Knox County, Illinois - Chapter 25: Religious, 1878

Chapter 25: Religious

The early establishment of religious institutions in new settlements is a prominent feature in the history of this county. With the very first settler came good old Elder Gum, who preached almost every Sunday in some of the cabins at Henderson. It is evident that a community in which the school-house and church find a special recognition will always be selected by those seeking homes, in preference to the one in which they are not found. Men of the world recognize the fact that educational and Christian institutions are the handmaids of general thrift and prosperity. Improvements in the manners, tastes and moral status of the people follow closely the preaching of the gospel. These facts and the love of the gospel prompted the early settlers to erect churches.

The following sketches of the various congregations are as full as space in these pages will allow, and as reliable and authentic as patient inquiry and exhaustive research can furnish. While a few of our readers may deem them too brief, we believe they contain all the important facts.

The Old-Sohool Peedestinarian Baptists

This'is the oldest existing religious organization in the county. It is known as the " Henderson Church," and was constituted at Henderson Grove August 14, 1830, by Elders Stephen Strickland and John Logan. The church building is located on the southwTest corner of the northeast quarter of section 28, Rio township. Present membership number 45. Elder J. M. Brown is present pastor.

Methodist Episcopal

Knoxville M. K. Church, - Knoxville was made an appointment on the Henderson Mission as early as 1831. It is understood that Barton H. Cartwright preached the first sermon in a small tin shop, when Knoxville was but a small village. The present church edifice was erected in 1865, at a cost of $4,460.

Abingdon M. E. Church was organized in 1833, by A. D. Swartz and wife, and 5 others. House built in 1846 or '47. The congregaa - i 4 ill A i -

First M E. Church, Gale5Burg

Victoria M. E. Church. - This church was organized about 1841, by Rev. J. Anthony, and at that time stood in connection with the Salem societj7, which was organized by Rev. Z. Hall in 1836. This church, with its branches, numbers about 175 members.

Oneida. - The Methodist Episcopal church of Oneida was erected in 1863 at a cost of $3,500. The society was organized by Rev. R. IS". Morse in 1845. The present membership numbers 125. Valuation of church building $2,500, and of parsonage, $1,200.

Galesburq. - The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Galesburg is located on the northwest corner of Tompkins and Kellogg streets. This church is the finest in the county; is built of brick and neatly trimmed with stone, of Gothic style of architecture, and is alike an ornament to the city and a credit to the denomination to which it belongs. It was erected in 1872 at a cost of $40,000. The accompanying engraving of the edifice is a fine representation of its exterior. The Methodist Episcopal Church society was organized in Galesburg by Rev. J. J. Hedstrom in 1847.

For several years this church was included in the Knoxville circuit, but in 1851 the first edifice was erected on the ground where the present beautiful structure now stands. It was dedicated by Peter Cartwright. From the very first there has been a gradual increase of membership. In 1855, when the church became a " station," Rev. Milton L. Haney was its pastor, and G. W. Brown is its jDresent pastor. The basement of the present church building was completed soon after its erection, and all the services of the congregation were held in it until February 26, 1876, when the whole edifice was entirely completed and dedicated, Bishop Harris presiding over the impressive services. The present membership numbers 500. Present valuation of church building, $37,000; parsonage $3,500. Average salary for pastors, $1,650. Amount raised each year for all church purposes, $4,- 000. Number of scholars in Sabbath school, 375; contributions for all purposes, $150.

Altona. - The Methodist Episcopal Church in Altona was organized August 14, 1853, by Rev. J. B. Quinby. The church has had a steady, healthy growth, and has been blessed with many revivals. The number of members has increased from the original 13 to 160.

Victoria. - The Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church building was erected in 1854, there having been preaching in the village some time previous, under the direction of Rev. Jonas J. Hedstrom. This church also has a branch society six miles southeast, in the same

Elba Chapel and Bethel M. E. Churches. - The former church is situated in Elba township one mile west of Elba Center. It is a neat frame structure 30 by 53 feet in size, and cost $2,500. The society was organized in French Creek circuit in the fall of 1856 by Creighton Springer. The latter was orgauized in 1876.

African M. E. Church, Galesburg. - This church structure is on Tompkins street between Cherry and Prairie streets. It is a good frame building 40 by 60 feet, with main audience room above and lecture room in basement. It was erected in 1876 at a cost of $4,000. Rev. J. W. Malone is the present pastor.

The Eirst M. E. Church of Wataga was organized in 1857, by Rev. J. D. Taylor. Their church edifice, which is a wooden structure 60 by 40 feet, was erected on Church street, in 1868, at a cost of $3,000. Rev. N. G. Clark is the present pastor.

Wataga M. E. Church. - The Swedish Methodist Church of "Wataga was organized in December, 1857. The first pastor was Rev. Y. Witting. The church edifice stands on Summons street, and was erected in 1857, and its value is about $1,500. The present membership is fifty. The officiating pastor is Rev. Oscar J. Nelson.

Summit M. E. Church. - The church edifice of this congregation was erected in 1864. It is a good frame structure, located in the town of Summit. Rev. H. S. Humes preaches here every alternate Sunday.

Bethel M. E. Church. - This is one of the four good churches of Persifer township. The building stands on section 30. It is a good frame structure and was erected about 1863.

Henderson M. E. Church. - The church building was erected in 1874, and is a neat frame worth $2,500. The present memberhip is about 35; pastor, Rev. H. S. Humes. A Union Sunday School is held in connection with the United Brethren, of which Mrs. Barbara Nelson is Superintendent.

Maquon M. E. Church - Much zeal and energy was displayed by earnest workers before a church was erected in Maquon, and many were the failures, until it seemed almost impossible to establish a church there. Persistent effort, however, succeeded and the beautiful edifice was completed, and Tuesday, Sept. 11, 1877, was dedicated by

Swedish M. E. Church Of Galesburg

This church edifice stands at the corner of "Waters and Kellogg streets in Galesburg, and was erected in 1872 at a cost of $18,700. The congregation was organized in 1852 by Rev. Unice Hedstrom with between 15 and 20 members, and Rev. Peter Newberg pastor. The present membership numbers 282. There were raised for all purposes last year $2,757.47. In the Sunday school are 140 scholars; annual contribution $70; S. J. Johnson superintendent.

Christian

Abingdon. - The Christian Church of Abingdon was organized in 1840 by Hiram Smith and Richard Johnston. The first church building was erected in 1849, and cost $1,000. The present building was erected in 1855, being the chapel of the old building of Abingdon College. The pastors at present are, Marvin Baker, M. Jameson and J. W. Butler.

Knoxville Christian Chiwch. - Monday, Feb. 27, 1871, this organization was effected and consisted of 13 members. The Broad Street Presbyterian Church building was purchased for $2,000, and the services of Elder J. H. Garrison was secured for one-fourth his time. The present membership numbers 40. The property is worth $3,000 Sunday School organized in May, 1871.

Christian Church, Galesburg. - After the organization of this congregation for some time meetings were held in the office of Dr. Vivion, when the old building of the Swedish M. E. Church was purchased for $1,000. It then stood on E. Ferris street, but has since been removed to the corner of Cedar and Tompkins streets, and refitted and remodeled. The church has met with many difficulties, and but little progress has been made toward increasing the membership, which at present numbers 60. Dr. J. B. Yivion, Elder; Henry Brunei" and J. B. Scheitlin, Deacons.

The Jefferson Street Christian Church, Abingdon, was organized in Oct., 1874, and now meets for worship on the corner of Washington and Jackson streets.

Wataga Christian Church. - In 1875 a neat frame structure was erected, costing $2,000. The membership is about 25. The pulpit has been supplied by Elder Burton and J. S. Edwards.

Presbyterian

Galesburg. - The history of the Presbyterian church in Galesburg begins with the foundation of the colony. For some years the Presbyterian church which was organized in 1837 was the only church in the place. But that church having, however, gradually adopted the Congregational polity, steps were taken in April, 1851 , to organize another Presbyterian church.

Thirty-seven members of the First Church sent a fraternal and respectful letter to that church, requesting letters of dismissal. These persons were organized into a body as the Second Presbyterian Church of Galesburg, on the 29th of May, 1851, by a committee of Knox and Peoria .Presbytery. The, first public serviee of the Second Presbyterian Church was held in Knox Academy, June 29, 1851. There was preaching in the morning by Rev. Glen Woodr and in the afternoon communion service was conducted by Rev. Geo. W. Gale, D. I)., and Rev. Glen Wood, at which time John McMullen and W. A. Wood were installed as elders. The church continued to worship with the First Church until near the close of the year 1851, when they commenced holding regular services by themselves in a building erected near the present site of the First Baptist Church for a session room, and presented to the church by Sylvanus Ferris, Sr. They continued their services in this building until 1856, when a larger building was erected on the corner of Main and Kellogg streets, with the expectation that a still larger and better edifice would soon be built. In 1863 they entered upon the work of building a permanent church edifice upon a lot fronting the College park on Cherry street. This structure was completed during the autumn of 1864 at a cost of about $20,000.

The Galesburg Presbyterian Church was organized with eighteen members, on the 30th of December, 1854. The first and only church building was on Cedar street, near the site occupied by the residence of Mr. A. S. Hoover. It was afterwards removed to the corner of Prairie and Simmons streets, where it was destroyed by fire in 1870.

During the winter of 1869-70, when it became apparent that the two great branches of the Presbyterian church in the United States were likely to be brought together in organic union, the question began to be agitated whether the interests of the cause of Christ in Galesburg, so far as represented by the Presbyterians, might not be better promoted by a union of the two churches than by preserving a separate existence. After a few weeks of fraternal negotiations upon this subject, an arrangement was effected by which the Second Presbyterian Church of Galesburg and the Galesburg Presbyterian Church ceased to exist as separate organizations, and united as one, under the title of The Presbyterian Church of Galesburg. The union went into effect on the 1st day of March, 1870. The congregation still worship in the building that formerly belonged to the Second Presbyterian Church.

Knoxville. - The Presbyterian Church of Knoxville was formed by the union of the New and Old School churches, the result of a joint conference held November 4, 1870, at which a committee was appointed to draft apian of union. The united congregation took possession of the Main street church the first Sunday of January, 1871. The first pastor, after the union, was D. W. Bradford; present pastor J. M. Waddel.

Altona. - The Presbyterian Church of Altona was organized April 25, 1857. Eighteen members united with the church at this meeting; The present membership numbers 46, who contribute $700 per annum.

Presbyterian Church of Elba was organized about 1861, but many of the members a few years later removed to the West, and the organization was discontinued. After an interval of 12 years, by the effort of Rev. J. E. Carrethers, Rev. Reasoner and W. B. Mathews, another organization was effected and steps were at once taken toward the erection of a church building, which was completed in 1874 at a cost of $3,000; present membership 37, with Rev. T. S. Scott as pastor.

Presbyterian Church of Oneida was organized May 4, 1863, at the school-house in district No. 3, by a committee appointed by the Presbytery of Schuyler Rev. C. B. Bristol preached a sermon, when the committee proceeded with the organization. Mr. Joseph Findley and James B. Ralston were chosen, ordained and installed elders; and the church was then fully organized under the name of the First Presbyterian Church of Ontario. Again, on September 24, 1865, by order of the Presbytery of Warren, the name of this church was changed to that of the First Presbyterian Church of Oneida.

Abingdon Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized at Cherry Grove, in 1835, by Rev. James Stockton, and in 1866 the congregation built a nice edifice in Abingdon, which was dedicated February 3, 1867.

period of infantile growth, but sprang into existence at once, strong and well disciplined, with efficient men and women to labor and praj for its. success, and experienced officers to guide its affairs. Instead of receiving aid, it has always ministered to others, now and again sending forth of its strength to build upon other foundations, thus becoming the "Mother of Churches." Its relations with Knox College have been intimate, and it has received permanent benefit from the labors of presidents and professors, and the youthful zeal of students.

The founding of this church was embraced in the same plan which gave origin to Galesburg and Knox College, and a detailed account of the whole movement will be found in its appropriate place in this volume.

In the fall of 1S36 more than thirty families were located in cabins on the south side of Henderson Grove, awaiting the approach of spring, when they were to begin in earnest the erection of buildings and the opening of farms. These families were homogeneous in their character, partaking of the spirit, as they sprang from the blood, of the Pilgrim Fathers of New England, They loved the Bible, the Sabbath and the sanctuary. They cherished, with slight or no variation, the same views of gospel truth, and felt, as their fathers felt, the importance of transmitting the institutions of religion to those who should come after them, as the richest inheritance they could leave.

Nor were they, the first winter, without the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit. Rev. John T. Avery, visiting his friends in their new home, spent several weeks aiding the officiating pastor. The way for the organization of a church being thus prepared, the professors of religion met at the school-house in Henderson Grove February 15, 1837. The ministers present were Rev. John Waters, who presided, and Rev. Geo. W. Gale. It was resolved: 1st, "That it is expedient, as soon as practicable, to form a church in this place;" and 2d, " to hear each give an account of his or her hope." February 15th, 17th, 21st and 25th were spent in this way, and, when completed, a confession of faith and covenant were unanimously approved. Rev. Mr. Noel, of Knoxville, was also present, he having been appointed by the Presby tery of Schuyler to assist in its formation. Sunday, February 26th, the confession of faith and covenant were adopted, and the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper were administered. April 5th it was unanimously resolved " that it is expedient to organize the church fully as Presbyterian, and to choose three elders and two deacons." Nehemiah West, Nehemiah H. Losey, and John Kendall were chosen elders, and Thomas Simmons and Abel Goodell deacons. April 9th these were all installed in office, and the church was declared organized by the name of the Presbyterian Church of Galesburg. Rev. Geo. W. Gale reported to the church, April 25th, that it had been received under the care of the Presbytery of Schuyler. Thus the church began with eighty-one members, sixty-three having presented letters, and eighteen uniting on profession of faith.

During the summer of 1837 meetings in the village were held in the school-house, which stood on the north side of Ferris street, between Broad and Cherry, till December, 1838, when the Academy building was used till the erection of the church, in which the first service was held June 21st, 1846. This building still stands, plain and unpretentious, at the southwest corner of the Public Square, a monument to the sacrifices of those who built it. Its value cannot be named, for it was the work of the community, and every beam and nail was consecrated by self-sacrifice.

The additions to the church in 1837 were: by letter 35, on profession 6. By the close of the year 1839 the number of members was 190, 26 more having united by letter, and 42 on profession.

The whole number of members received to July 8, 1878, is 1,319, of whom 682 were received on profession: 11 of these became ministers of the Gospel. Of the whole number of members, 47 have become ministers, of whom 31 were college students; 520 have been students in the departments of Knox College, and 350 of these entered the church on profession. The church now numbers 419.

For the last twelve years the collections have averaged $4,631, of which $1,568 a year have been given to the various missionary societies and other benevolent objects. The remainder has been employed in paying the pastor's salary, $1,800, and other expenses.

The church was at first strictly Presbyterian. Various modifications took place up to June, 1845, when a compromise was adopted, which secured to the Congregationalists and Presbyterians their preferences, and gave the church a double ecclesiastical connection. In 1855 the church withdrew from the] Presbytery " on account of slavery." In October, 1856, the name was changed from " First Presbyterian" to "First Church of Christ."

May 29, 1851, 37 members were dismissed to form the Second Presbyterian Church of Galesburg, and within two years 11 others were dismissed to unite with the same church.

Again, November 9th, 1855, 47 members were dismissed to organize the First Congregational Church of Galesburg. There were 82 dismissed to unite with that church between November, 1S55, and February, 1858.

as those adopted in 1831 by the Presbytery of Oneida, New York, until July, 1858, when a confession of faith identical with that of the New England Church of Chicago was adopted. The church polity is that of independence. The church recognizes no right of appeal from itself to any ecclesiastical body; it however acknowledges the fraternity of churches, and chooses a delegate to the General Association of Illinois, and is also represented in the nearest local association. Annually, the church chooses two elders and two deacons, who hold office three years, and the twelve officers so chosen constitute a Board competent to adjudicate any case of discipline, the member against whom charges may have been preferred having at the same time the option of being tried by the church, the decision in either case being final.

Baptist

Galesburg. - The First Baptist Church of Galesburg was organized in 1817. During the first ten years of their existence, they purchased the lot on the corner of Broad and Tompkins streets, where they built a house of worship and continued to worship until the year 1857, when a portion of the membership withdrew and formed what was afterward known as the " Cherry Street Baptist Church." More or less prosperity attended them in the years following up to the latter part of the year 1864, when the two churches united, and formed what is now known as the First Baptist Church of Galesburg.

In the spring of 1865, the church called to the pastorate the Rev. W. D. Clark, who served with acceptance during the three years following, and during which time the present house of worship was erected, completed as it was in the spring of 1868, at a cost of some $32,000. The dedicatory services of the present church building were held on the 9th of April, 1868, the exercises being conducted by the Rev. J. H. Griffith, who had settled as their pastor. He continued to minister to them until the month of November, 1872, when he resigned and was soon followed by the Rev. William M. Haigh, who continued as their pastor until the first of August, 1877, at which time he resigned. The Rev. J. W. T. Boothe, D. D., is their present pastor. The present membership numbers 360. Annual church expenses $2,500. In connection with the church is a large flourishing Sabbath-school of 370 scholars, of which Mr. M. S. Smalley is Superintendent.

Ontario. - The Baptist Church of Ontario was organized in April, 1854. The character of its growth has been gradual, though it has passed through several seasons of refreshing revivals. Rev. C. C. Moore is the officiating pastor. The church has a present membership of sixty. Their church edifice was erected in 1851. The value of the building is about $3,000. The church has a parsonage worth $1,500. The salaries paid to pastors average $800 per annum. The gross amount raised by the church for all purposes is $1,100 a je&r. Second JBaptist Church, Galesburg. - This congregation is composed of colored people, and was organized in 18G5, by A. W. Jackson. The church edifice, which stands on the corner of South and and Cherry streets, is a good frame building and cost several thousand dollars. The present value of church property is about $10,000. Present pastor is Rev. J. C. Graves, who has been with the church for 10 years. The present membership number 89. The average salary of pastor is $500; $700 are raised annually for all church purposes. In the Sunday school are 48 scholars.

Congregational

Ontario. - This congregation worship in a frame building, 48 by 26 feet, which stands on the southwest corner of section 31. It was erected in 1851 and dedicated November 4 of the same year. The society was organized August 12, 1848. The original members numbered 17; of these, 9 have since died. Rev. Henry M. Tupper, the present pastor, has supplied the pastorate since February, 1872.

Victoria. - Congregational Church of Victoria. The society was organized by Revs. Gale, "Waters and Wright, as a Presbyterian Church. It was changed to Congregational in 1849. The church building was erected in 1851. This church has a branch, five miles east, which is recognized as a part of the same church, and is numbered with them and served by the same pastor.

Wataga. - The First Congregational Church of "Wataga was organized June 10, 1855. The church property consists of church edifice, which was dedicated September, 1860, costing with lot about $3,300, and a parsonage built in 1875-76, at a cost of $2,200. H. P. Roberts is the present pastor.

Galesburg. - -The First Congregational Church was organized November 9, 1855, by members of the First Church. A commodious church edifice was erected shortly afterward, on Broad street, between Tompkins and Simmons streets. The present membership numbers 306, of whom 116 are males and 190 females. During 1877-78, 61 were added. Rev. Alfred A. Ellsworth, the present pastor, was called to the pastorate in 1876. Salary $2,500. The benevolent contributions, for the year ending March 31, 1878, amounted to $1,625.20; church expenses $1,340. Total expenditures for all purposes $5,465.20. Value of Church property $33,200. Frank D. Bellows, church clerk. Attendance at the Sabbath- school 230.

Oneida. - The Congregational Church of Oneida was organized by a council on Saturday, Dec. 22, 1855. This church has always occupied advanced ground in the reforms of the- day, such as anti-slavery and temperance, and has maintained from the first a vigorous and efficient Sabbath- school, holding firmly the great cardinal doctrinesof the Christian system. 0

Orange. - This church was organized April 12, 1872. The membership numbers 14, - 7 males and 7 females. W. T. Howies, clerk. The attendance upon the Sunday-school is 80.

Lutheran

Galesburg. - The First Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Galesburg, situated on the corner of Seminary and "Waters streets, is a frame building 55 by 110 feet, including tower. It was erected in 1869, at a cost of $13,500. The society was organized in 1852 by Rev. T. 1ST. Hasselquist. The present pastor is Rev. S. P. A. Lindahl. The present membership numbers 900. The value of church building and lot is $18,000, and of parsonage and lot $2,500.

Knoxville. - The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 1853 by Rev. T. N. Hasselquist, D. D. Rev. J. F. Borg is the present pastor of the church.

Altona. - The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Altona worship in a frame building 35 by 70 feet and eighteen feet high, erected in 1864 at a cost of $4,000. The congregation was organized in 1859. Rev. A. Lindholm is the present pastor.

Wataga. - The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 1856. The first church edifice was erected in 1860, and on July 17, 1875, was struck by lightning and destroyed by fire. The following fall the present commodious structure was completed. Rev. J. F, Borg is the present pastor.

Galesbrirg. - The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church building of Galesburg, which is located on the north side of Simmons street between Kellogg and Seminary, was erected in 1869. The society was organized August 21, 1868, by Nickolaus Bergenskold.

Christian Church Of The Christian Connection

Ontario. - This church is not of the "Disciples of Christ," sometimes erroneously called "Campbellites." The church building is located on the northeast corner of section 2 of Ontario township. It was erected in 1866, at a cost of $2,000. The society was organized

Universalist

Galesburg. - The Universalist Society of Galesburg was organized January 20, 1856, with some twenty-live or thirty members. Any person sustaining a good moral and religious character and subscribing to the following "Profession of Faith," may be admitted a member of the society:

"Art. I. - We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and of the dutv, interest and final destination of mankind.

" Art. II. - We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love, revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness.

"Art. III. - We believe that holiness and happiness are inseparably connected, and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order and practice good works; for these things are good and profitable unto men."

Catholic

Galesburg. - There is but' one Catholic church building in the city of Galesburg. This church edifice, called after the name of St. Patrick, is located on Academy street. It was built over fifteen years ago. The congregation was organized about twenty-two years ago, by Rev. John O'Neil. Rev. Joseph Costa is the present pastor.

Protestant Episcopal

Galesburg. - The Grace Church Parish of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Galesburg was organized in 1859; present rector is G. H. Higgins. The church building is situated at the corner of Prairie and Tompkins streets; is a wooden structure and built in Gothic style.

Abingdon Protestant Eyiscoyal Church was organized in 1839 or '40, and now owns and occupies a well arranged building, erected some 11 years ago, at a cost of about $6,000.

United Brethren

Persifer Chapel. - The church building of this congregation is located on section 34, Persifer township, and was erected about eight years ago.

Protestant Methodist

The JBethesda Protestant Church was organized by Rev. J. W. Stevens and ~W. Mount, of Louisville. Their first church building, which burned down, cost them about $500. Their present church edifice is constructed of wood; was erected in 1869 at a cost of $5,000. It is located on section 9, Cedar township.

Haynes Chapel was organized in 1870, with 13 members, by A. M. Ravenscroft. The church building was erected in 1871 at a cost of $1,600. Present membership about 30. Scholars in Sunday school 70, contributing $40 per year.

Ontario. - The Protestant Methodist Church of Ontario was organized by Rev. L. S. Hitchens in the winter or spring of 1871. The present pastor is Rev. George Briden.

United Presbyterian

Summit Church was organized in 1871. Arrangements were made with the Methodist denomination at Summit, by which the IT. P. congregation occupy their house of worship. Prof. J. C. Hawkinson, of Monmouth College, is stated supply.

Swedish Independent

Oneida. - This church edifice is located on Pine street, in the city of Oneida; is 50 by 30 feet in size, and in Gothic style of architecture. The church was organized in 1877 by Rev. Charles Anderson. The present pastor is J. W. Stromberg.

Galesburg City Mission

On the 22d day of February, 1858, Rev. J. W. Bailey, Isaac Delano, A. 1ST. Bancroft, H. S. Hitchcock and J. S. Kuhn, a committee ap-. pointed by their respective churches, adopted the following preamble as a basis of organization in this mission work:

"In view of the rapid increase of population in this city and the fact that many will be liable to be without the means of grace, unless measures be taken to make them acquainted with the various churches of the place, and in order to secure religions instruction to sucli as are not inclined to attend any church, and the benefit of the Sabbathschool to children whose parents are indifferent to their spiritual interests, we, the undersigned, appointed to represent our respective churches, would recommend to them the appointment of a City Missionary to act under the direction of the pastors, and two members to be appointed by each church, in promotion of this object."

March 1st, 1858, there met at the house of I. Delano, Rev. C. M. Tyler, pastor, and A. IS". Bancroft and J. S. Kuhn, from the First Church; Dr. Beecher, I. Delano and A. S. Martin from the First Congregational Church; Rev. J. W. Bailey, "W". A. Wood and H. E. Hitchcock, from the Second Presbyterian Church; Dr. Candee, C. H. Matthews and S. Jackson from the Old School Presbyterian Church. A full organization was effected, W. A. Wood being made President of the Board, and Deacon Leonard was employed as City Missionary. A mission school was organized, and held every Sunday in one of the cars of the C, B. & Q. Railroad, that was kindly given by Superintendent Hitchcock, till the autumn of 1861, when a mission chapel was built on railroad ground, where it remained till 1866. When the company needed the ground, the chapel was removed to its present site. Besides these favors from the railroad company through their Superintendent H. Hitchcock, the children of the school have had given them a yearly picnic and excursion to some pleasant spot on the line of the railroad.

Deacon Leonard filled the office of City Missionary until his death, February 11, 1865. Probably no man ever lived in Galesburg who was more universally esteemed and beloved than good old Deacon Leonard, and certainly no man's death was more sincerely mourned by the poorer classes than was his. After his death there succeeded him Mr. Burton, who remained until he left for his present mission field in Africa; then Rev. Main, then Rev. S. Dilly, then Mr. Ingersollj then Mr. Sears, and on April 1st, 1871, the present efficient City Missionary, Geo. Holyoke, was chosen. Too much praise cannot be given those who have given their labors in this good cause.

It must be added in the history that very early the Baptist and Methodist churches came into the Board by pastor and delegates, and took their part in the labors.