Fayette County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 14 of those read), 1878

Ecclesiastical History Methodist Episcopal Church

I Ji' ( \ 1 > ( I 1. ^ had the first settlements in the territory now ineluded within the bounds of Fayette County been formed, before the itinerant Methodist preacher made his app«arance and began his evangelistic work. Wherever a pioneer would open his cabin for preaching, there an appointment was made. Wherever a few persons would give their names as seekers or professors of religion, there a class was formed. With the growth of the country and the progress of the church these classes were organized into societies. Several societies constituted a circuit; several circuits a district,

1 and several districts a conference. Thus the whole ecclesiastical machinery of Methodism was set in motion before a single church building was erected. Of the work, the trials and achievements, of this pioneer evangelism, but 1 few records were kept. It is, in consequence, difficult, if not impossible, to determine the order in time of the formation of the earlier societies. Shoal | Creek circuit which embraced the principal part of the territory now in¬ cluded in Clinton, Bond, Fayette, Montgomery and Sbelby counties, was in I existence as far back as 1819. The Sharon society in Fayejte County, j located one mile east of Vera, was organised as early as 1821; - bow much j earlier cannot now be determined. Soon afterward, possibly in 1825. there ; was a society at Nicholls' prairie, south of Bowling Green, with which som*

I of the first settlers, as the Nichollses, Wrens and Depews were identified Vandalia was probably a preaching place from the time of its becoming the I capital of the state in 1818, but not until 1831, was a Methodist church I organization effected. This society at first consisted of but seven members. These were Dr. N. M. McCurdy, Olivia McCurdy, Moses and Susan Phillips, John Delaplaine, wife and daughter. Others were soon afterward added to their number, among them Col. Hodge, a man noted both for his intelligence and integrity; and also Martha J. Phillips, now Mrs. J. W Roes, who as an earnest, devoted Christian is still a member. As a place of worship, they used in common with other denominations a small church¬ building thatjtpodm the present site of the Presbyterian c hurch . A few yearsTater, probably 1835, they began the construction of a larger building on Fourth street. This was completed and dedicated in 1837. ' It was used as a place of worship until 1867, when the present edifice was erected.

In the meantime, 1830, Grand Prairie (Mission was formed, and placed in charge of Simeon Walker, Who, as an honored superannuate of the Southern Illinois Conference, still survives. The south-eastern portion of the county was included in his charge. There were preaching places, if not societies, at Hickory Creek, and at Doolan's south of Loogootee County lines were disregarded in the arrangement of ministerial work in those early times. The same may be said of state lines', as in some instances an Annual Confereuce, or even a presiding elder's district, included portions of two or three states. In 1831 and 1832, under the labors of Rev. James B. Woolard, three sooietiee were organized in the south west part of the county, west of the Okaw, at Moore's, Butler's and Martin's ferry, respectively. These were in¬ cluded in Carlyle circuit. But before crystallizing into permanent shape, one of them was absorbed by another denomination, while the remaining two were incorporated with societies whose church buildings were without the limits of tne county.

The 8haron society enjoyed a high degree of prosperity. About 1834, chiefly through the exertions of Gideon Buckmaster, noted for his zeal and liberality, ana who still survives, a commodious church edifice was erected. This society had now become the principal appointment in a charge called Sharon Mission, which embraced in addition to other territory all the north¬ western portion of the county. Shoal Creek circuit after successive divisions, now disappears from the records, its territory being occupied by several new charges. Among these was Vandalia Mission, organized in 1834, with Samuel H. Thompson, as preacher in charge. In 1836, Okaw Mission with John Demarist as missionary, appeared on the list of appointments. Its boundaries cannot now be exactly determined, but they must have included much of that part of the county lying east of the Okaw river. Big Creek Mission, in the north-east part of the county, is first named in 1838, with Levi Lowry as preacher in charge. The name of this appointment was after¬ ward changed to Loudon City. Thus as early, at least as 1838, the entire county was included in these various circuits. With the advance of popula¬ tion and the success of evangelizing efforts, the societies took permanent shape, and plain church buildings were erected.

The Camp-meeting - a pioneer institution - largely compensated in those earlier years the lack of other facilities for church work. At Sharon, as well as at various other accessible points, such a meeting was held each autumn. The people who loved the Lord came from all parts with rejoicing to this feast of tabernacles in the leafy grove. Tne preachers of adjoining circuits, full of zeal and ready to do their best work for the Master, were m attend¬ ance. They sounded forth the notes of invitation; they preached in no ambiguous term*, repentance, faith and holiness. Believers uniting in worship, which was at once marked by simplicity, fervency and outspoken¬ ness, were strengthened. The irreligious, who could not stay away, were ex- horted to seek salvation. Entreaty and prayer often led to the conviction of sinners, even of such as had come to oppose the work of the Lord. Convic¬ tion was followed by conversion, so that the ordinary result was that scores were added to the church.

Let us turn from the work to the workers. Among the exhorters and local preachers who while laboring with their hands for a support, wrought successfully for the Lord, as they had strength and opportunity, were William Padon, Franklin Brown, Jesse Doolau and William You.ig. The first named, who as an octogenarian still survives, was converted in 1821, within the bounds of the Sharon Society, was soon afterward licensed to exhort, and in 1835 was authorized to preach. He labored extensively for many years, especially at points east of the river. Franklin Brown was noted for nis excellence of character; Jesse Doolan, who did more than any other man toward planting Methodism in the south-eastern part of the county, for his f&ithfiilness, and William Young, for his energy. The last named was a brick-layer. Whatever he did, he did with his might. He once built, in Vandalia, in a single day, a brick chimney from foundation to top stone, then, having changed his clothing, preached with characteristic spirit, in the house thus finished, the same night.

Of the early itinerant preachers we'have preserved, among others, the following names: John Pitner, 8. H. Thompson, Peter Cartwright, Joseph Foulks, Thomas Randle, W L. Deneen, Wilson Pitner, William Chambers, John Dew, E. R Ames, Simeon .Walker, J H. Benson, J. B. Woolard, Jesse Haile, J.*M Massey,V. 8. Barger, N. P. Cunningham, Charles Holli- -Ih v Simon Peter Barton Randle and William Hindale. The most of these have passed from trial to reward. W. L. Deneen, E. R. Ames, Simeon Walker, J. B. Woolard, B. Randle, and possibly one or two others, still linger among us. Many of these pioneer workers were men of recognized ability Wno has not heard of Peter Cartwright ? John Dew was noted no less for his moving power as a preacher than for his attainments as a scholar. He was at one time president of McKendree College. Jesse Haile was eccentric, stern, and as a disciplinarian, rigid. He onoe had a member ar¬ raigned and excluded from the church on the sole charge of not maintaining family worship. J M Massey was held in .high esteem alike for his eloquence and his piety. Wherever he labored revival prevailed. N. P. < Cunningham, a trained orator and cultured preacher, was described by an irreligious legislator as the best Methodist recruiting officer he had ever seen in Vandalia. Wilson Pitner was gifted, eccentric, noted for power in ex¬ hortation and fidelity iu work. 8. H. Thompson, one of the patriarchs, was a noble, high-toned gentleman. He was of impressive bearing, and of win¬ ning ways both in and out of the pulpit. James B. Woolard, bom in Bufrrd County, N. C., in 1804, and converted in 1823, came to Greenville ii. 1*29, and to Mulberry Grove in'1831 For many years his post was in the forefront of the battle. When, after his superannuation, he engaged in the milling business, it is said that he was in the habit of holding on Satur¬ day eveuing a religious service for his employes, as his Sabbath appointments required his presence in other localities, on the day of rest

Specific mention must be made of another of these worthies. There ap¬ peared in the fall of 1830, at a camp and quarterly meeting, near Greenville, a modest-looking, dark-haired and dark-eyed young man. His reputation as a scholar but not as a preacher, had preceded him. In the order of business in the quarterly conference, the presiding elder, Rev. S. H. Thomp¬ son in substance said: " I have now a matter to present, to the consideration of which I ask your quiet attention. If you have any objections to the pro¬ position I am about to make, and I know you will have, please do not name the in until I have made my statement. I have brought the strange young man v ou have seen on the ground to this meeting, in order to have you recommend him for admission to the Annual Conference. He does not belong to this charge. You will ask, * Why does not his own quarterly conference recom¬ mend him? 1 There is some objection to him where he is known. The objection is based upou his timidity . He has been known to leave a prayermeeting rather than take part in its exercises. When they voted on his recommendation for iioenae to preach this objection was urged, and he bad a majority of but one vote. It would be useless to attempt to secure his further recommendation there. You say, 1 We have not heard him preach.' I know you have not. But if you will recommend him, I will try to have him preach during this camp-meeting. But you ask, * Why not nave him preach before recommending nim ? 1 Jf he felt or suspected that his preach¬ ing would be regarded as a trial performance to secure your recommendation, he could not be induced to make the attempt. But he has the elements of a great preacher; he will make his mark m the world. You recommend him. f will see to it that he preaches before you. Then, if not satisfied, you can withdraw your recommendation/' With this understanding the quar¬ terly conference recommended him. The following Sabbath morning he preached His manner was thoughtful and persuasive. The people drew near and listened with quiet attention. Again in the course of the meeting he occupied the stand. His theme was the tragedy of the cross. As he warmed to his subject, he pictured the dying Redeemer holding up His bleeding hands and entreating the sinner to come to Him and be saved. Hearts were touched; the cloud broke away; the light shone forth ; the power of God was felt by the rapt hearers, and on every hand were heard the shouts, " Amen ' " " Glory ! tS " Glory to God! " The recommendation wa* not withdrawn. That young man was Edward R. Ames. He was soon afterward received - o trial by the Illinois Conference, and io connection with John Dew, appointed to Shoal Creek circuit, which then included Vandalia.

But we must not linger among these early workers. Let us now pass over forty years of toil and progress, and note the present status of Methodism.

There are now, 1878, in Fayette County, five full charges: Vandalia, Hagerstown, Avena, St. Elmo, Shobonier. Within the same bounds are parts of four other charges: Ramsey, Pakota, Farina and Pleasant Grove, including probationers the united membership is about 1,400.

There are sixteen Suuday-schools maintained during part or all of the year. These are composed of about twelve hundred scholars, under the direction of one hundred and sixty-five officers and teachers. In several localities Methodists assist in maintaining Union Schools, whose membership is not included in the enumeration above given. As regards church pro¬ perty, we have within the county six parsonages and twelve churches, with another in process of construction. The estimated value of this property is $55,000.

While not all has been accomplished that has been attempted, we rejoice in being able, after sixty years of effort, to write on our pillars " Ebeneser ." We pray that the day may never come when " Ichabod " shall be inscribed upon our altars.

Methodist Episcopal Church, Vandalia

The organization, in 1831, the names of the first members, and the early history of the M. E. Church in Vandalia, are given in the county sketch of Methodism. The growth of the Church depending largely upon the growth of the town, had not been very rapid. The present membership, consisting of two hundred and thirty, including twenty-eight probationers,. is found almost exclusively within the limits of the corporation. This Church is characterized by its unity, devotion to Christian work and its liberality. Amou£ the female members are two organized societies, one for the support of foreign missions, and the other for the care of the neglected and afflicted at home. This church last year, in the amount of contributions for benevo¬ lent work, ranked second in the Southern Illinois Conference.

The Sunday-school was organized in 1834 or 1835, under the charge of Dr. N. M. McCurdy as superintendent. It now numbers twenty-one officers and teachers and about two hundred and thirty scholars. It is well supplied with requisites in the way of papers, lesson-leaves, maps and black-board illustrations. G. W. Brown, cashier of National Bank, has for several years faithfully and successfully served as superintendent.

The church building now occupied was erected in 1867 and dedicated by Bishop Simpson in 1868. It is the fiuest and most imposing structure of the kind in the county. It cost, with the attached parsonage, $22,000. Dr. McCurdy, J. W. Ross and Rev. H. Sears constituted the building committee. Dr. McCurdy was the largest contributor. Rev. H. Sears was at the time pastor. After serving three years, - the longest term permitted our itinerants in a single charge, without a break of equal length, - he was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Earp, who ably filled a like term. Rev. Joseph Harris followed, who also for three years labored diligently and successfully. At the expiration of his pastorate in 1875, Rev. T. H. Herdman, the present incumbent, was appointed. He was born in Pennsylvania, but rearea in Ohio. For a number of years after completing his collegiate course in 1856, he devoted himself to teaching. In 1864 he entered the Cin¬ cinnati Conference. After laboring one year he received a transfer to the Southern Illinois Conference, and was placed in charge of Mount Vernon Semifiary. There he remained four years, having during the greater part of 1866 the care of the church with that of the school. He was next appointed to Du Quoin, and then in succession to Litchfield, Lebanon and Vandalia. He has for several years been Secretary of the Conference.

Organization In Vandalia

About the year 1840, a number of German families from Germany, Penn¬ sylvania, Ohio and North Carolina, had settled in Vandalia and vicinity, who among themselves began to exercise their duty as Christians, to have the gospel preached among them in accordance with the doctrines and usages of the Lutheran Church, as they had been accustomed, and as Rev. Dan'l Scherrer, in passing from his home at Mt Carmel, Ill., to Hillsborough, preached occasionally for them. We find upon the old church record, an account of the first organization which ij as follows: - "By the request of several members of the Evang. Luther&n Church, Rev. Dan'l Scherrer, visi¬ ted Vandalia and vicinity on the 23d day of June, 1844, and held service. After the sermon, it was moved that all persons, who desire that the gospel shall be proclaimed, and the sacraments administered among us as we have been accustomed to in the Church of our Fathers, and as it is the duty of Christians, will come forward and give their names. Upon this the following names were handed in: - Conrad Dieckmann; Jacob Sonnemann and wife; Christian Sonnemann; A. H. Dieckmann; Michael Steinhauer and wife: G. H. Dieckmann; Lewis Housemann; Philip Kuntz and wife; William Rode; Frederick Gereke and wife,; Frederick Klug; Jacob Mattel.

'FEe^newly organized congregation was called the St. James' Evang. Lu¬ theran Church, which the following persons have served in turn: - Eev. D. Scherrer, 1844; Rev. Jacob Scherrer, 1848; Rev. Geo. Wolf, 1852; Rev. Wm. Hunderdasser, 1853.

During the ministrations of this man, in the year 1854, the first Evangel¬ ical Lutheran Church was built, which still remains, just south of the Vandalia R. R, and is used by the German congregation. The successors of Rev. Hunderdasser areRev. D. D. Swaney, 1856; Rev. J. Boetticher, 1857; Rev. G. H. Shurr, 1859-f Rev. S. L. Harkey, 1860; Rev. D. D. Swaney, 1862; Rev. 8. L. Harkey, 1863.

The congregation from its origin had been English and German, until 1865, when April 1st, a purely English organization was effected, with the following members: - A H. Dieckmann and wife; G. H. Dieckmann and wife; M. Easterday and wife; Luther Easterday; Amanda Rizer; Mrs. M. J. Harkey.

The English congregation worshipped for two years, in the church edifice belonging to the Christian organization, when in the spring of '69 the zealous little hand resolved to have a house of worship of their own, and immediate¬ ly went to work to construct a building.

The blessings of Providence favored them, for in May 27th, the corner¬ stone of the new building was laid, and Oct. 19th, 1869, a well furnished and beautiful edifice, costing $8000, was dedicated to the service of God, being free from debt

The dedication services were conducted by the Pastor, Rev. John Rugan, assisted by Rev. C. W. Schaeffer, D. D., (now professor in the Lutheran Seminary, Philadelphia, Pa.,) and Rev. Prof. S. L. Harkey, D. D.

The congregation also owns a neat and comfortable residence property, for which they paid two thousand dollars, which is located a short distance from the church and used exclusively for a parsonage.

The small congregation of nine members in '65, under the ministration of Rev. S. L. Harkey, M. M. Grove, J. Rugan, J. L. Smith, J. H. Hunton and N. Aldrich, has, until the present, reached a membership of sixty-two, having increased seven times its original number.

The English congregation has had an active Sunday-school since its origin, which has proved a true nursery to the church. The superintendent, G. H. Dieckmann, never permits the work to lag, nor interest to fail, and hence the character of the school has been kept up and its progress unabated.

The German congregation from which the English separated, holds ser¬ vices at present in the same building erected in the summer of 1854, and is served by pastors located at other points.

In Wheatland Township the second Lutheran organization was effected in the county, known as the Hickory Creek charge. It was organized about 1851, and has a Sunday-school which dates from about the same time. Some material from the St. James' congregation of Vandalia aided in establishing this one. During the pastoral labors of several ministers, the congregation has gained strength, and is now a point of interest to the Lutheran Church.

In the southern and eastern part of the county much of the vacant land was owned by the Illinois Central R. R., and eight-tenths was still vacant, when in 1864 eight families of Germans moved into Wilberton Township. This small colony formed a nucleus, and soon elicited emigration from various states. The wildness of the country soon gave wav to energy and frugality, and promised a home of plenty, which caused the settlement to improve

The church was not forgotten, and immediately the early settlers formed St. Paul's congregation, secured the services of Rev. G. Strechfusz, who sup¬ plied the congregation until in May, 1869, when Rev. G. Endres was called from Ft. Dodge, Iowa, who labored among the people until the autumn of 1869. From this time Rev. C. G. Schuricht supliea the congregation until Feb., 1870, when he received and accepted a call, and is still serving the St Paul's congregation. During the labors of Rev. Schuricht, the membership has been more than doubled. There are at present two parochial schools with 128 scholars in the congregation conducted by H. G. Schuricht and N. Malte, and a third school-house is in progress of erection, all of which are the exclusive property of the congregation.

There is another congregation in this township, an outgrowth of the St. Paul's, organized in 1877, served by Rev. G. Meier, and is now worshipping in a new edifice dedicated Jan. 27th, 1878.

The Catholic Church

Mass was first celebrated in Vandalia by the Rev. George A. Hamilton of Springfield, Illinois. The ceremony taking place in the Court House on the 11th of May, 1845. People of every denomination were desirous of pee¬ ing the services and baptisms performed, consequently the building was crowded to excess; indeed not half of the large concourse of people who had assembled could gain admission.

The Catholics from all parts of the country, eagerly seized the opportunity offered them of offering up their prayers before the altar of the Most High. Fifty-five persons received the sacrament of baptism on that day.

Michael Lynch, an old resident of Vandalia. was instrumental in securing this large assemblage, by notifying all the Catholics in the county that Father Hamilton, whom he had influenced to attend, would be here to cele¬ brate Mass on that day.

Baptisms and christenings are indispensable to members of the Catholic church, and previous to this time, all the Catholic community of Fayette Co., were compelled to take their children to 8t. Louis by wagon or stage, for the purpose of having this important sacrament administered. The old pioneers in the county with but few exceptions, were firm in their faith, and strict observers of their religious duties. A goodly number were scattered fiiroughout the county, but the only resident Catholics in Vandalia at that time, were Michael Lynch and family. This family with Mrs. Morrison, Mrs. Diekman, (wife of Conrad Diekman) Mr. Cotman, Richard McDonald and family, Dr. Isaac Berry, Mr. Linnet, James Connor, and Thomas Granfield, were amongst the first Catholics in Fayette Co. - and the names of the priests stationed here from time to time, are as fbllows: Rev. Geo. A Hamil¬ ton, Rev. Michael Pendergast, Rev. Thoe. Cusick, Rev. Father Raphael, Rev. Michael Vahey, Rev. Thos. Welch, Rev. Michael Weis, Rev. Father Strembler, Rev. Father 8tyck, Rev. James Rausman, Rev. Father Enzleberger, and the Rev. Longinus Quitter who is the priest now officiating. A number of other priests held services here at different times, coming from neighboring towns for this purpose, but were not stationed at Vandalia.

The Church Building In Vandalia

Was erected in 1855, through the energetic efforts of Father Cusick. In order to carry out his praiseworthy object he rode all over the oountry taking up subscriptions He was also instrumental in having a church building erected at Decatur and Centralia, during the same period. The Church, school, residence, and land adjoining grave-yard in Vandalia, is estimated in value at $3000.00.

In Avena Township in this county there was also a Catholic church erected in 1855, which building was subsequently burned down. Services are however still held in the neighborhood. The town of Ramsey has also a church, a description of which will be found in the history of that Township.

Before the erection of the Vandalia Church building, services were held and Mass celebrated wherever a convenient building for the purpose could be found, but most frequently in the residence of Michael Lynch.

The Evangelical Association

The first efforts made in the county in behalf of this Association were by Bishop Seibert and J. G Zinser, who were instrumental at the next session of the Illinois Conference, after their visit here, in sending Simon Tobias to Fayette County as a missionary. He labored here one year, and it is pre¬ sumed with little success; for at the next conference meeting this mission was left vacant, and for several years following;

At length in the years 1854 and 1855, H. Rexwinkel, Fried Friebel, from Cleveland, Ohio, and other families who were members of the Evan¬ gelical Association, moved into the county, settling in Wheatland and Sefton Townships; and it was resolved at the Indiana Conference, held in 1855, to appoint Missionary Renhart Rhu, of the Olney Mission, to preach regularly in Wheatland and Sefton Townships. He performed his duties faithfully for the year, at the end of which time he organized the first clan in the county.

In 1856 William Bock man was appointed to preach for one year, and in 1857 Rev. J. W. Kromniller Both these gentlemen were elected from the Marshall Circuit. At the end of 1857 the second class was formed, this time in Sefton Township, the former being in Wheatland. Phil. Miller was appointed clan-leader.

^ In 1858 the classes of Wheatland and Sefton Townships were taken up as a mission, and called the Vandalia Minion, which name it bears at the present day. Jacob Trorameter was minionary for two years, and was suc¬ ceeded in September, 1860, by C. Wenling. Weesling remained two years, and during his minion built the parsonage situated upon Camp Creek, in Sefton Township, the residence of all the minionaries from that date.

In 1862 the Rev. G. Small was appointed to fill the minion for one year: William Wenler for.the two years following, and in 1865, the Rev M. Klaibert preached, and continued for a term of two years, followed by C. Schamo, who also served two years in the minion. He was succe eded by G. Klopfer one year, Fried Launer two years, and E. F Hochstedler two years, at which time, viz., September, 1874, the present incumbent, the Rev. C. Stockhowe, was appointed. The result of these united efforts on behalf of the Evangelical Association is two congregations in the county, two If

Sunday-schools, with one hundred scholars, ninety churoh members, and two other additional regulafr preaching appointments one of these in the town of Vandalia, the other in Sharon Townsnip.

Historical Sketch Of The Christian Church

Owing to the meagre data furnished os by the Rev. Morton D. Adams, we are unable to write a very lengthy article m relation to the existenoe of this church.

The first Christiah church organized within the county was in 1843.. It was located in Liberty and Four-mile Prairie; was organized by the united zeal of Rev. William Chafin and Rev. David Chance; which for more than a generation has exercised its elevating and purifying influence upon society.

Presbyterian Church Bt Rev. Joseph Gordon

The First Presbyterian Church of Vandalia, Fayette Co., Illinois, was organized on the 5th day of July, A. D. 1828, by Rev. Solomon P. Hardy, a Missionary sent out by the American Home Missionary Society. The church consisted of the following members, viz: Jeremiah Abbott, Betsy Abbott his wife, Mrs. Ruth Russell, Mrs. Amy Davidson, and Mrs. Martha Gorin, all of whom joined by letter, and Mr. Samuel Russell and Miss Ruth Russell on profession of faith in Christ Mr. Jeremiah Abbott was chosen and set apart by ordination to the office of Ruling Elder.

Mr. Thomas A. Spilmann who had for some time been serving the church as stated supply, closed his labors on the 13th day of Dec. 1829. During his labors after the organization of the church there were four additions on profession of faith, one male aod three females. -

Rev. Theron Baldwin took charge of the church in the spring of 1830. During his administration there were ten additions, two on profession of faith, and eight on certificate.

At a meeting of the church and congregation held in March. Rev. Wm. K. Stewart was elected pastor, and by order of Presbytery was regularly installed in May by Revs. Thomas Lippincott and Messenger.

During the pastorate of Rev. Stewart there were thirty-two additions, five deaths, nine baptisms, nine dismissed by letter and three elders elected and ordained.

April 3d, 1836. Rev. Wm. K. Stewart gave notice that he would apply to Presbytery for a dissolution of the pastoral relation existing between him and the church.

From the time of the resignation of Wm. K. Stewart until about the 1st of October, 1844, the church seems to have had no stated supply or pastor. At this time Rev. D. D. McKee came to reside in Vanoalia and supplied threefourths of his time.

During the interval protracted meetings were held by Rev. N. H. Hall of Lexington, Kentucky, the result of which was seventeen additional mem¬ bers. Subsequently two others were added. About this time five were dis¬ missed by letter. At the close of this meeting Rev. Hall administered the ordinance of baptism to eight individuals.

Dec. 8th, 1848, the writer of this sketch, Rev. Jos. Gordon, found the church destitute of pastor or stated supply, and almost disorganized by deaths and removals.

At the unanimous request of the remaining members, and in view of the fact that Kaakaakia. Presbytery funder whose care the church was) could not supply the church with preaching, Rev. Joseph Gordon proceeded to re¬ organize the church. To carry out this object tne following resolutions were passed.

1. Resolved, That it is expedient for this church .to take measures to transfer its ecclesiastical relations from the Kaskaskia to the Alton Pres¬ bytery.

2. Resolved , That this church send its delegate to the next meeting of the Alton Presbytery, which is to take place at Bellville the second Thuisday in April, at 74 o'clock, P. M., with a request that this, the First Presbyterian Church of Vandalia, be received under its care.

3. Resolved, That a minute of this transaction be sent to the Kaskaskia Presbytery by the hand of the Rev. James Stafford, requesting their con¬ currence in the act of the church; hoping at the same time that the transfer may not have the effect to destroy that Christian confidence and charity which has so long existed between the Presbytery and this church.

4. Resolved, That we hereby invite the Rev. Joseph Gordon, a missionary of the Alton Presbytery, to labor so much of his time statedly in this Churoh as may be consistent with bis other engagements.

Rev. Joseph Gordon preached to the church as stated supply eight years. A part of the time once in four weeks, a part of the time once in two weeks. The last two yean he preached all the time. During his. administration there were eighty additions, fifty on profession of faith and thirty by letter.

Rev. G. W. Goodale next took charge of the church. At thU point it became self-sustaining. Previous to this time a part of the minister's salary was paid by the Home Missionary Society. Rev. Goodale preached nearly two yean when he resigned to take charge of Carbondale College. There were eight additions during Rev. Goodale's adminUtration. Rev.E. G. Bryant, Rev. John Gibson, Rev. C. J. Pittein, Rev. R. L. J. Matthews, Rev. John Stuart, all ministered to the church. During Rev. Matthews' stay with the church a house of wonhip was erected costing about $14,000. The present pastor of the church U Rev. Hugh W. Toad, who has been serving Very acceptably upwards of two yean.

During the exUtence of the church, the following named persons were duly elected, and ordained and served the church as riding Elden, viz.: Jere¬ miah Abbott, Wm. M. Moore, Wm. H. Brown, Jos. Eccles, Henry C. Remann, Fred. Remann, Sr., Matthias Fehren, Robt. White, David A. McCord, Joseph Stephenson, John N. McCord, Ebenezer Cheney, Wm. Reed, Edward L. Wahl, Fred. Remann, Jr., and Richard T. Higgins.