Macoupin County, Illinois - Chapter 12: Religious, 1911 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 12: Religious

In the primitive days of this community, many of those who had removed here from the older settled states, being dissatisfied with the religious conditions of the times and encouraged by the leadership of Dr. Gideon Blackburn, decided to organize a Presbyterian church. Thereupon, on the 3Oth day of June, 1834, notice having been publicly given, a meeting was held at the court house, at Carlinville, and the following persons presented themselves for membership in the church association there to be effected: Ellen Moore, Lucy Stephenson, Julia A. White, Alice Good, Lucy N. Greathouse, Mrs. Harlan, Mrs. Parks, Malvina Hoxey, Edward Plant, Elijah Harlan, James Parks, John S. Greathouse, Thomas D. Moore and Ruth Holton. These men and women, having been duly and satisfactorily examined, were regularly organized into a Presbyterian church society, by the Rev. Gideon Blackburn. The elders elected and ordained at this time were Elijah Harlan, James Parks, Thomas D. Moore, John S. Greathouse and Edwarji Plant. Rev. S. E. Blackburn, son of Dr. Gideon Blackburn, was chosen as the first pastor.

For a number of years the church labored under adverse conditions. The Biblical observance of the Sabbath day was practically ignored and the church felt impelled to place itself on record as standing for a higher plane of Christian living, and therefore, in 1837, appointed a committee to draft a report, setting forth its views regarding the duties of its members. That report reads as follows:

"In view of the great neglect of Christian duty and obligation of church members throughout the whole of our western Zion, and also in this portion of our church, we feel it to be our duty as officers of the Presbyterian church of Carlinville, to lay before the church, individually and as a body, our views and determinations in regard to this subject.

"First, we regard the practice that exists among many church members of making social visits, traveling by land or by water and attending to unnecessary temporal affairs on the Sabbath, as un-Christian and an open violation of the command of God to 'keep the Sabbath day holy,' and deserving in all cases church discipline, and we hereby enjoin it upon all members of our church to be careful in the observance of the Sabbath, as we are determined in the future to exercise the discipline in all cases where the Sabbath is thus violated.

"Second, We regard the habit of using ardent spirits as a beverage by church members in this day of light and effort in behalf of the temperance reformation as contrary to the spirit of the gospel and the law of God, which says, 'Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.' We therefore recommend to all the members of the church to become members of temperance societies if they have not heretofore done it, and although we cannot as a session act in regard to this matter as to what has heretofore been done, still it is our determination hereafter to admit no one to the church who will not agree to abstain from the use of ardent spirits as a beverage and to make violations of the temperance pledge matters of church discipline.

"Finally, We would enjoin it upon all the members of our church to be regular and punctual in their attendance upon all the means of grace, to engage according to their ability in assisting the great benevolent operations of the day, to be careful and guarded in their conversation, especially to refrain from speaking harshly, maliciously, or slanderously of their fellow Christians, and to live with each other and before the world worthy of their high vocation, adorning their profession as Christians and letting their example have a salutary influence on all around."

Rev. S. E. Blackburn remained in the pulpit two years and was succeeded by Rev. John R. Simral, whose ministry lasted one year. Rev. Gideon Blackburn frequently filled a vacant pulpit until November, 1837, when Rev. L. S. Williamson was called as a supply and remained until 1843. In August of that year Rev. J. A. Ranney was called as supply and served about three years. . No church records were kept from March 30, 1846, to March 18, 1848, but within this period the membership became reduced. Rev. J. S. Graves was in charge here and in 1848, a general meeting of the church was held to consider a plan for reorganizing and placing it upon a more substantial footing. It had appeared that there were not enough male members sufficient for its 'organization and for conducting the regular services. Therefore, an attempt was made at that time to dissolve the church by dismissing unfaithful members and reorganizing by receiving new members and electing new officers. It seems this object was consummated and in the reorganization fifteen members were secured and while the Presbytery failed to approve the proposed dissolution, the object of the active membership was secured and the church work went forward with renewed vigor and success.

January 19, 1851, a branch of the church was organized with thirteen members at Fairview Academy, which was a school located about six miles southeast' of Carlinville. This branch existed for some years and by reason of death and removal lost its identity.

From the record it is gathered that Rev. A. M. Dixon was pastor of this church from 1849 unt1' m ^54- The pulpit was then suppl:ecl by Rev. E. Jenney.

University Of Illinois

a home missionary, until July 16, 185/1, when Rev. C. A. Leach was employed as supply, remaining one year. In July, 1856, Rev. Edward McMillan came as stated supply and then served as pastor until 1862. Father McMillan, as he was known, was one of the strongest characters associated with the church and built it up materially, giving the organization life and strength and his influence lasting long after his pastorate had closed. Although from a slave state, his sympathies - were strongly anti-slavery and for the Union. It is related of him that as a result of one of his eloquent anti-slavery sermons several pro-slavery sympathizers left the meeting. Father McMillan believed in standing for his .principles, and in 1862 enlisted as chaplain of the Thirty-second Illinois Volunteers, known as John A. Logan's regiment. For two years he cared for both the spiritual and corporal necessities of his regiment and then gave up his life at Marietta, Georgia, on April 27, 1864.

Rev. I. N. Newton was a supply from October, 1862, to July, 1863. In the spring of 1865, Rev. J. B. L. Soule was called to the pulpit here. He was a man noted for his scholarly attainments, and in his joint labors as pastor, and professor of Blackburn University, won the esteem of the people of his pastorate and the students of the university. Although not widely known as such, he was a poet of distinction. His pastorate extended to 1868, when he was succeeded by Rev. John Patchen in January, 1869. The latter served about one year. In 1870 Hugh Lamont became the pastor of this church and served until May, 1872. During his pastorate the present church edifice was erected, the dedication of which took place on January 8, 1871. From 1872 to 1873 the pulpit was supplied by Professor Soule and Dr. J. W. Bailey, president of Blackburn University. In 1873, Rev. S. A. Whitcomb was chosen as stated supply and served until July, 1874. He was installed pastor in April of the latter year.

In August, 1874, Rev. Soule was again found in the pulpit, where he served six months. His successor was Rev. William Jeffries, who served as supply for eighteen months. In 1876, Rev. Soule was recalled 'and remained in charge here until 1878.

Beginning August, 1878, this pulpit was supplied alternately by Dr. Edwin L. Hurd, president of Blackburn University, and Dr. Rufus Nutting, professor at the same institution, until 1881. The list below is of the pastors who have served in recent years: Dr. William W. Paris, 1881-3; RCV- W. H. Hillis, 1883-7; Dr. E. S. McMichael, 1888-90; Dr. William S. Pryse, 1891-5; Revs. Frank J. Connor, 1895-9; A. F. Hertel, 1899-1903 ; W. H. Parker, 1903-06; Willis Patchen, 1906-08; Francis Lee Goff, 1908-10; D. R. Jones, 1911.

The first mention of a Sabbath school in the records is made in 1845 when a library, valued at $22 was purchased for the Sabbath school. As a result of the unfavorable condition of the church in 1847, the Sabbath school seems to have died a natural death. After the reorganization of the church in 1848 the Sabbath school was revivified and from then on up to the present it has been a very successful auxiliary.

During the life of the church there has been a total membership of about 900. Out of this number many have scattered to different parts of the world, spreading the work begun in this church. Of these may be mentioned Revs. William Johnson, and J. M. B. Smith and Miss Emma Parks. Missionaries to China: Dr. Joseph Bedel, in Arabia; Dr. Duncan J. McMillan, son of the former pastor, Edward McMillan, who, as home missionary of the Presbyterian church in Utah, did valiant service toward breaking the power of the Mormon church.

Presbyterian Church, Virden

June 3, 1854, the Presbyterian church of Virden was organized and when the first half century of the church's history rolled around, in June, 1904, the event was celebrated by appropriate ceremonies.

The committee to whom had been assigned the duty of organizing the church, "should the way be open," was appointed at a meeting of the Presbytery of Illinois, held at Chatham, Illinois, in April, 1854, and consisted in the .first place of Revs. John G. Rankin, Josiah Porter and A. M. Dixon. Resv. Rankin and Porter came to Virden on the 3d of June and proceeded to do the work the Presbytery had committed to them. They were assisted in this by Rev. Elisha Jenney. They found eight persons who had letters of admission and recommendation from other churches, and who were desirous of being organized into a Presbyterian church. The names of these persons as they appear on the records are as follows : John I. Beattie, Lucy Beattie, Sr., Letitia Beatty, Rufus W. Loud, Jane Loud, Elizabeth Jane Loud, Lucy D. Hardin and Emily Hardin. Their certificates were received and they were organized into a church "to be known under the name and style of the First Presbyterian church of Virden."

From May 4, 1856, until March, 1858, when the church building was dedicated, the meetings of the session were held at the home of John I. Beattie.

The first steps for the erection of a church building were taken in November, 1856. At a meeting that was held A. L. Virden was appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions for said purpose, and it is stated that "$1.500 was subscribed on the spot." This amount was later increased to $2,300. A loan of $500 was secured from the church erection fund, making the total amount obtained, $2,800. The building was completed and dedicated March 24, 1858, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Professor W. D. Sanders. The total cost of the building was $4,000.

The church was supplied from its organization until May, 1859, by ministers from Jacksonville, Springfield, Chatham, Carlinville and Waverly. Among them were Revs. Porter, Dodge, Watson, Downer, McMillan and Jenney. In May, 1859, Rev. W. L. Tarbet took charge and served the church for twentyone years. When he became pastor the actual active membership of the church consisted of about forty persons. This number steadily increased until one hundred and fifty-four members were added during his pastorate. There was an unusually large accession to the church at the communion service April i, 1866. Rev. Tarbet tendered his resignation as pastor, March 7, 1880. Upon his departure the church purchased his residence for a parsonage, at a cost of $2,000. In May, 1880, a call was extended to Rev. W. A. Dunning, who came and remained for five years. After he left this charge the church was without a pastor for a year, when in September, 1886, Rev. W. R. Moore became pastor. He remained until September, 1887. He was succeeded by Rev. J. M. Rob- inson, who came in May, 1888, and served seven years. During his ministry one hundred and seven members were added to the 'church. Rev. Robinson resigned November 23, 1895, and from that time until October i, 1896, the church was without a regular pastor. On that date Rev. John M. Pomeroy became a supply.

In April, 1898, the church underwent extensive repairs at a cost of $1,250, provided for by the Ladies Aid Society, and in October of the same year the church was rededicated, Rev. W. L. Tarbet, who had for so many years served as pastor of the church, preaching the dedicatory sermon. Rev. Pomeroy was followed by Rev. W. B. Milton, as pastor, who served for only six months, when in the fall of 1900 Rev. W. M. Grafton came and served until the spring of 1902. He was followed by Rev. L. H. Schock. In 1907 O. L. Pride became the pastor of this charge and remained until 1911, when he was succeeded by William L. Porter. That same year ground was broken for a handsome new church building, to cost about $20,000.

First Presbyterian -Church, Staunton

The First Presbyterian church, which was first known as Bethany church, was organized November 18, 1843, by Rev. A. C. Allen. The persons whose names follow were the original members: James F. Spillman, Sr., James F. Spillman, Jr., Sarah V. Spillman, Mary A. Spillman, William B. Higgins, Elizabeth R. Higgins, Charles Fishback and Mary M. Fishback.

The first church was erected upon ground in the northeast part of town, which was afterwards removed upon lots donated by Hon. William C. Shirley and there it remained until about 1911, when it was again removed, to its present location, upon lots for which the society paid $1,800. The same year it is intended remodeling the building extensively. A new parsonage was built upon this new site of the church in 1911.

At intervals the church has been without a pastor. At other times it has been supplied intermittently. Those now known to have had a regular charge here are as follows : E. F. Chester, who gave half of his time from October, 1844, until October, 1845. In 1846 James Stafford came and for six months preached in this church one Sunday in each month. From November 22, 1846, until the fall of 1847, John S. Stowell preached every other Sunday. He was followed by P. D. Young, who remained until 1848. James Stafford then followed, coming in the spring of 1850 and remaining six months. No record of a pastor is given from that time until 1866 when it seems that Rev. W. P. Tietsworth served the church for three years. Again there seems to be several years when the church was without a pastor, but in 1882 M. C. Butler gave to this church one half of his time until 1885, when he was succeeded by Rev. R. C. Townsend, who remained until 1888. In 1889 James D. Mc- Caughtry came and remained until 1894, when C. E. Lukens served from that

Presbyterian Church, Shipman

The Shipman Presbyterian church was organized August 3, 1856, by Rev. A. T. Norton, of Alton, with the following members : Joseph Rogers, Mrs. Dorothea Merywether, Mrs. Mildred Floyd, Mrs. Jennie Law, Miss Elizabeth Law, Mrs. Frances Pollard, A. F. Pope, Mrs. Margaret Jane Pope, John J. Green, and Mrs. Virginia T. Green. A. T. Barton was the first pastor. He was succeeded by T. B. Hurlbut in 1857, and his successor was L. L. Williams, who remained six months. Since then there have been a long line of pastors, the list of which is not at hand. In 1856 a Sunday school was organized, consisting of forty-four scholars and five teachers, with William Wilson as president.

Presbyterian Church. Plainview

This church was organized as the Union church at the house of P. Brown, January 27, 1851, by Rev. George Spaulding. The organizing members numbered nineteen. August 23, 1855, the name was changed to the First Presbyterian church, Plainview. The first pastor was H. D. Platt, who remained in charge four years. He was succeeded by Samuel P. Lindley, who served two years, and was followed by T. B. Hurlbut one year. The Presbyterian church at Shipman is a branch of this society.

Presbyterian Church, Brighton

On the first Sunday of January, 1847, a meeting was held in the Baptist church in Brighton, for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian church. Rev. William Chamberlain presided. At that time there were sixteen persons of this denomination in the place: Nathan Johnson, L. B. Stratton, William Reed, J. W. Gilson, John J. Green, Henry Boulter, Thomas A. Brown, M. D., and their wives, and Mrs. Mary Cunningham, and Mrs. Barbara Davis. Rev. George Spaulding was the pastor and served both Brighton and Woodburn. He moved to Bunker Hill in 1849, and in the spring of 1851 Rev. H. D. Platt took charge and remained in Brighton until 1858. During 1858-9 the pulpit was supplied by Revs. Samuel K. Sneed, Joseph S. Edwards and T. B. Hurlbut.

Early in the history of the church steps were taken for the erection of a house of worship and a small brick edifice was built and dedicated in 1851, by Rev. Thomas Lippincott, who supplied the church during the first year's existence after the pastorate of Rev. Spaulding. This building gave way to a new one in 1868, which was dedicated August, 1869, by Rev. Bailey, of Carlinville.

Methodist Church Of Carli N Ville

The Carlinville Methodist Episcopal church is the representative of what was probably the first organized effort at Christian labor in Macoupin county.

There may have been preaching conducted here by ministers of other denominations prior to 1831 but there was no effort made to organize a church until the fall of 1831, when the Rev. Stith M. Otwell was sent as a missionary to what was called Macoupin mission, which embraced in addition to Macoupin, the eastern part of Jersey, Greene, and the southern portion of Morgan county and became known as Carlinville circuit. The first sermon was preached by the Rev. Otwell in the fall of 1831 at the tavern conducted by Lewis English. Later, meetings were held in the log court house which stood on the southeast side of the public square.

In the spring of 1832 Rev. Otwell established as preaching points, James Cave's, now Palmyra; Jesse Peebles', now Chesterfield; Samuel Keller's, named Forks of Macoupin near Rhoads' Point; and Otter Creek, now Girard. Services were held at the home of Bird England. At Dry Point services were held at the home of William Huddleson ; at Sugar creek, now Virden, at the home of Titus England; and at Staunton, at the home of Hosea Snell. Later, services were conducted in the schoolhouse.

The first camp meeting held in the county was in August, 1832, in the woods belonging to James Cave, near the present site of Palmyra. The whole neighborhood gave assistance in cutting down trees, splitting logs for seats and making a stand for the ministers. The meeting began on Friday and lasted five days, the services being conducted by the Revs. Peter Cartwright, N. Cloud and Owens.

The first year Rev. Otwell was paid the meager sum of $100, which was raised by the mission. The second year he was paid by the members, $20. During the second year he was engaged a part of the time in merchandising, in order to better provide for himself and family. In 1833 Elihu Springer was sent to this charge, Rev. Peter Cartwright acting as presiding elder of the circuit. In 1834 E. G. Falkner was sent here as pastor. He was followed in J835 by Rev. N. P. Heath, who in turn was succeeded by J. B. Woodland, who remained through 1836 and 1837.

On the i7th of September, 1882, the present church building was dedicated. It is a brick structure, located at the corner of First South and South Broad streets and was erected at a cost of $22,000. A pipe organ has been installed and music is furnished by an excellent choir. The church membership is 325 and there is a Sunday school enrollment of 215 members. In the summer of 1911 an addition of sixteen feet was made at the south end of the building, the organ and - choir loft being moved back, while on either side of the organ a choir room and pastor's study were provided. This improvement cost the church $3,000. They also own a neat and modern parsonage, located on First South street, the value of this and the church property being $28,000.

Methodist Church Of Bunker Hill

Rev. Zimmerman, a Methodist minister, in 1841, organized a class of five persons, namely : John Rice, Jonathan Squires, Mary A. Squires, Abraham Cramp and Sarah Cramp. At first services were held in Jonathan Squire's cabin once in three weeks and then in the village schoolhouse. The circuit embraced a Mr. Deck's house near Highland and Spanish Needle. Just south of the town hall, in 1851, the first church building was erected, which was sold to the town in 1859. It was during the pastorate of G. W. Waggoner that a revival was held, which added to the church seventy-five members. This large addition to its membership made a larger building imperative. The demand was met in the building of a brick edifice at a cost of $7,000. The early pastors who have served this charge are as follows : J. B. Wollard, James

Methodist Episcopal Church, Virden

The first Methodist church in Yirden was organized in 1853. That same year a lot was donated by citizens, upon which the first church was erected, Henry Lowery having the contract. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. J. C. Kimber, February n, 1854. This building answered the purpose of the society until 1874, when a new one took its place, which was dedicated December 6th of that year, by Bishop Thomas Bowan. Virden charge was changed from a circuit to a station in 1857.

The present magnificent church building was begun July 5, 1910, the Ladies' Aid Society having made the first donation of $1,000. With this as a nucleus.

the work of construction got its first impetus. The structure is built of brick and stone. The windows are of cathedral glass and all of them, in the main auditorium, are memorial windows, with hand-painted designs, perpetuating the memories of Austin Landon, William. Emmerson, A. D. Holliday, Betsy Kay Squires, Ida Lura Hairgrove and Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Brown. The institutional windows are in the Sunday school room and parlors and are : Epworth League, Sunday school, Ladies' Aid Society, Woman's Home Missionary Society, Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. The Sanders-McDaniel window is in the Sunday school room and the Wyatt window in the rest room.

A beautifully and richly toned pipe organ was installed in the magnificent structure, at a cost of $2,050. It was presented by the Ladies' Aid Society. This new building, with its appointments, cost about $30,000.

The new building was dedicated March 12, 1911, Bishop Robert Mclntyre preaching the dedicatory sermon. The dedicatory services extended from March 8-17 and the program for each day was an elaborate one.

Methodist Episcopal Church Of Staunton

The present Methodist Episcopal church grew out of the Walshville church many years ago. It first held services in a small building, which was also used for school purposes. The first building erected by the society for church purposes was in 1852 or 1853. Here services were held until in the 'gos, when the present building was put up. Among the first families belonging to this society may be mentioned the following: Riplers, Wagners, Bentleys, Lancasters, Lovejoys, Howells and Molls.

The first pastor of record is J. W. Noll, who was here in 1868. He was followed by D. Coughlen, who remained but one year. Others who have served the church to the present time are : Samuel Walker, Asa Snell, S. P. Groves, L. C. English, William Van Cleve, R. Z. Fahs, David Moore, B. R. Pierce, A. T. Eaton. H. H. Keith, J. A. Scarrett, J. E. Burk, E. E. Waggoner, W. R. Bradley, J. T. Huffman, J. L. Cunningham, G. M. Webber, J. A. Large, J. B. Cummins,- P. R. Glotfelty and F. O. Wilson, who came in October. 1909, and is the present pastor.

The church is a neat frame building and the church property, including the parsonage, is valued at about $5,000. The present membership is 140, while the Sunday school has an enrollment of 200 members.

Methodist Episcopal Church, Mt. Olive

This society was formerly a part of Staunton circuit, but at the session of conference in 1908 it was taken from that charge and made a station. The church is a neat, frame building, located in the north part of the town, and was erected at a cost of $1,500. The parsonage, which adjoins the church property, was completed February i, 1909. The present membership is 55, with an average attendance at the Sunday school of 100.

J. W. Britton, the first pastor of this church, came September 21, 1908, and remained until October 3, 1910, when his successor, Rev. W. L. Rhein, came and is still in charge.

Methodist Episcopal Church, Chesterfield

This society is one of the oldest in the county, organized in 1831 by Rev. S. M. Otwell. A house of worship was erected in 1845. Among the early pastors may be mentioned Revs. Otwell, Springer, Blackwell, Woolard, Worthington, N. P. Heath, Robins, Chambers, J. B. Corrington, Faulkner, Holliday, B. Newman, Cassady, A. Bradshavv, William Owen, A. Semple, Sterrit Baker, I. Emerson, Powers, Paxton, Meginnis, R. Honald, Franklin, Dillon, T. C. Wolfe, J. B. Meigs, Peter Slagle, P. Drake, G. D. Randall, S. T. Hawkins, A. Sloan and William R. Carr.

German Methodist Episcopal Church, Mt. Olive

This society was organized in 1879, with the following charter members : Mr. and Mrs. August Schultz, Mr. and Mrs. H. Keiser, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Ahrens, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Gerhart Braje, William Schultz, Mr. and Mrs. August Schwaner, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hunzicker, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Scheller, Mr. and Mrs. Ernst Loescher, Mr. and Mrs. Gotlieb Gerber, Mr. and Mrs. John Hessner, Mr. and Mrs. Ernst Bauer, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Aesmann, Mr. and Mrs. August Rink and Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Immerthal.

The church is a neat frame building, erected in 1880, and located in the north part of the town. The parsonage adjoins and the entire property is valued at $10,000. A pipe organ has been installed in the church. The present membership is 157, while the Sunday school enrollment is 115.

Baptist Church, Carlinville

On Sunday, May 15, 1910, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Baptist church at Carlinville was celebrated, and on that occasion Hon. C. A. Walker delivered the following interesting historic address relating to this church :

It will be well before entering into the history of the Baptist church in Macoupin county, and especially in Carlinville, to give to the younger members of the church the surroundings and people who were then active in church work.

During the year 1818, the territory of Illinois was organized into the state of Illinois, and thus became a member of the United States of America, and in 1829 the county of Macoupin was organized and a commission appointed to select a suitable location for the county seat, consisting of Seth Hodges, Joseph Borough, and John Harris, who selected and located the present site of our city as a suitable location for the county seat and named it Carlinville, after the name of Thomas Carlin, of Greene county, Illinois, who afterwards became governor of the state; and in 1830 the town of Carlinville was laid out and made the county seat. At the early date there were but two dwelling houses (and they were log cabins) in the village, and but a scattering population of pioneers had at that time settled in the county. Among them were John Harris, who, desiring to build a water mill on the Macoupin creek, was obliged to have a blacksmith to do the iron work on the mill. - Previous to that time, my father and mother with their young family (1828) removed from Nashville, Tennessee, and settled on Cahokia creek, a few miles east of Edwardsville, Illinois, and being a gunsmith opened a shop at his then location, to pursue his trade as a gunsmith. Mr. Harris learning of this, went down to my father's house and induced him to remove to Carlinville for the purpose of doing his iron work on the mill. This was in the spring of 1830. There was not at that time a church organization in Carlinville and I have doubts if there was one in the county, although I know there are claims of church organization at an earlier date in other parts of the county.

The then scattered pioneers who had settled on the water courses in the county and had built log cabins lived many miles apart and when a preacher happened along in a neighborhood he would stop with a pioneer and consent to preach on some future named Sunday, generally at the house where he was stopping, if notice could be given to a sufficient number of pioneers and their families to form a congregation. The father and his family would mount horses and ride for miles notifying the families of the neighborhood of the time and place where the meeting was to be held, and when the time came for the preaching every pioneer and his family within ten or twenty miles of the place would be notified, and they all, if possible, attended the meetings, especially the boys and girls of the neighborhood. The girls often walked to the place to within a few hundred yards barefoot, carrying their shoes and stockings with them, and would stop and put them on at that point and then "stockinged" and "shoed" march proudly up to the cabin where the meeting was being held.

When my father moved to Carlinville, there were but two cabins in the village and they were located, one on the block of lots where this church building now stands and was occupied by Major Winchester and his family, he being the first lawyer in Carlinville and had just moved from Edwardsville, Illinois, and settled in the village. It was on the spot where Mrs. John P. Matthews now resides, and the other cabin stood very nearly at the same place where Hugh Minton's fine residence is now located, and was occupied by Ezekiel Good and his family. My father, with the aid of other pioneers who volunteered, built the third cabin in the village. It was located where the Carlinville Democrat is now situated and since that date I have continuously lived in Carlinville - a long, long life for anyone in one place. And now, having brought you within the wilderness wherein we settled and acquainted you with the surroundings and the people who were here, let us proceed to the history of the church organization and especially of the Baptist church, and before I forget it, let me tell you that the first funeral that I ever attended and one that has left a deep and never-to-be-forgotten impression on my memory, was that of a young Sunday school scholar, a beautiful little girl whose father and mother lived just across the street from your church where we are now assembled, and let me assure you that where this church now stands, was at that day a heavy oak and hickory forest. When the day came for the funeral the few Sunday school children were dressed, the girls in white, and the boys in the best that their mothers could dress them. We were, of course, all barefoot, as we had no shoes to wear, our fathers having no money to buy us shoes. Oh, that I could remember the name of that minister and the words that he used in that sermon at the burial of the little girl that lay in the small walnut coffin, dressed in white. So much did it impress me, a mere boy, I can to-night in my mind's eye see her as she lay in that little walnut box. I think that was either the first or the second death that occurred in Carlinville.

During the fall of 1817, John Coop moved to and erected a log cabin on what was afterward known as Coop's Mound in this county. There the Rev. William Jones, a Baptist minister, during that fall, preached the first Baptist sermon ever delivered in the territory constituting Macoupin county. The sermon was preached in Coops' cabin to a small number of pioneers living within a radius of twenty miles of the Mound. I have heard that at that meeting a Baptist church was organized. 1 do not think this possible, as there were not a sufficient number of settlers in that part of the county from which a church could have been organized, and especially Baptist pioneers. The great Indian trail from the headwaters of the Wabash river to the Indian post of Cahokia ran at the foot of the Mound on the west side, and after my father settled in Carlinville, was used by the Indians traveling between the two points. I have often discussed with the old settlers the early settlement of that part of our county and have never heard them mention the organization of a Baptist church at or near the Mound at so early a date.

During the year 1821, James Lemon, a Baptist minister, preached the second sermon in the log cabin erected by Telemachus Camp, one and a half miles southwest of Staunton. The Rev. Lemon belonged to a noted family of Baptist preachers who had emigrated into the then territory of Illinois from the south. My mother was well acquainted with the Camp family in North Carolina. After we moved to Illinois I have often accompanied her on her visits there. One of the attractions to me was the apple and peach orchard that Mr. Camp had on his farm - the only orchard then in central Illinois. The old farm still has charms for me, as one of the sons of Telemachus Camp owns and resides on that farm, and no better Christian gentleman than Peter Camp now lives in our county. He is a true and devoted Baptist, as was his father before him.

If I have not been misinformed, the Concord Baptist church was organized June 13, 1829. I have some doubts as to the organization of this church at that early date, as that would give it the oldest organized date in the county. The church stands about two miles south and east of Palmyra and was organized by the Rev. James Solomon, who was a member of the well known Solomon family of our county, a family of noted men who were leaders in the up-building of the county. Their father was a large, portly man of more than usual intelligence and influence, who settled near where the town of Scottville in this county is now located. He was known and always referred to as "King" Solomon. It has, since its organization, been a very strong church and is today a live, active organization, with a large membership.

May 10, 1835, your church was organized. Elder E. Rogers acted as moderator and Andrew Wilber as secretary. Elder E. Dodson was your first pastor.

In 1837, a great upheaval of religious enthusiasm was manifested in the church under the able preaching of the Rev. James Lemon and others who assisted him in conducting the revival. The meetings were held in the old log court house situated in the public square, at which about sixty parties were converted and about forty of the converted were baptized at the baptizing pool in Borough's branch, just south and east of Carlinville. That carries me back to that long, long past occurrence in my boyhood days, for be assured I was there at that baptizing, as were all the other tots then living in our little village. The pool of water afterwards became our swimming hole where many of us learned to take care of ourselves in the water. This small stream where the baptizing took place was so named by Joseph Borough, who as an early pioneer had settled and built a log cabin where the old Kennett and Hadley Head dwelling now stands.

Another reason that I have for so well remembering it was that a number of our playmates were then and there baptized, and you will excuse me if I give from my memory the names and characteristics of some of the leaders and newly converted parties who took part in that meeting. The then elders of the church were : Haskins Trabue, Samuel Lair, Tandy Caulk, Emanuel Sutton, who were charter members of the church.

Haskins Trabue was a Kentuckian and was proud of it. He had settled on a farm now owned by August Hacke, and was at that early date ready and willing to aid in the settling of the county by emigration from his native state. He had a numerous family of boys and girls, some of whose names as I remember then were Fenlon, Joseph and Ben. One of the girls married Barnabus Boggess and lived for a number of years in Girard in this county. I understand that one of his grandsons gave a talk this morning.

Samuel Lair was one of the commissioners in the organization of the county. He left a numerous progeny that have greatly aided in the building up of our county.

Tandy Caulk, a son of Peggy Caulk, who moved from near Staunton to Carlinville in 1832, had a large family of boys and girls. Peggy was never married.

Edmond and Sarah Sutton gave to the church many good and useful members, who were converts at that revival. Some of their names were as follows: John Sutton, Jesse Sutton, Sarah Sutton and Rebecca Sutton, who were all respectable and true Christians and died in the faith as faithful members of the church.

Martin Ryan, who was a carpenter by trade and not deeply versed in Professor Murray's book, was in the habit of using big words, and in whom the boys of the town took great delight in playing jokes on, was another of the converts. He had left our village, and in about thirty years returned on a visit. In a conversation with Oliver Hall about the history of the people who had lived here when he was a resident, my name was mentioned by Oliver, giving him my history as a lawyer, and as Oliver was always a good friend of mine, I suspect he was putting up my ability pretty strongly. It seemed to surprise Ryan and he turned to Oliver and said, "Why, Oliver, that can't be true. I tell you that Gus Walker could have not made an able lawyer, as he was one of the most uncompromising boys in the town and the worst one of all of them." Ryan was a professed convert at that meeting, but fell from grace when we boys were after him in his sleigh with his girl. We had cow bells, tin horns and other instruments of noise. As I now recollect, his horse ran away and threw him and his girl out in a snow bank.

Our first schoolteacher was a Mr. Wilson, who taught the first school in Carlinville. He taught in the old log court house. He was an eastern man and a very hard taskmaster as we boys thought, who, not from choice, were his pupils. He was another of the converts and proved a great help in building up your church.

Now we will come to the Walker family (not related to our family) but saying the least for them were characteristic pioneers. James R. Walker was the head of the family if it had not been that Delilah, his wife, was a member of the family. They had numerous progeny, of whom Nancy Ann was a member.

She married Alex Glessner and when put under the water by the minister was kept under long enough to wash away all her sins as was said by the on-lookers. 'Another was Mary, who, in boasting of a new pair of shoes, said they were imported for her, and were the only pair of "Magator" ever brought to Carlinville. She went by the name of "Magators" ever afterward. She married a very good man.

Harbird Wetherford and wife joined the church and were baptized at that revival. He belonged to the large and influential family of Wetherfords who had settled as pioneers in and around Carlinville at an early day. They (Harbird and wife) had two of the prettiest girls that John Hamilton or I had ever found up to that date. "Dorind" and "Lizzie" were their names. Well, of course, we both found prettier ones afterward.

In those pioneer days your church and the Methodist Episcopal church had the only church organizations in the town, and both were very active in church work. The Rev. Stith M. Otwell was a splendid specimen of true manhood. He was tall and inclined to be slim at that date. He was possessed of keen, black eyes, black hair, dressed well and was active and gentlemanly in all his dealings with the pioneers, and with all these advantages, besides having a good education, was very popular with the people of our town and county. Under such conditions the inevitable happened. Quite a rivalry soon manifested itself as to which of the organizations should have the larger membership, and in such rivalry great good was accomplished in the furtherance of Christianity and the morals of the people. In 1831 the Rev. Otwell organized the first Methodist church in the village and preached the first sermon in the log cabin of Rev. English, in which, he, English, was keeping a tavern. Bill and High English were his sons, and had gained a reputation as "bad ones."

The church organizations of that day were composed of earnest devoted followers of the "Man of. Nazareth," the Lowly Jesus. The preaching as a general thing was done by devoted Christian ministers, without money or price. The leaders of the church organization were fervent workers in God's vineyard and talked and sang with a will not known at the present day. When assembled in their church for the purpose of worship the congregation would be enthused when such brothers as old John Andrews, an Englishman, would start up the hymn "The Old Ship Zion is About to Sail," or the portly brother Jarrett Bugger would break in with

The entire congregation would join in and in loud voice almost raise the roof of the church or cabin in which they were worshiping. It was not the present kind of fashionable church music that we pay for today.

The first organ that was placed in the church in our town had not been heralded before the services commenced and when the hymn was given out and the organ began to play, a number of the old and stanch members got up and marched out of the church, declaring it was the devil's doing and that they would no longer stay and hear the music.

The Rev. Stith M. Otwell became the pastor of the Methodist church and held services in the old log court house and in 1836 a revival was conducted by that church led by the Rev. Otwell in the log court house, at which I as distinctly remember seeing my father and mother get up from their seats and walk up and kneel down at the mourner's bench as I remember any other incident in my long life. And now looking back at that long recognition of the obligations of man to God I rejoice in their action.

Brighton Baptist Church

The Brighton Baptist church was organized November 26, 1833, by Elders Elijah Dodson and Alvin Bailey, with eleven members, Joseph Richardson, deacon and clerk. The early pastors and supplies were Elders E. R. Fort, Amos Dodge, Z. B. Newman, Ebenezer Rogers, H. T. Chitten, William Roberts, O. L. Barber, John E. Moore, Jacob V. Hopper, Joel Terry, Rev. Manning, Herman S. Lowe, Frank M. Ellis, A. L. Cole, P. Erving and others.

Bunker Hill Baptist Church

This church was organized, January 9, 1841, in the presence of the following ministers: Amos Dodge, R. Kimball, William H. Briggs and John M. Peck. The original members were Daniel Rice, Avolin Church, James M. Cooper, Noah H. Flanagan, Charles Johnson, Johnson McGilvary, Willis McGilvary, David P. Kelsey, Sarah Wright, Maria Church, Elizabeth Cooper. Maria S. Flanagan, Abigail R. Johnson, Elizabeth S. Flanagan, Abigail Pettingill, Christiana McGilvary, Catherine McGilvary, Noah H. Church. The first pastor was William H. Briggs. The Baptists joined with the Congregationalists and built a church in 1849, i° which both congregations worshipped until 1854, when the Baptists built an edifice of their own. In 1858 the church was organized under the name of the Berean Baptist church of Bunker Hill. The old church had in recent years

Baptist Church Of Girard

The Baptist church of Girard, Illinois, was organized March 17 and 18, 1855, with a membership of fourteen. The first pastorate of the church seems to be somewhat in doubt. The minutes, which are preserved, do not indicate tha't a regular pastor was called until a year and a half after its organization. However among those constituting the council at the organization of the church was Rev. James Harvey, who, it seems, served the church as moderator during this period and to the minutes of a meeting held August 18, 1855, ms name is signed as pastor. Whether during that time he was the regularly settled pastor of the church cannot be determined by the records. So far as the first minutes show, the first regularly called pastor of the church was Rev. M. V. Kitzmiller, who with a number of others, moved to Girard from Tennessee in the fall of 1856. His pastorate began November 8th of that year and continued until September, 1865 - a period of almost nine years. Having the care of the church practically from its inception, Rev. Kitzmiller was able to mold it largely after his conception of what a church ought to be. It was the period of foundation laying in doctrine and in all else that makes for a virile body of Christ. And the after success and prosperity of the church was due largely to the good work done during this period. The membership grew steadily during this pastorate until it numbered a hundred or more.

Rev. Kitzmiller was succeeded by Rev. J. M. Wells, who was called in September, 1865. He remained for one year, during which time the church completed and occupied its new house of worship. Prior to that time the church had held services in the union meeting house, generally known as the old Cumberland Presbyterian church. The movement to secure a building of their own had begun four or five years previously, but does not seem to have taken definite shape until 1865, when the construction of the building was begun. This was a substantial and commodious house of worship, reflecting great credit upon the enterprise and generosity of the church at that time. It was dedicated in July, 1866. This building was used until April, 1902.

With the beginning of the year 1868, Rev. M. V. Kitzmiller was recalled for half time service. This second pastorate covered a period of four years, and was followed by the shortest pastorate in the history of the church, Rev. A. H. Scott, serving for six months. He was succeeded in May, 1873, by Rev. B. F. Humphrey, who was succeeded by Rev. Scott, who returned and remained one year. At the end of that time Rev. M. V. Kitzmiller was recalled to the pastorate, his service beginning in September, 1875. This proved to be the longest pastorate in the history of the church, for he continued until his retirement from the ministry, in January, 1889. In many respects the service Rev. Kitzmiller rendered this church and the sacrifices he made for it, were phenomenal, having few parallels in the Baptist history of the state.

Rev. Kitzmiller was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Combes, who served as a supply during a part of the year 1888. In March, 1889, Rev. J. W. Hawkins became pastor and after a service of less than one year, he was succeeded by Rev. A. ]. Donaldson, who remained four years. He was followed, in June, 1894, by Rev. B. W. Wiseman. Upon the resignation of Rev. Wiseman in September, 1896, the services of Dr. A. K. DeBlois, president of Shurtleff College, were secured. He served until May, 1897, and was succeeded by Dr. J. R. Day, who, after serving one year, was succeeded by Rev. T. J. Giblett, who came in September, 1898. He served the church three years and was succeeded, December i, 1901, by Rev. A. H. Harnly.

In January, 1902, the need of improved facilities for aggressive work began to be seriously agitated, and the church resolved to arise and build. Suitable lots were purchased, the church building was moved, a lecture room and other improvements added and a parsonage erected, all at a cost of about $8,000. The entire cost having been previously provided for, the church was dedicated September 20, 1902, Dr. Harvey preaching the dedicatory sermon and President Stanley A. McKay preaching at night.

The records do not make it possible to determine the exact growth of the church during any particular period of its history. It would appear that there was no phenomenal growth at any time, but rather a constant, healthy growth from the beginning. Since its organization the church has received more than eight hundred members. Many of these have closed their labors here and have gone to join the church triumphant. Others have moved away and are now scattered over various sections of the country. The present membership is 340.

First Baptist Church, Virden

This society was organized April 30, 1854, with seventeen charter members, as follows: W. W. and Sophia A. Cox, Robert and Mary Hobson, Orin and Armanella Chaffee, J. E. and Amanda Walker, Alexander and Melvina Hord,

C. T., Sophia E. G. and M. J. Sage, J. C. and Minerva Harvey, Daniel Wise and A. Malsbury. The first sermon was preached in the old Methodist church, Rev. Justice Buckley officiating.

In 1855 a small church was erected and on the loth of November of that year Rev. J. B. Jackson was sent as the first pastor of the church, the building being dedicated on the following day, November n, 1855. Rev. Jackson ministered to this congregation until June 23, 1860. He was succeeded by F. M. Ellis, who came in the fall of 1861 and remained until 1863, when, in September of that year Rev. John Sawyer became pastor of the church. The latter was succeeded by Rev. W. C. F. Hempstead, who, after serving for more than three years, resigned July 25, 1868, and in September of the same year Rev. Gray came as supply, remaining until February 27, 1869. Rev. H. M. Carr came in December of that year, remaining as pastor for five years. From December, 1874, until April 28, 1875, the church was without a pastor and then came Rev.

E. E. Bayliss, who remained until October, 1876, when he resigned. In December of that year Rev. T. F. Borchers was called to the pastorate and remained until March, 1879, when he resigned on account of ill health. Rev. J. L. M. Young was called September 2, 1879, and remained until August 7, 1881. He was followed by Rev. H. G. James, who came in March, 1882, but remained for only five months. From that time to the present the regular pastors have been as follows: 1883-87, D. T. Morrell; 1887-89, D. L. McBride; 1890, J. F. Foley, who acted as a supply until 1892; from the summer of 1892 until 1893, A. J. Colwell; 1893-95, J. M. Titterington ; from that time until 1896 the church was without a regular pastor, when C. W. Webb came, remaining until 1899; at the beginning of the year 1900 J. E. Reynolds was called and 1901 was followed by B.

F. Duncan, who remained until his death in 1904. In 1905-06 L. W. Sloan was the pastor and in February, 1907, J. L. Watson came but remained for only a brief period, and was succeeded in that year by T. C. Coffey, who served until 1911 and in May of the latter year O. W. Shields came and is the present incumbent.

The church membership having increased to such an extent that the old building was inadequate, the structure was moved away and replaced by a larger and more modern structure in 1899. In 1910 extensive improvements were made, the interior being handsomely decorated, while in 1911 the building was newly painted on the outside. It is centrally located one block west of the public square. The present membership is 287.

In 1855 James Hall donated to the church a parsonage, which is still owned by the congregation but has been added to and repaired since that time. The church also owns a cottage, which it rents. The value of the church property, including parsonage and cottage is $9,500.

Baptist Church, Staunton

The Baptist church at this point has been established for over a half century but is now a mission. The church building itself, a brick structure, has been built at least fifty years. The membership at this time is about seventy-five, and its pastor, J. M. Gwinn, a very able and energetic divine, is confident of adding to its strength. He also ministers to the spiritual wants of the church at Gillespie. A more extended history of this church could be given if the records of the church were available, but unfortunately, they could not be secured for the purpose.

Protestant Episcopal Church

There are four Protestant Episcopal churches in Macoupin county - St. Paul's, Carlinville ; Christ church, Bunker Hill ; St. Peter's Chesterfield ; and St. John's, Gillespie.

As nearly as can be ascertained, the first service in the Episcopal church, held in the county was by Rev. F. Southgate, in the Presbyterian church at Carlinville, in the year 1843. He was a brother of Bishop Southgate, of New York, at one time missionary to Constantinople. Rev. F. Southgate was traveling through the county, and happening to be in Carlinville over Sunday, was requested by the two or three Episcopalians then living in the place, to officiate at a service. It is related that he hurriedly conducted the service and then taking his hat, most unceremoniously left the house and returned to the hotel, without delivering any sermon or speaking any word of instruction or exhortation, very greatly to the disappointment and mortification of Messrs. Enoch Wall, A. McKim DuBois and others who had solicited his service. It is no wonder that under such circumstances the chruch grew so slowly and that the impressions made concerning it were not favorable.

In 1844 or 1845, Rt- RCV- Philander Chase, of Illinois, in his journeyings through the state, officiated on one or two occasions in Chesterfield and Carlinville, but there was no regular minister nor were there any regular services until 1849, when the Rev. John Loyd Johnston was sent by Bishop Chase to officiate in these two places, which he had himself visited, and here in the same year the present parishes were organized.

The first congregation in the county may be considered that of St. Peter's at Chesterfield. As the Episcopal church in the United States is derived from the ancient church of England, and so traces its descent from the apostles and the primitive church, through the church of England, thus it came to pass that the English people in and about Chesterfield were the first to receive and encourage the ministration of this church, being members of it in England, and accordingly, in Chesterfield, the first organization was formed.

Rev. Mr. Johnston remained but a short time, about nine months, baptizing, however, many persons who are now heads of families. He was an earnest and self sacrificing man, worthy of all honor. When he left here, he went south and died in 1851 or 1852 in Mississippi, of yellow fever. He had gone south against the remonstrances of his friends, to aid the sick and suffering in one of those dreadful epidemics.

So far as is known there were no services of this church held in the county from 1849 until tne spring of 1856, when Rev. David Walker Dresser, then a deacon just ordained, was sent to take charge at Chesterfield, in connection with Waverly, Morgan county, as had been the case with Rev. Johnston, before him.

The Rev. Dresser may be said to be the patriarch of the Episcopal church in the county. His first service in Chesterfield was held in the upper room of the schoolhouse. In 1858-9 the church building was erected on a lot immediately opposite the schoolhouse, at a cost of about $2,000, and was consecrated April 28, 1861, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Whitehouse, successor to Bishop Chase.

In the fall of 1866, Rev. Robert Trewartha became pastor, remaining in charge only until the following spring. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Adderly from the fall of 1867 until some time during the year 1871. He was succeeded by Rev. George W. Stickney, who had charge in connection with Carrollton, Greene county, for six months in 1872.

After the removal of Rev. Johnston there were no services until the fall of 1857, when Rev. D. W. Dresser, having given up Waverly, took charge of Carlinville in connection with Chesterfield. His first service in Carlinville was held in a schoolhouse which stood where the public school now stands and which was later destroyed by fire. This schoolhouse was used as a place of worship for several years and subsequently the congregation occupied the old Methodist church, which adjoined the school building. St. Paul's church was erected in 1865-6, on lots purchased many years previously by Samuel Welton, A. McKim Dubois, Thomas Shutt and Drs. Brock and Cook. The church was completed in 1875 at a cost of about $5,000. In 1868 the rectory was built.

Rev. D. W. Dresser, of Carlinville, by invitation, visited Gillespie and officiated at a service conducted in the public school building, January 23, 1860. Prior to that date, so far as is known, the only Episcopal service that had been held in Gillespie was by Rev. Dr. S. Y. McMasters, of Alton, who happened to be visiting at this place. For several years Rev. Dresser had charge of this point as a missionary station, in addition to his other work, officiating usually on a week day about once a month until 1864, when Rev. Thomas W. Mitchell, a native of Scotland, began ministrations in connection with Bunker Hill. St. John's parish was organized in 1863 and the church built during the same year. The corner stone was laid, June 26, 1863, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Whitehouse.

Rev. Mitchell removed in 1865 and was succeeded by Rev. John Portmess, who also had charge at Bunker Hill but remained for only a brief period. He was succeeded by Rev. Adrian Zimmerman, who also remained but a short time. Rev. Phillip A. Johnson began ministrations here in 1875. residing in Bunker Hill, and devoting to Gillespie one Sunday in each month.

Christ church at Bunker Hill was organized in 1865. Prior to this time services were held by Rev. Dresser of Carlinville, in some church or schoolhouse. It is believed that the first service was conducted by him in 1862 in the Congregational church. In 1864 Rev. Mitchell came to take charge here and at Gillespie. The latter resigned in September, 1865, and was succeeded by Rev. Portmess, who remained one year. He was followed by Rev. Zimmerman, who remained six months during the year 1868, while Rev. Mr. Johnston came and after serving the church for four years, resigned July i, 1879. The church was erected in 1875-6, at a cost of $3,500, which included the cost of the lot.

Addenda By Professor J. D. Conley

The Rev. D. W. Dresser, by whom the above was written, commenced his work in Carlinville when but a deacon in the church and still a young man. He remained in charge here for twenty years, when he accepted a call from the church at Champaign, Illinois. His letter of resignation, which illustrates his noble character, was as follows: "Carlinville, Illinois, December I, 1882. Dear

Brethren : - I beg leave to resign my charge as rector of St. Paul's church in this city.ljdjd resignation to take effect with the close of Sunday next, December 3, 1882. I take this step with many regrets, but with a firm persuasion that it is best under all the circumstances, and I especially request that you will signify your acceptance of my resignation at your earliest convenience. With the kindest regards to yourselves personally and with the most sincere prayers for the prosperity of the parish, both in things temporal and spiritual, I am faithfully and affectionately yours, D. W. Dresser."

The vestry at this time consisted of Dr. M. H. Head, A. McKim Dubois, Thomas R. McKee, S. F. Steidley and J. D. Conley. The true love and Christian spirit shown in the wording of this resignation illustrates plainly his noble character and always stamped him as one of the truest and one of the most consistent of our fellow citizens. The writer of this article was licensed as lay reader by Bishop Seymour, and assisted Rev. Dresser in his work at Carlinville, also at Chesterfield, for several years, the latter having charge at both places. Hence, the writer was very intimate with him, and being a member of the vestry he had better opportunity to hear expressions of admiration from the people of the church and members of the community outside of the church than did Mr. Dresser himself. Chesterfield was stronger as a church town than Carlinville, there being quite a number of prominent English farmers there who were regular in attendance at church and contributed to its support.

April 1 6, 1882, the vestry extended a call to Rev. Jesse Higgins, a young man just admitted to the ministry. He was to hold services half of the time and receive as a compensation $300 a year, and after March i, 1884, was to have the use of the rectory, which had been rented after Mr. Dresser's resignation. Rev. Higgins resigned, December 29, 1883.

The Episcopalians of Carlinville are more indebted to Rev. Dresser than to any one else for the growth of the church up to 1883. Of the laymen to whom credit should be given for the founding and growth of the church at Carlinville may be mentioned A. McKim Dubois, a very devout and earnest churchman who did more financially than any other member, and who was one of the most exemplary members in the history of the church. He told the writer after his failure in the bank that he felt keenly his inability to contribute to the support of the church. The beautiful chancel windows of the church were the gift of Mr. Dubois, but few knew who was the donor, so modest was he about his gift. The following was taken from the church record of August 28, 1883, upon the death of Mr. Dubois, who was then serving as treasurer of the church:

"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, to take out of the world the soul of our deceased Brother, A. McKim Dubois, for so many years not only a member, but also an officer of the vestry of this parish, and a faithful communicant of the church, we, the remaining members of the vestry, do hereby desire to express our high admiration for his many noble qualities of heart and life, his humble faith, his quiet firmness, his generous tenderness, his strict fidelity to every trust. His death causes in our parish and its vestry a vacancy which will be hard, if not impossible, to fill. We extend our cordial and heartfelt sympathy to his wife and children, counting ourselves in the list of his mourning friends, thanking God for his goodly example, and humbly praying that we with him and all the faithful may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in soul and body, in God's heavenly and eternal glory, through Jesus Christ, our Lord."

In this was shown the appreciation of the church in one member of the banking house of Chesnut & Dubois, one who for a long period was county clerk, his records being models of accuracy and neatness. He was a man who commanded respect anywhere and was a most distinguished citizen.

Married Abraham Lincoln

Returning once more to Rev. Dresser, he was the eldest in a family of five or six children, his father being an Episcopalian minister. Mr. Dresser related that one evening when the family were seated at the supper table, a gentle knock was heard at the door, and when one of the members of the family opened the door there stood a young man, who was a near neighbor of the Dresser family. The father then went to the door and the young lawyer said : tie the knot for Miss Todd and me." This was Lincoln's way of asking the Rev. Dresser to perform his marriage ceremony and the son remembered the conversation between his father and Lincoln when the latter called at the Dresser home to secure the services of the father for this event.

The Episcopalians of Carlinville look upon Rev. D. W. Dresser as the founder of the church here. After he left the church he was succeeded by Rev. Higgins who remained only nine months. In April, 1884, the church called D. D. Hefter, a young man, who was as yet not ordained. He remained until October, 1885. In May, 1886, it was arranged to have Rev. Taylor, who was serving the church at Alton, to come to Carlinville on the second and fourth Sunday evenings of each month and hold services. He thus served the church until November, 1886. Rev. Dyer then served the church from February to July, 1887, and in August of that year Rev. H. M. Chittenden became pastor. He was a man of social nature, very popular among his congregation, and in many ways was a man of Rev. Dresser's character. After serving the church six or seven years, Rev. Chittenden resigned and the church was then without a pastor for a long period. On the 3ist of January, 1901, a call was extended to Rev. E. D. Irvine, who for two years gave half of his time. Prior to this, however, in 1900, Rev. Mr. Stiwell, who had charge of the Waverly church, came to Carlinville and preached occasionally. February 18, 1905, Rev. Aubrey F. Todrig came and remained two years, devoting one half of his time to this church. In August, 1907, Rev. C. G. A. Monro came, remaining with the church for two and a half years, when he resigned. In November, 1910, Rev. Angus E. Ferguson was sent as a missionary to supply this pulpit as well as Gillespie and Bunker Hill. On the ist of May, 1911, the Carlinville church, feeling that it was then in position to arrange for all of Rev. Ferguson's time, made such arrangement and since that time have had regular services every Sunday.

The present vestrymen are: J. D. Conley, warden; B. M. Burke, warden; George J. Castle, Sr., Solomon F. Steidley, C. F. Parker, Robert Whiteley, Sr., Howard O. Talley and George J. Castle, Jr.

In connection with the church is a woman's society known as the Guild. Mrs. J. P. Denby is president; Miss Netta Lynch, secretary; and Miss Jessie Anderson, treasurer.

St. Mary'S Catholic Church, Carlinville

This parish was organized in 1856 and the first services were held in private homes until the building now used for a schoolhouse was erected in the same year. It is a brick structure and cost about $600. In 1868, under the pastorate of Rev. F. Schreiber, the present church building was started and finished to the roof, when, in November, it was blown down to the foundation. About that time Rev. H. J. Hoven, present pastor of St. Joseph's church, was placed in charge and was empowered by the bishop to rebuild. He followed out his instructions and the present building was the result of his labors and administration.

St. Joseph'S Catholic Church, Carlinville

St. Joseph's church was organized in 1868 and was placed under the administration of Rev. H. J. Hoven. The building was erected by him in that year at a cost of $20,000, to which an addition was built in 1896. A pipe organ was installed in 1894 at a cost of $1,000. The property in all belonging to St. Joseph's church is worth about $40,000. There were thirty-five families in the church in 1868. The number now is one hundred and twenty. The Sunday school has an average attendance of seventy. On the 28th of May, 1911, there were sixtyfive confirmed.

The second pastor was H. Eggenstein, who came in 1870. He was followed in 1877 by F. A. Ostrop. His successor arrived in 1892 in the person of C. Sommers, who was succeeded by A. Adei in 1900. Father H. J. Hoven returned to

St. Catherine'S Catholic Church Of Virden

The first Catholic society in Virden was attended from the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Springfield, Illinois, by a priest who celebrated mass only about once in two months in private houses. Later Virden was made a station and attended from the church at Carlinville. It was about the year 1854 or 1855 that a church was erected at the corner of Jackson and Emmet streets and the first resident priest was Rev. Richard Grant, who served the church from 1867 to 1868. His successors in turn were Revs. M. Clifford, D. Tiomey and Very Rev. T. Hickey, who was later made vicar general of the Alton diocese. The latter was succeeded by Rev. Lawrence Ryan, who died while pastor of this church. He was followed by Rev. D. J. Ryan. Next came Rev. J. Murphy, who was succeeded by Rev. L. Hansen. From 1880 until 1887, Rev. P. J. O'Reilly was pastor of the church and he was followed by Rev. James Haward, William J. McGee, T. J. Morrow and J. J. Clancey, the latter being sent to another charge in September, 1899. Rev. Francis J. Hussey was the next pastor of the church and during his pastorate the church underwent some needed improvements. Father Bell then became pastor but remained only one year, resigning on account of ill health and going to the west. During his service a steeple was built on the church and in the tower was hung a bell. There were also placed new memorial stained glass windows, which were donated by the parishioners. In 1903 Thomas J. Carroll came to St. Catherine's and has been the pastor to the present time, 1911. About four years ago quite an addition was built to the east end of the church, which has added materially to the seating capacity, while the altar and vestry was placed in the space which was built on. The interior was also newly decorated and frescoed in beautiful design. The .church now enjoys a large membership.

In 1911 a new parochial school was built on ground to the rear of the church and rectory and will be opened for educational purposes in the fall of the present year. These buildings stand in the midst of spacious grounds and altogether St. Catherine's has a valuable property.

St. Michael'S Catholic Church, Staunton

The members who form St. Michael's parish were from New Douglass and Staunton and the church was organized by Father O'Halloran, of East St. Louis, in 1867. The present church edifice was erected the same year. The first congregation was attended as a mission from Edwardsville, when it was served by Revs. Lohman, Kuhlman, Janson and Schlegel. It then became a mission from Raymond and was served by Revs. Happe, Haase and Dietrich. It became self supporting in 1888, Rev. A. Zurbonsen being the first pastor. He was followed in 1898 by Rev. J. A. Postner. He was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Duval, who came in 1907.

It was during the incumbency of Rev. Zurbonsen that the parsonage was built and the school started in a building leased from the Consolidated Coal Company near No. 5 mine. The mission at Mt. Olive was also started by him, and the latter became self supporting in 1855. Rev. Postner built the sisters dwelling and in 1904 erected the school building just east of the parsonage. It has two full stories and a basement, is 53x73 feet and contains four school rooms and a hall. In the basement are a bowling alley and reading rooms. The school is under the instruction of the Franciscan sisters and has an enrollment of 190. The church congregation comprises 250 families.

Church Of The Ascension, Mt. Olive

This Catholic society first held services in private homes, it being a mission established from the Staunton church, and Rev. Father A. Zurbonsen had charge from 1891 until 1898. In 1890 the congregation decided to build a church, which was dedicated on New Year's day of 1891, at a cost of $2,000. Father Zurbonsen was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Postner, who served from 1898 until 1905, when, on the ist of January of the latter year, Rev. L. P. Hurkmans took charge of the parish, he being the first resident priest. During his pastorate, in 1906, a rectory was built, the entire value of the church property being now $6,000. On the ist of June, 1911, Rev. W. A. Toomey took charge.

A Catholic society was organized here in 1854 and the same year a frame church was erected and a rectory also adjoins the church property. In former years a parochial school was sustained but this has been closed for the past twenty years, although the building still stands. The communicants number fifty-five families.

Bunker Hill Congregational Church

This society grew out of the Woodburn church and dates its organization from September 13, 1842. The early history of the church is closely connected with that of the Woodburn church. The first minister, as appears from imperfectly kept records, was William Fithian, during the year 1843. Mr. Fithian did not continue permanently here but was for a time agent for the American Peace Society. J. S. Graves served from 1846 until 1848 and the pulpit was supplied by George Spaulding from the latter year until 1852. Rev. Donatus Merrill preached one half the time at Bunker Hill while he was at Woodburn, and from 1854 to 1857 Rev. C. B. Barton divided his labors between Woodburn and Bunker Hill. James Weller was the pastor from 1857 to 1866. and William E.

Of Illinois

Holyoke from 1866 to 1868. R. C. Stone was the pastor from 1868 to 1872, and G. W. Bainum from 1872 to 1879. Since that time the historian was unable to get a record of the pastors but at the present time, 1911, Rev. J. C. Stoddard is serving the church, having been here four years. The present membership is 150.

Congregational Church, Brighton

This society was organized June 6, 1867. For a year the congrregation worshipped in a hall but in 1868 a house of worship was erected at a cost of $3,500, H. D. Platt preaching the dedicatory sermon. Some of the early pastors were John E. Wheeler, Charles L. Tappan, Isaiah W. Thomas.

Congregational Church, Chesterfield

This society was organized March 6, 1868, with fifteen charter members. Rev. T. B. Hurlbut was the first pastor, remaining with the congregation until 1850, when he was succeeded by James R. Dunn, who remained until 1854. Others who remained for brief periods were S. P. Lindley, G. W. Stinson and J. C. Downer, and the latter was succeeded by H. D. Platt, who had charge from 1858 until 1868. Then came H. N. Baldwin who remained until 1870, when he was followed by Elihu Loomis, who remained in charge eight years, when he was succeeded by Calvin Selden.

Christian Church, Carlinville

The Christian church society here was organized in 1896, with sixty-three charter members, among whom were Dr. Jesse H. Smith, his wife, Margaret A. Smith, John Wilson and Emma Wilson, his wife, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cunningham and others whose names are not at hand.

In the year above mentioned a substantial and attractive church building of brick and stone was erected at a cost of about $12,000, which was all paid at the time. The building is designated as the Taylor-Smith Memorial church, because of the fact that Mrs. Margaret A. Smith gave the proceeds of eighty acres of land, which came to her through her first husband, Richard Taylor, one of the early settlers of Honey Point township. The money obtained from the sale of the land was given by Mrs. Smith as a building fund for the church. The donor was born, Margaret Sparks, and married Dr. Jesse H. Smith, a pioneer minister of the Christian church, of central Illinois, who was for a short time pastor of this charge. He died in Carlinville and lies buried at Auburn, Sangamon county.

The present membership of the church is about 120, and its pastor is Rev. J. W. Porter, who began his pastorate in June, 1910. At his coming the church people purchased a neat parsonage, costing $2,000, which is about five blocks northeast of the church building. Since the organization of this church the pas- tors have been the Revs. R. A. Omer, Dr. Jesse H. Smith, J. W. Knight, Rev. Purlee, Seymour Smith, J. H. Applegate, E. O. Sharpe, W. West, J. M. Bowe and F. H. Gumming.

Christian Church Of Virden

The above church was organized on the 2ist of August, 1882, the meeting for the purpose being called by one of the elders of the church at Girard. David Metcalf was chosen temporary chairman, and James A. Bronaugh, secretary. The meeting was addressed by Rev. Black, who preached a helpful sermon, after which the following persons presented themselves and became charter members of the newly formed congregation: James A. Bronaugh, Mrs. Amelia Bronaugh, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Williams, J. D. Alderson, Mrs. Louisa Spaulding, Mrs. Anna Kable, Mrs. Newton Allen, Mrs. Sue Plowman, Mrs. Lottie Plowman, Mrs. Eva Strang, Mrs. Ann Henderson, Mrs. Maxie Henderson, Mrs. Nancy J. Mc- Knight, Mrs. Lizzie Rice, Mrs. D. M. Williams, Jacob Groves, Mrs. Candace Groves, Mrs. Dempsey Solomon, Mrs. Lucy J. Solomon, Henry M. Gates, Mrs. Flora Gates, Mrs. Laura Piper, Mrs. M. J. Wigginton, L. N. Roland.

On the third Sunday of the same month a church building was dedicated by Rev. W. F. Black, of Chicago. The building cost $4,000, and was dedicated free from debt.

In the early struggles of the church Rev. Jesse Smith of Chatham supplied the pulpit until a regular pastor could be secured. Later on Rev. Samuel M. Conner, of Normal, became the first regular pastor of the congregation. The present membership numbers 252, and with a large and growing Bible school and young peoples societies it became necessary to erect a larger church building. So at the close of 1911 a new edifice will have taken the place of the old one, at a cost of about $30,000. The ceremony of laying the corner stone was an impressive one and took place Sunday, July 3Oth.

Christian Church, Staunton

The Christian church was organized at this place many years ago and it was quite strong at one time in its membership, but of later years the organization has lost in strength and for some time past this congregation has had no regular pastor.

Church Of Christ, Girard

During the '505 there was occasional preaching by itinerant ministers passing through Girard. At this time Mesdames Turman, Moore, Eastham, Deck, Mrs. Alfred Mayfield, Mrs. Dr. Marshall, Mr. and Mrs. John Ewing and Misses Fannie and Kate Eastham, having been members of the Christian church elsewhere, determined upon an organization of their own in Girard, and through their efforts the state board sent Elder Alexander Johnstone to effect an organization, which was done July 15, 1860. The charter members were Mesdames Thurman, Moore, Nathan, Belle Woods, Grandma Eastham, Misses Kate and Fannie Eastham and John Ewing and wife. The elders chosen were John Ewing and James Duncan. At this time there were but two churches in Girard, one being a union church used by the Presbyterians, Methodists and

Baptists, which stood where the Presbyterian church is now located, and the other a Universalist church. Soon after the organization of the church Messrs. Thurman and Jacob Deck became active members.

For a time the members met in a frame building on the site now occupied by the brick building in which Donaldson's jewelry store is located. Later they met in private homes, preaching services being held once a month, the minister being paid $12 a month. For a time the Universalist church was rented and meetings were held there.

In 1865 the members decided to erect a church of their own. They purchased a lot for $300 and on it a building 36x40 feet was erected, and in the '705 a twenty feet addition was made to the building. In 1865 Dr. Jesse Smith held a successful meeting and the following year, 1866, became the first regular pastor of the church. He was followed by Revs. Corwin and Bastion. Then for a time the congregation was without a regular pastor but services were conducted by one of the elders of the church. Eventually Rev. Layman was called to the pastorate and he remained three or four years. He was followed by Rev. Ingram, who remained two years. About this time Rev. Black, an evangelist, conducted a seven weeks' meeting, which resulted in the addition of one hundred members to the church. Rev. J. B. Corwin was then called to the pastorate and he was followed by Revs. Bastion, Puett and Layman. In 1891 Rev. Young was called to the pastorate and he remained for two years, during which time the parsonage was erected. In 1893 Rev. Groves became pastor and remained for two years, being followed by Rev. Peters, who remained a similar period. In 1899 Rev. Sharp came and remained for three years. During his ministry a new church was built, which was dedicated by Rev. Sweeney on the i8th of November, 1900, Rev. Dutt eventually became pastor, remaining two years, and was followed by Rev. Windbigler, who remained with the church two and a half years. Rev. York took charge October 14, 1906, and was followed by Rev. W. F. Kohl, who became the pastor in January, 1909. The church is now in a prosperous condition and it has recently undergone some improvements, which have added much to the beauty and attractiveness of the building.

The Evangelical Church

The Formula of Concord, which was drawn up in 1577 by learned men like Jacob Andreae and Martin Chemnitz, was intended to supplement and define the Augsburg confession, 1530, and thus become a specific on every conceivable point of doctrine. This document was accepted as a creed by the churches of several German provinces, but rejected by those in most of the others and proved to be a failure in so far as it was intended to settle all disputes of doctrine.

For more than two centuries after this the unhappy dissensions and quarrels of various factions of the church of the Reformation - chiefly between the followers of Luther, who (against his expressed wish), had adopted his name and those of the Swiss leaders, Zwingli and Calvin, who called themselves "Re- formed" - made the fundamental saving truth of the Word of God almost as scarce among the German people, as Romish tyranny and superstition had made it before Luther began his work.

This lamentable division and the sad conditions which arose from it, was deeply deplored by large numbers of devout Christians in all parts of Germany. So King Frederick William III of Prussia in 1817, the tercentenary of the posting by Luther of his famous ninety-five theses upon the door of the castle of the church at Wittenberg, brought together a number of the most prominent theologians of his kingdom, who succeeded in formulating a book of worship, which was acceptable to the great majority of both Lutheran and Reformed churches. This was the famous Prussian Union, the first successful step toward a union of Protestant churches.

Among those who deeply cherished the ideal of a union of the Protestant churches were many members and friends of the well known missionary societies of Basel and Barmen in Switzerland and Germany. In response to an appeal of Richard Bigelow, of New York city, and other prominent Americans of New York and New England, who saw the need of missionary work among the German immigrants, especially in the west, the Basel Missionary Society, in 1837, sent two young pastors, G. W. Wall and Joseph Rieger, to this country. They in connection with several others of their faith formed in Gravois Settlement, near St. Louis, in 1840, a church union, from which small beginning in course of years gradually developed the Evangelical Synod of North America.

The German Evangelical church of North America, as a part of the Evangelical church abroad, defines the term "Evangelical church" as denoting that branch of the Christian church which acknowledges the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the Word of God, the sole and infallible guide of faith and life, and accepts the interpretation of the Holy Scripture as given in the symbolic books of the Lutheran and the Reformed churches, the most important being the Augsburg Confession, Luther's and the Heidelberg catechisms, in so far as they agree ; but where they disagree the German Evangelical church of America adheres strictly to the passages of Holy Scriptures bearing on the subject, and avails itself of the liberty of conscience prevailing in the Evangelical church. This church body has now 1,034 ministers and 1,321 churches, with 259,593 communicants and a church property valued at over $13,000,000.

There are only four churches of the Evangelical denomination in Macoupin county, namely: Carlinville. Staunton. Brighton and Mt. Olive, which was first recently organized.

St. Paul'S Evangelical Church At Carlinville

The German Evangelical St. Paul's congregation at Carlinville, Illinois, was organized as a "free congregation" (independent church) in the year 1859. The first services were held in the Presbyterian church and the old court house. Several independent pastors devoted their services during the first ten years to this congregation. Their names were : Rev. Muenther, Rev. Buechler, Rev. Dr. Riedel and Rev. Ruether. A year after the organization the congregation bought the site and building of the Methodist Episcopal church, situated on South Broad street. This place was later sold to the city and is now used as a part of the Free school campus.

The following gentlemen constituted the board of elders and were charter members : Fred Walthers, Bernhard Lorenz, Martin Rigg, George Schoenherr and George E. Deiss.

Ten years after its organization the St. Paul's congregation affiliated with the German Evangelical Synod of North America and ceased to be an independent church. Since that time the membership has increased rapidly. Rev. C. Witte was called to the pastorate in 1868 and labored faithfully for two years. He was succeeded by Rev. Philipp Meusch, who remained with the congregation until 1875. In the meantime Rev. Witte was active in editorial work and also instructed a German class in the public school. When Rev. Meusch resigned his work, the congregation called Rev. George Goebel to the pastorate. He remained for ten years and under his pastorate the present church and parochial school buildings were erected. The new church was dedicated in October, 1878, and the school building in 1882. From that time on the church began to flourish. The new buildings were erected on a large lot 60x330 feet, opposite the imposing courthouse, the site being one of the most desirable. When Rev. Goebel resigned in 1875, Rev. H. J. Dinkmeier was called to succeed him and he remained until 1898. Under his wise administration, the new parsonage was built and the congregation for the first time during its existence cleared itself of all debts. Rev. F. J. Buschmann took charge of the affairs of the church in 1898 and remained for three years, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. W. Riemeier.

In 1909 the church edifice was enlarged and remodeled at an expense of about $5,000 and there remains only a small sum to be paid and the congregation will be once more clear of all incumbrance. The development has been steady and today this congregation is one of the foremost churches in the county, having about 350 individual members.

Since the organization there has been in connection with the church work a parochial day school, which has done much to educate the young generation for spiritual work. Professor Albert A. Spiegel, W. Riemeier, L. Weiss, F. Kloppe and F. Hermsen have had charge of this department for longer or shorter terms. In 1904 Miss Laura Riemeier took charge of the school and since her death in January, 1911, the school has had no permanent teacher. The enrollment now is thirty pupils. The Sunday school has about 100 children and fourteen teachers. The church choir has sixteen members, the Ladies' Aid about ninety, the Mission Society, fifty-five, the Young People's Society about sixty and the Martha Society some forty members.

Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church

In 1849 A. Guellmann and family settled about three miles northwest of Carlinville, being the first German family which permanently took up their abode in this part of the state. In 1850 immigration of the Germans commenced and many settled in and near Carlinville, and as they had been taught and educated from childhood in the faith of the Lutheran church, which holds to the verbal inspiration of Holy Writ and to the "sola gratia," i. e., saved alone by Grace, they were anxious to establish a Lutheran congregation in this part of their newly adopted country. The Rev. Besel, of Staunton, Illinois, came here in 1854 and preached several times in the country districts near Carlinville.

In 1856 the Lutherans hereabouts requested the Rev. Professor C. F. W. Walther, of St. Louis, who was then the president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other states, to send a Lutheran minister. In May, 1856, the Rev. Buenger, of St. Louis, was sent, and preached in the old court house. The Revs. Strasen and G. Link assisted in holding services. Finally, July 6, 1856, a call was extended to E. Multanowski, who was a graduate of Concordia Seminary, located at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He accepted the pastorate of Zion church and was ordained in August, 1856, by the Rev. Rennicke, of Staunton, as the regular pastor of the Lutheran church of Carlinville. Regular services were conducted in the old court house until in 1859, ten or twelve voting (active) members bought a lot on South Broad street and built a small brick church, which was dedicated in the fall of 1859, and is still used as a parish school. Rev. Multanowski, in 1860, accepted a call to Wisconsin, and he was succeeded by Rev. C. L. Geyer, of Lebanon, Wisconsin, who began his work in Carlinville in August, 1860, having been installed by the Rev. Professor Schaller, of St. Louis, Missouri. Under his fostering care the membership increased so that the congregation concluded to build a larger, modern brick church, on lots purchased south of the old sanctuary, at a cost of $12,000. It was dedicated in November, 1868, and is still the house of worship for the Lutherans in Carlinville and vicinity.

After a sixteen year pastorate here, Rev. Geyer, in the spring of 1876 accepted a call to Serbin, Texas. During the vacancy which followed, the Rev. Professor H. C. Wyneken, the professor at Concordia Seminary, Springfield, Illinois, the now sainted father of the present pastor in charge, served the congregation on Sundays, until their newly called pastor, the Rev. B. Miessler, of Palmyra, Missouri, arrived in December, 1876. He was ordained by the Rev. Professor H. C. Wyneken, and remained with the congregation, laboring faithfully for thirty-two years, until he resigned his charge in 1908. Under his ministration the large debt on the church was paid, a parsonage bought, also a pipe organ and a church bell, and in the fiftieth anniversary year of the congregation, in 1906, $2,657 was expended for furnace, windows, fresco painting, etc.

The Rev. Ph. Wilhelm, of Staunton, supplied the congregation during the vacancy after Rev. Miessler's resignation was accepted. In January, 1909, the Rev. M. Daib, of Troy, Illinois, was installed as pastor and served the congregation most faithfully and was very successful. He introduced English services Sunday evenings, while German services were held Sunday forenoons. In May, 1910, the Rev. Daib resigned and moved to Chicago. Professor L. Wessel, of Springfield, Illinois, also Professor O. Boeder and Professor J. Herzer, of the same place, filled the pulpit during the vacancy, until the newly called pastor, the Rev. F. G. Wyneken, of Corona, Queensborough, New York

The congregation now numbers 422 members, fifty-eight of which are voting members. Its Sunday school (German and English departments) numbers eighty-one pupils. The parochial school, in which besides all the branches taught in the public school, also religion and German is taught, is still maintained by willing hands and hearts. It numbers twenty-seven scholars. The instructors in the parish school have been the Revs. Multanowski, Geyer, Messrs. N. Haase, G. Karau, K. Teich, K. Duesenberg, E. Just and :W. Joeckel. Professor G. M. Schmidt is the present principal and instructor, also the present organist and choir director.

The Ladies' Aid Society has a membership of sixty-nine and the Young People's Society about sixty-two members. Zion's congregation is at present erecting a new modern frame parsonage at a cost of $4,000, on lots south of the church building.

This church has been organized about forty years. Previous to its establishment services had been held in Staunton at various places, the minister coming from Mt. Olive. Soon after the organization of this congregation a small church was built, which was converted into a schoolhouse. The second church, a frame building, was dedicated December 16, 1900. It is an imposing structure and a pipe organ has been installed. The church property, including church, parsonage, school and two teachers' residences, is valued at $25,000. The present membership of the church is ninety.

The school has an attendance of from ninety-five to one hundred pupils. P. C. Seybold is the head instructor, and he has two lady assistants.