Madison County, Illinois - Chapter 14: Ecclesiastical History, 1882 (part 2 of 5)

The Society gradually increased. E. H. Kreige and Wm. Kreige became members, and helped greatly to build up the church. The society commenced to hold its meetings at Edwardsville, about the year 1855, in the Old Schoolhouse on Main Street. Rev. H. D. Schmidt, being then preacher in charge, resided at Highland, with which place the society was still connected. In 1860 Edwardsville was made a separate charge, with a preacher of its own, chiefly by the influence of Dr. Weir, Sr., who felt a great interest in the German work, and gave it his hearty support. Rev. Wm. Koeneke, was the first resident pastor. He was returned to Edwardsville in 1866.

In 1861, the Quarterly Conference appointed a committee consisting of C. P. Smith, E. H. Kreige and Wm. Kreige, to see after a suitable lot for a church building and to call a meeting of the society, as soon as convenient to report the results. I!ut as the Baptist church was for rent, it was thought best to rent it and it continued the place of worship until the year 1866, when it no longer answered the purpose. The building is at present used for an enginehouse. About the same time a house was bought on Main Street for a parsonage, at a cost of $1200, and the Episcopal Church near to it was rented and used for divine services until 1869 ; when it was for sale, on the 11th of September, 1869, the Trustees, who were, C. P. Smith, J. Stullken, Wm. Kreige, C Ortman, J. Kettelkamp, reported to the Quarterly Conference that they had bought the church in which they worshiped for S1500. This amount besides the cost of repairing and changes necessary, which amounted to $349.34, was raised by the society soon after, some of the trustees paying a large share. The membership was then 140, wdiich is about its present number.

The German M. E. Church at Alton, dates its beginning back to the year 1845, when in the fall of that year, Rev. Lewis Kunz, who preached occasionally at Fosterburg, visited the place, attended by -J. H. Appel, a member of the church as a guide. The first services were held in the American M. E. Church, Lower Alton. It then became a regular appointmeut for preaching, and the place was successively visited even by the jiresiding Elders of St- Louis District, Rev. Henry Koeneke and Rev. Geo. Boeshenz, whose labors at that time were to a large extent missionary. But it does not appear that an organization took place until 1852. The first members were, J. H. Appel, Val. Miller, J. Miller, J. Wiand.

A Sabbath-school was organized, consisting of about 30 scholars. The first Quarterly Conference was held on the 1st of January, 1852. A German Methodist congregatiou at Alton was now an established fact. In 1854, when the society had gradually increased, a church was built at Hunterstown, Walnut and Third Street, under the administration of Rev. Jacob Miller. Rev. Miller, labored extensively in Madison county. He was several times stationed at Alton, and at Highland and Staunton. He came to the United States while young, and early joined the M. E. Church. In 1848, he was admitted into the Illinois Conference, and labored with great success until by reason of failing health he was obliged to ask for a superannuated relation, lu 1860, he was placed on the active list and again sent to Alton. He was a popular and successful preacher, and died at Bushnell, Illinois, March 7th, 1871.

The size of the first church at Alton, was 40 by 25, and its cost $800. A few years after, however, it became evident that its locality was not the most suitable one for the attendants on public worship there, and as opportunity offered it was exchanged for the American M. E. Church, on Union Street, the size of which was 60 by 40. Tlie ministers stationed at this church, from 1854 to 1862, were Thomas Heger, H. Pfaff, H. Hankemeyer, E. Kriege, J. Miller, J. Ritter. Most always some other appointments were connected with the charge, and occasionally it happened that church members moved away, on account of which progress was more or less retarded.

In April, 1880, the Church on Union Street was destroyed by fire, the cause not being known. The society immediately resolved to build a new church, which was soon after erected on Henry Street. The size of the new church edifice is 67 by 48 feet, and its cost about 810,000. At the same time a parsonage was built, the value of which is 82500. Church and parsonage are built in the very best modern style. The enterprise owed its success largely to the eflicient labors of Rev J. J. Hilraes, who is at present the presiding Elder of Belleville District, and the earnest work of the trustees who were Henry Lehne, J. Lorck, Rud Bierbaum, Louis Unger, Rev. Bilderbeck. The society has at present a membership of 80 persons. It carries on a prosperous Sabbath-school, and stands in regard to his contributions fur benevolent objects in the front ranks.

There is also a German M. E. Church at Fosterburg. We have been unable to learn its history, but it has a Church built in the year 1864 ; its first members, who are still liviug, were Paul Meissenheimer and Fred. Weber. Its present membership is 70.

By Rev. M. W. Becki.Y.

The Lower Alton A. M. E. Church was organized by the most venerable elder William Paul Quinn, in the winter of 1839. It is not known which one of the winter months, but, it is certain the organization took place in 1839. He was a regularly ordained elder for many years previous to this period He was duly elected by the General Conference, May 7th, 1844, to fill the office of Bishop. This election took place in Pittsburgh, Pa , which made him the fourth bishop in this connection, who lived many years after he organized the A. M. E. Church in Alton. He came to Alton in the winter of 1839, and found seven persons of our race here who were of the Methodist persuasion, who occasionally went to the IM. E. Church to hear (he gospel of the Son of God. The names of the seven persons who composed the organization of the first A. M. E. Church, in Madison county, and the second A. M. E. Church of Illinois state, were William Barton, Jane Barton, Loudon Parks, Shadrach Stewart, Jane Parks, Eliza Ellesworth and Thomas Ellesworth The first sermon preached by this venerable man of God, was in William Barton's house, in Alton, located between Abby and Easton streets. This house was the preaching place for years afterward. William Barton was also the first local preacher of the A. M. E. Church in Madison county and also in the state ; he was licensed the same week as the organization. Shadrach Stewart was the first A. M. E. preacher in charge of the A. M. E. Church, in the state. All the members who composed the first organization are dead but Mrs. Eliza Clarke, who still lives in Alton, and is still a member of the A. M. E. Church.

The second place of worship was in a house now standing on Sixth between Easton and Market streets. The third place of worship, and the first church building owned by the congregation, was a small brick house on Third between Walnut and Vine streets. This house cost at that timeaboutfivehundred dollars, and isnow converted into a dwelling-house. As the congregation remained small from its organization until 1865, and as there were only a few families previous to this date, this little house answered well. About the middle of the war and iinluediately afterward, our people moved to Alton and the chureli kept pace with the times, and as the population increased our membership increased and the little building was too small for the growing congregation. Consequently we were compelled to seek another locality. We sold out on Third and Walnut and Vine streets aud bought a lot on Third between Ridge and Henry, and erected a brick building oue story high 40xG0, in 1867. It cost between four and five thousand dollars. Brother Henry Depugh was pastor in charge at that time. It was dedicated by Bishop J. P. Campbell, and the church building was named Campbell Chapel. S2,.500 was borrowed, mortgage given, accompanied with notes drawing ten per cent, interest, 1867, and continued ten per cent, until 1876. Neither the principal nor interest were paid. The membership ran down and the congregation decreased, and what little was accomplished was not done without heroism. In 1876, Mr. William Eiiott Smith, the creditor, made a proposition to Rev. H. Depugh and the members, that if they would raise S500 and pay the interest that year, he would give them credit for §1,400, thus giving the church $900 as a donation. It was not paid that year, but Rev. R. C. Cooper followed Depugh, and in two years he raised the §500, and paid the intere-st. Mr. Smith gave the credit for §1,400, and this act of philanthropic charity itself did more to encourage the congregation than anything that had ever been done by any one, and for this beneficent act of Jlr. William Eiiott Smith, our membership and congregation will always remember him in our devotions, and love him aud his family. By that act the success of the church is manifest in many ways, one of the pleasantest of which is the reduction, and I believe the extinction of the church debt will take place this year. The work has moved along in a deep current of religious feeling, making itself felt among (hose of mature age, who have long stood aloof from the church. Our church value is §5, -500. The Sunday-school here was organized by Rev. J. C. Emery, in 1866. It has continued every year since, and the acting superintendent, Z Crawford, and eight zealous, active, religious teachers are determined to make it a religi jus power in the church. It numbers 80, and is still increasing. The membership is 175 ; congregation numbers 250 regularly. This congregation has had since 18o9 to 1882, 20 different ministers. All served two years at a time but two, and these served three years. There are a very few of this number living They have gone to heaven "where the wicked cease from troubling and the wear)' are at rest.'' There are six A. M. E. Churches in this county : Lower Alton, Upper Alton, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Ridge Prairie and Rocky Fork. The Edwardsville church building is now being finished ; a one story frame, 30x46. The Collinsville church building is a one story frame ; do not know its dimensions. The Ridge Prairie church building is a one story frame. Upper Alton church building, 26x40 ; a one story frame ; all paid for. The membership throughout the county numbers 550. The number of church goers in this county is probably one thousand. We have six churches in the county, and every church has a Sundayschool. Sunday-school scholars number four hundred. Tie value of our church property throughout the county is estimated at twelve thousand dollars.

The Presbyterian Church Edwardsville Church

There have been four distinct organizations in this place. The first was made March 17, 1819, by Rev. Salmon Giddings, of St. Louis, with fifteen members. The records are lost. Thomas Lippincott and Hail Mason were probably the first Elders. Mr. Lippincott removed from Miltoa to Edwardsville in the fiill of 1820. Jeremiah Abbot aud Matthew B. Torrance were elders sub equeutly.

The widow of Dr. John Blair Smith, at oue time President of Hampden Sidney College, Prince Edward county, Va., came to Edwardsville in 1817. Ten years later, when residing at Springfield, III., she says : " When I came to Edwardsville I could find no professor of religion in the place, and for eighteen months after no sermon was preached there. I lived to see a church of nine members increased to thirty."

The early members were nearly or quite all of Scotch- Irish descent. Previously to 1828 the church enjoyed no stated gospel ministrations. The ftishiou was in those days for missionaries to come out from the East and itinerate through Missouri and Illinois, wherever they could find or gather Presbyterian churches, spending only a few weeks, or perhaps only a few days, with each. In 1818 Rev. Messrs. Benj. Lowe and Samuel Graham performed services of this kind. Messrs. Edward Hollister and Daniel Gould were here in 1821, and labored more or less in Edward.sville. In 1822 came Messrs. Oren Catlin and Daniel G. Sprague. Salmon Giddings ahso performed much labor this side the river. I suppose ]Mr. Lippincott himself conducted religious meetings at Edwardsville when no minister was present.

This was one of the original churches of Center Presbytery, which held its first meeting at Kaskaskia, January 9, 1829. The church had then thirty-three members. From that number it steadily declined. One year later it had only twenty-five. The last time it was represented in Presbytery was at Greenville, September, 1831. The last time its uame appears in the minutes of JPresbytery is at the meeting in Collinsville, September, 1833. It died, and from starvation. The only ministerial labors it ever enjoyed were those of passing rais.<ionaries, remaining one or two Sabbaths only, and an occasional visit from Air. Giddings, of St. Louis. It was only by slow degrees and after many failures that the Church came to learn the better way.

The Second Presbyterian organization in FAlwardsville j was made sometime in the winter of 1837-8, by a Committee of Alton Tresbytery, N. S. It was received under the care of that Presbytery, March 30 1838, Joseph M. ;MeKee j being pres.^nt as ekler. Another elder was ilatthew B. Torrance This church was supplied from October, 1 '^43, to April, 1845, by Rev. Thomas Lippincott, in connection with Troy. A little before Mr. Lippincott's labors closed at EJwardsville, Dr. James Spilman, an elder brother of Rev. B. F. Spilman, and a staunch Old School elder, came there to reside. He was friendly, but not disposed to unite with a New School organization. The church being weak, wishing to secure his influence and seeing little to choose between New and Old School went over to him and connected with Kaskaskia Presbytery, which had organized an Old School church there, June 'I'l, 1845.

This was the Third Presbyterian organization in the county seat For one year Rev. 15. F. Spilman was their minister. He was succeeded by Rev. Alexander Ewing until his death, Aug. 12, 1848. At that time the church occupied the Baptist house of worship. In 1856, Dr. Spilman leased the Episcopal house. Rev. L P. Bates was miuister from 1856 to 1859. After Mr. Bates' death and Dr. Spilraan's removal, the Third Presbyterian church at Edwardsville, ended in death, and its name was erased from the roll of Presbytery

The Fourth organization, which still exists, was made Sabbath, Augu.n Uth, 1867, by Rev. A. T. Norton, D D., Rev. Andrew D. Jack, with these members, viz : Mrs. Caroline Dimmock, Mrs. Lizzie H. Pogue, Mr. Befaliel Day, Mrs. Huldah Ann Day, Miss Nancy N. Day, Miss Amelia C. Day, Mrs. Mercy, E. T. Jack, Mrs. Anna Glass, Mrs. Rebecca Snyder, Mrs. Susan Karr, and Mr. Samuel W. Temple, ilr. Temple was made Elder. The present Elders are Judge John G. Ir«io and Mr. C. W. Fangenwroth. The ministers have been A. D. Jack, A. H. Parks, Lucius I. Root, James F. Berry, and John D. Gehring, who is now there. This congregation has a good house of worship. It reported in 1882 fifty-one communicants. It has a vigorous Sabbath-school and maintains a weekly prayer meeting.

Alton Church

There have been two organizations. The first was made by Revs. Edward Hollister and Daniel Gould, June 9th, 1821 with the.<e eight members, viz: Enoch Long, Mrs. Mary Long, I-aac Waters, Henry H. Snow, E luah Hastings, Abigail Waters, Lavina Bishop, Brittania S Brown. The next day the Sacrament of the Supper was administered. On July Sih, August 12th and October 9th of the same year Mr Gjuld preached to the church. On December 4, 1821, and March 25, 1822, Mr. Hollister preached, and the nest morning took leave of the church to return to his native place at the East. Brittania S. Brown ditd on the 28th of August, and on September 15, 1822, her funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Jesse Townsend. On January 28th, February 18th and JIarch 5th, 1823, Rev. Oren Catlin preached. At the last date, Henry H. Snow was made clerk of the Session, and John L. Ramsey, Mrs. Martha

Ramsey and Mrs. Twitchell were received into the church on examination. On April 7th and April 2!, 1823, Rev. Oren Catlin and Rev. Daniel G. Sprague visited and addressed the church. April 24, 1824, Mi.ss Eduah Hastings was dismissed. This is the last entry on the session book by the clerk. But to it the following statement is appended, viz : " At the session of the Presbytery of Missouri, held at St. Charles in ]Mareh, 1826, a resolution was passed incorporating the church of Alton with the church of Edwardsville, in consequence of the removal of all the members of said church except two, viz: Enoch Long and Mrs. Mary Long. The above fact is certified by the undersigned, who - as au Elder of the church at Edwardsville - was a member of said Presbytery at the time of the passage of the resolution.

was organized June 19, 1831, by Rev. Thomas Lippincott, with these members, viz: Enoch Long, and Jlrs. Mary Long ; Wm A. Robertson and Eleanor M. R .bertson ; Mrs. Mary Ann Tolman ; Samuel Thurston and Dorcas Thurston; George W. Fuller.

May 7, 1871 ; John P. Nisbett, elected April 25, 1875 ; Martin I. Lee, elected April 2o, 1875, dismissed ; Perley B. Whipple, elected June 10, 1877 ; Henry L Nichols, elected June 10, 1877 ; S. B. Funk, elected June 10, 1877, died January 25, 1831 ; Oliver S. Slowell, elected March 7, 1880. Ministers: Thomas Lippiucott, until June, 1832. He was succeeded by Elisha Jenny, who remained until April, 1835. Frederick W. Graves began in June, 1835. The following October he bacame pastor and remained until November 1838. During the succeeding winter the pulpit was supplied by Albert Hale, now of Springfield. Augustus T. Norton entered upon his lab >rs as pastor elect March 1, 1839. On the 9th of May following he was installed by the Presbytery of Alton. Mr. Norton served as pastor until May 24, 1857, when he resigned, but continued either in person, or through other ministers, to supply the congregation, for the most part, until July 1, 1858, when he was dismissed by the Presbytery - making the whole period of his service nineteen years and three months. Cornelius H. Taylor was installed pastor July 1, 1858, and remained until the latter part of March, 18(J8, making a pastorate of nearly ten years. The church then remaiued without a pastor for one year. C. Solon Armstrong was invited to the pastorate April 16, 1869, and entered upon his duties the 15th of the ensuing Miy. He was duly installed December 16, 1869, and dismissed by Presbytery April 9, 1880.

The congregation was then served by various ministers, principally by their former pastor. Rev. A. T. Norton D. D., until September 1, 1S81, when Rev. Thomas Gordon commenced his labors. Mr. Gordon was duly installed as pastor Tuesday evening, October 25, 1.^81.

The whole number of members in the church up to January, 1879, is 1066. Of these two hundred and forty-three were added before Mr. Norton's pastorate and three hundred and seventy-one during its continuance. In Mr. Taylor's pastorate, two hundred and two were added ; in the year between Mr. Taylor and Mr. Armstrong, five ; in Mr. Armstrong's two hundred and forty-five. The number of members reported to the Assembly at the close of Mr. Norton's administration was two hundred and thirty ; at the close of Mr. Taylor's two hundred and fortj'-two ; in the spring of 1878, at the close of Mr. Armstrong's ninth year, three hun- (?re I were reported. In 1870 about forty-eight members were dismissed to form a Congregational church. The reduction in numbers by this movement was serious, but the loss in pecuniary strength was far more so, amounting to fully one-half the financial ability of the congregation. Though never rich, the benevolence of this congregation has been so seduloisly cultivated and so largely developed that during the whole of Mr. Norton's and Mr. Taylor's administrations, its offerings for benevolent causes, outside of itself, were larger than any other Presbyterian church in the State except one or two in Chicago. Content with a modest, inexpensive house of worship, it supported its pastors well, and gave largely to all benevolent causes, especially Home Missions.

There have been many revivals in the history of this congregation ; but the one most notable, for the character and standing of its converts, was that of the winter and spring of 1819. Value is not to be estimated by numbers, but by weight. The conversion of Saul of Tarsus was worth more to the Church and the world, than that of the whole three thousand on the day of Pentecost. The population of all our Western cities and villages is extremely fluctualiog. That of Alton has ever been pre-eminently so. Hence the small permanent growth of this church, notwithstanding I the constant and large increase of members.

Its place of worship. The church of 1821, noticed in another place, was organized in a log school-house in Upper Alton. It stood on the corner diagonally opposite the northeast corner of John Bates' premises. A small one-story brick house now occupies the spot. In that log schoolhouse. Deacon Long and Henry H. Snow gathered a Sabbath- } school in the summer of 1820. The present church was organized at the hou.se of Deacon Enoch L mg, corner of Main and College streets. Upper Alton, the spot now occupied by the late Joseph Burnap's residence. The public services of the occasion were held in the brick school house in upper Alton, The next place of worship was the frame building on Second street, Alton, next east of the residence of the late Simeon Ryder. The next building occupied was LfCium H ill, on the northeast corner of Alby and Second streets. This building was burned July 30, 1874. Captain Biujamin Godfrey united with this church on profession, November 8, 1833. The same year he erected with his own means, a commodious stone church, with a spire and basement story on the northeast corner of Third and Market streets, where the Episcopal church now stands. He retained the title in - his own hands, and afterwards gave the property to the trustees of Monticello Seminary, by whom it was sold to the Episcopalians in the spring of 1845. A fine bell was in the I tower, presented to the church by Mrs. Gilraan, mother of [ B I. and W. S. Oilman. Early one morning, immediately after the sale, that bell descended from that tower and went away on a dray. This church occupied that building from its erection till the time of sale, paying rent for it to Monticello Seminary, while it was owned by that Institution. Its next place of worship was in a small frame church on the northeast corner of Third and Alby streets, where the Unitarian parsonage now stands. The pressed brick house of worship was erected at a cost of $'!,500, and was dedicated June 14, 1846. In 1853, it was enlarged by an addition of twenty-five feet to the front, making the entire length eighty feet. This addition, with other improvements, cost S2,500. In 1858 a $2,00) organ was put up in the building. In July and August of 1865 there was another renovation which involved an expense of seven hundred dollars. But the chief renovation and re-arrangement was made iu 1875 at a cost of §4,000. A re-dedication ensued October 17, 1875. A sermon was preached on the occasion, reciting the whole history of the church, especially in reference to its places of worship. A debt was created by this last improvement which for several years was the source of no little annoyance. It and all the other indebtedness of the church was fully can celled on the first of January 1882.

The Sabbath-school of the church has been sustained the whole year through, and with great vigor. Its Superintendents have been Andrew Alexander, Moses Forbes, David T. Wheeler, Benjamin E. Yiall, L. S. Williams, L. A. Parks, Isaac Scarritt, Edward Hollister and Thomas P. Nisbett. The last named is still in office - 1882. During a large portion of the church's history a mission !^abbathschool has been sustained - at first in Hunterstowu and then in Sempletown.

The Semi-Centennial of the church occurred on Sabbath, June 18, 1881. It was celebrated with great interest and profit. The services commenced Friday evening, June 17, and continued through Saturday, the 18th, and Sabbath, I'Jtii. The entire i)roceedings were published in a pamphlet of 140 pages.

Copies of this pamphlet, of all the Psalms and hymnbooks, used in the church service for these first fifty years of its history, a copy of the " History of Presbyterianism in Illinois, by A. T. Norton, D. D.," and the various Historical shields used on the occasion, are deposited in a nicely constructed bos which is to be in the custody of the stated Clerk of the Session, until the occurrence of the Centennial Anniversary of the ciiurch, July 19, 1931.

At the time of the observance of this Semi-Centennial, two of the original members of the church were alive, viz: George W. Fuller, now of Galena, Illinois, and Enoch L)ng. But the venerable and venerated Enoch Long passed to his rest without a struggle, at his residence, Sabula, Iowa, July 19th, 1881, at the age of 90 years, nine months and three days. The number of communicants April, 1882, was 234.

Collinsville Church

The place at its first settlement was called Uuionville^ afterward was named Collinsviile. from tiie Collins family. The church was organized May 3d, 1823, with these members, viz : William Collins, Esther Collins, Augustus Collins, Elizabeth B. Collins, Eliza Collins, Almira Collins, Frederick Collins, Oriel Wilcox, Susan Wilcox, Horace Look, Emma C. Look. Seven of these belonged to the family of Diacon William Callins, who came to this place in the fall of 1822, with his wife and three daughters and one son. Four of iiis six sons - viz., Augustus, Anson, ilichael and William B. - had preceded him by several years. The family was from Litchfield, Conn., to which place William B. Collins, when a young man, had removed from Guilford, Conn. The church, from its foundation until the fall of 1843, worshiped in a house erected iu 1818, one of the first frame meeting-houses built in Illinois. The stated preaching of the gospel was not enjoyed until 1830, though for nearly twelve years a Sabl)ath school had been sustained, and worship of some kind had been held almost every Sabbath. When a minister could not be obtained, they met for prayer and exhortation, or read a sermon. From 18.30 to 1840 the church enjoyed for half the time, successively, the services of Revs. Thomas Lippincott, John F. Brooks, Roswell Brooks and Robert Blake. Up to 1835 it was aided by the Home Missionary Society. Since that time it has received no as-istance from abroad. Mcnister-S: Charles E. Blood, pastor, commenced laboring with them July 4, 1840; Thomas Lippincott, supply pastor, 1848; Lemuel Grosvenor, pastor, 1848 ; David Dimond, supply pastor, 1850 ; Gideon C. Clark, pastor, 1856 ; Charles F. Halsey, pastor, 1864 ; John D. Jones, pastor, 1867; J. R. Barnes, pastor, 1870 ; George W. Coit, pastor, 1874 ; Joseph G. Reasor, D. D., pastor, 1878. John R. Reason, supply pastor, commenced Oct. 10th, 1880, and is still - May, 1882, in oflice. Elders: William Collins and Oriel Wilcox at the organization ; Horace Look and Frsderick Collins, January 12, 1829; William B. Collins, November 10th, 1832; Lewis Wteks, August, 1837; Hiram L. Ripley, September 15, 1838 ; Philander Braley, Austin B. Beach, James Ilaffy, November 14th. 1841 ; J. Vanstavoren, S. Sheppard, January 24th, 1847 ; E. B. Lockwood, February 21, 1847 ; C. C Treadway, 1861 ; Hon. J. R. Miller, July, 1880. Deacons : James S. Wadsworth, G. W. Peers and George A. Miller.

The present church building was erected in 1843, at a cost of about eighteen hundred dollars. It was badly shattered by a storm in 1879. In addition the church owns - property in shape of lots, a parsonage, and another valuable residence. It is not in debt, and pays a liberal salary to the pastor, and contributes, though not systematically, to the benevolent agencies of the Church at large. The membership at present is about one hundred and forty. The Sabbath-school is quite flourishing; two officers, fourteen teachers, one hundred and seventy-five pupils.

Marine Church

This was organized Nov. 2d, 1834. Roswell Brooks preached here one-half the time for one year. Next succeeded, Robert Blake, one-half the time for two years. Then the church was vacant until 1840, when T Lippincott was employed, and continued, one-half the time for three years. A pleasant revival occurred tind twenty-seven were added to the church. Then followed James R. Dunn. After eighteen months' labor elsewhere, Mr. Lippincott supplied again for one year. The subsequent ministers, named in their order, are these: Calvin Butler, Sigmund Uhfelder, James A. Darrah, C. J. Pitkin, William Filers, A. D. Jack, H. AV. Wood, J. Scott Davis, C. T. Halsey, the last from Jan. 1874, to Jan. 1878, and Robert Stewart. Elders : James Breath, James M. Nichols, Geo. W. Welsh, Nov. 2d, 1833; C. Lyman, Feb. 10th, 1842; Geo T. Allen, April 30, 1843; John Breath, same;

Hannah N. Foster, Rebecca L. Breath and Mary ABreath. Calvin Butler came here in 1849, and died Nov. Sd, \HA: His hcvise, cccujitd by lis widow and Jamily, was burned in the fall of 1855. For several years past the Sabbath-school, and indeed the whole church work here, has devolved on Elder Lewis Potter ami his excellent wife. There is a good frame church, built in 1851. Before its erection, all denominations used the same building. This church is at present - 1882 - in a very depressed condition. It last reported a membership of twenty-six. But the number in 1882 is not more than twelve or fifteen.

Itper Alton Church

The organization was made January 8th, 1837, by Revs. F. W. Graves, T. B. Hurlbut and Thomas Lippincott, with twenty members. It appears that in June following a >.inion was effected between this and a Congregational church in the same place. By this union twenty-six members were added. One article provides for the election of Elders triennially. E P. Lovejoy was the first minister. He labored gratuitously. C. G. Selleck was installed pastor Nov. 16, 1837, and resigned the charge in October, 1841. Hubbel Loomis succeeded him as stated pastor until May, 1843. Mr. Loomis was succeeded by H. B. Whittaker, who continued his labors here until his death, Sept. 15th, 1844. Williston Jones succeeded Mr. Whittaker, and remained uatil May, 1845. Lemuel Foster, T. B. Hurlbut and William Barnes, labored for different periods. W. R Adams from 1861 to 1867. Since then Lucius I. Root, Robert Rudd, John Huston and Samuel B. Taggart have served this church. Elders : Euoch Long, Ebenezer Dennison, John Manning, Samuel Archer, William Clark, Alfred Cowles, Joseph Gordon, Winthrop S. Gil man, Russell Scarritt, John Bates, Win. Cunningham, Myron Ives, J. J. Hastings, S. W. Ball, J. P Burton, T. R. Murphy, Joseph Piatt, W. S. R. Robinson and probably some others. The Records have been very imperfectly kept. The first church edifice was erected in 1836, and occupied the same site as the present one. Previous to that the church worshiped in what is known as the " Brick School House." The first church edifice was burned February 10, 1858. The present buildino- was commenced soon after, but for lack of funds went on^but slowly. It was finally finished, and dedicated November 15, 1865. This church has had many difficulties. Among these were its semi-constitution, the vicinity of other strong churches, and the exceediogly fluctuating character of the population of the place.

Monticello Church

The post office is Godfrey, Madison county, Illinois. For several reasons peculiar importance attaches to the history of this church. Hence I propose to give it fully enough for complete comprehension. In doing this I siiall derive my materials from the '' church manual compiled and published by an order of Session in 1860," from the church records, from the records of the Presbytery of Alton, and, in relation to the church edifice, from the records of Monticello Seminary. It was organized in the chapel of Monticello Female Seminary, Nov. 2, 18.49, Rev. Theron Baldwin, who was then a memb>;r of Alton Presbytery, presiding. I undoubtedly state the exact truth, when I say the peculiar shaping of the church s constita tion was due alone to Mr. Baldwin. The original mem bers were : Jabez Turner, from the Reformed Dutch Church, Kinderhook, N. Y. ; Timothy Turner, Jairus Burt Turner, Ann W. Turner, Elizabeth Turner, from the Valatia, Kiuderhook, Presbyterian church, N. Y. ; James Howell, Ann D'Hart Howell, Sarah Howell, from the Reformed Dutch church, Beawenburg, N. Y. ; Rufus G. Turner, Mary Ann Turner, from the First Presbyterian church, Matteawan, N. Y. ; Edwin B. Turner, Congregational church, Jacksonville, 111. ; Catharine Ingham, Rebecca Ingham, Elizabeth Wilkius, Mary E. Gihnan, Calvin Godfrey, from the Presbyterian church, Alton ; John Mison, sr., from Congregational church, Castleton, Vt. : Elizabeth Howell, from Presbyterian church. New Brunswick, N. J. Eighteen persons, twelve of whom were from Presbyterian churches, four from the Reformed Dutch, which is Presbyterian under a different name, and two Congregalionalists. With a Presbyterian organizer, sixteen out of eighteen Presbyterian members, oue would have especttd a Prtsbyttriau church. Martin Ash, Maria Ash, Susan \V. Miles, Caroline W. Baldwin, Benjamin Ives Oilman, Philena Fobes. Huldah M. Sturtevant aud Mary Marr, were received on exaiuination. This constitution wai adopted: "Art. (1) This church shall be called The Church of Chrid in Monticello. (2) The business of the church shall be transacted by a Session, consisting of the pastor (who shall be ex-officio, Moderator) and a certain number of elders chosen by nomination. The elders shall hold their office no more than oue year, at any one time, without a re-election. Art. (3) The nomination of elders shall be made by the pastor, with the consent of ihe Session, not less than two weeks previous to the time for entering upon the duties of this oflice, and unless objections are publicly made by at least two members of the church in regular standing, they are to be con.-idtred as elected. (4) In the reception of members, and all cases of discipline, a vote of the church shall be necessary to ratify the decision of the Session. Art. (5.) No alteration shall be made in this Constitution or in the Co:ife.-sion of Faith, except by a vote of two-thinls of the members present at a regularly notified meeting for this purpose." Ecclesiastical history can scarcely furnish a match to this ! According to Art. 1, there was and could be in the village, or precinct called Mooticsllo, no church but this one. According to Art. 2, when the church had no pastor, there could be no Ses ion, for he was an essential part of it. The elders were not to be chosen by vote of members, but by nomimtioii of pastor - Art. 3. Heuce necessarily, the elders were the creatures of the pastor. And when the church had no pastor, no elders could be appointed. By Art. 4 the Session was deprived of all real authority.

cles, and was thoroughly orthodox and Calvinistic. The first ehlers put in office under this uniijue constitution were Timothy Turner and Benjamin I. Gilmau. Others, down to 18o4, are as follows : Abijah W. Corey, 1841 ; Benjamin Godfrey, 1842; Nathan Johnson, 1845; John Mason, sr , 1846; George Smith, 1847. The ministers have been - (1) Theron Bildwin, supply pastor fn)ni November 2, 1838, till November 22, 1S40. Ojt)ber 4, 1841), the church invited Mr. Baldwin to become their pastor, and instructed B. I. Gilman anil Timothy Turner to apply to Presbytery t^have him installed. This was done, November 22, 1^40. A. T. Norton, of Alton Presbyterian church, preached the sermon, T. B. Hurlbut, of Upper Alton, gave the charge to the pastor, and T. Lippineott to the people. It was a semiinstallation - Presbyterial, inasmuch as Presbytery was consulted about it, and agreed to Mr. Baldwin's wishes as to the individuals to officiate, all of whom were co-Presbyters with himself - «oft-Presbyterial in that the constitutional questions were omitted. Nothing can be more farcical than Mr. B's. attempts to wear, and not to wear the Presbyterian harne'is. Tnereor.l-i of the Sassion during the whole of Mr. B's. administration are very neatly kept in due Presbijteriaii form. From only a single entry would one suspect the church to be anything else than Presbyterian. '-July 31, 1841, Timothy Turner was appointed (by the Session) a deleg.ite to the Alton Presbytery on the ground that sucli delegates were received on certain conditions, by said Presbytery as corresponding members." The " conditions " referred to are contained in apian of correspondence drawn up by 'Sir. Baldwin and foolishly adopted by the Presbytery of Alton at its fall session in Upper Alton, 1840. That " plan " is as follows: (1) "That we adopt the practice of receiving delegates, as corresponding members, from such Congregational and other churches within our bounds as harmonize with us in belief of the essential doctrines of Christianity, provided they are willing regularly to report to this body. (2) That such delegates have the right not only to speak, but also to vote on all matters which come bsford this body, except such as are strictly Presbyterial. (3) That we consent to act as an advisory council in all cases of reference which those associated churches may bring before us. " At the fall meeting in 1867, these resolutions were repealed. But from the fall of 1840 to the fall of 1867, they were theoretically in force, though practically disregarded. The fact is, the Presbyterian system is complete in itself. All foreign elements engrafted upon it are so many excrescences, which have in the end to be cut off or out. Mr. Baldwin left in April, 1844. He was succeeded by Elisha Jenney until September, of the same year. George Pyle followed and remained till his death, Jan. 22, 1846; Joseph A. Ranney from JIarcb, 1846, to Nov., 1847; Wm. Homes from June, 1848, to June 18.50; Geo. M. Tuthill from Oct. 1850, till ]\Iay, 1852 ; Charles Temple from June 1852, till June, ls54. All the above ministers were connected with the Presbyterian Church save Charles Temple, and all with Alton Prenbytery save Mes.-;rs. Temple and Homes. Monticello church was received by Presbytery, according to the terms of correspondence, May 3, 1842, and thereafter

January 18, 1855, the Presbytery of Alton met with the Monticello chuich. That church presented a request, lo cDme fully into connection with Presbytery. The request was granted. Subsequently, but on the same day, Wellington W. Wells was, by the Presbytery, ordained pastor of that church according to Presbyterian usage. The church remained in this connection until Oct. 2, 1860, when the following minute appears upon the Records of Presbytery: " The Alton Presbytery have received certain papers from the congregation at Monticello, in which they express their opinion that the relation subsisting between said Presbytery and the congregation ought to be dissolved. The Presbytery express their regret that such a feeling should exist among those brethren with whom we have lived for years on terms of the greatest friendship. But as the papers inform the Presbytery, the church Aas withdrawn from our body, we erase the name of the Monticello church from our roll. " The manual of the Monticello church refers to this matter thus: "In 1855, the church united 'A'hh the Preshytenj of Allan, and remained in that connection till June, 1860, when the Presbytery having ceased to co-operate with the A. H. M. Society, (with which this church had co-operated since its first organization and still preferred to co-operate) it withdrew from Presbytery, and resumed its original independent condition. " While under the care of Presbytery, the church was prosperous and united. For the first year W. W. Wells was their pastor. He was duly released from that charge by Presbytery, Sept. 29, 1855. In October, Rev. Albert Smith became supply pistor. He was called to the pastorate and installed by the Presbytery of Alton, Nov. 22, 185G, and remained in that relation until his death, April 24, lS63 Mr. Smith did not withdraw from the Presbytery with his church. Very singularly the records of the church during the period of its connection with Presbytery cannot be found. That they were duly kept there is no doubt. Such pastors as Messrs. Wells and Smith would not have neglected so vital a matter. Besides, they were before Presbytery, in the spring of 1856 duly examined and approved. In 1855, the church reported eighty members. In 1856, ninety-one; 1857, ninety-five; 1858, ninety-three; 1859, ninety-eight ; 1860, one hundred and eight. In 1857, Benjamin Webster was added to the Session. Those six years nearly, tf connection with the Presbytery, were years of union, peace and unmixed prosperity. In those years the church edifice was erected by the trustees of the seminary, " for the joint use of the Monticello Prenbyterian congregation " and the seminary, according to a plan, dated August 10, 1857, and signed by B. Godfrey and P. Fobes, on the part of the seminary, and B. I. Gilmau and A. W. Corey, on the part of the congregation. The title to this property is with the trustees of the seminary. To trace the history of this church since its withdrawal from Presbytery is not here in place. While ]Mr. Sn)ith lived it prospered. His wise and steady course kept the elements in repose December 16, 1867, the first constitution of the church was essentially changed. Since that time, or rather since its withdrawal from the Presbytery, it has not beeu Presbylerian, whatever else it may have been or is. Upon the whole, the history of this church, since the death of Dr. Smith, lias demonstrated the utter absurdity of attempting to build up an orthodox church which shall be M/i-deuoiniuati( nil. Dr.-!. Baldwin and Smith were able men. They could hold a church to orthodox moorings by their individual power and Presbyterian connections. Lesser men, witli no such connections, will surely fail. No church can live and grow and be useful ivitliout i-one distinctive and ackaotvledjed syntem of doctrine and polity.

Tkoy Church

The organization was made Oct. 2d, 1842, by Revs. Wm. Chamberlain, T. Lippincott and C. E. Blood, with these members : J. K. Reiner, E. C. Reiner, James Perigo, H. Perigo, Cyrus Scott, jr., P. Scott, E. Scott, L. A. Scott, B. Posey, G. W. Scott, E. Goodwin, E. Davis and Cynthia Scott. This was the first church organization of any denomination in the village of Troy. Up to Dec. 22d, 1867, the church had received eighty-five members, only sixteen of whom were theu remaining. At that time Rev. Robert Stewart commenced his permanent labors. Since then and up to Jan. 1st, 1878, one hundred and twelve have beeu added. Before Mr. Siewart, the church was served by the fjUowing ministers: Wm. Chamberlain, Thomas Lippincott, J. R. Dunn, Calvin Butler, L. A. Parks, licentiate, John Gibson, Socrates Smith, James A. Darrah, Caleb J. Pitkin, William Ellers and A. D. Jack. Most of these labored here only half the time. The following are the elders : Dr. J. K. Reiner and James Perigo, the first two. Thomas Smith, Wesley Jarvis, Oliver Beard, John R. Swain, Dr. F. AV. Lytle, L. R. Cornman, John McKee, Dr. F. A. Sabin, Andrew Kiraberliu, James A. Henderson, Samuel Yandell, James W. Barlow, Edward Bigelow, Thomas H. Bell, R. C Morris, Henry A. Risser, James Lang, Thomas J. Purviance and John Bosomworth. In 184-5 the church adopted the limited period of Eldership. The first house of worship was a neat frame, twenty -four by thirty feet. When the new house was erected the old one was sold and is now private property. This new house is of brick, sixty by thirty-six feet, with basement story and audience room above, and cost $10,1100. Eleven hundred of this was donated by the Board of Church Erection. The corner stone of this house was laid on Mr. Stewart's birth-day. May 3, 1871. It was dedicated May 3, 1872, the day the pastor was seventyfour years of age.

Mr. Stewart remained in charge of the church until his death, which took place at his residence in Troy, July 11, 1881, at the advanced age of eighty three years, two months and eight days. The present minister of the church is Rev. John Gehring. The present Elders are D. F. A. Sabin and Thomas H. Bell, and the number of members about sixty-five.

Moro Chqech

organized by Revs. Valentine Pentzer and P. D. Young, December D, 1848, in a school house where the village of Bethalto now is, with these members, viz.: Samuel Smith, Ruth Smith, Hugh S.nith, Lstitia Dorsey, James Purdy Smith, Elizabeth Smith, D.Duncan Smith, Ann M. Pentzer, Mrs Ann Smith. Samuel Smith was made elder. He died in June, 18j(3. Since apjwiuted, Hugh Smith, November 20, 18-54; William A. Lauterman and George F. Stahl, same date ; Samuel Dorsey, James Harvey Smith, Hiram E. Stahl. elected in first part of 1870 ; W. S. B. Robinson about 187G.

Ministers: Valentine Pentzer; P. D. Young, 18.50; Peter Hassinger, 18.53-56 ; S. B. Smith, 18-57-58 ; R. M. R)berts, 1860; F. H. L. Laird, 18G2 ; A. N. Denny, 1864, till his death. September 29, 1863 ; R. G. Ross, 1869 ; M. B. Gregg, 1871 ; George B. McComb, 1872 ; John Huston, 1874 ; William L. Johnson, 1876; Samuel B. Taggart, 1879. The name of the church was changed from " Rattan's Prairie" to "Moro" by Presbytery April 6,1865. There has beeu but one house of worship. It was erected in the summer and fall of 1853, and is situated near the Moro depot. A cemetery is in the same enclosure with the church and adjoins the church site. Before the church was erected, the common place of meeting was Bethalto schoolhouse.

This church was organized at Fusterburg, Madison count}', October 12, 1857, by Revs. J. G. Schaible and H. Blanke, with twenty members. Up to the fall of 1877 the church was served by three ministers - H. Blanke, J. H Reints and August Busch, who entered upon their work in 1857, 1869 and 1873. respectivel)'.

The first Elders were Fred Wortman and C- Breuken. Afterward P. A. Scheldt, Eruest Wortman aud C. F. Lobbig. In August, 1S78, the church adopted the time service method, at the same time reducing the board to two, C. Breuken and P. H. Scheldt. This church has had a membership of one hundred aud thirty-nine in all from the beginning. Its present membership is eighty-nine.

A house of worship was built soon after the organization, which cost about five hundred dollars. A parsonage was erected at the same time at a cjst of about four hundred dollars. Additions have been made to the parsonage since, so that the present value of the church property, including house of worship, parsonage and grounds, is about §1,500. Since the fiill of 1877, this church was without a pastor. During the spring and summer of 1878 it was served by a licentiate, Albert F. Beyer, theu a student of Danville Seminary, whom the church elected their pastor, and who was ordained over them May 14, 1879, by a committee of Alton Presbytery. The church building is situated in T. 6 N., R. 9 W., Sec. 14, N. E. \ of S. W. } of the section.

This church was organized August 19, 1869, by Revs. John A. Reiiits, Mr Tschudy and I'^lder Frederick Wortman with these members: Henry Bausch, Anton Telgmann, Henry Kocli, Fredericli Schallenl)erg, Nicolaus Ysch, Carl Wenzel, Hermann Bockstrock, August Seiler, John Hauser, Chr'st. Schlei ker, Ernest Scballenberg, Henry Banker, Henry Landwehr, Henry Schallenberg, Y. E. Schallenberg, Mathilda Koch, Teadore Telgmann, 8usanne Bausch, Charlotte Schallenberg, Mrs. Ysch, Charlain Wenzel, Charlain Bockstrock, Hanne Hauser, Anna Schlenker, Dina Schallenberg, Rosienc Seiler. Elders : Henry Bausch, Anton Telgmann. Ministers: John H. Reints from the organization until August, 1877 ; August Biisch, 1878 ; Albert E Bayer, present minister, was ordained over them May 5, 1879. The church house was erected within two months, September and October, 1869, and cost about §1,000. It is in T. 6, R. 9, S. E. i Sec. 18. This church together with Zion church at Fosterburg. Madison county, constitute a very interesting parish. All the members of both are native Germans. Their religious services are in that language. The present (1882) Elders are, Anton Telgmann and Henry Bausch, and the number of members sixty. Godfrey, Madison county, Illinois, is the post-office address.

Woodburu (German) Presbyterian church, just across the line, in Macoupin county, has been quite recently organized. Salem, Zion and Woodburn constitute one field, under the charge of Rev. A. E. Bayer, whose residence is at Fosterburg.

The Baptist Church

At the closa of the Revolutionary war the entire number of Baptists in America did not exceed fifty thousand, and in all the valley of the Mississippi there were but two small churches. The first ministers of the gospel who visited the region of Kentucky were Lewis Lunford (called in Virginia "the Wonderful Boy") and John Taylor, who made excursions to that region in 1779. The Presbyterians were the second denomination to enter this valley. Their pioneer was Rev. David Rice, who in October, 1783, with his taraily, settled near Harrod's Station, Kentucky. In 1786 two itinerant Jlethodist ministers arrived in Kentucky, and laid the foundation for their numerous people.

So far as I can learn, the first evangelical or Protestant minister that preachod the gospel in the Illinois country, was Rev. James Smith, a Separate Baptist minister, who in the summer of 1787 visited and preached to the scattered inhabitants of what is now Monroe county. In 1790 he made a second visit to the same territory, preached, was taken prisoner by the Indians, near Waterloo, carried to the Kickapoo town on the Wabash, ransomed and returned to Kentucky. In 1796 Rev. Josiah Dodge, a native of Con.

necticut, but a pioneer from Kentucky, visited Illinois, and baptized four persons, who had professed conversion under Smith's preaching. One of these was James Leraen, Sr., who, with his four sons, became subsetjuently Baptist ministers- Rev David Badgley in the spring of 1796 came to Illinois from Hardin county, Virginia. He baptized fifteen persons, and, aided by Joseph Chance, who was not then an ordained minister, constituted the New Design Baptist church, Monroe county, with twenty-eight members, - the first Baptist church in Illinois. It was constituted May 28, 1796. In the spring of 1796 Badgley moved his fiimily to Illinois, preached, enjoyed revival seasons, and in 1798 constituted another church in the American Bottom, with fifteen members.

Fint Church. - The first Baptist church organized within the present limits of Madison county was at Wood River It was constituted May 3, 1807, by David Badgley and William Jones. Among the cou.stituent members were : William Jones, by letter; Elizabeth Jones, Susan Brown, William Stubblefield, Isaac Hill, Lucy Hill, Joseph Cook, Sarah Cook, John Rattan, Mary Rattan, Anne Rose, John Finley, and possibly others. July following Joseph White, James Gillham and Anne Gillham joined, by letter. In June, 1809, Abel Moore, Mary Moore, James Beeman and Nancy Beeman were received by letter. In September, 1809, George Moore and Nancy Moore joined by letter.

In 1807 the first Baptist Association was formed, called the "Illinois Union." It consisted of five churches. Wood River, New Design, Mississippi Bottom, Silver Creek and Richland. It had four ministers, David Badgley, William Jones, Robert Brazil and Joseph Chance, with sixty-two members. Hence Wood River church, with its pastor, AVilliam Jones, was one of five churches to constitute the first Baptist Association in Illinois. In 1809 the Association held its annual meeting with this church. The first Saturday in April, 1811, letters of dismission were granted to William and Elizabeth Jones; but the first Saturday in October, 1814, they were again received by letter. The first Saturday in June, 1815, James Beeman was appointed to get plank to floor the meeting-house, and get two acres of land from Joseph Vaughn, for meeting-house and graveyard. The first Saturday in July, 1816, Joseph Vaughn offered to sell to the church two acres of land where the meeting-house and grave yard were tituated, for five dollars per acre. After consultaion, the church purchased one and a half acres, and Vaughn donated a half acre and twenty rods.

These pioneers were a hearty, thrifty, social generous people; their hospitality was unbounded. A common foe in the Indians by whom they were surrounded connected them very closely in their friendship, as well as united them for common defence. Their settlements were sparse. Their custom was to hold monthly meetings, beginning on Saturday and holding over the following Sabbath. Their faith was simple and their piety sincere; their preaching was largely hortatory and their worship jirimitive and unostentatious ; members were often widely scattered ; their mode of travel was on horseback, and attended with great danger from a prowliog foe; and yet they exhibited great earnestness and punctuality in tiieir attendance upon the stated appointments of the church. One of the members of this church, Mrs. Bates, the mother of the wife of Abel Moore, lived near Jersey Lauding; another, iNIrs. Askew, sister of Mr. Abel Moore, also lived near Jersey Lauding, and yet both came monthly, on horseback, exposed to imminent danger, and yet with great regularity and delight, to attend the stated appointments of the church. During the war of 1812 Elder William Jones became a soldier, and was elected captain of his company. During this period he often preached in the Block House, which stood near the premises of William Gill.

This church eiijoj'ed a good degree of prosperity until about 1849, about which time its membership declined, and it was then merged into the Bethlehem United Baptist Church.

Edwardsville Baptist Church

Dr. Benjaraiu F. Edwards came from Kentucky, and settled in EJwardsville March 19, 1827. At this time, the number of Baptists living in Madison county was very small. lu Edwardsville only two were known to profess Baptist sentiments, viz : Mr . John Adams, who had been a member of a Baptist church in the East, and George Kelly, who had been baptized by Rev. J. M. Peck, and held from him a certificate of his baptism. Dr. Edwards, desirous of developing his religious character and of engaging as far as possible, with others in Divine worship.^ngaged in devotional meetings with the Methodists, Presbyterians, and Cumberland Presbyterians, in Edwardsville, and enjoyed them. But he could not thus fully satisfy the convictions of his own conscience. Believing that Baptist churches were organized essentially on the New Testament pattern, he corresponded with the Rev. John S. Wilson of Kentucky, and persuaded him to visit Edwardsville in the spring of 1828- Mr. Wilson was then a licentiate of the Mt. Gilead Baptist church, Kentucky, the same church to which Dr. Edwards belonged.

A series of meetings were held in Edwardsville, Rock Spring, and other places in the vicinity. Extensive revivals accompanied his labors. In Edwardsville, business houses temporarily suspended and whisky shops were closed. The meetings were held in the court-house. The citizens generally attended, and the most hardened were deeply impressed. The meetings in Edwardsville continued about eight weeks ; about thirty persons were baptized- Among those baptized was Paris Mason, a prominent and influential citizen, and afterward a deacon of the church, and John Adams, subsequeijtlv sheriff' of the county, and for many years clerk of the church. Daring these services, a little band of seven persons, looking out upon the future of this valley, deemed it loyalty to Christ to organize a Baptist church. They gathered at the residence of Dr. Edwards, (subsequently the residence of Hon. Joseph Gillespie^ April IS, 1828, and organized the Baptist Church of Edwardsville. Let their names be recorded : Rev. Thomas Ray and wife, Jacob Gonterman and wife, Dr. Benjamin F. EJwards and wife,

Eliza A. Fall, subsequently Eliza A. Adams of Alton. The first pastor was Rev. Thomas P. Green. He was succeeded by Rev. Joshua Bradley from New England. Rev. J. B. Smith was the third pastor. He was bjrn in Alexander county, Illinois. Rev. Thomas P. Green persuaded him to come to Elwardsville. At that time he could scarcely read intelligibly. He attended Rev. J. M. Peck's theological school at Rock Spring, but becoming in some way involved in difference of opinion with his teacher, he came to Edwardsville and resided and studied with Dr. Edwards, who was accustomed to refer to him humorously as his " theological student." He served the church two years, aud afterwards settled in Lexington, and Louisville, Kentucky, and other places, and subsequently rose to considerable eminence in the ministry.

Among the early pastors of the church. Rev. Alvin Bailey and Rev. George Stacey demand h norable mention. During its early history. Rev. Elijah Dodson, Rev. Hubbell Loomis, Rev. J. il. Peck, Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers and Rev. James Leraen frequently supplied the pulpit. Mr. Wilson's labors resulted in the organization of a church at Rock Spring, now Oak Hill, the residence of Dr. Peck. The Edwardsville and Rock Spring churches applied for admission to the Illinois Association, but were refused because they openly advocated and earnestly supported Missions, Bible aud Tract societies, and kindrtd benevolent organizations. These matters with these churches were not made a test of fellowship. Each member was permitted to support, or refuse to support, these benevolent enterprises, but as churches, the support was open, earnest and avowed. The rejection of their application for membership in the " Illinois Association" led these churches, with the Upper Alton Baptist Church, which was organized April 2-5, 1830, to unite in an Association in accordance with their views At that time there was not in the state an Association that openly supported these benevolent enterprises.

Hence, October 16, 1830, Edwardsville, Rock Spring and Upper Alton churches met, by delegates, in Edwardsville and organized the Edwardsville Baptist Association, the only organization in the state openly, earnestly, avowedly missionary. True, the Lemens had earlier organized the South District Association, which was friendly to the cause of missions, and at its annual meeting in September, 1829, it passed a resolution commending the American Bible Society to the confidence and support of its members, and in its circular letter, it speaks approvingly of the cause of missions. At the meeting that organized the Edwardsville Association, the following resolution was passed :

"Resolved: That the Baptists in this State who are favorable to a general union of the denomination be affectionately invited, to attend a meeting to be held at Elwardsville, on the Friday before the fourth Lord's day in July next (1831) to consult upon the practicability of such a union." At the same time, James Lemen, J. M. Peck, B. F. Edwards, Georu-e Stacev, and George Smith, were chosen a committee to prepare au aJdresi to the Baptists iu Illinois. A this meeting in July, Rev. John Logan, a Baptist minister from Schuyler county, and the Lemen brothers were present - and there was then organized the Illinois Baptist State Convuition, which met at Canton, Fulton county, Illinois, in Nov. Is44, united with the North Western Baptist Convention and formed the Illinois Baptist General Association.

Dr. Edwards removed from Edwardsville in ISHT. The highest nieniberthip attained up to this date was ahout 50. From 1837 to 1842 the records are scanty. It is affirmed, however, by tlie older citizens whose memory is reliable, that about 1840 it had reached a membership of about 150, and was a strong vigorous body. The first house of worship was built about 18.30, upon a lyt donated by James ^Nlason, to the county commissioners for the use of the Baptist Church. Edwardsville, at an early day numbered among its citizens many whose influence was extensively felt in the early development of the State. Here resided three of the Governors of the State, Ninian Edwards, Gov. Coles, and Gov, Ford. Here also lived Judge Smith, Jesse B. Tliomas, father of Jesse B. Thomas, D. D , of Brooklyn, New York, John Adams, Cyrus Edwards, Paris Mason, Rev. Hubbell LooQiis and others. Among the prominent members of the Church were Paris Mason and wife, Mrs. Judge Smith, Mrs. Thomas (daughter of Judge Smith and mother of Rev. Jesse B. Thomas), Mrs. Erastus Wheeler, Dr. L. D. Boone and wife, sub.<equently of Chicago, and others. Dr. B. F. Edwards and Jacob Gonterman, were deacons of the Church. From 1838 to 184- in the minutesof the Edwardsville Association the Church reports no pastor, but names as a licentiate, S. B. Allard and also S. C. Scandritt, from England. Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers frequently supplied the pulpit in 1842, and in April, 184-$ was called to the pastorate. He resigned in March 1847. Subsequently J. M. Peck visited the Church, was called to the pastorate, but declined on account of poor health. Rev. \V. D. H. Johnson was pastor from 1848 till 1851, preaching two Sabbaths each month. The Church now had only a nominal existence. Internal dissensions troubled it. There were onlj' three or four male members left, and but one of these in town. About 1852 this one moved from the city, as did also the family of a Dr. Johnson, literally took what little heart there was out of the Church. On the 12lh of June, 1852, the Church disbanded after having given to the clerk, W. R. Adams, authority to grant letters of dismission to members in good standing who wished to unite elsewhere. From 1^51 to 1855 its name appears in the minutes of the Edwardsville Association fol- | lowed by the wonls, " No report."

It was virtually dead. From 1852 to 1860 the Baptist cause in Edwardsville was saved from total wreck by the labors of Revs. A. L. Cole, J. H. Mize, F. M. Ellis and others. In 1860 the number of avowed Baptists in Edwardsville was reduced to six, and in the midst of overwhelming opposition it required an unusual degree of firmness and moral courage to openly advocate Baptist tenets. In the fall of 1801 Rev. J. V. Hopper was appoiiitsd mission- I ary to labor within the bounds of the Edwardsville As-sociation ; and in February, 1862, he held a s-eries of meetings, continuing several weeks. Four persons were baptized, the scattered forces were gathered, and the little Church was reorganized. Rev. J. H. Mize, Rev. Sauford Alford, Lyman Barber then of Troy, and others aided in these meetings. Tlie reorganized Church began with nine mjinb^-rs; not one of the former members could be fi)und in Edvvard.-<ville. Rev. J. H. Mize was chosen pastor. He baptized three persons. In May 1863 two more were received by letter. Brother Mize resigned and was succeeded in ]\Iay 1864 by Rev. William J. Roseberry, who labored faithfully till hi* death in 1809. In the depressed and feeble condition of the Church his death was a sore calamity. During hi.s pastorate the Church held its meetings where best it could, as in 1866 the old house of worship had been sold by the Trustees and the prcceeds in whole or in part had been invested in a building site for future use. In ]\Iay 1870, at the earnest solicitation of the Church, Rev. W. C. F. Hempstead settled in Edwardsville, as a homoeopathic physician. In connection with his labor as a physician he became pastor of the Church, and labored earnestly and successfully till the fall of 1874, when he removed to California.

In the winter of 187.3-74, he held a series of meeting.?, unaided ministerially, for about six weeks, with encouraging results. Rev. W. Chapin, of Troy, then came to his assistance and subsequently, Rev. L. C. Qxrr, of CoUinsville, at that time pastor of the Bethel Church The raeeiings continued from January to April. The Church received sixteen by baptism and four by letter. During the pastorate of Dr. Hempstead, the Church, aided by a liberal community, in addition to the one thousand dollars realized from the sale of the old Chur.h property, purchased an eligible site and built a neat church edifice. The building is a frame, 32 by 55 feet, is commodious, tasteful, heated by a furnace, and comfortably furnished. It was dedicated Oct. 6, 1872. The sermon was preached by Dr. Bulkley, of ShurtlefT College. A considerable amount of money was raised to meet indebtedness. The Church, liowever, was still burdened with a debt, and were not able to support a pastor. Rev. Henry L. Field, after Dr. Hempstead's departure, served the Church twice a month.

Since 1875 the church ha^ struggled, against fearful odd?, for continued existence. In April, 1876, Rev. William J. Chapin, of Troy, visited them ; and, as the result of earnest solicitation, consented to become their pastor. His labors were earnest, faithful and useful. He continued about one year. The church was without a pastor from the close of Mr. Chapin's labors till 1879 or 1880, when Rev. H. W. Theile. of Brighton, under the patronage of the Edwardsville Baptist Association, preached lor them one year, onehalf of the time. Since that time the church has had no pastor, and is exceedingly discouraged. Her great present need is a faithful, self-denying, earnest, godly minister. Unless some one thus qualified and adapted to the field can be secured, her future is discouraging and her prolonged existence problematical.

The statistics are very imperfect The ministers of the Edwardsville Association, from the organization of the church to 1881, show 85 baptized, 70 received by letter, 79 dismissed by letter, 35 excluded, and 21 died. The highest number reported was sixty in the year 1838. The largest number reported was sixty in 1868. Although the i church, from its beginning, has been compelled to .struggle against fearful odd.s, and never attained to a church of large membership, yet she has exerted, especially in her earlier histury, boundless influence in shaping the policy and determining the prosperity of the denomination id II- [

This church was constituted by Rev. John M. Peck, | April 25th, 1830, with ei>!ht members, viz : Ephraini Marsh, ; James D. \V. Marsh, Don Alonzo Spauldiug, Winston Cheatham, Henry Evans, Mrs. Julia A. Spaulding, Mrs. Frances Marsh, and Rachel Garrett. Deacon Don A. Spaulding, now of the Alton City church, is the only one of the number now living. The church was constituted under the name of the " Alton Baptist Church."

In 1830, delegates appointed by this church met delegates from the churches of Edwardsville and Rock Spring and formed at Edwardsville, on the 16th October, and days following, " The Edwardsville Baptist Association." In February, 1833, the church dismissed by letter nine members, to unite with others in constituting a Baptist church at Lower Alton. In March, 1834, four were dismissed, to aid in forming a church on " the Fiasa, or Brown's Prairie," now Brighton church. March, 1837, the church numbered 129, and 12 were dismissed to form a church in the " Wood River settlement," named the " Bethel" church. In May, 1864, a branch of the church was formed near the mouth of Wood River, at a preaching station of theological students; and in June, 1867, forty-one were dismissed, to constitute this branch - an independent church, first named " Gibraltar," afterwards " Miltou." This church has since become extinct.

For about two years the church held its meetings in a log cabin, and fur three or four years more in the old brick school-house ; also, in the " meeting room " in Lower Alton, and occasionally at private dwellings in the Wood River settlement. January, 1836, the church resolved to build a substantial stone house. 45x60 ft. with basement. This house was dedicated in Jan. 1837. Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers preached the sermon, and Prof. Washington Leverett offered the prayer of dedication. The church occupied this house thirty two years. In January, 1868, the church resolved to build a new house of worship, a frame, 50x80 ft., with a chapel in rear of fitting proportions, all in the Norman style of architecture, and at a cost, including lot, not over $12,- 000. It was dedicated with appropriate services May 30, 1869, the pastor, N. M. Wood, D. D., preaching the sermon.

Pastors And Supplies

Rev. George Stacey supplied the pulpit on alternate Sabbaths from April, 1830, to June 3, 1831, and was its first pastor, supplying alternate Sabbaths. He continued in this relation four months. - Additions, 19. Rev. Alvin Bailey commenced preaching early in 1832, when the church held its meetings alternately at Upper and Lower Alton. He retained the double pastorate until April 18-34. - Additions 9. Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers from November 1834, to the close of 1838. - Additions 176. Jonathan Merriam from November 1839, until November 1840. - Additions 49.

A years vacancy followed, after which Rev. Adiel Sherwood was pastor two years. - Additions, 55. Then after an interval of nearly three years Rev. Jesse W. Dennison filled the office for one year - Additions, 18. Another vacancy of a year was followed by the pastorate of Rev Jeremy F. Tolman one and one-half years - Additions, 17. After the lapse of six months his son Rev. John N. Tolman served two years - Additions 41. A vacancy of two and one-half years was followed by the pastorate of Rev. Isaac Woodbury, one year- Additions, 10. After two or three months, Rev. Daniel Read served as pastor two and one-half years - Additions, 64. Rev. Wm. B Smith was his successor, two and one-half years - Additions, 25. After a vacancy of two years. Rev. J. Bulkley served two years - Additions, 92, and 21 received into the branch at Gibraltar. During the last half year of 1806, Rev. E. C. Mitchell was the ".stated supply." - Additions, 20 During the year 1867, Rev. R. E Pattison was "stated supply " - Additions 38, and to the branch at Gibraltar 28 - Then till May 1868, Rev. E. C. Mitchell was stated supply - Additions 10. In May, 1868, Rev. N. M. Wood became pastor and served one and one-half years - Additions 111. During the next three months the pulpit was supplied conjointly by Drs. Kendrick, Wood, Bulkley and Prof Stifler, all Professors in Shurtleff' College - Additions 5. Then Prof. Stifler was stated supply ten months, then regular pastor six and one-half months - Additions 90. After a vacancy of five months during which the pulpit was supplied by Prof J. C. C. Clarke and others, (additions 17) Rev. David T. Morrill became pastor Nov. 1st, 1876, and at present, July, 1882, holds that relation. The additions under his ministry have been 116.

It will thus be seen that the church has had fifteen regular pastors, whose aggregate pastorates amount to 34 years ; also several acting pastors who have officiated about three years. The church has been without a pastor, at different intervals, about fifteen and one-half years. During these periods the Professors and Theological students have generally supplied the pulpit, with additions amounting to 174. Deacons. - The church has had 12 deacons, seven of whom have died. George Smith served 30 years, died in 1860. Don A. Spaulding served three years, tl^eu joined the Alton church, still living; George Haskell, elected in 1834, served three years, removed to Rockford and is dead. Benjamin Green, elected in 1837, died in 1854. Alvin Olcott, elected in 1862, served 5i years, then united with the Alton city church and is dead. Warren Leverett, elected in 1852, served till his death in November 1872. Joseph M- El well, elected in 18.55, served till his death in 1866. H. N. Kendall, elected in 18.58, served till his death in October 1876. Jo.seph Burton, elected in 1858, resigned in 1873. Eliaha Whittlesey, elected in 1874, removed to Highland, 111., in 1875. Asa R. Steele, elected in March 1873, still in office. Joseph H. Weeks, elected September 1^-76, still in office. Sabbath-Schools. - la 1830, a union Sabbath school was formed by Baptists and Presbyterians. Tiiis continued in harmony for five years. In 1855 the Presbyterians, with entire good feelings withdrew to organize a school of their own. From that date the church has sustained their own school. Its numbers and prosperity have varied, yet the school has generally exibited agood degree of prosperity and energy. It has been the nursery of the church - During the last forty years probably three-fourths of the additions to the church have come from the Sabbath-school.

Summary, to December 25th, 1881. Constituent members 8, added by baptism, 642, added by letter, 540, total, 1190. The number dismissed by letter who have not returned 672 Dropped because long absent and residence unknown 62. Excluded 71; Died 121. Present number, December 25, 1881, 270. The number of niiuisters, members of the church, ordained before they became members, has been 45 The number ordained while members, and ihose ordained after their dissmission is 72 - so large a number of ministers connected at different times with this church arises from the fact of its intimate relations to ShurtlefT College. It has thus exerted unmeasured influence in the development and progress of the Baptist Denomination.

First Baptist Church Of Alton

This Church was constituted March 10, 1833, with 19 members, viz; Ebenezer Marsh, Ephraira Marsh, William Manning, Wm. Hayden, D. A Spaulding, Henry Evans, and their wives - also Mark Pierson, Stephen Griggs, Herman Griggs, R Johnson, Jo?eph S. King, James W. D. Marsh, and Mary D. Bruner. Rev. J. M. Peck was present at this meeting. The church adopted the summary of faith and practice of the second Baptist church of Boston, Mass.

Rev. Alviu Bailey was the first pastor, and served till April 1834. Rev. Hubbell Loomis supplied till the following fall In November, 1834, Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers become pastor of the two churches at Upper and Lower Alton. He resigned in December, 1835. Rev. D wight Ives, from June 1836 till May 1839. This pastorate, however, was very successful. For more than a year the church was supplied by Washington Leverett, and Zenas B. Newman, Professors in ShurtleflT College. Gideon B. Perry served from J-inuary, 1841, till some time in 1843; he subsequently entered the ministry of the Episcopal church. Then Rev. Adiel Sherwood, President of ShurtleflP College, supplied the church two years. Rev. Otis Hackett was pastor from April 1845, to April 1847. Rev Robert F. Ellis became pastor in October 1847, and served six years. During a vacancy of more than a year, Professor Washington Leverett and Rev. Silas C. James served aa supplies. Rev. R. R. Coon was pastor from January, 1855, a little more than four years. An interval of one year' followed, during which time Rev. Dr. N. M. Wood, Ex-President, and Dr. Read, President of Shurtleflf College, supplied alternately. In 1860. Rev. Melvin Jameson became pastor, and served until 1869, when he resigned to enter the service of the Amer. Bapt. Missionary Union, as their Missionary to Burmah. This pastorate was vigorous and successful - During his pastorate 99 were baptized and 71 received by letter. 3j

Rev. N. Butler became pastor io the fall of 1869, and continued until December 1872. Revivals were enjoyed, and the membership of the church increased from 193 to 235. On the 12th of October, 1873, Thomas G Field, recently from Newton Theological Institution, was ordained. The membership increased from 233 to 323, a gain of 90. Continued as the pastor till spring of 1879, and was followed by Rev. L. A. Abbott, the present pastor.

Houses Of Worship

At first the meetings were held in Lyceum Hall, corner of Second and Alby streets. Then, for several months, it occupied the stone meeting-house owned by Capt. Benjamia Godfrey, corner of Market and Third streets.

In 1834, their first meeting-house was erected on the corner of Third and Alby streets. The building would accommodate about two hundred and fifty persons. It was sold to the Methodists for 88,000.

In 1836, a lot was purchased on the corner of Second and Easton streets, at a cost of §6.500, and a building erected costing SlS,000; making total cost, $24,500. This house was destroyed by fire in March, 1860. The bell, organ, town-clock, etc., all perished in the flames. The building was insured for $3,000.

In December, 1860, the church occupied the basement of their present house of worship, and the house itself was completed and dedicated to God the first Sabbath in September, 1867. Rev. Dr. Everts, of Chicago, preached in the morning and Rev. Dr. G. Anderson, of St. Louis, in the evening. The house is substantially built of brick, will comfortably accommodate three hundred and fifty persons, and cost, with furniture, §12,600 About $900 of this amount was provided by the Ladies' Sewing Circle. A liberal portion was contributed by citizens who were not members of the church. The house was dedicated free from debt.

Home And Mission Sunday-Schools

From the beginning, this church has given most earnest support to the cause of Sunday-schools. The church has conducted, uninterruptedly, a flourishing home Sunday-school during its entire existence. Its roll has often exhibited the names of two hundred and fifty scholars, with twenty -three teachers, and an average attendence of one hundred and sixty. Stephen Pierson was superintendent for more than twenty years, until impaired health compelled him to resign. The school contributes regularly to the cause of Foreign Missions. The church, in addition to the home school, has conducted several mission schools

About the year 1849, a mission school began with the African Baptist Church, which was successfully conducted for many years. In 1860, a mission school was begun in Middletown by John L. Blair, in a hired room. In 1862, a lot was purchased and a suitable house erected, at a cost of about 8550.

In 1875, a mission school wa,s established in Hunterstown, under the superintendence of Carey Emerson. A building was erected at a cost of $1,250. The school averaged one hundred and twenty five scholars, and sixteen teachers. Improvements and enlargements were made to the building, ) subsequeutly, at a cost of about §820- B. W. Smith succeeded Mr. Emerson as superintendent in September, 1879, and served till 1880, when Dr. R. Gibson became superintendent, and is at present conducting the^school with marked success. At times the number in attendance reaches three hundred. An adjoining lot has recently been purchased, at a cost of $250.

In 1859, a church was formed at Coal Branch by members from this church. Dismissed for that purpose seventeen in number. A commodious house was soon built, a pastor secured, an encouraging Sabbath-school organized, and a good congregation gathered. The church at Coal Branch has had a varied history, prospering at times until its membership reached seventy, and again in adversity until its existence was imperilled.

Keligious Visitation, Tract Distribution, Plan Of Benevolent Operation

INIany of its members, for considerable periods of time, have engaged in the work of family visitation. This is accompanied with tract distribution, religious conversation, and prayer, as circumstances will allow. At one time 28 persons, mostly females, were engaged in this service. In all its history, the church has given earnest and efficient aid to all the various benevolent enterprizes of the denomination. To the cause of missions it has given one of its pastors. Rev. Melvin Jameson and his wife - one of its licentiates. Rev. Judson Benjamin, and one of its most promising young women, Miss Emma Inveen.

Its plan of benevolence, in theory, embraces the idea of a contribution weekly, from every member, as each is prospered. The church has ever been especially interested in the Illinois Baptist Educational Society, and in Shurtleff College. Its money has been liberally given, and many of its members have always been on the Board of Trustees of the College. It is in fact difficult to see how the College could have prospered without their service and money freely and cheerfully given.

North Alton Baptist Church, Formerly Coal Branch

In 1859 Thomas Dunford and wife, and Robert Mitchell and wife were dismissed from the .-\lton Baptist Church, to unite in forming a church at Coal Branch. Soon afterward

Rev. H. Gallagher, then a student in Shurtlefl' Co'leae, served them for a considerable period, while pursuing a course of study. Since his pastorate, the history of the church has been at times prosperous, and at other times in great adversity. At considerable expense they built a good, commodious house of worship on the land of Thomas Dunford, who agreed to give the church a deed to the property His death prevented the fulfillment of the promise, and the church has never been able to obtain the deed. After Mr. Gallagher's pastorate, the greatest degree of prosperity attained was probably under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Place, and the darkest period under the Rev. Mr. Austermel, when the church became almost extinct. About two years since Joseph Bevan, a student in Shurtleff College, began to preach to them. Prosperity is being enjoyed. His labors are appreciated and blessed - congregations are large. A flourishing Sabbath-school is in successful operation, and everything indicates increase in numbers and in power. The present membership is about 25. With the exception of Mr. Austermel, the pastoral labor has been almost exclusively performed by students from Shurtleff College.

The Baptist church at Troy was organized in 1833 by Elders Joseph and James Lemen with fifteen members at the house of John Lindly, near Silver Creek in Madison county. It received the name of the " Union Baptist Church of Christ, Friends to Humanity." They called themselves " Friends to Humanity, " because of their opposition to American slavery. Beftre the church removed to Troy many precious revival seasons were enjoyed, and many were gathered into the church under the labors of different ministers.

The Church records furnish the names of the following ministers who served the church either as pastors or as supplies, viz : James Lemen, Joseph Lemen, Charles Lucy, Samuel Wood, John Padon, A. B. Harris, T. W. B. Dawson, Elijah Dodson, E. J. Palmer, John H. Mize, W. D. Ross, Niles Kinne, George Silver, J. W. Chapin, J. H. Mize, second time, T. W. B. Da\\sou, a second time and - Caster.

Its licentiates are as follows, viz : Lynn Craig, William Vanhonser, Valentine Vanhooser, Asa Parker, Charles Lucy, Lyman Barber and John H. Mize

Its first meeting-house was a frame, and also the second at Troy. Tiie second was built under many difficulties. It was dedicated in 1849, Rev. Elijah Dodsnn preaching the sermon. Its third house is a frame a0xo3, eighteen feet ceiling, belfry and spire sixty feet higii - built at a cost of about 82600. It was dedicated early in 1877, Rev. J. Bulkley preaching the sermon.

The following persons have served as clerks, viz : William Renfro, Jolin Vanhooser, Valentine Vanhooser, Gideon Flowers, William M. Lindly, J. B. Edgar, William M. Gonternian, T. W. B. Dawson, James Seybold and Deacon William A. Wilson. - Rev. T. W. B. Dawsou is the present clerk.

The following have acted as Deacons: William Skinner, Isaac Renfro, Abraham Vanhooser, George Bradshaw, Caleb Gonterman, Andrew Waddle, Charles B. Street, Lyman Barber and William A. Wilson. Its present Deacons are William Waddle and John Seybold. Before the church removed to Troy a few brethren engaged in Sabbath-school work, but it was some time after it removed before it had its own Sabbath-school. For several years the teachers elected the officers and governed the school; of late years the Sabbath-school has been under the direct control of the church.

From the organizition of the church in 1833 with fifteen members, (most of whom are dead, and none of whom are now members) till 1S70 this church exerted a precious and lasting influence, and since that period many precious seasons of religious interest have been enjoyed. Its pastons have been among the most spiritual and useful in central or southern Ulincis. Many of its members have been persons of wealth, culture and high social position- The church however has become greatly weakened by removal and death. At present it has no pastor and no preaching. Its nominal membership is about seventy - twenty of whom are non-residents, and their present place of residence unknown, leaving the actual membership about fifty.

The Bethalto Baptist Church

Ever since the constitution of a Baptist church on Wood River in 1807 by Elder Wm. Jones, the vicinity of Bethalto has engaged the labor of different Baptist ministers whose efforts have been successful. The Bethalto church had its origin in preexisting material derived from these earlier labors. It was constituted February 4, 1874, with twenty-one members. At first it met for worship in the C. P. meetinghouse, until 1875. Its present house of worship, a neat substantial frame, was commenced September, 1874, completed at a cost, including furniture, of S3G00, and dedicated July 25, 1875.

Deacons. - Its first Deacons were C. H. Flick, Jasper Starkey and James McKee, elected June 18, 1874, f >r one year, but continued in office two years. June 18, 1876, C. H. Flick, James Jones and George Taylor were elected. Deacon Taylor died in the fall of 1879. The present Deacons are C. H. Flick and James Junes.

The number of members admitted to the church up to the present time, July 18S2, including the constituent members (21) is ninety-three, present membership fifty.

It has a good Sabbath school of sixty-three scholars, and seven teachers. Superintendent, F. B. Black. Its pastors have been Monroe Starkey and J. H. Mize, and perhaps others. It is at present supplied once each month by Rev. J. Bulkley, of Upper Alton. It occupies an important field, and ought by the Divije blessing to become a strong church.

The Collinsville Baptist Church

At the annual meeting of the South District Association, September, 1857, the church of CoUiiisville sought admission to the Association with thiriy member.s. Rev. D. M. Howell, pastor, L. W. Scanland, William Thompson and J. M. Johnson delegates. The church was charged with, or at least suspected of heresy. Rev. E. J. Palmer appeared as the principal accuser. Their application was referred to a select committee of seven persons, viz : J. Peters, C. J. Kelly, H. S. Deppe, L. Sleeper, M. Ely, J. W. Thwing and S. Roach, which committee reported that the charge was without foundation and they recommended that the church be received. The report was adopted and the church received. Its first pastor was Rev. D. M. Howell, who served them with great acceptance and fidelity, from the organization of the church until laid aside by a fatal disease which terminated his life, June 7, 1S6G. Rev. F. Hill and Rev. L. C. Carr, have also successfully guided the church in the pastoral relation, as have others. It present pastor is Rev. J. Cole.

Previous to 1864 it had received by baptism thirty four, by letter, twenty-two ; it had dismissed seven, excluded seventeen, and lost two by death. It had greatly increased in membership until in 1864 it numbered sixty-seven, since that period its history has been a peculiar one. At one time discordant elements endangered its existence. In 1870 it enjoyed a precious revival. Nine were baptized and ten received by letter, and the church numbered ninety six. Another revival was enjoyed under the labors of L. C. Carr, in 1874 ; seventeen were baptized and eight received by letter ; the church then numbered seventy. A period of declension followed, and in 1876 its number had diminished to fifty-five. Such is the history of most of our churches. Revivals and declensions follow each other at longer or shorter intervals. Its present prospects are hopeful.

The Mx. Olive Baptist Church

This church was organized May 31st, 1851, by Elders J. V. Rhoads and John Brown, three miles east of Upper Alton. It organized with 48 members. Most of this number have died, or moved away, six only remaining, viz : Nancy Deck, Lydia Williams, Eliza Deymon, Joseph Sherfy, James Jones, and Thomas Jenkinson.

Deacons were Madison Williams, chosen June 1851 ; Richard Young, chosen Nov 1851 ; John Norton, Jan. 1860; T. Jenkinson and B. F. Gulp, July 1864; C. H, Flick and G. T. N. Harris, April 1868.

Whole number baptized, 232 ; received by letter, 49 ; by experience, 23; dismissed, 115: excluded, 126; died, 49. Present number, 79. Its house of worship is a frame building, 40 by 60 f.et; built at a cost of about $1,500.

The Staunton Baptist Church

This church was constituted in July, 1852, and in Se_ptember of the same year it joined the Edwardsville Association with sixty-three members, forty-five of whom had been recently baptized. J. V. Hopper, pastor, A. Deas, C. Sawyer and T. Caulk messengers.

In 1869 S. K. Fuson was pastor, and before his pastorate the church must have become extinct, as the baptisms reported are thirty-two, and the whole number but thirtyeight. Then follows a season of great declension. For six years the church makes no report to the Association. In 1876 it recognized and reported an addition by baptism, letter and restoration, twelve, and the entire number twentysix. The previous winter Rev. G. P. Hanks held a series of meetings with the forgoing result.

In 1855 it reached its highest number, sixty-three, and at that time began to build a meeting-house. It proved a very great burden. The work progressed with great difficulty until 1860. A heavy debt remained which was difficult to be borne. Through the effijrts of Rev. J. H. Mize the debt was removed in 1864. Then the angry contentions growing out of the war produced coldness, alienations and division until the church was well nigh destroyed. Much of the time it has had a severe struggle for life.

The New Hope Baptist Church

This church is near the present town of Worden. It was constituted as early as 1840, as it appears in that year in the minutes of the South District Association with sixteen members. Its delegates were J. O. English and I. E. Sharp. Duriug the first ten years of its existence till 1851 it was connected with the South District Association. During this period it possessed a good degree of spiritual vigor, its membeiship increasing from sixteen to forty-seven. The greatest number baptized in any one year during this period was sixteen, in the year 1843. In 1844 J. 0. English appears as a licentiate.

From 1851 to 1863 the church enjoyed very great spirituality. Rev. J. V. Hopper was pastor from 1851 to 1859. Duriug this period 129 were baptized, forty six by letter, twenty-two by experience and restoration, fifty-eight were dismissed, twenty-seven excluded, four dipped, iourteen died. Its number had about doubled, passing from sixtyfive to 125. The highest number recorded was in 1858 when the church reported 128 members. During this period the church was engaged earnestly in Sabbath -schools. In 1852 it had two licentiates, J. O. English and Barber. Its house of worship was completed in 1853, and the debt upon it paid off in 1854. In June 1856 William J. Roseberry, who had been previously licensed was ordained. The largest number baptized during Elder Hopper's administration was in the years 1853 and 1858 ; in the former, thirtysix, in the latter thirty-two.

In 1860 William J. Roseberry became pastor and served until 1863 or 1864. During his pastorate, eighteen were baptized, four received by letter, seven by experience and restoration, ten were dismissed, fourteen excluded, five died, leaving the church in 1863 reduced to 1 10. At this time so sharp was the contention about the war of the rebellion that the church became almost extinct, and ceased to be represented in the Association, except by messengers without statistics. From 1865 until 1873 when Rev. G. P. Hanks was its pastor, it reported a membership of thirty-three. For several years during the war it held no meetings. Since 1873 it has exhibited some vitality, and exerted some influence. " How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."

Bethlehem Baptist Church

This church was constituted in March 1851. The following May it united with the Edwardsville Association with tweaty-four members. Rev. Luke Dillard was its pastor and William Coltharand A. J. Smalley delegates. During the previous winter an interesting revival had been enjoyed. Rev. Luke Dillard continued to be its pastor till ls64, when the church ceased to represent itself in the Association.

During this period it had reported twenty-seven baptized and seven deaths. From 18.53 to 18.')9 its number varied but very little. lu 1853 they were thirty-seven ; in 1854 thirtyseven. They never went below this number nor above thirty-nine till 1859, when a revival of religion resulting in the baptism of twelve persons increased their membership to fifty-one.

In 1866 Rev. Luke Dillard made in the Association a verbal report to the effect that the church was nearly extinct, and henceforth it does not appear in the minutes of the A.ssociation.

Bethlehem United Baptist Church

This church was constituted August 17, 1S49, by Elders Jacob V. Rhoads and R. G. Keele, with twenty-one members, as follows: John P. Liwrence, Jesse Lawrence, Delila Lawrence, William Jones, Margaret Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Sarah C. Jones, William Wright, Louisa Wright, Joseph Barckley, William F. Rawson, Henry Jackson, James Jackson, William Squires, Mary Brown, Elizabeth Adams, Mary Lawrence, Elizabeth Seago, Elizabeth Brown and Saloh Jackson.

For many years this church enjoyed a very high degree of pro-perity, and numbered in its membership many of the first citizens of that part of the county situated immediately south of Bethalto. In 1851 it numbered 102 ; in 1852, 103 ; in 1853, lOG, and the number of members that had joined the church up to 1854 was 169, which added to the constituent membership made the whole number received, 190. In 1858, it had a membership of 13S ; soon after this it began to decline, and in 1865, during the war, it was reduced to 80. It never regained its former vigor. In 1868 it was reduced to 49. In 1872 it had increased to 60; in 1875, 51 ; in 1876, 44. Its present number is not large. On the fourth Saturday, in September, 1850, steps were taken to build a church. Jesse St^rkey, David Starkey and William Jones were elected trustees, and also a building committee. The same persons were appointed a committee to receive the deed from James Jones, and to have the same recorded.