton, Massachusetts, March 23, 1831. Eev. Ichabod S. Spencer preached the farewell sermon from the following text: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you tlie kingdom."

At that time E. S. Phelps and wife, Auios C. Morse and wife, Elisha Wood and wife, Samuel Brown, Dr. Nathaniel Chamberlain. Levi Jones and wife, Alva Whitmarsh and wife, Elijah Smith. Sylvia Childs, Clarissa Childs, John, Leonard and Maria Lyman, became members. The parting of friends and the severing of home ties is always a period of sorrow and it was doubly so in this case, for the people really felt, at that early time, it was burying their friends alive to have them move to the western frontier; indeed, it was an undertaking of no small proportions. After a few weeks of visiting and farewell and good-by meetings, the colony started on May 1, 1831, for its western home. The colony was organized in 1830 and sent some of its members ahead to select a suitable location for them when they should arrive.

At Albany the colony took a canal boat to Buffalo, where they spent the first Sabbath. From liuflalo they went by steamer to Detroit, and from there they went with hired teams to Chicago, leaving Detroit ilay S-"). From Chicago they went to Bailey's Point, which is located near the Vermillion river, about eight miles south of La Salle; here Mr. Jones, who had preceded them had built a double loghouse to receive them. They arrived on June 9, 1831, having been five weeks and two days on their journey. They remained there a few days to rest and recuperate, and finally they reached the cabin of James Foristal, one mile north of Dover, at stmset, July 4. They were now at the end of their journey and ready to face any formidable obstacles that might come up before tliem, and truly their experiences were such as would "try men's souls."" Their first meeting was at the home of Elijah Smith, a little north of where Princeton now stands. At this meeting Dr. Nathaniel Chamberlain was elected clerk in place of Amos C. Morse, whom death had removed. Days of darkness and disappointment were in store for this little band of early Christians, who had so courageously left home and kindred to settle in this undeveloped country, bringing with them their Bible as a guide and their faith as an anchor to their hopes, yet with all of their fortitude and trust there were times when they felt like saying as did the psalmist of old, "Tearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror liath overwhelmed me." Their numbers were reduced by death and removals until there were only four of their members left, and these were compelled to abandon their homes to escape the vengeance of the hostile savages. Such was the experience of this old Hampshire Colony church, which was the only Congregational church in Illinois at that time, but :

Ill about two years the members began to return and new members joined, and in February, 1834, the first communion was held and the following named persons joined the church : Joel Doolittle and wife, Lazarus Reeve and wife, and Nathaniel Chamberlain, Sr., and wdfe. In the fall of 1833 Lucicn Farnham became their pastor. In 1835 the new church was cmnmenced which was located on a lot south of tlie courthouse square. It was thirty-two by forty-four feet and two .stories high. The lower part was used for school purposes and was called the Princeton Academy. Mr. Alvin M. Dixon taught the first school in the summer of 183G. This church was occupied until 1848, when a new brick church on the present site was elected at a cost of about four thousand dollars. In 1869 the church was repaired and added to at a cost of about eight thousand dollars, and was also supplied with a i>ipe organ. This church was used as a place of w^orship until the spring of 1905, when it was razed to the ground and the present modern and beautiful edifice was commenced and now nears completion. This building is one hundred and nine feet lontr and sixtysix feet wide, and borders on the (rothic stvlc of architecture. Ft is beautifully finished with antique oak. The auditorium has a seating capacity of three hundred and the annex, which can be made a part of the main audience room as occasion requires, will accommodate two hundred more. The seats face the southwest corner, whai'e the pulpit is located. The new- pipe organ witli fifteen stops, which was purchased in 1899, is placed in an alcove on the west and the choir stands in front of it. Tlie whole structure is woM arranged and i.s a irf<lit to tliu church ami city. In the basement may he found a spacious dining room, with a modern kitchen attached and with every facility for doing the work easily and with dispatch. The church is built of cement blocks and with its stained windows makes both a pleasing and an imposing aj)pearance. In its early history this church released twenty-four members at one time, who formed themselves into what is now the Presbyterian church of this city. In March, 1838. seven members were released to join the Congregational church of Dover. The pastors of this church have been men of more than average worth and ability. Some of them have possessed great personal as well as professional strength. Eev. Owen Lovejoy's life and character stands out before the world at once heroic and unicjue, and he must ever be reckoned as one of the great men of his time. He saw the truth and fought for it. He was one of the few men of the world who had the courage of his convictions. His talents were not confined to the church alone, l)ut upon the broad field of forensic strife his gleaming sword of logic and eloquence leaped from its scabbard and with its point toward the enemy stood unmoved ami immovable in the cause of human rights and human liberty. Rev. iJichard Edwards was also a man of great personal worth and his pastorate over this church was one calculated to give strength and vigor to all who came in contact with his true and genial manhood. Dr. Edwards was an educator, his whole life up to the time he took charge of this church was spent along educational lines. Ho was president of the State Normal school at Normal, Illinois, for a period of fourteen years, and upon his resignation he immediately entered upon his pastorate here and wiicn he left it was to take the position of superintendent of public instruction of Illinois. He now resides in Bloomington, this slate. Many, in fact most of the old pillars of the church, have crossed the dark valley and now rest lioin their labors and surely their works have lollowed them. We well remember the faithful Irw whose seats were never vacant, unless sickness or unsurmounted obstacles prevented. Among this number we would name Jlr. and Mrs. Chauncey Colton, Lazarus Kccves and wife, John Walters, James Smith and wife, Hart Morris and wife, Mrs. Egbert Curtis, ]\fr. Curtis, Hinsdale Phelps and Kev. Edwin Smith, but space forbids rurthcr mention. All of these are now members of the church triumphant. Mrs. Egbert Norton is the oldest living mcnd)er, having joined in 183G.

As early as 1832 Eev. Zaddock Hall organized what was calletl the Peoria Mission. In this county his aj)pointments were met at the houses of Joseph Smitli, north of Princeton, on Bureau Creek; Samuel Williams in Hall town; John Hall Selby township ; and at Abraham Jones', two miles northwest of Princeton. The members at that time were James and Betsy Hayes, Abraham and Mary Jones, Barton and Susanna Jones, Robert and Mrs. Clark, Joseph and Mrs. Smith, and Eliza Epperson. All of the above named early Christian pioneers have long since passed to the silent land. It will be seen b}' this that the Methodist church, with their usual energy and enterprise, was early on the ground of this new tield of labor. In 1833 the Peoria Mission was divided and Bureau county was placed in the Northern division, called the Ottawa Mission, and Rev. William Royal became the jsreacher in charge. In 1834 the mission was again divided and the west division became the Bureau Mission and was placed under the charge of Rev. S. Ii. licggs. In this last named circuit there v.ere three appointments - at Abraham Jones'. Princeton, John Scott's, Tiskilwa, and John Hall's, Selby. According to Mi'. Lceper's account in Hi-adsby's history Rev. Beggs collected seventy dollars irom one hundred members during 1834. Sometime in the summer of 1836 Rev. Denning came to the Bureau Mission, where he remained about six years, when he joined the Rock River Conference. During his stay with the mission ho was 1lu! class leader in the Princeton settlenu'uts: Ihcsc meetings were held at the house of Abraham Jones until 1838, after that at Rev. Denning's. In 183G a paper was circulated asking pledges to raise money to build a church, and (]uite an amount had been pledged when unfortunately the brick that were to go into the new house were spoiled in liurning and other mishaps occurring, the matter was dropped. In 1837 the early ]Moncer preacher, Zaddock Hall, had charge of the I'rincetoii circuit. In 1838 the first church building was commenced and was finished the next year. In 1840 Princeton was |)laccd in the Rock River Conference. In 1845 a brick church was built; this building has been known for many years as Union Hal! ; it is now used for a livery stable. The Union Hall church was used until the present commodious brick building was completed in January, 1864. This church originally cost about twelve thousand dollars. The corner stone was laid witji 'Masonic honors July 24, lSfi3.

It wa.o dedicated .lanuary 23. 18G4 : the services on this occasion were conducted by F. M. Eddy. D. D., assisted by Rev. J. M. Vincent. The church at present is large and prosperous. The day of small things has passed away and they are now upon a solid foundation, both financially and spiritually. Mr. N. Matson a few years ago presented this society with a fine toned bell costing five himdred dollars, and his widow, at her death, left them a ten thousand dollar legacy. In 1905 the auditorium was reseated and decorated anew and a fine twenty-five hundred dollar pipe organ was purchased and placed in position, so at the present time the church is modern and the architectural finish is pleasing to the view. The present membership of the church is: Sabhath school 300. men's club 77.

Presbyterian Church

On October 26. 1837, the Presbyterian church of Princeton was organized at the residence of Eev. A. B. Church, with a membership of twentyfour. These first members were previously identified with the Hampshire Colony church, but for certain reasons had ceased to be connected with the mother society and organized for themselves what at that time was known as the Second Congregational church of Princeton. Of this number not one is now living. The first year the services of this church were held in the upper story of Epperson's store, when a frame church was erected about where the present church now stands. In 1844 they voted to chiinge the name and to be Imown thereafter as the Presbyterian church of Princeton. The membership comprises Tuany of our most substantial citizens, and its location is perhaps the most desirable that the city affords: the grounds are shaiied and well kept. The present brick house was built in 1856 at a cost of about fifteen thousand dollars; a now pipe organ was placed in the church, and in 1901 the church wa.s redecorated and reseated ; tl\is. with the annex to the auditorium, render^ it both pleasing and commodious. The ground-; have recently been graded and cement walks laid to the street on the east and north, while the front has been parked to the street with cement boundaries. These improvements, together with its natural advantages, makes it artistic and attractive. The first board of elders were Daniel Eailnson, Austin Bryant, Isaac Brokaw and Sam\iel Carey. The present membership numbers two hundred and ninety-five. Sabbath school 212, men's association 65. The pastorate of this church has, as a rule, been in the hands of able men; in fact, the membership of this society is of such a character that none other would be called. The first pastor was Eev. A. B. Church, who served seven years, and was followed by Eev. John Stoker, one year; Eev. William Perkins, two years and six months : Eev. Ithamer Pillsbury, seven years; Eev. Mr. Carson, a short time; Eev. I. C. Barr, eighteen months ; Rev. I. Milligan, fifteen years and six months; Rev. I. C. Hill, eighteen months ; Rev. D. G. Bradford, five years ; Eev. Mead C. Williams. D. D., from December, 1880, to March, 1892; Rev. Glenroie McQueen, D. D.. from June, 1892. to June. 1896; Eev. Geo. W. Smith, D. D., from December, 1896, to November. 1898 ; Eev. Harrv B. Allen, from Julv, 1899, to November, 1903; Rev. Harry M. Markley, called May, 1904, still pastor.

The English Lutheran church was organized February 27, 1858, in Bascom and White's hall. At this time twenty-five persons became members. The first deacons were Lorenzo Kaar. J. S. Miller; and George Kaar and J. Boyer were appointed elders. Their first church was built in 1864 and cost eighteen hundred dollars ; later a parsonage was purchased at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. The present church was erected in 1893 and cost eight thousand dollars. It is pleasantly located on ^fain street, and the interior is well arranged and the grounds have recently been improved. The membership numbers 364 ; Salibath school, 275; Christian Endeavor, 52; Men's club, 43. The following are the different pastors : S. Harbaugh. January, 1858. to August. 1858 ; A. A. Trimper. August.' 1858, to Januarv. 1859; S. Ritz, Mav. 1861, to November, 1861; D. Harbaugh. November, 1861, to Januarv. 1863: D. S. Altnian. January. 1863 to March 1865 ; D. Harbaugh. March. 18G5. to September, 1865; D. Harbaugh, June, 1866, to September, 1866 ; J. Elser, September, 1866, to March. 1868; C. A. Gelwicks, x\ugust, 1868, to August, 1872; J. W. Elser. October. 1873, to Julv, 1877; W. Eemsberg. Julv. 1877, to Mav. 1882: A. J. B. Kast, October, i882, to October, 1S84: D. P. Grosscup, Mav. 1885. to November. 1887; V. A. Tressler, April, 1888, to April. 1889: H. M. Bannen, June 1890, to April, 1896 ; C. E. Derr, June. 1896, to August, 1898 ; J. W. Eichelberger. one year ; C. J. Keifer. March. 1900. to September. 1903: M. W. Horn. February, 1904.

Jlow, Jonatliiiii aud Eliza Irelaiul, Daniel Bryant, Clark and ^lary Bennett, John M. Yearnsliaw, Rachel and Juliett Radclilf, Elmira Elstoii. Sarali .Minier, Mary Hayes, W. M. How and Margaret McEhvain were the original members of this church. Their meetings were first in what wa.* called the Commissioners" House, near the court house. In 184G they built a brick church on the side of the court house square. President Garfield preached there one Sabbatli about the time of the commencement of the war in 1861. Their present house of worship was built in 18T0. It is a fine brick church and is located on South Main street and cost eleven thousand dollars. Rev. Isaac Errett, of Cincinnati, conducted the dedication ceremonies.

The earliest record of any prciU'hiiig by Congregational ministers in Buda is of services held in an old log schoolhouse in the edge of French Grove, by Wm. F. Vaill. And after this Mr. Lyman, of Sheffield, preached occasionally' for two years before the organization of Iho cliurch ; and one year after that time, statedly.

In response to letters missive a council met at the house of Josepli Foster, in Buda, October 17, 1856, for the purpose of organizing a Congregational dnirch. The following menilicrs composed that cniincij :

December 31. 1861, the number of members being thirty, it was voted to erect a house of worship. It is quaintly stated that it was to 'cost not less than fifteen hundred dollars." Rev. S. H. Kellogg was pastor at that time and inspired the little company with zeal and courage and the work was accom]ilislied. though it was at the opening of the civil war. when material wa.s costly and help scarce.

From the Church Building Society - then the .Vmerican Congregational Union - two hxmdred and fifty dollars were borrowed and promptly repaid. A miinlii'r were added to the church about this iinic.

The dedication of the lunv building was a joyful iKcasion. It was expected that Jonathan Blanehard, D. D., would preach the sermon. He failed to arrive, the congregation were waiting. Rev. David Todd, of Providence, 111., was present and without time for preparation took the place of the missing man and preached a sermon which his hearers felt could not have been excelled. Beginning in 1871 the cliurch united with Sheffield ill joint ])astorate for ten years. Since that time eight pastors have ministered to this church.

This church has always stood firmly and radically against all the evils of the day and has been a hel|)fiil factor in civic reform and in promoting and maintaining religious and educational life.

During its entire history the church has contributed liherallv to the various benevolent and missionary societies. The different departments of the loocil work are well sustained today. The church building has been twice enlarged. In 1904 it was redecorated; in 1905 the basement was enlarged and cemented, thus conip'eting a beautiful and well equipped editicc.

The original members have all passed away and of those who were members at the time the church was erected only two remain with us - Jlrs. A. A. Beckwith and Mrs. M. J. Marlin.

Danish Lutheran Chcech. Sheffield

Motto : Justification by Faith. Organized October "^5, isG'J. by Rev. Clausen, St. Ansgar, Iowa, with thirty-three members. It is the oldest congregation of the Danish Evangelical Lutheran church in America. Eroni 1869 to 1873 services were held monthly by pastors from surrounding districts. The meetings were held in the Free Methodist church. In 1880 a church was built fifty-six feet long and thirtytwo wide, with a steeple seventy-five feet high. The parsonage was built in 1891. The church property is valued at four thousand dollars. From 1883 regular meetings have been held every Sunday. The church membership in 1883 was eightyeight. At the present time the membership is two hundred. Sunday school forty. Eev. Miller served eight years, Eev. Blishfield served two 3'ears, Eev. Jaygaard served two years, Eev. Ensmussen, present pastor, three years.

Neponset Conguegational Church

"At a meeting of members of different Congregational churches living in the town of Brawby, April 21, 1855, to consult the propriety of organizing a church in said town, it was moved by Mr. Ebenezer Kent that we proceed to organize a clmrch, which motion was carried." Tlius read the first records of the Congregational church. They further state that on that date Ebenezer Kent and wife, B. C. Strout and Abbie, his wife. Hale G. Wright and Margaret M., his wife, Elizabeth .T. Wriglit, Charles Kent and Lucinda, his wife, united by letter, and "Mrs. W. W. Clark upon profession of faith. The name chosen for the church was the "First Orthodox Congi-egational Church of Neponset." Hale G. Wright and B. C. Strout were appointed deacons. Rev. Samuel G. AVright acted as moderator and Charles Kent as clerk. On the same date at the house of Ebenezer Kent the "First Orthodox Congregational Society of Neponset" was formed, with Ezenezer Kent, Charles Kent and Hale G. Wright as trustees. Within a few years (be nii'mhcrs of this society numbered forty-six men.

In 1857, upon motion of S. Dorr, it was voted to employ Eev. L. Robbins for one year, provided he accept two hiindred dollars from this society and rely upon the Illinois Home Missionarv Association for the remainder of his salary. Evidentlv the church prospered, for one year later Rev. C. H. Pierce was called to the pastorate with a salary of five hundred dollars. Mr. Pierce replied : "I herewith transmit my acceptance." The salary offered is under the circumstances very liberal and bespeaks a commendable generosity, especially as it indicates a purpose to subserve liere the interests of morality and religion though sacrifice and self-denial be tbe cost"

In March, 1859, there is a record showing that the church was represented by pastor at the National Council of Congregational churches held at Chicago, and six loyal members of the society contributed fifty cents to one dollar each "to defray his expenses." The record closes with a notice of "adjournment to the first Monday in April at early candle light." In this year Isaac B. Blake was elected deacon. For several years the church services were usually held in a school - house. At a meeting called in the spring of 1862 to consider the erection of a church building, Rev. C. M. Barnes, the third pastor, said among other things : "Congregationalism is essential to the true prosperity of a community," and moved "that we jiroceed immediately to build a churcli or meeting house." One man was selected from each school district to raise the funds. The building committee elected by ballot consisted of I. B. Blake, C. JI. Barnes and Orin Ilasard. Later Pastor Barnes resigned from this committee and Samuel Dorr was made a member in his place.

Saturday, July 19, 1862. it was decided "tiiat the meeting house should bo tliirty-two by fifty feet, eighteen feet high, with a steep ; that there should be one entry, twelve feet by eight feet; and that the pulpit be at the end opposite the door ; that the signers' seats be in front of the entry and that they be raised eight inches."

Dr. Helms, of lot selection committee, made a short report and it was resolved that we accept the two lots offered to the society by the Neponsei Town Company. There was considerable discussion whether the church should face the north or the west. The house of worship was dedicated on March 2, 1864. The exercises were as follows: Introductory prayer. Rev. Lemuel Pomeroy, of Wetliersfield : sermon. Rev. Edward Beecher, of Galesburg; dedicatory prayer. Rev. Samuel G. Wright, of Galva.

At this service Rev. Flavel Bascom. of Dover, made an appeal to the people on the importance of removing the debt of one himdred and eighty dollars, and two hundred and fifty dollars was raised. Rev. Van-Wagner, of Kewanee, and Rev. .1. E. Eoy, of Cliicago, were present, and Brother Roy remained and held a four days' meeting.

Rev. S. Ordway became pastor about a year after the dedication of the church, and in 1866 Rev. S. G. Wright entered upon a live-year pastorate and Richard W. Tanner and William Stevenson were elected dencons and oi'dain"d to that office. The year following Wai'roii I). W'haples and Orren Ilasard were ('leeted anil installed as deacons.

Tlie pastorates of Kev. Victor Loba and Kev. W. E. llolyoke covered about three years each. During tlie remaining twenty-two years the church lias been served by seven pastors, namely : Rev. E. L. Hill, of Kansas City, Kansas, 1883-85: Rev. 0. 0. Smith, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, 1886-91 ; Rev. F. G. Smith, of Chicago, 1891-94; Rev. H. M. Richardson, of Boulder. Colorado, 1S9.5-99: Rev. S. A. Miller, of Peoria, III.. 1900-01 ; Rev. A. A. Robertson, of Rockwell, Iowa, 1901-02; and th.' present pastor, Kev. H. L. Ilartwell. Of the ex-pastors eight are still living.

The following persons now living have held membership in the Neponset Congregational ihurch for over thirty-six years: Eliza J. Craig. united in 18C3; William Stevenson, 1864; Joseph M. Stetson, 1866 : Marv E. Whaples, 1866 : Elizabeth Buswell. 1867 : Jane Gunning, 1867 ; Thomas J. Gunning, 1868: Phoebe A. Dorr, 1869.

The largest number of additions to membership in any one year was forty-five in 1860. In all about tlirec hundred and lifty have held membership. The present membership is one hundred and nine.

Providence Church

The Congregational Church of Providence in the township of Indiantown was organized on June 22, 1841, with fifteen members. The present meeting house was dedicated October 23. 1870. This church for some years was connected with Wyaiiot, but it soon became self-susta'ning, and is now in a prosperous condition. Kev. David Todd was pastor of this church for twenty-five years. He was much attached to the good people of his congregation, al.«o they to him. Rev. Todd was a very conscientious and zealous worker in religious matters. Since 1893 the church and jiarsonage have been thoroughly repaired, new- furnaces in both, also cement walks for both, and new sheds for horses, so that now everything ha« an air of thrift. The present membership is 117. From 1880 to 1882. Rev. Henry Wilson was pastor.

Methodist Church. Xeponset

The Methodi.^t Episcopal Church of Neponset was organized a few miles north of corporation. The members were John Norton and wife, Mary Norton, George Norton, Mary Hall and others. The meetings were held in different houses, but after 1853 the home of George Norton was the meeting place until 1855, when a church was built in Neponset. In 1864, this house was remodeled and used for a parsonage and a new church was built in 1866. costing four thousand iive hundred dollars. In 1841, when this church was organized, there were but two houses in the township, and they were William Studley's and William Norton's log cabins. The pastors who have officiated in this church are as follows : Commencing in 1840, Brothers Walter A\liitcomb, Anthonv, W. C. Cummings, David Oliver, P. C. and" B. F. Bestor. A. P.: H. J. Humphrey, P. C, and Brotliers Dav, A. P.; A. Wool'scraft, P. C. : William Fidler,'A. P.; Rev. J. M. Hinman, H. J. Humphrev. C. Lazenbv, P. C. : William Bremner, A. P.;"S. B. Smith,' P. C; Robert Hoover. A. P.; W. J. Smith, P. C. : Fieldon Smith, A. P. : Rev. C. M. Wright. J. T. Whitson, .T. S. Cummings, W. P. Graves. W. J. Giddings. -f. D. Smith, G. W. Gue. Elijah Ransom, J. E. Rutlcdse, M. C. Bowling, Thomas Watson, .). J. Flehartz. William Woolev, M. Y. B. White: T. J. Wood. 1880-81 : D. T. Wilson, 1882-83 : R. Barton. 1884-85: J. A. Northrup, 1886-88: David McLish, 1889-90; C. T. Cadv, 1891-92: J. Q. Adams, 1893-95: S. P. ArcheV, 1896-98: R. W. Ames, 1899 : J. D. Smith. 1900-01 : J. B. Bartie, 1902-1904: E. E. Shawl, 1905. In 1892 the Epworth League mom was added to the church, also other rejiairs, with a total cost. $1,400: present member-siiii). 115: Sunday school, 90.

Rev. Wm. M. Murtaugh, rector: assistant priests: Father Marion, January, 1900-October, 1001 : Father P. J. Ahearn : Kev. Wm. J. Durmmv. 1902-1904; Rev. Thos. J. Fitzgerald, 1904; h'ev. Martin Gr'ffy. 1901-1905. Until July. 1905, the Shfinpld Church sujiplied and had charge of the churches in Tiskilwa. Princeton and Wyanet. At this time a division was made in the parish, when Tiskilwa had a resident priest. Rev. George Pierson, and included Princeton in the next parish. Wyanet is still connected with the St. Patrick's parish, but is preparing to erect a building and maintain her own services. Although quite a large number of former residents of the pari.sh are now living at Kewanee, Moline, Rock Lsland and Davenjiort and some at various points on the C. R. I. &' P. railroad, the congregation has maintained a favorable growth, due

St. Patrick's Church is a brick edifice with stone trimmings, beautiful spire and a bell of rich tone. The church is heated by furnace and lighted by electricity. The interior compares favorably with that of many of the metropolitan churches in the fresco work, the altars, statuary and illumination. Fine cement walks approach the church from the street, and flowers and shrubs ornament the ground.^;. The Presbytery is a two-story frame building, heated and lighted like church and well furnished. There is a large library of over 1,200 volumes. The church has no debt to burden its members, owns its cemetery and a block of land besides.

The first family of this sect came to Putnam county in 1835 or 1836, from Ohio. In the family, whose name wa.s Burchey, were four boys, Daniel, Christian, Fredrick and Jacob, the latter being a minister of the gospel, and thus was a nucleus formed for the Mennonite church, which has been maintained \ip to the present time.

About a year later came another family of the same name with four sturdy sons and one daughter (leaving four daughters in the mother country, Germany). Then from Germany also came Christian Albrecht with six sons and four daughters. Many others joined them from time to time. Until 1867 meetings were held in private parlors, once in three weeks, after this date, and till 1873, they met every two weeks. Then a church building was erected in Indiantown, four miles south of Tiskilwa. This church was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1876. It is now called the Willowspring Church.

The first pastor and deacon was ordained in 1875, Brother Andrew Oesch, pastor; Brother Christian Sears, deacon. When Andrew Oesch removed to Nebraska, Brother Jacob Eingenberg was ordained pastor, and after the death of Brother Sears, Henry V. Albrecht was ordained deacon.

First Baptist Church Of Buda

This church had its beginning in the pioneer work of Elder Wm. McDcrmond. Early in 1858 he held a series of meetings in the schoolhouse and "Sinners Hall." So successful was his work that he gathered together sixty-nine (69), who were organized into a church March 37, 1858. During the same year a church building was erected. Elder McDermond was the first pastor, giving half of his time with Rev. T. H. Ball, who gave like service until January, 1859. The following are names of pastors and date of service: A. Gross. 1859-60; George Bishop, 1861; no pastor, 1862; William McDermond, 1863-64: C. P. Bogart, 1865-66; C. T. Emerson, 1867-69; H. B. Johnson, 1870-71; IT. A. Bnrden. 1873-74; William McDonuond, 1875- 77; H. P. Fitch, 1878-82; J. W. Davis, 1883-84;

The church has enjoyed a high degree of prosperity and is now more effective in its work than at any time in its history. The reconstruction of the old building in 1904 has given the church a beautiful, modern house, well adapted for its use. The church is thoroughly organized and every department is maintaining a high standard of efficiency. The only charter members now living are: James W. Weston, Henry L. Foster and Benjamin F. Waite.

Swedish Mission Church

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Mission Church of Princeton was organized December 14, 1868, and incorporated December 12, 1871. The corporate members were C. G. Swanson, Andrew Johnson, Rapp and John Pierson. The pastors have been as follows: C. P. Mellgreen organized the church and was pastor from 1870-72; P. Wedin, 1873-76; E. A. Echerberg, 1877-80; C.

The church organized witli thirty members, the present church numbers 275. The Sabbath school has a membership of 200. The Y. P. S. C. E. has sixty-six members. Young Ladies' Aid Society, one hundred and twenty members.

First Congregational Church. Sheffield Historical Notice

1. H. Parker, Rev. Asa Prescott, and Rev. A. Lyman. There being no church or school building in the place, the meeting was held in the public house known as the Sheffield House.

The sermon was preaclied by Rev. L. H. Parker, who was moderator of the council, and Rev. A. Lyman was scribe. Nine persons presented themselves (See charter, member list, first page), whose credentials were examined and approved and were organized into a church.

The meetings of the church were at first held in a private house, then in the railroad depot until the close - of the first year. Public worship was then conducted in the school house, which was built in the winter of 1854-1855. Here it continued till tlie autumn of 1857, when the first church building was erected and dedicated to the worship of God. This building, upon which extensive repairs were made in 1855- 1886, continued to be the church home until it gave place to the present beautiful and commodious structure.

The first steps toward securing the new church were taken at a meeting held at the home of Geo. W. Boyden, January 19. 1893. The pastor. Rev. A. W. Ackerman. laid the matter before he people and in a few minutes over $5,000 was pledged for the purpose. A few days later, January 25, the building committee was appointed, who pushed matters so successfully that the corner-stone of the new building was laid June 27, and on December 31, 1893, the dedicatory services were held. The total cost was $7,887.17, and the building was dedicated free from all indebtedness.

Eev. A. Lyman had been the leader m the organization of the church and he became its first pastor, holding that office from the beginning till April, 1868.

Of these ministers, Eevs. Baker, Coleman and Aikman were also pastors of the Buda Congregational Church in connection witli their pastorate in ShelTielil.

At present writing the membership numbers just one hundred. In the church is a strong spirit of unity and progress. The character of the church is perliaps best attested by tlie fact that this last year, 1905, while expending $1,100 for its own maintenance, it contributed $6.30 to benevolent causes. The Sunday school is a marked department of its work. It has a membersliip of one hundred and tliirty-five, with an average attendance of over one humiroil. 'Mr. B. F. Dewey is superintendent.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran of the Augustana Synod, of Princeton, was organized June 16, 1854, by Rev. Larsjaul Esborn. The original members were: P. Fagereranse, E. Webester, N. Linderblad, S. Frid, Niles P. Linquist, Jacob Nvman and Larso .\nilerson. E<^v. T. N. Hasselquist took cliarge of this church for two years, although he lived in Galesljiirg. In 1858 there was no pastor, but in 1859 John Johnson was called to this charge and remained until 1866. This was during the Civil war. Mr. Johnson was intensely patriotic and loyal to his adopted country, and did much to encourage enlistment among his conntrymon. The meetings of this church were held in the James Smith schoolhouse, on the corner of South and Fourth streets until 1856, when they built a frame church, which was occupied until the present modern brick church was erected in 1890, in which was placed a fine pipe organ. The church is one of the best in the city. It is eighty-four feet long, and its greatest width is si.xty feet. The auditorium and the lecture room annex will seat seven hundred people. The church and organ when built cost about $15,000, but if it were being built at the present it would far exceed those figures. The building has fine basement, with kitchen and dining room, with all the necessary attachments to make it pleasant and convenient. This society also has a parochial schoolhouse, where the young people study while fitting to become members. The membership at the present time is 570; Sabbath school numbers 225; Ladies' Aid Society, 140; Young Peoj)les' Society, 150. The pastors following Mr. Johnson were as follows: Aaron Lindholm, 1866- 1872; John Vikstrand, 1872-1880; S. A. Sandohl, 1881-1886; E. Edman, 1886-1888; 0. A. Nelson, 1888-1894: G. A. Carlstron, 1895-1898; G. E. Herndahl, 1898.

Bud.V Ji. E. Ciicrch

The ilethodist Episcopal Church in Buda, Illinois, was organized in 1851, in the old schoolhouse, by Eev. William Smith, who was the first pastor.

Joseph Green was the first class-leader. Among the early members were Mr. and Mrs. John Mason. l\Ir. an(l ^frs. Tliomas Stinson, ilr. and l\[rs. Samuel Zink, Mr. and Mrs. George Kreigor, Elizabeth Stinson, Catherine Zink and Emetine Herbert.

Improvements to the building were made in 189:5 at a cost aggregating one thousand five hundred dollars. The old building was remodeled in 1903 at a cost of two thousand six hundix'd dollars, making a modern, beautiful and convenient church.

The Methodist Protestant Church, of Princeton, was organized in 1838 by Rev. P. J. Strong. The original members were Thomas Mercer and wife, Ellis Mercer and wife, Samuel Triplett and wife, Daniel Young and wife, William Mercer, Elizabeth Mercer, Barrie Mercer, Thomas Mercer, Moses Mercer and Enos Watson. The first church was built in 1838, soon after the organization. The present church was built in 1867 at a cost of eleven thousand dollars, and was dedicated in 1868. In 1896 the church was remodeled and added to, making it a neat and attractive building. The church has added seventy members the past year. The present member.?hip is 122 ; Sabbath school, 100; men's club. 14. The pastors of this church are as follows: P. J. Strong, Daniel Bagley, F. Dowd, Dr. Ives, Dr. Fowler, Dr. Martin, William Ross, J. C. Johnson, Daniel Y'oung, W. W. Williams, F. F. Sellen, J. M. Mayall, 1868 ;

The Baptist Church of Princeton was organized in 1836 with thirteen communicants. The original members were »Stephen and Polly Triplett, Aquilla Triplett, Elizabeth Triplett, W. H. and Lucinda Wells, Isaac and Rebecca Spangler, Edward and Lucinda Triplett. Mr. Bagley and wife and James Hanirick. In 1844 a small church was built and when the present building was erected and dedicated in 1873, the old church was sold to the colored people and is now the African Methodist Church of Princeton. The Baptist Church has had its periods of hope and depression, but they have never wavered in the faith of the fathers and have kejit up their church interest through all the years that have come and gone until now her membership exceeds that of any other period of her history.

From 1856 to 1858 Rev. F. B. Ives occupied the pulpit, and they were years of prosperity, the church membershin at that time numbering 160. From various causes, principally from lack of church accommodations and the frequent change of pastors, the church decreased in nund)ers until only thirty-five active members remained. These members were not dismayed at the condition of all'airs, but relying upon the promises of the ever living God they went forward with full faith that in due time they would reap if they fainted not. Accordingly they recalled Rev. F. B. Ives and commenced a new church, and on the day of dedication their beautiful new house, costing ten thousani] dollars, flung her banner to the breeze without one dollar of indebtedness.

In 1893 the church erected a new and modern parsonage, which is located on West Peru street. In 1886 the semi-centennial anniversary of the organization of the church was celebrated. In 1901 it was remodeled and rededicated, using the one thousand dollars donated by Deacon 0. S. Phelps and wife for that purpose. Under the present pastor. Rev. S. B. Dexter, the Baptist society has taken under its charge the Coal Hollow church in Selby, Heaton's Point Church in Bureau and the United Brethren Church in Manlius. To supply these charges Rev. Dexter has an assistant. The church membership is 300; Sabbath school, 100.

Historical Sketch Of The Church Of Christ Walnut, Illinois

In April, 1893, R. B. Brown, of Yale, Michigan, came to Walnut, and finding a few scattered disciples, persuaded them to meet and worship, in the Opera House. In August, 1892, S. S. Jones, of Champaign, Illinois, and Frank Moffett, of Sterling, Illinois, assisted in a series of meetings which resulted in the organization of the Church of Christ in Walnut. Mark Shirk and J. W. Ross were elected elders and Henry Long and William Fuller deacons.

It was then decided to build a house of worship. A suitable lot was donated by James Fuller and subscriptions were taken to build the church. The building committee was Theodore Ennes, M. C. Stearns, E. Atkinson, Wm. Fordham and J. W. Ross. James Fuller, Henry Long and J. W. Ross were elected trustees. The building cost about three thousand three hundred dollars and was dedicated April 1, 1893. S. S. Jones assisted in the dedicatory services.

M. C. Stearns, J. W. Ross, James Fuller, Theodore Ennes. Henry Long, E. Atkinson, John Whitver, Andrew Ross and others donated liberally to the enterprise. Among those who have served the church as pastors were C. H. Bass, C. E. Evans, Will F. Shaw, J. R. Golden, F. A. Sword and R. L. Beshers, who is the present minister. The church lias had a constant growth in numbers and influence. The present nu'mbership is about 350. It has a good Sunday school, a Y. P. S. C. E., a Ladies' Aid Society, a church

The Wesleyan, of West Bureau, was organized in 1844 by Rev. Rufus Lumry with the following members: George Hinsdale, George Bennet, Mary Bennet, Samuel Fay, Mary Fay, Sarah Stratton, Flavel Thurston and Eleanor Thurston. The pastors up to date have been as follows: Milton Smith. Simeon Austin, John M. Fard, J. Pinkncv, William Whittin, B. B. Palmer, P. Baker, H. T. Bessie, H. Hawkins, A. R. Brooks, William Pinkney, E. S. Wheeler and G. P. Riley. Up to this time we are unable to give the terms of services of the different ministers but the following are given with date of service: Rev. William Pinkney was called as pastor August IG, 1879, and resigned September 3, 1801, when Rev. E. E. Reed was called and served until September, 1895. Rev. J. L. Clark supplied the church for a few months and in May, 1896, James G. Brooks commenced his pastorate, which continued until September, 1901. During his pastorate the parsonage was built at an expense of one thousand two hundred dollars, the church remodeled in the interior and new sheds erected, and about fortyfive new members were added to the church membership. In October, 1901, Rev. Charles E. Stebbins, of Syracuse, New York, was called and continued until October G, 1906. During Rev. Stebbins' connection with the church considerable improvement was made. A furnace was placed in the parsonage and an addition joined to the church building. The clnirch was greatly strengthened by the addition of heads of families in the community. During Rev. Stebbins' labors there were added sevenfrv-one members. Eleven of these have been ceded to Hickey Grove Church, which is supplied from this church.

The first church building was erected in 1852. In 1883 a more commodious ediiice was built at a cost of three thousand two hundred dollars. The following year (1884) occurred a great revival of religion and in 1887 a parsonage was built, the debt being entirely lifted in 1894. In 1897 the church was repaired and painted.

This church was organized by Rev. Owen Lovejoy May 13, 1840, with the following members, viz. : Zenas Church, Julia Church, Benjamine Mather, Airs. Francis Dodge, David Lloyd, Timothy Edwards, Mrs. Catharine Edwards, David Wells, .\saph N. Brown, Lyman and Margaret Eastman, T. P. Rust, Hannah Dodge and Mrs. Maria Sapp. Their tirst church was erected in 1849, costing one thousand five hundred dollars, the second one in 1863 at a cost of five thousand dollars. For a number of years the basement or first story of the first house was used for a schoolroom, thus helping to perpetuate the original idea of Congregationalism that education must go hand in hand with religion to make strong, symmetrical character. The second building was burned to ashes on Sunday morning, February 10, 1867. But, nothing daunted, this zealous people rebuilt, expending this time nine thousand dollars.

The La Moille Baptist Church was organized on May 5, 1838, by Rev. Thomas Parnell, Rev. Henry Headly, Aaron Gunn and James Graw. The original members were John Hetzler, Timothy Perkins, Adam and Mary Spaulding, Joseph and Mary Fassett, Moses and Eliza Bowen and J. T. Holbrook. It was the strongest church in the Ottawa Association for many years and one of the strongest in the state outside of Chicago. Considerable wealth is represented and the benevolences have been phenomenal. Many strong men and women, whose religious life began in this church have gone to the east and to the west, to the north and the south, and are now taking prominent part in religious work in their respective communities. Thus the little church organized sixty-eight years ago has set in motion influences which are continually expanding.

Arlington- Presbyterian Church

The Presljyteriau Church of Arlington was organized February 31. 1S59. Eevs. J. S. Henderson nf Mendota. J. Milligan of Princeton and J. ('. Barr of Maiden, conducting the exercises of organization. After a sermon by Eev. Henderson from Jeremiah 50 :4-5 the following charter memliers were received :

The First Congregational Church of Wyanet, Illinois, was organized in the month of September, 1866. Eev. Lucius Parker was chosen to be its first pastor. The charter members numbered 34. Since that time down to this writing thirteen pastors have ministered to the spiritual needs of this congregation, and the membei-sliip has increased year by year until the charter memliership has been multiplied almost nine times, the ])resent number of communicants being two hundred and thirteen. The following is a list of the pastors, with the dates of their pastorates here:

De Pue Congregational Church

The congregational church of De Pue, Illinois, was organized November 26, 1885, by Eev. W. P. Pease. The following persons united at that time : F. G. Brainard June F. Pope

Methodist Episcopal Church Of Iialden

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Maiden. Illinois, was organized in 1856 by the pastor, Eev. Forrest, with six meuibers. Their meetings were held in a school house until 1867, their present building was erected, at a cost of about six thousand dollars. During the latter 3'ears the following pastors have presided :

Congregational Church Of Bureau

The Congregaticuuil Church of Bureau, Illinois, was organized December, 1887. Church edifice erected in 1888 with an original membership of sixteen. The first jiastor was Eev. E. A. Paddock. Following w-erc Eev. William Smith, 1889-91: Eev. Parker Hurless, 1891-96; ]{ev. M. W. Williams and Eev. W. S. 'i^ieker, 1896-97 ; Eev. D. J. Torrens, 1897-1000. The ]Mvseni paslor is Eev.

Piirkcr llurless, wlio has otiitiated since 1901. The ])resent membership is one hiinilreJ ami si.xty. The Sunday School memliership cue liundred and five. Mrs. J. H. McLaiu is clerk.

The First t'oiigregatioual Church of Spring A'ailey was organized September 5, 188C, by Kev. .7. A. Uritlin. under tiie diiection of the Illinois Congregational Home Missionary Society, with a membei-sliij) of twenty-three. The church building was dedicated December 21, 1887.

The cinireh is at the present time being repainted and decorated at an expense of $400.00. During the pastorate of Dr. Wilson, from 1896 to 1900, institutional features were added iu the way of parlors, reading rooms and gymnasium, which have ])roven useful adjuncts to the church.

In the spring of 18.").") ilcv. T. L. Pomeroy and wile, ^[r. and ^Frs. Obadiah Weaver, ilr. and Mrs. William Frankcnbergcr. and Mrs. Crittenden, met and organiy,('<l a .Methodist society. ^Ir. Pomeroy being a local ])reacher, preached to them during the summer and in the fall received an appointment from conference to the '"Bureau ]\Iissions," or, as the appointnu'nt read, "Wyanet, West Bureau an<l the regions beyond." The same fall a Sunday school was organized with (ieorge Mason as superintimdent. In }S:'>{'> conference api)oinled S. W. .McCausland to ^\'yanet. He .served two years. .1. S. David followed, serving one year. During his pastorate a school house was built and .services, which had been held in private honu's, were transferred to the school house. 'J'his house stood on the site of the Jonas Peterson house. Eater a new school house was built on the corner north of this house and tor years it served as school and church. Rev. llimebangh followed Rev. J. S. David, ri'maining one year, and he was followed by Rev. William Foreman, who occupied the charge from I860 to 1862. During th(> first year of his pnstorate, the first church was built, "with great elfort and sacrilice" (as tradition informs us). During the following two years Rev. W. II. Fisher served the church and received nuuh credit for liquidating the debt existing, which he did by means of a picnic excursion to Rock Island, chartering a train and charging the modest fare of $1.2.3 for the round tri]j. The attractions at Rock Ishuiil were the govt-rnment works and a warlike band of Indians who were held there as prisoners. The net result was $T00, one hundred of which were given the pastor as a reward for services.

In 186.") Mr. McReady, a brilliant young man from the east, was sent hert', ijut becoming dissatisfied, leturiied home in a few weeks. lie was followed by Rev. Smith, but circumstances did not allow him to remain long, and Rev. Curtis was sent to fill out the year.

Rev. H. C. Ilari-ison came in 1887 but stayed only a few weeks. Rev. D. C. Washburn filling out the year, who raised $200 to com])lete paynuMit on a lot bought during Rev. Mettler"s jwstorate. and $.50 to finish payment on parsonage barn.

Rev. J. M. Wheaton came in 1888. During the pastorates of Rev. David and Rev. Cross ri-vivals had occurred, but under Rev. Wheaton"s labors one of the greatest revivals in the history of the church occurred, and many accessions to the iluirch were received, and attention was calleil to the fact that a new church was necessary, and Rev. Wheaton threw his wliolo life into the work and on March 30, 1890, Dr. IT. W. Bolton, of Chicago, dedicated one of the most beautiful churches in the conference. He was aided in the services by Rev. Strobridge. of i'rinceton, and P. E. Dandy. The church was declicaied free of debt. Too much praise cannot be given Kev. Wheaton lor his work lirTc. As soon as the church was off his hands he luul the old church moved to a lot adjoining the new church and renmdeled into n splendid parsonage. R'ev. Wheaton was followed by Rev. T. C. Warrington, I891-III : .\. S. Mason, 1891-!l.5; John

On the evening of January 3-4, 1896, just as people were retiring, the alarm of the fire bell called our attention to the fact that the beautiful church was, inside, a sea of flames, and when morning dawned it showed the bare walls of the church and the parsonage badly scorched. Rev. John Hitchcock duplicated Rev. J. M. \Vheaton"s grand work, and rebuilding went on, and on Sunday, September 13, 1896, the jjresent edifice was dedicated by Rev. Dr. A. D. Traveller, our present presiding elder, and Rev. G. C. Clark, then presiding elder of the district.

In February, 1906, Rev. William Sunday held a revival in Princeton, Illinois, at which series of meetings many people or our village were awakened. The work was continued by our pastors and the result netted over a hundred accessions to our church, making our membership over two hundred, and under the faithful labors of Rev. Bellamy the church is in a very prosperous condition, socially, financially, and, best of all, spiritually.

First Coxgrkgatioxal Church, Seatonville

Previous to 1897 at Ottsville and in Scatonville, Illinois, a Sunday school was held with varying degrees of success, directed largely by Charles Michael and Mrs. D. G. Stewart. On September 10. 1897. Rev. J. W. Wilson, of Spring Valley, Illinois, after some lecturing and preaching, led in a movement to organize a Congreational church. The following churches and ministers were invited to form a council to review the matter and formally recognize the organization. The council was held September 23, 1897, and the following wQi-Q invited :

The Ladies' Aid Society was organized October 18, 1897, and has continually done good work. April 21, 1898, plans were made for the building of a church and contract was let to J. B. Hess, of Spring N'alley, whose contract, together with furnishings, amounted to about $.5,000. The building was dedicated November 13, 1898, when $750 was raised to pay all indebtedness but the $500 grant from the Congregational Church Building Society.

In October, 1899, a parsonage was commenced and finished at a cost of about $2,500, Rev. T. R. Egerton. then pastor, doing a good deal of carpenter work and suggesting much of the plan of the building. Five hundred dollars was borrowed from the church building society, two-thirds or more of which has been paid during the present pastorate. In February. 1900, closed a series of special meetings by the pastor. Rev. Egerton, aided by Rev. J. M. Sutherland. Fifty-nine wore con- \erted, 53 united with the church, and 21 were baptized. Septendjer 28, 1899, Rev. Herbert Ilaynes was ordained to the Christian ministry. .M)out 300 people have been members of this church during these years, but the restlessness of a mining town makes the number vary. Many helpful spiritually and financially have moved away, Ijut there are still true hearts. The Sunday school has always been good. The pastors are :

Sunday School Superintendents - W. P. Schaffer. Morgan J. Greener, Charles T. Fletcher, John \V. Decker. The church has passed through many trying experiences, but by the co-o])eration of the people and friends is aliout free of debt. The present pastor has during the three years of work also held service at Dalzell and Cherry, and a church organization and building is soon to be in both places.

Rev. William A. Sunday In Princeton

Probably no event in the history of Princeton ever so conipleti'ly absorbed the attention and provoked so much discussion as the advent of William A. Sunday within her borders. Not even the firinj; on Fort Sumter in sixty-one caused such an intense and general upheaval in public sentiment as was brought about by his coming. Long before his first appearance his influence seemed to pervade the whole community. It was like the distant muttorings of an approaching storm which comes nearer and nearer until at last it bursts in all its fury upon the fated spot and lashes the earth with its terrilile vengeance and the frenzietl people flee for safety. So, in the case of Rev. Mr. Sunday, his coming was a veritable religious cyclone that moved upon the hearts and minds of the people until nearly the whole community swayed, tottered, and fell before his irresistible power. Men who were loudest in <lenouncing his methods were among the first to fall before his well aimed shafts. Night after night and day after day came the people from city, town, and country, by railroad, in carriages, on horseback, and on foot ; but they came ; mud, zero weather, rain, or snow had no effect in keeping people away. "To the tabernacle? was the slogan, and to the tabernacle they went. From five, ten, twenty, and thirty miles away the people came; the tabernacle was tilled, overflow meetings were held, churches were opened to the public for reception rooms for those who came from a distance. The truth and error that emanated from these meetings will never be correctly chronicled until the recording angel shall dip his pen into the ink of time and write upon sacred tablets of the great bej'ond the true and wonderful story of William A. Sunday in Princeton.

The first preliminary action in regard to the coming of Mr. Sunday was taken at the Ministers' Association of this city early in May, 190.3, and it was decided to leave it to the churches. Accordingly, on May 7, 1895, the subjec-t was presented to the different churches and committees were appointed from all of them except the Swedish Lutheran and Methodist Protestant, their pastors being absent at the time.

A meeting was called at 4 o'clock the same day at the M. E. church, and the following persons were present: llev. Welch, Congregational ; Rev. Slaughter, Methodist : Rev. Evans, Christian; Rev. Markiey, Presi)yterian; W. A. Johnson, E. W. Young," W. IT. Johnson, David Yearing, Jr., Dr. A. E. Owins. S. Nelson, G. Christofferson, Frank Anderson, C. 0. Dalhed, A. L. Anderson, Clarence Anderson, S. Pierson, Dr. L. D. Hick-man, Dr. M. H. Black-man, Dr. W. C. Griswold. D. L. Allen, C. L. Prutzman, James Jorden. 0. Wickev, E. Trimmer, Fred Young, W. S. Booth, C. 0.' White, J. .\. Brigham, E. A. Vaughn, C. J. Dunbar, H. Cray. R. .Vorton. G. \. Rugg. n. P. Salmon. G. Brvant, M. G. Clark, and 11. H. Priestley. At this meeting an organization was perfected by electing W. A. Johnson president; Howard Priestley, secretary; H. C. Roberts, treasurer. A committee of five from each church was also appointed and the secretary was instructed to correspond with Rev. Mr. Sunday and make the earliest possilde date and also his terms of contract.

On May 22 another meeting was held and a letter was read from Mr. Sunday stating his terms of contract and naming February, 1906, the time he would reserve for Princeton. After a short discussion in regard to the necessary arrangements Dr. W. C. Griswold moved that the association extend invitation to Rev. W. A. Sunday to come to Princeton in February, 1906, if possible, on the tenns and conditions indicated in his communication to Secretarv H. H. Priestley under date i)f May 13, 1906. The motion was unanimously adopted. Then followed a discussion in regard to the name of the association. It was finally decided that it should be given the title of the Tabernacle Association."

The next meeting of the association was held October 29, 1905, at which time the following executive committee was appointed, consisting of one from each church : Congregational, E. A. Vaughn; Presbyterian, C. H. Boggs; Swedish Mission, S. Pierson : Swedish Congregational. .Tohn Hed; Christian. Dr. W. C. Griswold; Baptist, W. A. Johnson; Swedish Baptist, S. Nelson; Lutheran, W. S. Booth ; Methodist Protestant, U. J. Hayden ; Methodist Episcopal, Harry Bailey. The name of IT. H. Priestley was added to the executive committee and he was made its secretary.

At a meeting of the association on November 26, 1905, the following named men were appointed a committee to locate the tabernacle ; Herman Gray, C. 0. ^Miite, Frank Anderson. Guy Bryant, John Hed, and S. L. Bailey were appointed as a building committee, and a financial committee consisting of one from each church was selected.

The location committee reported in favor of the Fisher lots, on the east side of Pleasant street, and the building committee reported that the architecture of the tabernacle had been decided upon and the bid of A. L. Davis & Son for its erection had also been accepted, and that the work would be commenced on November 28. 1905. It was voted to incorporate the organization under the state law governing churches and other religious bodies. Accordingly the association, with its bv-laws, was incorporated November 27, 1905. The following are the articles of incorporation:

"I. Watts A. Johnson, do solemnly swear that at a meeting of the members of the tlnion Tabernacle Association of Princeton, Illinois, held at the M. E. church building, at and in the city of Princeton, in Bureau county. Illinois, on tlie 26th day of November. A. D. 1905, for the purpose of tho election of trustees, the following named persons were elected, namely : A. E. Owens, Thomas Palmer and A. L. Anderson, trustees of said association, according to the by-laws of said association, and said association then and there adopted the corporate name, to-wit. Union Tabernacle Association of Princeton, Illinois. And at said meeting this officer acted as chairman thereof and H. H. Priestley as secretary thereof.

Finally all arrangements were made and a tabernacle was erected. 129 feet long by lOS feet wide, lighted witli gas inside and electricity on the outside, with seating capacity for about 3,300 people. The ground was covered with fine shavings to keep out the dampness; elevated seats were placed at the east end, with room enough for a choir of three hundred singers; two pianos, a large number of stringed instruments, clarionets, brass horns, and about three hundred singers, led by Professor Fischer, constituted the choir. The whole building was heated by five large furnaces. At last everything was completed and on February 2, 1906, William A. Sunday, assisted by Rev. Mr. Honeywell, appeared upon the scene. At first his style of argument was such that many seemed incensed at its pointedness, but the work went on until thirty-eight days had passed, si.\ty-six sermons had been preached, $3,922 had been contributed for current expenses, and 2,325 converts reported. Then came the final closing. On Sunday, March 11, the last sermon was preached, and the collection taken on thut day went to pay Rev. Mr. Sunday for his labors, which amounted to $5,076. This, with the $3,922 for expenses, made $8,998 for the Sunday meetings. In this contribution there were nine who gave fifty dollars each, thirty-two who gave twenty-five dollars each, two who gave twenty dollars each, three who gave fifteen dollars each, and forty who gave ten dollars each. The balance was made up of smaller amounts.

Rev. Mr. Sunday left Princeton on the evening of March 12, 1906. Some six or seven hundred accompanied him to the station to say their goodbyes. While waiting for the train sacred songs were sung and the band played pathetic and patriotic airs. At last the train came rumbling in and William A. Sunday, amid sighs and cheers, stepped upon the rear platform, waved his last adieu, while the engine, like a thing of life, quietly moved its ponderous wheels on toward its destination, leaving the gathered crowd sorrowfully gazing at the minister's receding form until it was lost in the gathering darkness, when they quietly and silently returned to their homes and the drama was ended.