Lee County, Illinois - Chapter 20: Bradford Township, 1914 (part 2 of 2)

The effort has been appreciated, and the assembly has developed beyond all expectations until it has become a permanent institution of the city of Dixou. Thousands come every year t<> enjoy the splendid programs rendered and have an outing iu nature's quiet and refreshing abode. Improvements have been made gradually and extensively. On these grounds are a large circular auditorium capable of seating 5,000 persons, numerous school and administration l^uildings and comf(:)rta))le c()ttages; the Assembly Hotel, on the river front, with magnificent view, good accommodations at moderate expense. Electric lights are installed tliroughout the premises. Electric cars bring the visitors to the gates. An abundant water supply, furnished in sanitary perfection from artesian wells, is distributed ui)on the grounds for public use. The outdoor sports, boating, tennis, croquet, base l)all, fishing, swimming, can he enjoyed to the extent of one's capacity. For sixteen days each year, beginning the last Saturday in July, the assembly affords a rich feast of good things for the people, the best which education, art and science have to offer. Rock River Assembly probably ranks thii'd among the Chautauquas of America. The following are the members of the board of directors at this time, 1914 : A. E. Thununel, president ; Theo. Troutli, vice-president; H. M. Rasch, secretary; W. E. Trein, treasurer; A. A. Krape, C. E. Derr, A. L. Geisenheimer, Geo. W. Bruner. F. D. Altman.

The first services in Dixon were held by Right Reverend Philander Chase, D. D., Bishop of Illinois iu 1837, soon after his consecration. He had made a visit to Grand Detour, at that time a prosperous village, and finding a few people at what was then called Dixon's Ferry he stopped over for a sei'A'ice. Soon after a

In 1845 Rev. Abraham J. Warner was appointed missionary at Grand Detour and parts adjacent. He hekl regular services in Dixon, Sterling, Elkhorn Crrove and other places.

In 1858 a jiarish organization was effected by the election of the following wardens and vestrymen. A small frame church was erected on Peoria avenue, near Third street. In 1871 the new stone church was built, and consecrated on October 18, 1872. The rectors of the church have been as follows : The Reverends John Wilkinson, Abraham J. Warner, George C. Street, James W. Coe, H. H. De Garno, D. W. Dresser, D. D., William A. Williams, Marison Byllesby, Samuel Edson, W. Henry Jones, William W. Steele, John Wilkinson, Henry 0. Granger, John 0. Sage, John M. Ericcson, Albert B. Wliitcombe.