Christian County, Illinois - Chapter 14, 1880 (part 1 of 4)

Compiled By Prof. J. R. Edmonds

OHN M. RATION and Milan S. Beckwitli, prompted to do sometiiing in the line of benevolence, went forth to collect some money for the benefit of an itinerant M. E. ^Minister, when perchance they called on Franklin L. Saunders, and daring the conversation learned that he was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Patton goes home and informs his mother that he had found a Presbyterian ! With this information, that good Christian woman, herself a member of the same church, was much pleased, and expressed a desire to hear some Presbyterian preaching. These men, acting on this suggestion, arranged that Mr. Saunders should go to Vandiilia, by the next train, the residence of the Rev. Joseph Gordon, a Presbyterian minister, and invite him to visit and preach in Pana. The invitation was accepted, and the Rev. Gordon came the same week and preached for that people, on the evening of the 23d of April, 185G. He says : " Jly first sermon and several that succeeded it were delivered in a little house about 10x16 feet, owned and used by M. S. Beckwith as a ware-room for stowing away goods, and boxes, which then stood, and is still standing on the alley west of the old meeting-house." Some of these boxes were put out to make room, others arranged for seats, and one used as a pulpit. The ladies sat on the boxes and sacks, in the house, and the men on the boxes and hastily improvised seats on the outside. At times the little church house proved too small for the congregation. The floor was very open, and the cracks revealed a number of pigs rubbing around, which caused the ladies not a little uneasiness.

though the preaching and place of worship may have been wanting in some of the adornments and taste of modern times, the common people, (all were common then,) heard the message gladly. This house was built originally for a school-house. It then fronted on the open prairie, standing on tlie rear of the Beckwith - Walsh lot, with no fences, streets, or buildings near. Arrangements were made, by which the Rev. Gordon preached every two weeks. This W.1S the origin and beginning of Presbyterianism in Pana.

The first sermon ever preached in Pana was by the Rev. E. B. Olmstead, a Presbyterian minister, in a freight car standing on the I. C. R. R., on a bright autumnal Sabljath, in October, 1855.

Rev. Gordon states that after preacliing his first sermon, a subsaription paper was circulated the next morning, and over S300 subscribed towards erecting a house of worship. Nearly every family in the community, and men having no families, interested themselves in this work. Nor was it a mere negative interest; it was manifested by raising the subscription to $1,200. This was noble for the small population, but they were all anxious to see a " meeting-house" in the midst of their town, thus " growing up as by magic."

On the 21st of May, 1856, a religious society was formed by the Rev. Jos. Gordon, to be known hereafter as the "First Presbyterian church of Pana." At the same time, five trustees - John M. Patton, Samuel V. B. Snider, C. H. Harrison, Mason French and Franklin L. Saunders - were elected for a terra of five years. Certificate of organization, to that effect, was made by John M. Patton, before Wm. Pryce, J. P , June 9, 1856. They energetically set about making preparations for the erection of a house of worship, and selected a lot on Locust street, which the proprietor of the town, David A. Neal, generously donated and conveyed to the Trustees of the church, on the 8th of October, 1856.

In addition to these officers, there was a " building committee" appointed: consisting of M. S. Beckwith, Jno. M. Patton and Franklin L. Saunders, who had the more immediate control of the work and the raising aud collecting of funds for its prosecution. A contract was then made with Thos. B. Hickman, of Vandalia, to build a frame house, 34x50 feet in size, of good material, finished in a workmanlike manner, with belfr}', aud to be completed by the 1st of January, 1857, at a cost of 82,100. In aid of the enterprise a donation of S500 was secured from the board of church erection. The house was not completed as soon as at first contemplated, but it is noted, under that date, that " the first church edifice of Pana is enclosed, and the floor laid." But, in time, the church was finished, and before it was dedicated a terrible tornado passed over Pana, on the 13th of June, 1857, wrecking badly twenty-five or thirty houses, carrying with it a portion of the roof of the church, thus giving free access to the torrents of rain which fell and seriously damaged the plastering, rendering it unfit for occupation. This was a serious loss, but the members of the congregation and citizens generally brought in their offerings ; the house was speedily repaired, so that on the 19th of September, 1857, some two months after the disaster, the Rev. Joseph Gordon preached the first sermon in the church, and " dedicated tlie house to the Trluue God in prajer. "

The organization of the " First Presbyterian Church " of Pana was completed by the Rev. Joseph Gordon, on the 21st of September, 1856. The following are the names of the original members : - Franklin L. Saunders, Mrs. Mary Jane Saunders, Caroline Tunison, Mary Alexander, Martha Patton, Robert B. Alexander, and ]\Irs. Mary Jane Pryce. Franklin L. Saunders was elected aud ordained to the office of Ruling Elder. The original members of the church are still living, and all but two residing around Pana. The church was organized at the residence of Mrs. Patton. It seemed proper it should be so. This house probably was one of the most fitting emblems of the Presbyterian church to be found in Pana at that time ; for when " the winds blew and the floods came it fell not." The first meeting of the session was on the Kith of October, 1857. Present - Rev. Joseph Gordon and Franklin L Saunders, (clerk of the session.) The following members were received by letter : S. A. Call and Maria Call ; on examination. Miss Martha Patton, George Patton and E B. Hartshorn. On the 9ih of May, 1858, two additional elders, S. A Call and E. B. Hartshorn, were elected and ordained by Rev. Gordon, assisted by Rev. Thos. Lippinoott. Additions have been made at every communion since its organization.

The following persons have served or are now serving the church as Ruling Elders: Franklin L. Saunders, S. A. Call, E. B. Hartshorn, Charles W. Sibley, Eli F. Chittenden, Alfred McClure, A. AV. Gailey, T. W. Lippincott, S. P. Johns, R. C. Coyner, D. A. Gilbert, S. H. Bird, J. S. Veeder, Thos. Smith and J. M. Rass.

The ministers that have ofiiciated since the organization of the church are - first, the Rev. Joseph G.jrdon, who was the stated supply from its formation till the 16th of June, 1858 ; then followed Rev. Jas. S. Walton, till the 1st of June, 1859 ; Rev. Joseph Gordon again officiated until the 1st of May, 1863; he was followed by Rev. E. W. Ta3dor, as supply, to September 19th, 1861, when Rev. Gordon again returned for the third time, and served until March 18th, 1866. Rev. W. P. Gibson next received a call, and commenced his labors July 1, 1866. He was installed as its first p.astor on the 11th of October following, aud continued in the work of the pastorate till Dec. 4th, 1870. Rev. John Kidd followed as supply from Jan. 1st, 1871, till Oct. 14th, 1873. Oa the 1st of January, 1874, Rev. R. M. Roberts was called to preach, and occupied the pulpit till Jan. 1st, 1880.

efficient Bible-class. The names of the several Sabbath-school superintendents since its organization are - A. Keeler, W. H. Bradley, H. D. Brigham, W. C. Sumner, J. H. Baldwin, S. P. Johns, O. H. Paddock, T. \V. Lippincott, R. C. Coyner aud R. M. Henderson. Some of these have served twice and three times. The first four wore superintendents when it was a Uniun school.

The first Sabbath after the church was dedicated, the Presbytery of Alton held its fall meeting, in 1857, in Pana. The Iteporter thus speaks of it : "Notwithstanding the newness of the place, abundant accommodations were provided for all the members of the Presbytery. Nor were these the only guests. Gov. Slade, of Vermont, with thirteen female teachers, were there, just arrived from the East. And still there was room, for largeness of heart has a wonderful influence to make narrow accommodations wide and ample."

The self-sacrificing labors of Rev. Gordon for this church from first to last were great. Amidst its many trials, thrice did he come to its relief with a heart full of Christian love. He was possessed of energy and executive ability, as well as the bold herahl of the Gospel. In the presentation cf truth, he was at all times earnest and instructive; and his aged Christian life ever shed a halo of fragrant perfume all around. For many years his genial face has been familiar on the streets; and "Father Giordon" a household word with the good citizens of Pana. Nor were his labors unappreciated. In recognition of his services, in one, of many instances, a large and handsomely bound Bible was publicly presented, with this inscription : " To Rev. Joseph Gordon, from the Alton aud Terre Haute railroad boys."

Two gentlemen received permission to re-model the pulpit at their own expense. Other acts of kindness were exhibited. Indeed the evidence was apparent on every hand, that the people of Pana had some proper appreciation of the value and importance of religious privileges.

Like most churches, when completed, there was a small debt hanging over it. Soon the ladies of the congregation were found at the front and "did what they could" to help meet it. A festival was held in the new church, on the 31st day of December, 1857. The committee of arrangements in this movemeut were Mrs. O. Monroe, Mrs. W. H. Kneeland, Mrs. S. H. Rice, Mrs. W. B. Little, Miss Ann Baltzley, Miss Ophelia M. Putnam, Mrs. M. S.'Beckwith and Mrs. A. Keeler. Tickets, 50 ceuts; amount realized, §140.

^liss Paine, of Du Quoin, 111., presented the society with a set of handsome curtains for the church-windows. The whole cost of the church, when completed, was §2,300. Pana at this time had no town-hall or other place of meeting. The church being the only commodious house in the winter of 1857-8, was used by everybody - Presbyterians, Lutherans, Methodists, aud during the long winter-evenings, the Lyceum prospered by being able to find within its walls room for the large audiences which were accustomed to assemble at its discussions. It was used by singing schools, temperance-lectures, agricultural addres.ses and occasionally by concerttroupes. In course of time, this indiscriminate use of the church was forbidden by the Session. The question arose between the Trustees aud Session, as to which had the right to control the house. The Elders said : " This is our business, and not that of the Trustees;" and the local pastor, Rev. J. S. Walton, said : "This pulpit is mine, and no one has a right to occupy it without my consent." The result was the Session controlled the chui-ch, and for a time the interdiction caused some unpleasant feeling in the community. The pastor's salary was §500 per annum.

new liouse of worship. A resolution was passed at that meeting setting forth, that if the members of the church wnuh.l chitho the session and trustees with power to sell the old church and lot, and buy another site, leaving them unhampered as to location, plan or cost of the new building, they would undertake the enterprise. At a meeting of the members of the church, held Feb. 17th, ltS75, the authority was given as rc(iueste(l, excepting that the site was to be approved of by the majority of the niember.s. The officers went to work at once. After much negotiation, a site was selected seventy by one hundred feet, corner of North Third and Maple streets. The members of the churcli confirmed the selection by almost a unanimous vote. After many plans had been suggested, the committee decided on a plan, submitted by Elder T. W. Lippincutt, for a building forty by eighty feet, with side-entrances and a sliding partition cutting off thirty two feet for Sunday-school purposes, with room above for sociables. A sub-committee on finance, consisting of R. C. Coyner, J. S. Vecder and S. W. Bird, were ap- ])ointed, and also a committee of con,struction, composed of T. AV. Lippincott, S. P. Johns and D. C. McLeod.

The financial labor was divided, giving the ladies the responsibility of raising money to purchase furniture for the interior, and to the Sabbath-school was given the duty of raising funds sufficient to buy a five hundred pound bell. All went to work with a will, and though the financial condition of the country was depressed on account of \iooy crops and bad weather, the church was built and furnished by the third of September, 1876 ; at which time it was dedicated practically free from debt. The church cost twelve thousand dollars, including price of site. The bell which hung in the old church is now in the Lutheran church in Piina, and luav still be heard each Sabbath calling the worshiper to come.

This church was organized by the Rev. J. G. Bergen, D.D., of Springfield, Illinois, July 2Gth, 1857. The following list comprises the original members : - Xathaniel Harris, BIrs. Sophronia Harris, t'alvin Goudy, JI.D., Mrs. Marthy Goudy, H. D. Brigham, Mrs. Mary L. Brigham, A. B. Harris, Mrs. Sarah Harris, Xoyes Ladd, Jlrs. riuebe Ladd, Jacob Overholt, ^Mrs. Abigail Torrey^ Geo. W. Lash, Jlrs. Su.san C. Sattley, Mrs. Jane E. Chapman, Mrs. Mary Ryan, IMr.-^. Harriet Ladd, Jlrs. Jane ]\Iiller, Mi.ss Sophronia Harris. Of these nineteen members, only five are now on the ground, the rest having died or moved to other churches. At first they had no house of worship, but used that of the Cumberland Presbyterian church for several j'ears; then, for a time, they worshiped in the north-west school-house. During these years the membership had increased to over fift\'. In the summer of 18GJ they began to_ build a house of worship for themselves, and dedicated it comjdete February Gth, 1870. Tlic cost, including lots, was 8G,000. It is noted for its neat and tasteful arrangement, and has a seating cajiacity of nearly -iOl).

In 1875 the membership had reached the nuuibcr of 175 - liut has declined since then by death and removals, until now it is little more than 100 ; these are hopeful, and have before them, as a church, good prospects of increase and great usefulness.

Since this church had a house of worship it has maintained an active, earnest and efficient Sabbath-school, whose membership has ranged from 100 to nearly 300, the last annual report giving the membership enrolled as 288. The Superintendents of this school have been Dr. Calvin Goudy, Wm. M. Provine, Esq., and Hon. II. P. Shumway, the last the present incumbent in office.

Jo.seph C. Smith, Samuel W. Morrison, John E. Montgomery, Emanuel Johns, and A. R. Harris, Wm. W. Hall, Andrew J. Willey, Wm. T. Evans. Tiie four last mentioned constituting the present board. Of all the.se, Dr. C. Goudy, until his decease in 1877, led ill activity, jilanning, praying, and working almost incessantly for the church's advancement. I'erhaps to him, more than to any one individual, tlie church owes its prosperity and successful history.

Among others who have been more or less helpful as officers for the church, may be mentioned John W. Price, A. G. Barnes, E. A. Miller, P. G. Barton, Jos. M. Crabb, and G. Crooker.

This church has had the following pastors, in their order: Revs. H. R. L?wis, J. H. Harris, Robt. Rudd, L. Faye Walker, J. C. Hill, L. C, Littell, and the present incumbent, H. P. Carson. It has enrolled as members, in all, 278, making an average of about 12 additions annually, and an annual average membership since 1875 of about 125.

Besides the 8(3,000 for liuil.ling their house of worsliip, this church has contributed for the carrying on of church work at home and elsewhere over 81G,0i)l.).

As the village of Assumption was first called Tacusa, so was the church called Tacusa Church until the towns of A.ssuraption and Tacusa were united under one name. Since tiiat time it has been known as the A.ssumption Presbyterian Church.

Marcus L. Barrett was the first Presbyterian who became a resident of Assumption ; and as he was fondly devoted to the church of his choice, and was able by his keen foresight to see the advantages of the church to this new town, he soon had a meeting arranged and a minister invited to come and preach to the few scattered iidiabitants.

At that time only a few hou.ses could be seen on the wide expanse of prairie as viewed from the depot of the Illinois Central Railroad, wlych was then in its infancy. The Presbyterian Church was the first Protestant Church in the town. It was organized in the dwelling of M. L. Barrett, on the 27th day of May, 1857, by Mr. H. R. Lewis, a minister invited from a distance, to attend to this special work. The congregation was gathered from the country for miles around, and the orginization was made with a membership of forty-

The first Elders chosen were S. C. Sheller and Wm. G Calhoun. Elders since ciiosen D.miel Gahagan, Zadok Lanhara, George White, S. M. Jloore, William Ray, John Moore and Dr. J. Bennett. The following are the ministers who have been engaged in the labors connected with the church ; H. R Lewis, preached from 1859 to 1860, one year; Clark Louden, from 1861 to 1S6G ; B. E. Blayo, 1866 to 1868, the last year as installed pastor. AVashingtou !Maynard took charge of the church as a supply in 1868, and was installed pastor, September 24, 1873 ; which pastorate ended in September, 1875. R. ]M. Neill was employed on January 1, 1876, as a supply for the pulpit for one year, but owing to adverse circumstances he gave up the charge in August, 187G, and Washington Maynard again occupied the pulpit, beginning October 1,1876, and continues in the services of the church to the present time. The church edifice was erected in 1861, and was dedicated June 23d of that year. The building cost one thousand dollars ; the ground upon which it stands having been donated by E. E. Malhoit. In 1867, a parsonage was built on a part of the same lot on which the church stands. The parsonage is a two story frame building, built at a cist of seven hundred and fifty dollars. The membership of this church is about two hunilred.

Moreisokville Presbyterian Church

Rev. Washington Maynard, of Assumption, Illinois, and Dr. Calvin Goudy, of Taylorville, by appointment of the Presbytery, organized the Presbyterian Church at Morrisonville, on the second Sabbath in January, in the year 1871. The membership at that early date in the history of the town was only fifteen persons, but they were endowed with genuine Christian zeal, and became the foundation of a church organization that soon grew to greater proportions and extensive influence. That small number formed a nucleus around which have gathered one hundred and eighty more, making a good and influential band of Christian workers. In the month of May, 1872, E. P. Rankin, a young man, at the time a student of Princeton College, New Jersey, was euuaged to preach for four months. At the end of the engagement, he, (having acceptably performed the duties of his office), was called to be pastor of the church, and was installed and ordained in due form. The congregation felt the need of a suitable house of worship, and in the winter of 1871 and 1872, they proceeded to erect one, at a cost of about five thousand one hundred dollars.

The church was dedicated in due form in the month of July, 1872. The amount of indebtedness at the time of the dedication was about one half of the original cost of the building.

The debt was bravely assumed and carried by the nicmbcrs!ii]i, and soon began to diminish under careful financial management. During the winter of 1879-80, the debt was entirely paid off, amid much rejoicing by the faithful members of the organization.

The church is a handsome building on one of the best lots in town, and has an active membership at the present time, thougli somewhat reduced by removals and other common causes. The future of this church seems bright, and a prospect of great usefulness is opening up before it, and with the usual activity of its members it will soon rank high as a church, and man)' will be glad to .say " this or that man was born there."

By Rev. C. G. Keowx

In attempting to give a brief sketch of the hi.«tory of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Christian county, I regret that my means of information are so meagre and iucomjilete, that it will be out of my power to give the patrons of this work as full asketch of that branch ofthegreatChristian church, of which I write, and have the honor to be an humble member, as it deserves, and as the future reader may expect Nor am I insensible to the importance, as well as the delicacy of the task I undertake. It is one, however, which I have considered duo to the cause of Christ, and especially, to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

The first introduction of Cumberland Presbyterianism in the county, so far as the writer has any means of information, was as early as 1837, when Rev. J. M. Bone, (as we learn from his own statement,) by order of Vandalia Presbytery, as a circuit rider, preached some in the north-eastern part of the county. He doubtless preached there the first sermon by a Cumberland Presbyterian minister in the county.

We find also by reference to the minutes of Vandalia Presbytery, that there was a congregation in the north-eastern part of the county, known as " North Mt. Carmel congregation," as early as 1844. But we have no record of the date of its organization, and it seems to have been lost sight of

In the spring of 1841, James H. Boyd and Alfred Boyd, moved with their families from Christian county, Kentucky, and located on Bear creek, in what was then a ])art of Montgomery county, but afterward, in the formation of Christian, this pai't of the old was embraced in the new county. Having been accustomed to enjoying the means of grace from the hands of Cumberland Presbyterian ministers, in their former home, it was not strange that they, soon after locating in this then new and sparsely settled section of country, began to long fur the means of grace to which they had been accustomed.

Consequently they with a few other Christian men and women banded themselves together in a Cumberland Presbyterian society .*ome time in 1841, with a view of setting up the standard of the gospel as Cumberland Presbyterians.

In the summer of 1842, Jas. H. Boyd started out in search of a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. After traveling some distance he was informed that there was a meeting then in progress, being conducted by ministers of that order. He made his way thither and found Revs. Joel Knight and Joseph Barlow, and in response to his earue-st solicitations, Rev. Barlow came and jireaohed for them occasionally. December 8th, 1844, Revs. Knight and Bailow, by order of ^'andalia Presbytery, organized them into a eongregatiiin, known as the Antioch congregation. Jas. H. Boyd and Alfred Cuny were elected aud ordained ruling elders.

In the fall of 184.5, Rev. J. M. Bone took pastoral charge of this newly organized congregation, preaching alternately to them, and at Taylorville, the county-seat. He states to the writer, " As we had no house of worship at Taylorville, and no members, I preached at first at the private residence of Mr. Dorety, in a room aljout 12 by 14 feet square; afterward using a school-house and then the court-house, until the fall of 1848, when the Antioch congregation built a house of worship in Taylorville, costing about .S50(], aud in the spring of 1849 the name of the congregation was changed from Antioch to Taylorville ; quite a number of the members having moved to that place. Rev. J. M. Bone continued liis ministerial services with them until the spring of 18-j(), since which time they have enjoyed the ministerial services of Revs. J. M. Bone, J. JI. Galaway, s! Richards, D.D., J. B. Logan, D.D., E. J. Gille.sjiie aud I. H. Coulter. In the spring of 1874, this congregation liuilt a neat and elegant brick church, costing them about §9,000, which we trust may long stand as a monument to their fidelity and a blessing to the world.

And although they have met with severe reverses, yet, with the blessing of Almighty God, they have gradually taken stronger hold, and the little seed that was planted there more than forty years ago by Rev. J. M. Bone, under the most unfovorable circumstances, has not only sprung up, but we trust is bearing fruit, to the honor and glory of God an hundred-fold.

About the year 1861 or 1802, Rev. C. T. Linxwiler located in this county, and operated very acceptably and successfully, and mainly through his instrumentality on September 13th, 1869, a congregation of thirty-seven members was organized near where the town of Palmer is now located, known as the Palmer congregation ; Rev. J. C. Hamilton assisted in the organization. A. Boyd, H. C. Johnson, A. E. Boyd and W. W. Elkin were chosen elders, and Jdseph H. Boyd, deacon. Revs. Linxwiler and Hamilton supplied them with ministerial services until probably the spring of 1871, w hen it appears that Rev. D. R. Bell took pastoral charge of the congregation, and served them until the spring of 1873, at which time the writer took charge of the congregation and located in the town of Palmer, preaching for them each alternate Sabbath, until the fall of 1875, when the congregation built a neat and comfortable house of worship, costing about S1800, and dedicated it to Almighty God, January 23d, 1876.

witli tlie word and ordinances by Rev. W. W. ]M. Barber, until the spring of 1878, wlicn again the writer served them a short time after which Rev. J. W. Nichodomus was pastor of the congregation for one year. Since tlie fall of 1878, they have been l)ut partially supplied with preaching.

During the short history of this congregation it has enjoyed many precious seasons of grace, and through God she has been blessed as the means of the conver.siou of scores of immortal souls. Yet by removals and deaths, &.C., their membership does not now exceed forty. But with an earnest effjrt on their part, and the blessing of God, there is yet for them a brighter day, and reasons for encouragement and renewed consecration.

The Morrisonville congregation at Morrisonville was organized by Rev. D. R. Bell, January 8th, 1871. R. M. Young, Wm. Hover and W. N. Bell were chosen elders.

Rev. D. R. Bell took pastoral charge of this congregation, and continued his ministerial services with them until the spring of 1873. During his stay with them they built a small house of worship, costing them about $800.

lu the spring of 1873, the writer took pastoral charge of this congregation, in connection with his work in Palmer, giving to each of them half his time, for one year or more.

In the spring of 1876, the writer located in Morrisonville, and has continued his services with them up to this date. In addition to these organizations we have members living in different parts of the county urgently calling for the means of grace at the hand of Cumberland I'rcsbyterian ministers, and could we have devoted ministers sufficient to occupy the field, there might soon bo congregations organized in various parts of the county.

I cannot close this brief sketch without giving a synopsis of the theological position that we occupy as a branch of the church of Christ ; and thereby answer the oft-repeated inquiry : What is the difference between the Cumberland Presbyterians and other branches of the great Presbyterian family ?

We claim to be neither Calvinistic nor Arminian, occupying as we claim and believe, a middle ground between the two extremes of Calvinism, on the one hand, and Arminianism ou the other.

With Calvinists, we believe in the final perseverance of the saints, based on the sovereignty of God and the agency of man combined. In fact, we believe that the Bible system of theology, as held by Cuml>erland Presbyterians, contains all that is good in both Arminianism and Calvinism, and none of the olijectionable parts of either.

In our system we have the true relations and just proportion of the supreme and subordinate agency, thereby having agency as free as can be in the Arminian system, and certainly as perfect as can be in the Calvinistic, without the uncertainty of the one and the fatality of the other.

The United Presbyterian Church

The first minister of the Associate Reformed Church who preached in Christian county was John B. Clark, a licentiate of the Second Associate Presbytery of Ohio, one Sabbath in July, 1852, preaching in Taylorville in the morning, and at the house of John Waddell in the evening. In the following autumn, the county was visited bv Revs. Thomas Drenneu and J. M. Gordon, each preaching ou

Sabbath. In June, 1853, Rev. Joseph Clokey, of St. Clair, Pa., preached on Sabbath, and organized a Sabbath-school of twenty scholars, and baptized one child, Samuel Clokey Waddell, son of John and Ann E. Waddell. After this. Rev. S. Millen preached one Sabbath.

In June, 1854, Rev. Joseph Clokey visited this locality, preached one Sabbath, and organized a congregation of thirteen members, whose names we here record : " John Waddell and his wife, Ann E ; Elijah Waddell and his wife, Ruth Ann ; Archibald Waddell and his wife, Eliza ; James Shaw and his wife, jMabel ; Josiah Waddell, Elenor Tedlie, Andrew Orr and his wife, Anna, and Samuel Orr. One infant was baptized. John Waddell was chosen and ordained ruling elder. Mr. Waddell still lives in the enjoyment of health and the exercise of this office, taking an active part in the work of the church ; but time is making an impression upon him. Rev. S. Millen visited them in the summer, and broke unto them the bread of life one day. Late in the fall, W. W. Waddell, a graduate of Muskingum College, and of the A. R. Theological Seminary of Allegheny, a licentiate, came to supply a few Sabbaths; but in the mysterious, yet wise dispensation of God's providence, he was taken with typhoid fever, and in twelve days, Jan. 13th, 1855, his earthly course terminated. He was peculiarly well fitted for the work that seemed to lie before him, being a good scholar, affable in manners, much devoted to the cause, well-disciplined, and a good musician. Just two weeks previous to this, Elijah Waddell, one of the original members, was suddenly called away by death. As he was an excellent and worthy man, the little flock became much disheartened, and f >r nearly two years there was only three or four days' preaching.

In June, 1857, Rev. Dr. Clokey dispensed the Supper at the house of Robert jMalthews, when the following persons were received by certificate : Joseph M. Long and his wife, Sarah A., Sarah J. Long, Rebecca A. Long, Mary E. Long, Robert H. Long, and William G. Henry and his wife, Sarah, from the congregation of Le Claire, Pa., and Robert Matthews and his wife, Elizabeth, James Waddell and his wife, Ruth, from West Virginia, by certificate, and then by examination and profession of faith. Joseph M. Long having been acting ruling elder in St. Clair congregation, he was asked to continue to exercise its functions and duties in this congregation. In this office he still exercises great prudence, wisdom and Christian zeal and fidelity.

During the summer of 1857, a church-building was put up ready for the plastering. From June until October of the following year, the congregation was supplied occasionally by Revs. Aten, Young and Benj. Waddell, of New Concord, Ohio, who remained two or three Sabbaths, dispensing the Lord's Supper in the new church, at which time six persons were received to membership by certificate.

On May 25th, 1858, the union, which had been under negotiations for nearly twenty-five years, was happily consummated at Pittsburg, Pa. The united church is known as the United Presbyterian Church of North America. The congregation of which we write had been under the care of the First Associate Reformed Presbytery of Illinois; but in consequence of the union it was necessary to reorganize the Presbyteries, and the Synod of Illinois, at its meeting hold at Monmouth, October, 1858, formed a new Presbytery, called the Presbytery of Bloomington, which includes in its bounds what is known as the United Presbyterian congregation of Spring Creek. During the following year, the community was favored with some excellent preaching, as the record of names shows. Revs. W. G. Waddell, Jos Clokey, J. K. Black and W. C. Pollock. Rev. W. H. Jefters preached May, 1860. Rev. W. C. Pollock dispensed tiie Supper in June; and for one year the follow- ing are recorded as preachers: Revs. H. McHatton, M. Clark, Jas. Sawhill, Robert McCracken and W R. Erskine ; the latter dispensing the Supper. At these two comnumion seasons, eight were received bj' certificate, and eight by examination and profession. During this summer Revs. John Jemison and W. H. Blair preached a few Sabbaths, and Rev. E. B. Calderhead two Sabbatiis in October, dispensing the Supper, at wliich time three were received to membership. Until 1804 the pulpit was supplied bv a number of different ministers, among whom were Revs. E. A. Brownlee, Thos. Stevenson, William Jlorrow, George A. Hutchison, John H. Brown, and occasionallj' a day by Rev. Dr. C'lokey. In the spring of ISlU a call was made out, addressed to J. H. Brown, a licentiate of Monmouth Presbytery, asking that he take the ]>a.<toral "versight of the congregation; but he declined. The following autumn Rev. N. H. Brown, of Chicago Presbytery, dispensed the Supper Sept. 25th. Two were received by certificate to membership. Rev. J. P. Chambers preached in the winter, and moderated in a call Nov. 24th, asking Rev. N. H. Brown to become pastor. In this effort to secure a settled pastor, the congregation was successful. Mr. Brown commenced his labors in this new relation May 7th, 186-3. This was followed by an accession of nine to the communion of the church in that year. During the fall of 1806, two additional ruling elders were elected, George Patterson and W. F. Boyd, and on Xov. 18th were ordained and installed. The pastorate of Riv. X. H. Brown lasted nearly four years, his labors ending with ifarch, 1861). During this time thirty-seven members were added, ami thirty-one dismissed, leaving about forty-six members. There was but one death, that of James K. Graham. The organization of a congregation at Pana was the cause of so many dismissals during 18()0.

From IMarch, 1809, nntil October, 1872, there was preaching occasionally. Rev. J. V. Pringle, of Pana, began his labors as stated supph', preaching every third Sabbath until October, 1870. There was then little, if any, preaching until May of the following year, when Rev. Isaac A. Wilson, of the U. P. Presbytery of Nebraska, was directed by the superintendent of missions of Bloomiugton Presbytery to visit Spring Creek congregation, and ascertain their wants and desires, and what they wished to do for the support of divine ordinances. He preached on May 13th, and on the 27lh efforts were put forth to ascertain the amount that could be raised for preaching half time in connection with Pana. This resultul in a subscription promising S320.

About the first of Jul}-, the congregation saw fit to ask \\c\. Wilson to remain for one year as stated .-upply half time. Some time in July preaching was appointed at Willey's Station on the Wabash R. R. The audience, so far as ininilurs were eoneerued, was not flattering; but an appointment was made fur that day four weeks. It was afterwards decided to preach every alternate Sabbath, in connection with Spring Creek. In both, the audiences have increased in numbers and interest ever since. The latter has a Sabbath-school of nearly 100 scholars; the former about 80. John N. Waddell is superintendent of the Sal)bath-school at Willey, and Benj. E. Waddell at Spring Creek, the latter conducting the singing in both places. Both are well qualified for these duties. From 1872 to October, 1876, four were received to membership in the church. From May loth, 1877, to the present, April 8th, 1880, two have been received by profession and examination, and three by certificate, and four dismissed by certificate. Peace and good-will prevail throughout its bounds. The attendance is ])romi)t ; the music good. There are many very excellent citizens and good Christian brethren of other denominations who worship with them, and assist in all the church-work. Such hearty, open handed cliaritv and kin<llv svn)|iatliv should not go unnientione<l. It will most certainly be abundantly ble.sscd. The congregation have just been making an elfirt to have preaching every Sabbath, and have pledged for its sujiport about SI500. They feel hopeful for the future. IMcssrs. John Waddell, Joseph M. Long, George Patterson and Benjamin E. Waddell c(mstitutB the session at this writing. Isaac A. Wilson continues stated supply. John N. Waddell is treasurer. The present membership is thirty-six. Since its organization six names have been erased fnnn the roll. lu fourteen years, ending April, 1880, there are but nine deaths, and since 180-3 sixteen weddings.

The first account of preaching here, as found upon the records, was June 22d, 1866, by Rev. W. R. Erskine, at which time the congregation was organized by the election and installation of two ruling elders, R. D. Murry and Preston Faught. Who the original mendjers were the records do not show.' But we may record the following as a part : John Murry and wife, R. D. jNInrry, AV'illiam j\Iurry and wife, Maggie J. Florence, Elenor Y. Finly, Elizabeth McNary, Sarah E. Herdnian, Preston Faught and others. There was, no doubt, preaching by others previous to this, but the above is all the records speak of. After this. Rev. N. K. Crow preached for one year or more as stated supply. December received to membershi]) six by certificate and two by examination and profession, also elected one additional ruling elder, William White, who being previou.^ly ordained, was invited to act with the session. During the same fall a meeting of session was held, at what is known as Buckeye, where preaching was held occasionally, and received to mendjcrship by examination and ]irofession two and liy certificate thirteen; most of whom were from the United Presbvterian congregation of Spring Creek.

A meeting of the congregation was held Friday, March 20tli, lSfi7,to take action in relation to the erection of a church building, and attend to any other business that could come regularly bef tre the meeting. AVe are tie n lift in the dark until Juno 7th, of the following year when we n ad of John C. Truesdale dispensing the Lord'.s Supper among them. Two are received to membership by examination and profession. Mrs. McElhan)', wife of David McElhanv, is tlje first adult who received baptism. Preaching was supplied them pretty regularly, so far 'as we can learn, yet but little was done toward the erection of the church until Rev. J. V. Pringle'.s presence among them. He commenced his labors, as supply, in the latter part of July. Andrew Gaily was cho.sen ruling elder, and October 2od, was in.rtalleil.

Rev. J. V. Pringle was installed pastor April Kith, l-SOf), when eighteen persons were received to membershi]), ten by certificate and eight by examination and profession. Se|)tembcr 17th, four received to member,-hip. During the year 1^70, six were received to membershii). During the following year four received certificates to connect with another denomination, and four were added to the membership. Jlay, 1872, Mrs. Elizalx'th Brown, of the United Presbyterian congregation of Barlow, Washington county, Ohio, was received on certificate and sixteen by examination and ])rofession. C. M. Espy wa.s chosen ruling elder, January 2.5th, and ordained and installed March 0th. May 3d, W. F. Boyd, formerly of Spring creek session, was chosen, and June 20th was installed member of .session.

February 23d, we fir.st read of session meeting at the " United Presbyterian Church." In the meantime vigorous efforts were put foi'th, and a subscription of .$4,000 or 85,000 was secured, and by personal solicitations of Rev. Pringle, in different parts of the church, .'?2,00lj additional were secured, and with this the chur-'h

Il is a line siiiierstinietiirc, well and tastefully fin'uished. It is a neat Colliie l.i-i.-k l.iiiidiii- ; the walls are nicely iVesi-.H-d ; and lirated liv funiaees, it is(iuiteeiinifu[tal)lesnninier and winter, and is an iiriiainint to tlie city of Pana. In 1872, the northern winds seemed lo Mow rather rudely, and accessions were not as desired. In the following Year, three were received by examination and five by ccrtitieate. Jn 1^74, six were received to niendx'rship. But the "new vei'>ion iif the Psalms" did not prove a balm for all their Wounds. The ])astoral relation between Rev. Pringle and the eon- "regation was dissolved by the Presbytery, February 20th, 1877. From this action Mr. Pringle dissented, and gave notice of an appeal to Synod. The congregation, with about 81,800 of indebtedness, were left vacant. Isaac A. Wilsun a|ipcarc<l among them May 12th, and preached the 2l)th, snp]ilyiiig eviiT aUernate Sabbath to the present writing (April '.Uh, 1880).

The debt was entirely removed in less than one year by the assistance of kind friends, and the ]>oar<l of Church Extension of the Tnited Presbyterian Church. The .Salilia(h-.<chool is superintended by 1. -V. Wilsnn, when present- The mendicrshiii has been much reduced bv death and removals.

The histnry of the Baptist Church in Illinois, like all other churches with the advance of civilization, as " we.-tward the course of empire takes its way: " - is one of rapid development. 'J'o go back about iii'ty years, it will be at once obsei'ved that from the smallest beginnings, and most feeble, and sometimes most unnromisinf efl'orts to establish churches upon the iVonticr, the greatest results and most rajjid successes have ensued. It would be u.seless, and perhaps uninteresting, to go back to the individuals of any particular society, and to trace their first etf.irts to have preaching service, but as soon as societies are organized they become by their spirit of unity, aggressive, and of more general interest ; we therefore propose to mention the time of the first organizations with which the Baptist Churches were connected, and represented by delegates in the county of Christian ; and gradually follow up the progress of others that were the natural outgrowth of thoso existing about half a century since in this part of the State. We find that the Illinois Baptist Pastoral Union was organized at or about the year ]8'1.'). The following ministers were connected with the earlier meetings, took part in the organizations, and attended the Union from year to year, and are doubtless remembered by many of our oldest settlers, as their names have been a family word to the present generation as pioneer preachers through the ditf/rent porlions (;f the State, iind laborers in the county of Chi-istian : - lievs. \V. F. Boyakin, John U. Peck, E. Tucker, J. N. Tolman, J. Bulkley, "a. Jackson, J. O. INIetcalf, C. Harrington, J. L. Thonip.son, W. I). J. Johnson, G M. Riley, S. G. Miner, S. S. Bailey, F. W. lugmire, C. Greenlcaf, S. M. Brown, 0. J. Sherman, Norman Parks, Jesse Elledge, R. F. Ellis, J. D. Xewell, S. S. JIartin, J. W. Dennison, Joel Sweet, B. B. Carpenter, Wm. Hobbs, Thomas Powell, Luther Stone, Jacob Bower, L. Raymond, H. G Weston, AVm Gates, I). L. Phillips, J. M. Cliapman, Chas. Thompson. Organized about the same time and ever afterward connecting its interests with the Baptist Pastoral I'nion was the Illinois Baptist Educational Society, whose officers, board of managers, presidents, secretaries and treasurers, were from time to time elected from tiie brethren of the Union ; anil luith of these sccielies have been, according to their ability and development, receiving the support and co-operation of the Baptist churches in Christian county, and throughout the State of Illinois generally. Delegates were annually sent to represent these churches, state their needs, ami secure laborers for this part of the State. In the year 1840 we fiml the following churches represented in the Springfield Association, viz: - Springfield, Diamond Grove, Island Grove, Indians Creek, Sangamon Bottom, Lebanon, Clay's Grove, Manchester, Apple Creek, Stonington, Virginia, Big Spring, Jacksonville and Winchester. Stonington Church at this time reports nine members, but yet in a few years afterwards it provides a number of the constituent members for the TaylorviUe Organization. Stonington Church at this time was represented in the Springfield Association by Samuel Peahody, who was for a number of years the delegate from the church to the association at its annual convening- In the year 1846, we find the name of Rev. Paris Pray, who still resides at TaylorviUe, sent as a delegate by the Stonington Church to the Springfield Association, and the church at Stonington numbering forty-four members. The following is a copy of the letter sent by the Springfield A-ssociation during that year, and will illustrate the spirit of the churches and association for a nundjer of Years. "The Springfield Association to the Associatio;i with whicli we correspond : "

Dear Brethi-en,\\c hail with jjleasure the return of another anniversary. We have to mourn over our coldness, and complain that during the past year we have been almost destitute of the reviving influences of the Holy Spirit. Union and harmony prevail, and our inquire is " Wilt thou not revive us again ? " Although we have not witnes.sed any special outpouring of the Spirit of God, 3'et we feel to rejoice that there is at present a .spirit of humility and contrition of heart manifested by the churches. Brethren pray for us, that we may arise from our lethargy and shake off the shackles that bind us to the earth, so that we may rise on the wings of fiiith, lay hold on the horns of the altar and claim the promises of God. Our sessions have been marked by harmony and interest, and we doubt not a salutary influence is exertvd on the inimh of the attentive audience-;. We solicit a continuance of eoi-respondenee, and always welcome with joy the presence of your delegates and ministers. That you may know what we are doing for a world that lieth in wickedness, we refer you to our minutes. Now Brethren may the Master of Assemblies be with us all, and may the gentle influence of His Spirit guide us in the ways of truth, that we may glmlfy Him here in our bodies and spirits which are His. F.\ri;well.

Having thus taken a rapid review <if the gradual development of the Baptist organizations prior to this time, and their connection with the Churches of Chri.-tian county, we come naturally to note the establishment of the Baptist Church in TaylorviUe. Prior to the organization of the church in TaylorviUe, a special meeting was held pursuant to pi-evious notice, November 23d, 1848, Rev- G. S. Bailey acting as modeiator. and Wm. S. Frink acting as clerk. At a special meeting called for November 10, 1848, it was voted that we proceed at this time to organize a Baptist Church, to be called the " TaylorviUe Baptist Church." Having been fully satisfied that the Baptist Church at Stonington (from which these members came), cordially assented to this organization, the following brethren and sisters, viz : - Thomas S. Leachman, Josephine Leachman, Julia X. Leachman, William S. Frink, Sarah I. Frink, Sarah A. Frink, Lvdia A. Frink, John A. Leachman, Mary E. Leachman, Horace ilorgau, ]\Iercy A. ^loigan and Aaron Behymer, were by Rev. G. S. Bailey and Rev. Paris Pray, recognised as a Baptist Church. On motion, Wm. S. Frink was elected church clerk. It was resolved that the Saturday preceding the second Sabbath in each month shall be the regular covenant and church meeting; at a meeting hdd by the cluirch, February lOtli, 1849, it was voted that T. S. Lsafhiuan and W. S. Frink be a committee to visit the ehurcli at Stonington, and couf'er with them and with any otiier tiiatthey niav deem expedient, in rehition to sAipplying this church witii prcachinii' a part of the time during the current year, also that J. H. Leachraan and Aaron Behynier be a committee to secure if possilile tlie use of the Cunibcrhmd Presbyterian Ciiurch edifice fur what part of the time it can be secured. At a regular churcli meeting held March 10th, 184!), Rev. Paris Pray was called as the fir.-t pastor, half of his time to be given to " Tay lorville Baptist Church," and the remainder to "South Fork Church."

May 12, 1849, Rev. Norman Parks, missicjnary agent of the General Association of Illinois, was here, and presenteil the claims of the Association. The committee reported that the use of the Presbyterian house of worship could only be secured for the second .Sabbath in each month, which was accepted. August 11, 1849, at a regular meeting the first letter from the church to the Springfield Association, prepared and read by the clerk, W. S. Frink, was adopted and read as follows :

Beloved Brethren. - On the 2-3d of November, 1848, a number of brethren and sisters formerly members of the Baptist Church at Stonington, pursuant to previous arrangement assembled at Tavlorville, and with the assistance and co-operation of the Rev. Ct. S Bailey of Springfield, Illinois; and Rev. Paris Pray of Stonington, organized a Baptist Church ; since last spring Rev. Paris Pray has labored under the patronage of this church one half of the time, dividing his labors between Taylorville and a neighborhood at the south part of our county, where his labors seem very acceptable.

We have no meeting-house, nor are we at present able to biiihl one, but we are permitted to occupy the Cumberland Presbyterian house one Sabbath in each month. Our settlements are not very dense. Our Methodist brethren are erecting a meeting-house, and the number of persons who usually attend meeting at Taylorville, are not sufficient to make three respectable congregations, so that we deem our present arrangement the best that can now be made ; connected with our and the Presbyterian Church, we have a Sabbathschool of over one hundred members, a Union S. 8. Library of some 400 volumes. Our S. S. is a verj' interesting one ; since its organization (April 1848), several conversions have taken place among the scholars, some of whom have united with our church here. We have no special revival season to record since our organization, but we have the satisfaction to say that a spirit of harmony, union and oneness of feeling has evinced that we have in some degree at least, enjoyed the approving smile of the great Head of the Church, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our number at organization 12, by letter 1, total 1-J. " Jacob is very small, by whom shall Jacob arise V "

The church united with the Springfield Association as above, and individual subscriptions were taken for the purpose of procuring and sustaining an itinerant through the bounds of the Springfield Association. September 12, 1849, T. S. Leachman was ordained deacon, after the evening service, by Rev. G. S. Bailey and Rev. Paris Pray. October 1.3, 1849, the first persons were baptized into this church, viz: Simeon Brents, ^Mar}- W. Brents, his wife, and Ellen Pearce, by Rev. Paris Pray.

May 11, 18-50, at a regular meeting of the church, AV. S. Frink, <Ieacon ; T. S. Leachman and Robert Welch were appointed trustees, and authorized to secure a lot in the village of Taylorville, whereon to erect a meeting-house for the u.-;e of the Bajrtist Church. Total membership reported this year to the Springfield Association held at Manchester was 29. Resolvtd at tliis meeting, that the churcli approves and ratifies the reception of members at the late meetings held at South Fork, and hereby gives to Rev. Paris Pray and such others of this church as may be hereafter there assembled, to receive in the same manner as the church does at this place, any and all such per.sons as may present themselves, being found in the estimation of the members present, worthy ; and this authority to remain in force until rescinded by act of the church. In the year 1851, January 11, it was voted at a regular meeting that the brethren and sisters residing on the South Fork, members of Taylorville Baiitist Church, have permission if they think it expedient, to organize a Baptist Church, and when so organized ar.d recognized as a Baptist Church, to report to this church the names of all such members as go into the organization, also that the church cordially invite Rev. Jacob Knapp to hold a series of meetings with this church at such time as «ill best suit his engageiU' uts. March 22, 1851, the following named brethren and sisters were organisied into a new church, viz: Francis S. White, Polly Skinner, Henry Riggs, Malinda Riggs, Robert S. Welch, JIary A. Welch, John ishmael, Susainiah Ishmael, John McClery, Sursia McClery, Duane Skinner, Fli/.alieih .'-^kinner, .Tonathan Clark, Minerva Clark, James F. White, Rnbert E. White, James Virden, William Crail, Susan Crail, Van W. Williams, Jlary C. White, Lucy Skinner, Elizalteth Wilcox, Emily Wilcox, Nancy E. Pearce, Martha Williams, Bridget Robinson. ..Vpril 12, 1851, a very thin attendance, owing probably to the existence of a case of small-pux in the village of Taylorville. Adtlitions during the year 30, dismissed 32, leaving a membership of 27 only. During the year 18-52, elder Dodson labored with the church one Sabbath in each month. A L^nion monthly prayer-meeting was held in the village of Taylorville during this year by the difl'erent denominations in behalf of the S. S. interest. A meeting-house was commenced iu the spring of this year 32x30 feet in size ; during the year 1853, Rev. George W. S. Bell, a licentiate, preached for the ch-jrch. Jlendjership reported 39 The Rev. S. W. Nustun preached to the church from October 1st of this year, and was granted the opportunity by vote to preach to the Bear Creek church one Sabbath in each month. J. II. Leachman died this year, and resolutions of respect to his memory were passed and reported upcm the church book. The " Female Bible Society " during the year donated to the church a good Bible, and the church edifice was duly dedicated on the second Sabbath in September, 1853. Prior to this the church met in a little school-house 14 feet square. Revs. E. Dodson, Paris Pray and Bell were present at the dedication. iMembership reported for year 53. November 11, 1854, James H. Ryan and Elizabeth E. Ryan, presented a letter from the 1st Regular Baptist Church of Springfield, Ohio, and were unaniMK.m.-ly received. ]Mrs. ]\Iariah A. Goodrich and Mi.ss Lyilia E. h'riiik departed this life during the month of November, and a preamble and resolutions were recorded on the church book to their memoiy. At a meeting held January 13th, 1855, it was unanimously voted to give Rev. Cyrus Miner, of Attica, New York, a call to the pastoral charge of this church, and pledged the amount of S500 for his salary. In the month of April, 1855, letters of dismission were granted to Zack Harris, Athalia Harris, Aaron Behymer, Nancy E. Behymer, Jonathan L. Pugh, Mary Swift, Rebecca Mosidou, done fVu' the purjjose of uniting with others in organizing a church at Clear Creek, about seven miles N. W. of Taylorville. August 11. 1855, Rev. C. S. .Miner tendered his resignation to the Church. W. Allen, a licentiate from N. Y. State, supplied the church some months during the year 1850, tJK'n returned to New Ym-k, and died of consumption. June 1st of this year, W. A. Goodrich was appointeil delegate to sit iu council at Bear Creek for mdaining Rev. B. F. Chapman. In the ye:ir ]8r.n, November IStli, Ilev. Thoiiuis Kreee was elected pastor. July 27, 1857, Daniel ami J\lai-,-ai-et A. ISanies were received liv li'ltiT Irom Deeatur, IHiin'is.

At a rliun-li iiicetiiiu', May 7, < leur-e Duke was exiielled from the meinlier.-hi|. of the eliureh. (.)ii r.^iuest .,f U.v. \V. U.vec, deacon T. S. Leaehmau, AV. S. Friuk, J. H. Uyaii aud W. A. Go(.drieli were appointed delegates to meet in enineil with the hretUren at Tana, Illiiiuis. ..n thr 21st day of July, 1858, to assist in organizing a ehiireh at that phire. During 185'J, Rev. Paris Pray, who had muve<l iVnm StuiHugtou and settled in Taylorville, snpplied the chun-li with preaching occasionally, but the church was without a p.istor until .S/pteniber, 1861, wdien Rev. John W. Terry was raUcd to labor with th church, at a salary uf !?25(l pia- annum, which was afterward raised to SoOO; but he closed his lahurs at tlie end of the year fSCil. Deacon T. 8. Leachman, one of tlie constituent members, died .Alay 7, 18!;:!, and a record of his faithful services were made in the annual letter to the Siiringfield Association. No minutes during 1864. James S. Ryan appointed as delegate to the Spiingfield Association, held at Decatur; number of mendiers reported 20. March 27, 18!;5, at an appointed meeting, the church endorsed 'and approved of Rev. J. M. Maxwell for appointment by the executive board of the general association of Illinois, to lalmr with this church for one year, from March 18, 18G5, at a salary of s45(), asking the association t.i appropriate 8150, which was done. ,Alay lO, 18(lo, Daniel JSarncs was elected to the othcc of deacon f.r this church. June 7, 18fii;, Edward ( )veranil and wife fn.m Hartford, Conn., presented their letter and were received by the church ; a par-sonage was built and an (U-gau secured during the year. W. S. Frink was elected deacon of the church, July 11, 1807. Two menilicrs dieil during the year, viz : Rev. V. R. Watt and Sarah Frink, one of the CJnstitueut members. In the month of February, Rl-v. Edward Jones from Nokomis, began preaching each alternate Sahbath, and called as regular pastor July 10, 1868. Annie Goodrit'h from West Jefferson, Ohio, united with the church in Ajiril uf this year. The church was afflicted liy the death of d. aeon Daniel Barnes, much to their sorrow and regret as in " Chiciuju Stdiiihinl," of July, 1868. January 31st, Charles E. Barnes united liy baptism with tins church. Rev. E.Jones resigned the pastoral care of the <'hnrch October 2, 1870, and W. P. Frink, Joseph E. Ellicott and Kcv. Pai'is Pray were appointed a committee to draft and furnish the church with resolutions expressive of the feelings of the church, in view of this severance uf the relations of |iastor and peo))le, for publication in the " C/i/mr/y ,S7, and the city papers; about the nnddle of November, 1870, Kcv. ]-! Jones again resumed the pastoral care of the church, and again resigned the last of April, l''^71 ; he was an earnest, tiiitlifid niini>tcr of the gospel. On May 17th, 1871, Rev- R. P. Evans was invited to preach for the Church, which he did, with much satisfaction, until the following September, when he was eh'ctcd jjastor. The fdlowing members of the Church were appointed to sit in council at Morrisonville, Christian County, Ills., August ]2lh, 1.S71, for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church at that place, which was at that time accomplished, yiz : Rev. I!. P. Evans, l!ev. Paris Pray, Ed. Ovcrand, W. S. Frink and J. P. Ellicott. Rev. U. P. Evans returned to the Theological Seminai'v of Clucago, about the loth of September, 1871. Number of meiidicrs reported tlii- year, i)7. ( )n Tuesday, January 2d. 1^72, at a liu>iness meeting, AV. S. Frink, who hail served the Church as clerk over twenty years, resigned the othcc, and C. E. Barnes was elected to fill the vacancy. E. Overaud, at the same meeting, was elected as deacon of the Church. January 22il, 1872, Penny, Brown and ]':Hieott were appointed a committee to confer with the other

Churches of the town, with the object of securing the same evening for prayer-meeting, and Wednesday evening was selected. The Church called Rev. J. D. Cole to the pastorate, and he entered upon his labors in May, 1872, at a salary of $700 per annum, and the parsonage for a residence. May 7th, same year, AV. S. Frink resigned the office of Trustee of the Church, and a committee was appointed to present to Deacon Friuk its warm reganls, aud gratitude to him for his many years of faithful service for the church. The Church unauimously called to the pastorate, July 15th, 1872, the Rev. John Jmies recently from AVales, at a salary of S700, and use of the jiarsonage. The "Springfield As.sociaticni " met with the Church this year, and a committee was appointed by the Church to receive the delegates. August oOth, 1.S72, I. N. Richardson was elected Clerk. Nov. 5th, the Church adopted the weekly system of collecting the Pastor's salary, to hand in as a collection everv Snii<lay morning. Sept. 3d, Rev E AV. Dannels, of Zanesville, - > , was called as Pastin- of the Church. April 1st, 1873, on motion, which was duly voted and recorded, the hand of fellowship was withdrawn from Samuel Brown, ou charge of extortion, slander, and disorderly conduct, unbocomiag a Christian. During this year the following sums were contributed for benevolent purposes: For Jlinisterial Ivlncatioii, 8S7 00 ; Foreign Missions, 27 00; Hume Missions, §50 00; Church Edifice Fund, §40 00; Theological Union of Chicago, 860 00. The experience of the Church, relative to financial nnitters, was " We have adopted the weeklv envelope system fur procuring money for all expenses of tlrj Church, anil find it to be quite a success, and would recommend it to our sister Churches, wdiere it has not been adopted." Nov. 1st, 1873, Rev. E. W. Dannels resigned as Pastor of the Church, mueh to their regret, and resolutions expressive of their feelings were presented to him. Rev. AI. C Clark was called to the Pastorate, Dec. 1st, of same year, and presented letters from 1st Baptist Church of Cosport, la. April 7th, 1874, a committee of one was appointed to inform the trustees of the Church, that it is the desire of the Church that the meeting-house be used for nothing but devotional exercises. Rev. M. C Clark resigned the pastoral care of the Church, Nov. 20tli, 1874. Rev. D. AV. Morgan of Olney, III., was called to the pastorate, Jan. 1st, 1375, at a salary of $700 and all that can he raised over that amount. At a called meeting, June 7tli, l'S75, W. A. Goodrich, AVm. Chamberlain, Levi Witherill, Janic- Al. Tayhu- and AV. C. Griffith were appointed a committee of five to decide on the location of a new Church edifice, and to act as a huildiug committee. On the 18tli of June, 1875, the committee reported that they had sold the oil house of worship for the sum of 8230, reserving th3 bell an 1 seats, and had puichasi .1 lots east of the square. (.)n June 21st, 1875, a regular Cliuieh iiieeting was hehl, and after some discussion as to the authority of the committee, etc., it was voted " That we indorse the aotiou of the committee and request them to go on with the work of Church building." (^(t. 12th, 1875, Deacon E. Overand resigned his ulhie; Ivvi Witherill also resigned as member of the building committee. Ua the 2 !d of August, 1875, the following resolution ou motion was accepted from the building committee : " Whereas, the subscriptions for the building of the new Church ulifici' are nuule ]iayable in one, two, and three years, 1875, '70 and '77, and it is necessary, in order to enclose the building and finish the lecture-room and parlors for use the coming winter, that money be boirowed enough to enclose said building, to be met by subscriptions coining due as aforesaid. Resolved, therefore, that the Trustees of this church be, and they are hereby requested, authorized and empowered to biu'row the sum of 82500, and secure the payment of the same upon the luts and building uf the church.

that sura being necessary to enclose said building, and do the work necessar}' to be done this fall," which was carried, also to lay the corner-stone of the new church huilding Monday, August SOth, at 3 r. M. Tiie clerk was also instructed to prepare a list of names of members of the church, with other matters of the church histor}", to be placed in the corner-stone. Jan. 4th, 1876, Itcv. Paris Pray was duly elected to fill the office of deacon, made vacant by the resignation of E. Overand, and N. Burch to fill the office of trustee to supply the place of Jolin Reed, resigned, and J. M. Taylor was instructed by tiie church to cast the vote for the election of W. S. Frink as treasurer. F. Cook was elected clerk. July IBih, Wm. Cnajnberlaiu was elected by ballot as assistant deacon of the church. Rev. D. W. Jlorgan resigned the pastorate Aug. "iOth, 1876, and Rev. S. D. Badger was called to tiie pastoral care of the churoh liy unanimous vote, June l'2th, 1677, at a salary of 8600 per annum. July 3d, 1877, a motion was carried to call an ecclesiastical council for the purpose of ordaining to the ministry. Rev. S. D. Badger, said meeting to be held Saturday, August Uth, 1877, at 2 p. m., and the foil. wing churches were requested to send two delegates, each to sit in council : First Baptist Church of Springfield, Nnrih Church, Springtield, Assumption, Jloawequa, Stonington, I'ana, Shelbyvilie, Decatur, Sadorus, ilcLean and (Jreana. Rev. A. A. Kindrich, D. D., of Upper Alton, and Riv. J. M. Gregory, D. D. of Champaign, were also invited to participate in the action of the council, and be members of the same.

The following is a partial report of a fiuancial committee, uhich is well worthy of notice, said committee being composed of James JI. Taylor, Albert R. Peck and W. A. Goodrich, Jlay 27th, 1877: Your committee would suggest, that it is necessary not onlv that more subscriptions, but larger ones, be paid. They find upon examination of the list of contributions for previous years, wheu the expenses were much larger, and were promptly met, that the contributors numbered about thirty-five, and that the poorer members of the church coutributed nearly, if not quite, as much now as they did then, but that the falling off in contributions is more in the amount contributed, and the hard times .seem to have struck the wealthy instead of the poor members of the church, they having reduced their subscriptions, with a few exceptions, from one-half to one-fourth their usual and former contributions, all of which is respectfully submitted.

A license was granted at this meeting to enable O. E. Badger to preach the gospel. Janu's ^I. Taylor was elected treasurer in place of W. S. Frink. A liaptismal committee was also appointed, consisting of W. A. Goodrich, SI. A. Goodrich and Sarah Morrison. On September 2d, 1878, James E. Low resigned his position as clerk of the church, and Albert R. Peck was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by resignation, April 1st, 1879. At a regular business-meeting held April 1st, 1879, the trustees were instructed to repair fence around the church-grounds, and also to put out hard maple trees around the outside of said grounds. Rev. Paris Pray resigned his position as deacon, which vacancy was filled by Albert R. Peck. Rev- S. J). Badger's pastorate commenced May 2.5th, 1877, and closed at his resignation.

Aug. 27th, 1879, at a special business-meeting, a unanimous call was e.Ktended to Rev. Oswald Snell, who had been laboring on the field for some weeks to supply the church as minister for three months ; and at the end of his four months' service, a very unanimous call was given him by the church to become its pastor, at a salary of §650 per annum for an indefinite time, to be terminated by either party giving three months' notice, when desirable so to do. The church, at the commencement of Elder Snell's labors in it, was in a very low and almost hopeless condition. Manv of the members despaired of ever keeping the large church, worth S6,000, in their possession, as a mortgage of 82,800 was bearing upon it; and it was the common expression among worldly men that either the Roman Catholics were going to get the church, or else it would be turned into a theatre; hut, in the providence of God, they found a man who could live by fiiith and inspire others with hope, and things in a few tnonths began to brighteli. About this time a bequest of 82 000, which was left by Sir X.Sanders, of Stonington, Christian Co., 111. i f ir purpcises hereinafter mentioned), engaged the attention of the ehuicli and its pastor, and negotiations were entered into to secure the use of the money ; and by raising about 8820 more in cash, the indebtedness on the church was paid in this cit}', and this church forever saved to the denomination.

It is expected that at an early date the church edifice will be completed, and we doubt not the completion of such a house of worship, as an ornament to the town, will be gratifying to our citizens, and all will be willing to do what they can to help in this object. Elder Snell, who has been supplying the church and leading in this work since July last, much to their satisfaction and encouragement, has recent!}' received and accepted a unanimous call to become permanent pastor. The church started out anew with hope revived. On the 1-lth of January, 1879, Elder Snell began a revival meeting in the church, and though small in its beginning, increased in influence and interest, until the whole town was interested and the country for miles was moved upon. Three or four other protracted meetings began with the ending of the week of prayer, and this continued on until the temperance campaign work began, when the meeting was adjourned for two weeks, (so as not to Conflict with the temperance meetings,) and was afterwards carried on, and the Lord poured out His Spirit upon the meeting, and some forty or fifty souls were hopefully converted. About 35 additions were the results of the revival at the Baptist Church ; about 25 of these by baptism. Rev. D. C. JMoBride, of Stonington, came about the fourth week of the revival meeting and assisted the pastor very much by speaking and singing in the meeting about fourteen days. The Rev. C. Starkey, of Bethalto, Illinoi.s, also rendered assistance for about a week in this meeting, and the Rev. J. N. Hobart, D.D., General Jlissionary of the state of Illinois, was also present one day and night, and encouraged much by his kind, earnest words. The workers in this glorious revival meeting, some of the most depraved and hardened men, came to Christ and were saved ; several young people and many heads of families. It is expected to finish the church edifice this year D. V. This, without exceptions, has been the most successful year, spirituallv and t^'Uiporally, for the church in Taylorville since its organization. Hundreds left for want of room during the revival meeting, and o'len now people can not gain admittance, hence the church ftels the importance of finishing the edifice, when its seating capacity will be about six or seven hundred when required. J. M. Taylor is the active, earnest Sunday-school Superintendent, and we have averaged the past six months about 125 scholars each Sabbath. Judge Frink is still living and in his 90th year, and walks half a mile to church every Sabbath ; reads still withotit spectacles. Albert II. Peck is still the faithful clerk of the church, as well as deacon, and some two years since laid ttewn his hammer to stu<ly law in the office of the successful lawyer, J. M. Taylor. Gus. Goodrich, who wa.s for some years our worth}' county treasure!', retains his office with Nich. Burch, as trustee of the church. Parson Pray still pursues the even tenor of his way, and occasionally the Rev. Hobart, D.D., our venerable and much esteemed general missionary of the State of Illinois, puts in an appearance at Taylorville, and liy his kiml words of advice and sympathy, encour- ages and .strengtliens the things that remain. The present pastor, Rev. Oswald SiuH.a man much esteemed and respected in tiiis city Ijy all wli" know him, i.s iiuw pushing forward the work of completing the beautiful Bapti-st Church edifice, -wliich is .said to be one of the finest in Christian county, averaging about 50 by 90 feet in size. 'Tis pleasant, as this church hi.«tory draws to a close, to realize, as we take a retrospect of the past, how much improvement there has been in our county and state, socially, morally, and spiritually, and that the great moral governor of the universe, though he buries his workman, still carries on his work. Should any of the numerous readers of our County History cnnie this way, pastor and people will be glad to welcome them by the hand of fraternity, and bid them God speed on their way.

The Grove City Station is the outgrowth of a Methodist Class organized in 1833, at the residence of Col. Peter Porter, and supposed to be the oldest Methodist society in Christian county. The class was organized by Rev. J. H. Benson. For some years the society held their meetings at Col. Porter's residence, until a house of worship was erected, which was completed iu 1852. Dedicatory sermon was preaeheil by Rev. Jonathan Stamper, of Decatur. The church was called " Wesley Chapel," and was built on land given for the purpose by John M'Kenzie, about two miles east of Col. Porter's. The society occupied this house until Grove City Cliurch was built in 1866, when the class was transferred to the latter place. Grove City Church is a frame structure, sightly in api)earance, and cost $6,000. Dedicatory sermon and services by Rev. H. Buck. The society has generally been quite jjrosperous, and nundiers at present 165 members.

Col. Porter's liouse was a preaching place for our earliest pioneer preachers. Richard Bird, Peter Cartwright, Piter Akers, and others of the early pioneers, preached there. The house has been moved away some years. Formerly the charge was in the form of a circuit, but became a station in 1867. Pastors, Leonard Sniitli, J. W. West, J. B. Colwcll, Ira Emerson, I. T. Roberts, J. L. Robinson, the present pastor.

Father Bruncr, as he is familiarly called, is the oldest member of Grove City charge, was born in Washington county, Maryland, October 5th, 1795. Moved to Frederick in 1812. In 1817 removed to Washington City, where under the labors of Rev. Burch he was converted and united with the Old Foundry M. E. Church, in a Love-feast held September 26th, 1817. Joined a class of men which met at Sunrise, Father Lovejoy, lead<'r. lieturncd to Frederick in 1818. Resided there until his removal to Illinois in 1842. Father Bruner has been a class leader fir ovi'r fifty years. Is more than an ordinary man in piety, devotion and intelligence. Has been very useful to the church, and even now is very active for one of his age, being in his 85th year.

H. C. and J. M. Lindsle}' are among the "reliables" in the church, stewards and class leaders, and men of sterling Christian character, greatly esteemed bj' the entire connnunity. S. J. Saddler, a large land owner and stock dealer; Wn\. JIcKenzie, a man powerful to " prevail with God," and David Henshie, unassuming and quiet, and thoroughly pious, may also be nundiercd with the leading men of the Grove City charge. The verdict of one of the ]iastors of this charge iwixy be of value to those interested. "This is one of the most pleasant charges in the Illiiiois < 'onference."

250, including probatii ners ; the Sabbath-schools aggregate over 200. In 1864, nmler the pastorate of Rev. Gunn, Edinburg erected a house of worship. Sharpsburg church was built in '74. Bethany in '67. The first class formed, on what is now Edinburg Circuit, was in 1845 or '46, at Robt Richardson's. In the early Methodism of Edinburg we fijid the name of AVm. Half )rd as a leader in church enterprise and devotion. Later that of J. B. Eaton.

At Sharpsburg, S. B. Shehhm was for many years a faithful and devoted servant of the church. His kindly .services with those of his estimable family will be recalled to mind by the early itinerant with feelings of gratitude. .Tared Young, now in Nebraska, Father Xash and family, and Wm. Hargis, were also leaders in every good w'ord and work.

At Bethany, Robert Richardson and Father Whitman, at whose homes the itinerant Methodist preached, as early as 1840, were the learling spirits of Methodism of early days. In later years we find the names of A. F. Snow, R. Graham, Geo. Wayndck, Isaac Richardson, Fi'ank Whitman, J.ihn Richardson, Wm. M Dolbv and E. T. Ogden.

The following are the names of the different pastors : Revs. Gunn, A. Orr, John Staples (supply), J. C. Kellar, J. B. Haas, H. Miller, J. J. Dugan and W. W. Curnutt, the present pastor.

In 1^43 a class was organized at the house of John Benson, one mile west of where the village of Mt. Auburn now stands. The class consisted of Mr. and Mrs. John Benson, Eliza White, and three others named Rice. Soon after the organization of the class, six others united, making twelve in all ; Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Virden, Mr. and Mrs. James Potter, and Mr. and Mrs. Ge(n-ge AVilcox.

The membership has increased considerably in number at different periods. The first members here are nearly all gone to their reward. The present does not probably exceed 20, and for the past three or four years there has not been regular preaching kept up.

The Morrisotiville and Palmer Circuit organized in 1871, is composed of six preaching places, Morrisonville, Palmer, Shiloh, King's School-house, Providence and Maple Grove. The Shiloh Class is the strongest appointment iu the circuit, numerically and financially. Morrisonville is preparing to build a good church during the coming year. During the jia^t winter (1879-80) the church was so unfortunate as to lose their parsonage by fire, lint with commendable zeal and courage, the circuit began at once to raise funds for another, and in less than four months after the fire, the pastor and his family were installed in a new parsonage, larger and much better than the former. The society numbers 200 members. J. B. Haas was preacher in charge in 1871. J. R. Reasonis, present pastor.

There is no record of the first organization of the Alethodist Society at Taylorville. There was a class there for several years, and it was the head of what was known as the Taylorville Circuit. It was made a " Station " iu 1866, and it is probable the first class was organized twenty-five years previou-, but the reeonls here have been lost, and personal reeolleetions have been the only source of inf irmation. The society in tlie town numbered 100 menil)ers, and two rjuntrv classes having about 3(t members in all, were united with flu' town society and finned Taylorville Station. The Tavlorville Chuieh was a small brick ( 24x36 feet ), built in

Official Board of 1880: W. AV. xVnderson, A. Seaman, L. B. Slater, A. Demofe, F. O. Bulpit, M. C. Long, D. :McCaskill, J. Shatter, C. S. Blenkenship, A. McCaskill, S. W. Lantz and Mrs. Meda Simpson.

The first JI. E. Class in Pana was organized iu 1855, by Green Walker, who was at that time proprietor of a boarding-house in Pana. Mr. Walker was leader of the class, and is said to have offered the first public prayer iu Pana. The class consisted of Green Walker and Millie Walker his wife, their daughter Deborah A. Walker, now Mrs. J. C. Stout of the Kentucky House in Pana, Henry Slack, Rachel Slack, Jliss Irving Sanders aud Jlrs. E P. Sanders; seven in all. The first class-meeting in Pana was held in the freight house of the Illinois Central R. R. The first Jlethodist Sabbath school was held in the same place fir over a year, Jesse Heath superintendent.

The first regular Methodist preavhing was in the " Yancy House," a small frame house unplastered, fronting on the Illinois Central R. E., and just north of where the Harrison House now stands It was in this house that the first Quarterly ileeting of Pana Methodism was held in the spring of 1856, Rev. Huckstep, P. C. ; J. L. Crane, P. E. There is no record of the (Quarterly Conference (bu.siuess meeting), of this year to be found, and the facts were ascertained from parties who were present at the Sabbath services.

First revival services of M. E. Church in Pana were held in winter of 1857-8, under the pastorate of S. B. Russell and W. A. Wilnier. The services were held in what is now known as " Lawrence Hall," during which quite a nund)er of souls were converted and added to the church, some nn probation and some by letter. The following year the church commenced to build a house of worship^ but it was not completed until the autumn of 1859. It is a frame structure, and was situated just north of St. James' Hotel, but as the town built up, it was found to be too far from the centre of population, and in 1866 when the appointment was made a station, it was deemed advisable to move it two blocks south of the St. Louis railroad, and two blocks east of Illinois Central railroad, where it now stands. Since its removal a spire has been added, also a study and a chapel, giing the whole church a seating cajiacity of about 500.

Sabbath-school numbers about 325, including primary department, and is in a flourishing condition. The Primary department is superintended by Mrs. P. M. Nichols, a very efficient and devoted worker. This department numbers about eighty names. Is conducted in the class system, with eight young ladies as teachers, subject to the direction of Mrs. Nichols.

The church in Pana has had its drawbacks and hindrances, but to-da}' stauds on decided ground, condemning the wrong and firm for the right. The testimony of one who is not a member of the M. E. communion, and has resided in Pana from its earliest history, will perhaps expre.ss the position of the church on the tempirance question. " Pana Methodism ever since the organization of its fir^t class has been noted for its opposition to the traffic in alcohol. The members of the first class made it their business to oppose the sale of intoxicants in the town ; and the society has been fighting whisky ever since." A statement which could probably be applied with perfect propriety, not only to Pana and Christian county Methodism, but to Methodism generally.

The society at Stoningtou was organized iu 1867 by Rev. W. H. Furgison, a loc.il preacher. The class was organized at Washington school-house, which stood one-half mile south of the village of Stoningtou. The class was composed of seven members: Mr. and Mrs. James Furgison, 'Sir. and ilrs. William Liner, Mrs. Livergood, Wm. Marion and Nancy Williams. In 1873 the society built a good church at a cost of 83,000. The membership at present numbers between 60 and 70. James Furgison, B. C. Chapman and Mrs. .J. AI. Luster are among the leading members of the society. The pastors since '67 have been W. H. Furgison, John Staples, Joseph Pellatt, J. W. Warfield, J. M. McElherron, R. W. Travis, F. C. Bruner, G. D. Furber. At present .Stoningtou belongs to Blue Mound circuit, aud is under the pastorate of J. K. Crawfjrd.

Assumption M. E. Church

Assumption society was organized in 1860 with eight members : Joel H. Abbott, class leader, J. L. Demotte, Ann Demotte, W. Demotte, J. P.' Stark, Anne Stark, Hulda Ousting and J. K. Morton composed the class. It now numbers 77. The society has a house of worship, built iu 1808-9, costing 84,000. In 1876 a parsonage was built which cost 8750. The societ}' is not very strong financially; but there is a goodly number of earnest working Christians, and their influence is being felt for good in the comnuinity. H. H. Tobias is Sunday school superintendent ; Amos Kerr, E. ^^^ Mohr and E. J. Fribley, stewards ; Isaac Campbell, J. A. Wemple, H. H. Tobias, E. W. Mohr, Amos Kerr, trustees. The circuit consists of Assumption, Millersville and the Wright school-house. The pastors were E. E. Cowperthwait, A. Y. Graham, .7. K. Crawford aud J. W. Warfield, the pastor now 1 1880) in charge.

Milleksyille M. E Chukch

This society was organized in 1870 by Rev. ^Moses Tichnell. Twelve persons composed the class at the time : Thomas Miller, Jane Miller, Jemima C. Miller, George Miller, Sarah C. ililler, JI.

G. Oakcy, Elizabeth Oakoy, J. Shaw, Aiine Shaw, Susiima Dtisenberry, Win. Maxwell and Wni. A. Maxwell. The society luw a small but ucat frame cluircb bailt iii I'STl.

ROSEMOXD 51. E. <'iiui;(;ir. The Roscnioml thai-ge emi^i.-t- nffuur appointments: lioseinnnd, Buckeye ch; [jcI, Owaneco ami ]*"aiivie\v. Although Rcsemond is the head of the circuit, it is the youngest of the four classes, being Ofanizcd in IfsGT. The society consisted of eight mendiers at tiie time of its organization: Alex. Simpson, Eliza Simpson, Thomas Hartop, Anna Hartop, Win. W. Morrison, Ellen Morrison, Ileniy Bess and Nancy Boss. Since that time, the class has grown considerably in numbers and financial strength. A house of wor-hip -was built the .same year as the organization of the class. The circuit owns a parsonage near the Rosemond church. The chnrge has been served by the following pastors: G. IMiller, G.J.Barrett, J. JI. West, J. "e. Lindley, W. Murphy, T. M. Dillon, AVin. McK. Gooding, C E. McClintock and P. S. Swart, the pastor now in charge. Henry Bess is leader of Rosemond class, and he and his wife are among the faithful and devoted workers of the church. Stewards: J. F. Warner, J. L. Brown ; trustees, Wm. Guthrie, Jcshua Osborn, John Hathaway, S. Winter and W'm. Weaver; Sunday-school superiuteudent, Charles Stitcs.

Buckeye M. E. Church

At Buckeye chapel there is a flourishing society, organized in 18.35 by Rev. M. Shunk. The society belonged to Taylorville circuit until the formation of Rosemond charge, when it was included in the latter work. The class was organized with fifteen mendjcrs : Samuel Cowgill, Louisa Cowgill, Wm. Hunter, Susan Hunter, Mary Hunter', Dr. W. H. .McCoy ami Mrs. McCoy, Samuel I>arge, Maria Large, Noel Rap?, Elizabeth Rape, Rebekah Baker, and two sisters of Mrs. James AVhitlaw - names not given. The society is strong numerically, financially and spiritually, and is an oldfashioned Methodist appointment, in the grandest sense of tluit phi-ase. Thomas Bonnell and S. S. Kanaga are local elders; lieniy JMillard. Wm. Large, class-leaders; Philip Ebert, J. W. Hunter, stewards; Joshua Gimlen, H. L. JIuU, T. Bonnell, George Jle- Guire, S. S. Kanaga, J. McGaw, J. \V. Hunter, Samuel Laigi-, trustees.

F.Virview M. E. Church

Fairview class was organized in 18G!) with "2(3 members, following are the names of members: E. Denton and wife, R bleby, Lida Lbnbleby, Mr. and JMrs. Matthew Lusader, i\Ir Mrs." A. N. Snyder, Mr. and .^Irs. Wm. Walters, Jlr. and Samuel Umbleby, Harriet [McMiller, Mary McElroy, J. W Emma JIcElroy, J. A. and Annie J. :MeElroy, Jlr. and Mrs. Cherry, Mrs. J. Watkins, :Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Johnson, and and Mrs. Peter Johnson. The house of worship was liuilt in and dedicated Jan. 8th, 1869, by Rev. AV. N. McElroy, si Mary McElroy, and brother to J. A. and J. W. ^McElroy, ai that time pastor of 1st M. E. Church, Bloomington, now presiding elder of Bloomington district. The church was built and dedicated before the organization of the society, a very unusual proceeding for a ^Methodist But the ]icople of the neighborhood felt the need of a house in which to worshi]i, and many who were not at that time professing Christians gave liberally. Andrew Miller, not a mendier of the church at that time, gave the site for building and §.")(I0 in money as a beginning. Of course, the church was soon paid fir. Among the most active members at the time of organization were E. Denton, Wm. Walters, J. M. New. Leading members now: Dr. McDivitt, E. Denton, J. il. New, E. McChristy and C. W. Wilson. Mrs. Mary McElroy, mother of W. N., J. A. and J. W. JIcElroy, is the oldest living member of Fairview class. Born in 1801, she was converted and united with the M. F,. church in 1818, and consequently has been a Jlethodist for sixty-two years; and those wh,) knew her now and during previous years will te.stify that hers has not been a merely nominal church-membership. She has been an earnest Christian worker; and while performing Christian duties measured by the very highest standard, she has also had the Christian's spiritual enjoyment. With a lieart overflowing with love to God and man, to her "duty has never seemed a load," nor "worship jn'oved a task." A hapjiy, hopeful Christian, with an experience of the "deep things of God," she is truly a "mother in Israel;'' and many will bless her memory long after she is called to her reward. Among other elect ladies of Rosemond charge, might be mentioned the names of Mrs. Tichnell, Mary J. Warner, Jane Stites, Anna Sutton and Jane Rosenberry of Rosemond ; Margaret Danford, Catharine Millhorn and Angeline Fox, of Owaneco; Frances New, Emma McElroy, Matilda Lusader, Nancy L^mbleby and JIary Graham of Fairview; Kate Bonnell, Charlotte Large, Mary A. Large, iNFartha Hunter, Catharine Hunter, Rebekah Lakiu and flattie C. McGuire, of Buckeye. Total membership of Ro.semond circuit, 39G The total number of communicants in the M. E. Church in Christian county is about 1,800, including probationers. There arc seven pastors, with an average salary of .ST'io.

The Roman Catholic Church By Rev. Frederick Schulze

The beginning of the Roman Catholic Church and its organizations in Christian County dates back almost to the first settlement. Though the membership was smaller in the commencement, one may count between 400 and 500 families at present, who are divided into five congregations or parishes in the following places, viz: Taylorville, Assumption, Pana, jNIorrisonville and Stonington. According to times and circumstances, the progress antl improvement was dittbrent in each of these five jjarishes.

As Taylorville was the first organized town in the county, here also the organization of the Catholic Church made its start. It was about the year 184G. This ilistrict, like the wdiole State of Illinois, was at that time under the spiritual charge of the R. C. Bishop of Chicago. A few familie.- that had come from the State of Kentucky and settled around Taylorville, joined together and erected a small frame building, to serve as a chapel for religious service. The building still exists as the entrance part of the newchurch. There was no priest residing in the county at that time, and even the attendance of a neighboring clergyman was very rare, as coraamnication was difiicult for want of railroads. The place used to be visited about three or four times a year by a priest from Springfield, in the adjacent Sangamon County. This continued till the time when the Catholic congregation of Assumption was organized, about 1860. Henceforth the priest residing at Assump- tion commenced to attend Taj'lorvillc once a month. Since the number of members had increased and the monthly attendance was not very regular, the Catholics of the latter place made some efforts to have a pastor of their own residing with them. Hence they commenced with the building of a new priest-house. This was about 1871. They bought three lots of ground, one block further south of the old church. The house was built by Father Kecouvreur, who was for a long time at Assumption, and was then moved to Edwardsville. However, he did not complete the work. This was done by Rev. Father Claus, who was appointed by the R. C. bishop of Alton, as a resident priest for Taylorville, in the year 1872. He finished the building of the house. At the same time he got the old church moved from the former place t j the lot where the new pastoral residence had been erected in the year 1874. On this occasion they j)ut a new addition to the older part and a sacristy. Father Claus, after his first coming had been sent to Ruma, and again returned after half a j-ear; still he did not reside in Taylorville very long, but soon moved to ^Morrison, ville, and attended Taylorville every other Sunday from the latter place. This continued till December, 1877, when Father Schulze was sent by the R. C. bishop of Alton to Taylorville with an order to reside there. Thus it stands to-day.