McDonough County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 24 of those read), 1878

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 24 of those read)

most invariably asked as to what are the religious influences in the community to which it is desired to emigrate. A community in which the school-house and the church find a special recognition will always be selected in preference to the one in which these are not found. Men of the world recognize the fact that education and Christian institutions are the handmaids of ffeneral thrift and prosperity. Improv^ements in the manners, tastes, and moral status of the people, follow closely the preaching of the gospel. Says Ford, in his History of Illinois :

"As to the practice of attending church on Sunday, I am coutident that it produced these eflects [the improvement in dress, manners, etc.]. I have observed very carefully in the course of thirty-five years spent upon the frontiers, that in those neighborhoods where the people habitually neglect to attend public wor- \ ship on Sundays, such improvements rarely, if ever, take place. In such places, the young people feel no pride, and do not desire I improvement. They scarcely ever throw aside their every-day, I rough apparel to dress up neat and clean on Sunday. On that day the young men are seen with uncombed heads, unshorn beards, and unwashed linen, strolling in the woods hunting, or on the race course, or at a grocery contracting habits of intoxication, or lounging sullenly and lazily at home. The young women, in appearance, dress, manners and intelligence, are the fit companions for their brothers. Sunday, to them, brings no bright skies, no gladness, no lively or cheerful thoughts, no spirits renovated by mixing in the sober, decent, quiet, but gay assemblage of youth and beauty. Their week of labor is not cheered by anticipations of the gay and bright fete with which it is to close. Labor through the week is to them a drudgery ; aud is performed with surliness and grudging; and their Sabbaths are spent in heedless, sleepy stupidity. The young people of both sexes are without selt-respect, and are conscious of not deserving the respect of others. They feel a crushing and withering sense of meanness and inferiority, mingled with an envious malignity towards all excellence in others who exhibit an ambition for improvement. Such neighborhoods are pretty certain to breed up a rough, vicious, ill-mannered and ill-natured race of men and women."

The early settlers of this county were especially blessed with respect to religious influences. The sound of the hammer, used in the erection of the lirst cabin, had hardly died away before the minister of the gospel made his appearance. As recorded elsewhere, a few families settled in the neighborhood of the present town of Industry in 1827, forming what was long known as "Carters Settlement." In May, 1828, Elder John Logan, then in connection with what is now known as the Regular Baptists, settled in this place, living for the first six or eight months in the old block house, situated on the farm of William C/arter. In this house he preached the' first sermon ever preached in the county, some time in June of the same year ; about the same time he there organized the first Sunday School in the county.

Elder Logan was a hard-working, zealous, Christian man, and spent much time in laboring for his master. For many years he travelled from settlement to settlement, in what is known as the Military Tract, as well as in regions beyond, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. lie was the first missionary appointed by the Baptist Home Missionary Society, of Boston, Massachusetts, receiving as salary the munificent sum of one hundred dollars per year. For accepting this appointment he was excluded from the " fellowship of the church in which he held membership, and from the association, but, in connection w^ith others, he organized another congregation, continuing his labors as a minister of the gospel to the salvation of many souls. He was instrumental in organizing many of the Missionary Baptist Churches in this section, ai (1 his name is held in grateful remembrance by all who jg had the pleasure of forming his acquaintance. 1^

While the Old School, or Regular Baptists, are strong in numbers, influence and respectability in some other parts of this State, and more particularly in some of the other States, and have some veiy ably edited papers, yet, in all McDonough county they make but a poor show as to numbers, and as to their standing and influence in civil society they claim only their proportionate part with the rest of the community.

Elder John Logan, a Baptist minister, preached the first gospel sermon ever heard in McDonough county, at what date I am not able to learn, but in the month of November, 1831, Elder Logan and Elder Stephen Strickland constituted a Baptist Church in Bethel township, named Union, composed of ten members - four males and six females. At that time the Baptists of the western country generally went by the name of United Baptists. The circumstances leading to the adoption of the name United^ I shall not attempt to rehearse, as I consider it unnecessary in this brief article. I will simply state this much about the iippellation United Baptist : That in some of the western States about the beginning of the present century, the "regular" and "separate" branches of the Baptist denomination united together under the name of the United Baptists, and the early settlers of this county who maintained Baptist sentiments, w^ere organized under this name. The reasons which led this little Church the next year to change her name from U7iited to that of Regular Baptist, as well iis many other Churches in the south and west, I shall briefly state presently.

The names of the constituents of Union Church are as follows : John Gibson, jSTancy Gibson,. William Stephens, Sarah Stephens, James Edmondston, Polly Edmondston, Richard Morris, Abigal Eerguson, Cassanda Morris and Sarah C. Palmer. Elders Logan and Strickland do not appear to Ijave met with this little church often after they organized her, but in July, 1832, Thomas II. Owen, a licentiate, visited and preached to them. Owen located in Hancock county, and was afterward ordained a minister, and became a man of ability. lie represented his county in the General Assembly of Illinois one or more terms, then emigrated to Zene Zene, Cal., where he still lives, and is able to preach and write some to the edification of the saints. John Gibson, one of the constituents of this church, was one of the early settlers in the

<;ounty, ami located at an early date on the road from Macomb to Quincy, where lie resided till his death, April 2'2, 18G9. " Uncle " John Gibson was as well known among the Baptists of the surronnding countr}^ as au}^ other private member. lie had much intercourse with them, his doors always open to receive them, and on two occasions of our annual associations being held near him, he fed over two hundred persons, and also lodged them in his house and in his barn, often telling his brethren, in his jovial way, that the "soft side of a board was good enough for a Hardshell Baptist."

In 1832 the church called Elder AVilliam Bradley to the pastoral care of the same. Early in the fall of 1832 this church sent messengers to the Spoon liiver Association, and was received into her correspondence and fellowship, although she was composed of "Regular ' Baptist churehes, associated together for mutual edification and correspondence. The little church of Union in November of the same year considered the propriety of changing the name by which she was known from United to Regular Baptist, and the change was made by unanimous consent. Her reasons for dropping the name United and assuming the name Regular she believed to be of sufficient importance to warrant the change of this qualifying appellative attached to what was originally the Baptist Church. First, she found that the articles of faith of the Association of the Regular Baptist churches were substantially the same as her own ; secondly, she had learned to her deep sorrow and grief that many bearing the name of United Baptist Churches had, as she verily believed, departed from the faith and practice of the gospel, and hence she, for the sake of consistency, harmony and good order, took the name of Regular Baptist by mutual consent. In doiiig this, however, she did not change a single article'of her faith, or a single clause in her rules of decorum. And what is here said of the Union Church in dropping the United and assuming the name Regular Baptist may be said of many similar ones throughout the South and West, and even elsewhere.

The Baptist Church was once a unit, and love, and peace, and fellowship abounded among our people ; but now, the name "Baptist" is not understood by the community without a pre-fix to distinguish the kind of Baptist intended by the speaker or writer.

With due deference and respect to the opinions ot all other denominations of professed Christians the Regular ]>aptist Church (in many places called Primitive Baptists, and Old School Baptists,) claim to be a cop}" of the original gospel churches of the Xew Testament, in doctrine and practice. She acknowledges the Holy Scriptures us her only rule of faith and practice, and as being a sufficient rule for her till the end of time; hence she looks upon all the modern iurentions and societies of men, in the things of religion, as being subversive of the peace and order of the church, and as unspeakable abominations in the sight of God. I do not intend, in this brief notice of our verv limited number of memhers in this county, to enter into the discussion of theological questions, but for the information of those who are not acquainted with the faith and practice of the Regular Baptists, and for the perusal of those who shall succeed this generation, I will merely state that, as a general rule, our churches are opposed to her

' money is required to secure membership or office. They are opposed to the modern system of preaching under contract for money ; to theological schools for the education of ministers; the religious festivals for the raising of funds for church purposes, etc., believing these, and many others of modern invention, are innovations upon the sacred scriptures, and have a tendency to bring the standard of Truth into disrepute, and lead to infidelity. But they

" as a body, do not make political opinions, or any other more secular concern, or worldly employments, a test of church fellowship, or a bar against any ; on the contrary, they most cordially

In 1833, Elder Micajah B. Rowland joined the Union Church by letter, and sooji became pastor of the church, and was released from it in 1835. lie afterward removed to Iowa, and continued to preach until he "was worn out with old age.

In 1835, Samuel L. Dark, a licentiate, was received by letter, and was ordained in 1840. He now resides near Brooklyn, Schuyler county, and is still busily engaged in proclaiming the gospel far and near. There is something very peculiar in the conversion of this man. In 1831 he was in the Black Ilawk war, under General Duncan, and being from Schuyler county, and being unsurpassed for wit, humor and fun, he was called the Schiiy- ler County Fool- Killer, geueraWy among the camps; and having a wonderful memory and a great tact at mimicr}', he was frequently engaged in preaching the funeral of dead horses and mules. While encamped in the bottom where the city of Eock Island now stands, he was engaged in the funeral services of a defunct mule ; and during his solemn appeals to heaven, amidst a crowd of soldiers, he was suddenly seized with strong convictions for his sins and blasphemies, and never found rest until he found it at the feet of Christ. Elder D. has preached so much in this count}', and for a while, I believe, resided in it, that I feel justified in giving this remarkable incident in his life. He still has a retentive memory, and is an able minister of the New Testament. The little band steadily increased in numbers, holding their meetings in private houses, until finally they were enabled to build a house a few miles southeast of Middletown.

In 1838 Elder Robert Mays joined them by letter, and was for a while pastor of the church. His widow still survives, residing in Iowa, aged over ninety, but has been blind for several years.

In 1838 Elder John Driskill joined them by letter and became their pastor, and remained with them till his death, which occurred in 1857 or 1858.

Elder George Tracy, of Hancock county, was pastor of the church for a few months, and on the twenty-seventh of May, 1858, he dropped dead at the saw mill at Tucker Town. He was a worthy man, and much missed after his decease.

In September, 1858, the writer of this sketch became pastor of the little church, and sustains that relation to it up to the present time; the last few years, however, Elder Jacob Oastlebury and Elder T. X. Erazee, of Plymouth, have generally attendetl half of the meetings. Elder Erazee, who was an able and worthy brother, died in March, 1873.

This church has met in the villasre of Middletown for manv years, and has recently built a new house of worship. She has never numbered at any one time, perhaps, over thirty-five or forty members, but has dismissed by letter, from time to time, enough members to form another respectable church or two, who have . moved out of her bounds. Enough of her members have left the militant state and gone to the triumphant, to form a good sized congregation, as she has been organized nearly forty-five years. She has now thirty-seven communicants, all in peace.

Antioch Church of Regular Baptists. - This little church was organized in Middletown in February, 1841, at which time the Union Church held her meetings a few miles southeast of there. Elders T. II. Owen and Moses Frazee officiated in the constitution of this church. But four persons were ready to go into the organization at the time as a nucleus around which others were expected soon to gather. The constituents were John McCormick, Parthena McCormick, William D. Stevens, and Holly Edmonston. Immediately after they were organized six others were added to their number, and they afterward made a reasonable growth. In April of the same year Elder Owen became pastor of the church, and the same year she connected herself with the Salem Association of churches, which included parts of Hancock, Adams and Brown counties. In 1843 she built a house of worship in Middletown, where she held her regular meetings, attended by Elder Owen and occasionally by Elder Frazee. Finally, however, they found themselves deprived of a pastor, and becoming satisfied that the labors of one could not be secured, they consulted together and mutually agreed to dissolve the organization by giving each other letters of dismission to join other churches. This was done in October, 1849; since which the members have united elsewhere, the most of them joining the Union Church, now meeting in Middletown. John McCormick, one of her constituents, came from Kentucky in 1835 or 1886, and has been for many years living with his second wife, both estimable people, and the old gentleman is now largely over eighty, but is able to attend to his own business. Another one of the constituents, William 1). Stevens, and his estimable lady, are the parents of the editor of the Macomb Independent. This couple are both living near Colchester.

Besides these two organizations, there have been one or more churches constituted, which had similar Articles of Faith, to those of the present Regular, or Old School Baptists, but have since gone with the iSTew School party.

The Kegular Baptists have now but one church, which meets regularly within the county, but there are churches of our order holding regular sessions in all the adjoining counties, so that some of the members of at least four churches, which meet out of the county, reside in this county. Our entire number of communicants, resident in the county, do not, perhaps, reach over sixty.

The writer is the only Regular Baptist minister now permanently residing in the county. He came from Kentucky, and located in Macomb township in March, 1855. He attends four churches monthly, one near Jacksonville, one near La Harpe, one at Greenbush and one at Middletown, besides much other traveling to special meetings.

Our aged brother. Elder John B. Moore, owns a farm in the south part of this county, but is spending the most of the evening of his life visiting the churches and his many friends in the northwest.

This old pioneer, and veteran of the cross of Christ, has traveled on horseback a distance that would belt our globe more than three times around.

Elder VanMeter, the writer of the above, is well known throughout McDonough and surrounding counties as an estimable Christian gentleman, one having the cause of his Master at heart. His labors are very arduous, but he does not complain, believing the reward will come bye-and-by.

Christian

Following closely the Baptists, this earnest body of disciples made their appearance, the first preaching being in the year 1831, by Elders Bristow and Long. They now number nine congregations, with a membership of 1,121. The religious views of the denomination are now so well known it is useless to give them in this place. In numbers, in the county they are second among the various denominations. We give, in the order of organization, short sketches of the various congregations.

Blandinsville Christian Church. - This is the oldest church of the denomination in the county, and was formerly known as the Liberty Church, situated a few miles from the town. It was organized in the year 1832. In 1819, by vote, it was removed to Blandinsville. Since locating liere it has had it seasons of prosperity and seasons of adversit}'. During the war it was somewhat divided on that question, and bitter feelings engendered then brought forth imperfect fruit. The following named have acted as pastors of the coiigrepcation : Elders Long, Jiigdon, Eads, Dodge, Patrick Murphy, Bedford Murphv, Lieiirance, Coffee, Hallam, Trickett, Leek, Gooduight. The membership is now about 200. Their church property is valued at ^1,500. Amount raised per year 'for all church purposes, §750, of which $G00 is paid the pastor. Their Sunday School numbers 100, with average attendance of 65, and annual contributions of $30.

Macomb Christian Church. - The first discourse ever delivered by a Disciple in Macomb, was by Elder Livy Ilatchitt, at the house of David Clarke, in the year 1835. Elder H. came to Macomb and endeavored to get the use of some public building, but was refused on account of his supposed heterodoxy. Mr. Clarke, who had read much of the writings of Alexander Campbell, and who subscribed generally to his views, offered his house, which was accepted. JSTo special results followed the preaching, but it was supposed the "good seed" was sown, which brought forth fruit in after years.

By 1845 quite a number of disciples had gathered in the neighborhood of Macomb, and they resolved to organize, if possible. They sent for Elder Davenport, of Walnut Grove, now Eureka, 111., who, not being able to come, sent A. J. Kane, then a young Evangelist. Elder Kane came, and, securing the old courthouse, preached with such force and power as to turn twenty-nine souls to the Lord.

Dr. Young organized the congregation September 16th, 1845, with seventeen members, which, adding the twenty-nine obtained under Elder Kane's preaching, made a band of forty-six earnest disciples.

The following are the names of the original seventeen members : Benjamin F. Martin, William 11. Franklin, James S. Palmer, James Clarke, William B. Pile, Hannah B. Pile, AVilliam Maxwell, Lucy Maxwell, Elizabeth G. Palmer, George Bootli, Isabella Booth, Lucy Beard, Margaret Broaddus, Kmily J. Sweeney, Sarah Bacon, liachel Hampton, Maria J. Franklin.

The following officers were chosen : B. F. Martin and W. IL Franklin, Elders - both of whom are Elders of the Church at the present time; James S. Palmer and James Clarke, Deacons.

The church building is on Carroll street, east of Lafayette. It was erected in 1845, and has been in constant use ever since. It is the oldest church structure now standing in Macomb. The value of church property is $3,500.

Bedford Christian Church. - This congregation was organized April 7, 1850, by Elder Milton Dodge; with the following members : Richard Brightwell, Eliza Brightwell, Elizabeth Brightwell, Charles Bradshaw, John Gibson, Elizabeth Johnson, Benjamin Moore, Margaret Moore, Robert McCaully, Margaret McCaully, Noble Ousley, JSTaoma Ousley, William and Grace Pennington, McKamey Ruddle, Rachel Spikers, Peter Shelly, William and Silva Arnold, James and Margaret Cyrus, Elizabeth Duncan, Margaret Emerson, Walter Huston, Sen., Walter Huston, Jr., James and Harriet Hamilton, Joel B. and Catharine Huston, Waucy Huston, Sen., Waney Huston, Jr., Zelpha Huston, David Shelley, Elizabeth Shelley, Eliza Spiker, Horatus and Eliza Weston.

The following persons have served as pastors: Elders Dodge, I'atrick Murphy, Bedford Murphy, Reynolds, Kern, Ades, Ross, Lieurance, Coftce, Lucy, Fisher, Wallace, Huston, Goodnight and the present pastor, James McGuire.

live hundred dollars, rarsonasre valued at twelve hundred dollars. Salary of pastor, eight hundred dollars. Present membership, two hundred and thirty-four. Annual contribution, twelve hundred dollars. Average attendance in Sunday School, one hundred and twenty. Annual collection, ninety dollars.

Mound Christian Church. - This church was organized in 1857, by Elder J. B. Royal; there were then sixteen members. Meetings were held regularly in school houses until 18()4, when the present church structure was completed. It is located on section fourteen, of Mound township, and was built at a cost of $2,000. It is a good frame building 30 feet by 45 in size. The present meubership is forty-five. At one time it numbered one hundred, but many have since moved away. The Elders are : Henry S. Gustine, and J. II. Langsford. The deacons are: Samson Ilyett, II. Lindsey, and F. Weston, and the trustees are . J. 11. Langsford, P. H. Wilson, and H. Lindsev.

Since the organization the following ministers have served as pastors : D. Dunkeson, Thomas Thompson, A. K. Brown, II. O. Littleton, and .1. B. Royal, the present pastor. The membership of the Sunday school is fifty; II. S. Gustine is the Superintendent.

New Salem Christian Church. - The following is taken from the first page of the church record : "We the undersigned disciples of Christ, in obedience to the Great Head of the church, do now solemnly and joyfully agree with each other to walk together in the Lord with brotherly love, as a Church of Christ, and do also take the Bible as our rule of faith and practice. Done in Wetsel school house, in New Salem township, April 8, 1859. William A. Griffin, James D. Swartz, Daniel Wilson, Hugh Chapman, William

The congregation was organized April 8, 1859, by Elder J. B. Royal, of Vermont, Illinois. The number ot original members was sixteen. The present membership is sixty-six. Previous to

The present elders of the congregation are Richard Pennington and Eli Miller, and the deacons are David Miner and James M, Swearingen. The trustees are George Seaburn, W. A. Griffin and Jacob Grimm. Henry Smithers is the present pastor. J. B. Royal, J. C. Reynolds, AVilliam Griffin, A. P. Aten, A. Brown and A. Johnson have served respectively as pastors.

Colchester Christian Church. - The Christian Church at Colchester was organized April 1, 1867, by Elders J. C. Reynolds and C. Ades, with 116 members. In the following year a good frame church building was erected at a cost of $3,000; its size is 86 by 56 feet.

The various pastors employed by this congregation from time to time have been Elders J. C. Reynolds, C. Ades, J. II. Garrison, A. P. Aten, J. C. Winter, and II. P. Tandy. The present membership is about ninety. The following are the church officers: Eiders, S. T. Moore and Wm. Tandy; deacons, William Morrison and Adam Taylor; clerk, IS. D. Mills. The average attendance in Sunday School is 122; the annual contribution $75. S. T. Moore superintendent.

Sciota Christian Church. - The church structure of this congregation was erected in 1869, before the organization of the church. It is a good frame building, 32x46 feet and cost $2,250. William II. Franklin was the prime mover in this work. The building committee consisted ot W. II. Franklin, John Dew, and J. M. Russell.

Before the building of the church, meetinscs' were held in a shed, built for the purpose, on ground near the church. Here Elders J. C. Reynolds and Coffee held a meeting, the first of this denomination in the town. Elder J.B. Royal preached the tirstsermon in the church, while Elder J. II. Garrison delivered the dedicatory sermon. Elder S. K. Ilallam was the first pastor, J. II. Seaton the second. Elder Thomas Goodnight preaches once each month. Elders, Samuel Dey and E. S. Agnew. The first elders were Larkin Osborn and William Smith. Deacon, Silas Woodside. The congregation, which had run down considerably, was

New Bedford Christian Church. - The church edifice stands on the northwest corner of section seven of Walnut Grove township, and was erected in 1876, at a cost of §2,500. The size is thirty-two feet by filty-six. It is one of the neatest country churches in the county, and an honor to any community.

Elder George Brokaw is the present pastor. The elders are J. H. Painter, A. J. Clayton, H. II. Brady and AV. Beckelhymer. The Deacons, J. S. Brooks, Alexander Beckelbymer and E. Dice. William Beckelhymer, clerk.

Bushnell Christian Church. - We have been unable to obtain a sketch of this congregation, and cannot say when or by whom it was organized. A large brick church was erected in 1867, and dedicated in the early part of 1868, by Elder J. C. Reynolds, of Macomb. This building is now valued at |2,500. It is plain, but comfortable and substantial. The membership of the congregation is 120 ; annual contributions, ^1,000 ; Sunday School - average attendance, 65 ; annual contributions, $50.

Methodist Episcopal

The Methodist Episcopal Church numbers more than any other body of christians in the county, having a membership of 1,374, in addition to a large number of probationers. Their system of itinerant work has much to do with their success. AVhile others lagged in the work they have pushed boldly on, holding their meetings in public halls, school houses, private dwellings, barns, or any place where the people could be brought together to hear the proclamation of the gospel. Whatever may be said of the religious views of this denomination, its zeal is to be commended ; and to the fact that its membership is zealous, in a great measure, is due its numbers and influence in this county. In the beginning of their work|here, the}' had the services of some of the best workers in their ranks, among whom was the old and eccentric pioneer preacher, Peter Cartwrigbt, who labored in all parts of the county, and who was instrumental in the salvation of many souls. Following will be found sketches of the various congregations in the county, in order of their organization, together with a summary of their work :

Ilethodist Episcopal Church, Macomb. - The first regular preaching in Macomb, of this denomination, was in 1832, and by the Rev. Peter Cartwrigbt, the celebrated pioneer Methodist preacher, who organized the M. E. congregation of Macomb the same year.

Meetings were held in the old court-house until 1835, when a very respectable brick building was erected on ground given by Hon. James M. Campbell, on the site of the present Church edifice, on Lafayette street, north of Carroll street.

In 1847 the Church building blew down, when services were held conjointly with the Presbyterians, in their Church building. A very earnest union revival was held by the two congregations, in this Church, which resulted in bringing many into it. The Church building was rebuilt in 1848.

In 1854, the circuit heretofore rather large, was divided, leaving Macomb only two appointments, viz. : Wolf Grove and Spring Creek. During this year the Church building again blew down, but the faithful members were not discouraged, onlv the more determined, and soon set about to erect another and larger building. One 40x70 feet was built this time and dedicated in 1857. T. M. Eddy, editor of the Northwestern Christian Advocate, delivering the dedicator}' sermon. During the interval spent in rebuilding, services were held in the Christian Church and in the court-house.

By 1858 the congregation had become so large as to require the undivided time of the pastor, and consequently Macomb was set ofl" as a separate station.

The church bijilding in 1875 was rebuilt and refitted at a cost of $4,076. A very tall and beautifully proportioned steeple towered far above the building, but not long after the new edifice had been dedicated - Pishop Simpson preaching the dedicatory sermon - and during a most violent storm the spire was blown down, causing some damage to the front walls. Immediately the debris was cleared away, and a cupola of less pretensions was erected. The value of the church building, which is a neat and commodious brick structure, is $10,000. A large bell is swung in the cupola.

On the corner of Lafayette and Calhoun streets, and just to_ the north of the Church, is the parsonage, a good frame residence worth $1,200. The following is a report for the year ending July 23d, 1876, prepared by the pastor. Rev. M. A. Head, and subiuitted to the quarterly conference:

In the beginning of the year there were two hundred and forty - four members and fifteen probationers. During the year we have received by letter sixteen, and from probation two. Organized a class at McNair's school house of fifteen, making a total of thirtythree. We have dismissed by letter ten. Died during the year, four, making a total of fourteen. Leaving a membership in full connection, two hundred and sixtv-three. We have received on probation, thirty-five ; dismissed from probatiou by letter, three; leaving forty^-five probationers - in all, two hundred and sixtythree members and forty-five probationers. Our congregations have been good, and our prayer meetings well attended, averaging sixty. The benevolence of our church will cover the assessment, and we hope they will rise above them.

The spiritual condition of the church is health}'. The following is the number of periodicals taken within the bounds of this charge: Xew York Advocate, three ; Western Christian Advocate, two; Northwestern Christian Advocate, fifteen ; Ladies' Kepository, one; Golden Hour, one. Our Sunda}' school is in a flourishing condition. We have a good attendance and good interest. We have made some valuable additious to our library. Our school will contribute about sixty dollars this year to the cause of missions. The average attendance is one hundred and sixty- one.

The following is a list of those serving as Presiding Elders in this circuit since 1832 : Peter Cartwright, Michael Taylor, Peter Atkins, ]Sr. G. Berryman, John S. Barger, R. Haney, John Morey, Milton Bourne, 11. Summers, A. Magee, W. 11. Hunter, W. D. Underwood, Henderson Ritchie, G. M. Irwin, and B. E. Kaufman. The following is the correct list of all the various pastors in charge of this church : II. Summers, T. N.' Ralston, P. R. Boring, William Window, D. B. Carter, Enos Thompson, John R. Richmond, Chauncy Hobart, E. Tracy, John Morey, R. W. Clark, William Hindall, Freeborn JIaney, Samuel Pillsbury, H. Iladley, Geo. Whitemore, Seth Ford, B. Courtw right, B. C. Swartz, B. H. Courtwright, J. B. Quinly, William M. Clark, S. S. Robin-

SOD, AV. II. Jackson, James Taylor, P. C. Brooks, Allen Head, W. S. Smith, AV. J, Beck, Milton Bourne, Benjamin Applebee, Andrew Miller, P. T. Rhodes, William Wilson, G. R. Palmer, A. J). McCool, William Watson, J. II. Rhea, J. C. Rybolt, Henderson Ritchie, Peter W^arner, Mr. Zimmerman, B. J). Dennis, L. B. Kent, and the present pastor, M. A. Head. The present stewards i are : R. H. Broaddus, J. T. Adcock, Levi Argenbright, B. D. Ingram, C. W. Slade, A. L. Sparks, G. W. Ejre, Samuel Knight, and David Knapp, recording steward. Composing the board of trustees are : J. Hillyer, A. K. Lodge, J. Scott, R. II. Broaddus, B. D. Ingram, G. W. Eyre, and J. T. Adcock. The class leaders are: C. Case, W. Wilson, and W. Creel.

Tennessee M. E, Church. - The lirst meetings of this denomination held in the neighborhood of Tennessee were at the residence of James Fulkerson, near Ilillsgrove, in 1832. This locality is known as " Old Methodist Stamping Grounds." These meetings were held by missionaries Rev. Carter, Levi Springer and Ilenry Summers. In 1851 a society was organized south of Tennessee, at what was called the brick school house. Rev. James Taylor, J. P. Brooks, William Smith and J. B. Quinby served as preachers. After this the Society, which had heretofore been a part of the Macomb work, was transferred to the Blandinsville work, and the following ministers labored there : Rev. Joseph Cumming, G. M. Irwin, James Cowden, Rev. Beard, B. E. Kaufman and II. Presson. In 1857 the class at the school house was moved to Tennessee, and about the same time the class at Hillsgrove, also, moved to the same place, both uniting. Rev. B. E. Kaufman preaching the lirst sermon there in school house. From this time until the present, Tennessee and Colchester have been in the same circuit with the same minister, pastor of both churches, of whom are the following : B. B. Kennedy, Rev. McKee, J, Fate, John Cavet, Stephen Brink, W. B. Carithers, W. B. Frazell, D. S. Main, G. J. Luckey, William Haney, J. S. Kirkpatrick, B. F. Tallman, T. Pool, A."^S. Atherton and T. P. Henry. The following are the names of the original members: John Jarvis, Mrs. Jarvis, Garrett Jarvis,William Delay, Absolcm Parker, Mary Parker, C. L. Davis, Maria Davis, William Clayton, Louisa Clayton, L. C. Bacon, Honor Bacon, Lewis Mourning, Ann ATourning and Sarah Lawyer.

The church structure was erected in 1864, under the supervi- ! sion of John McElroj, William Clayton and AVilliani Latimer, building committee. It is a good frame building, twenty-eight feet wide by forty long, and cost $2,000. Present Class Leader, L. F. Carson; the first was Samuel Knott; first Stewards were James Jarvis and Thomas Fnlkerson ; the present ones are J. Bradford, A. K. Owen and Thomas -bulkerson.

The Trustees are B. F. Thompson, A. K. Owen, J. Eaton, J. Jarvis and J. Jenkins. The first Trustees were John McElroy, AVilliam Clayton. J. Jarvis, William Lattimer and Thomas Fnlkerson.

Present membership, 100; average attendance, 150; contribution, $175; average attendance in the Sunday School, 55; contribution, per year, $25.

Friendship 31. E. Church. - This is one of the oldest religious organizations in the county, the society having been organized in 1833, by Rev. Cord, a missionary. The original members Avere Robert and jS^ancy Cook, Mrs. Penny and daughtt^r, Esther Hunt, Malinda Hunt, Mr. Justice and wife, John and James Hammer, John and Kancy Kirk, John and Margaret Lyon. The following are among those serving as pastors : Revs. Cord, Carter, Levi Springer, Oliver Hindell, Freeborn Haynie, J. P. Brooks, Chauncy Hobart.

Meetings were held first, at the residence of John Hunt, now known as the Kirk place, and for many years at the school house, which stood near the present site of the church The first campmeeting held in the Military Tract was at Friendship, in 1833. People came from Quincy, Jacksonville, Beardstown, Burlington and other points equally distant. The church building is located on section 5, Tennessee township. It is a good frame structure, thirty feet by forty, and was erected in 1851. The value of church property is $1,500. The present membership is thirty-four. The present officers are : Trustees, A. Roberts, George Mourning, Robert Lyon, John Kirk, Jr., and S. M. Chipman; Steward, A. Roberts; Class Leader, S. M. Chipman. Contribution, 8130 per year ; average attendance of the Sunday School, 35 ; contribution $6; Superintendent, William Anderson.

Pennington Foint 31. E. Church. - One of the oldest Methodist organizations in the county is the one at Pennington's Point; this church being organized in 1835 or 183(5. A few years ago a good and eommodious church structure was erected upon section 30, New Salem township. Its size is 32x56, and it stands upon a twoacre lot, the property of the church, and on which is also a good frame parsonage. The total value of church property is §3,000. The congregation, which is at present in a very prosperous condition, numbers sixty. The attendance at Sunday-school is seventy-live.

Bardolph 31. E. Church. - The Bardolph society was organized in 1836 at the residence of Joseph Kepple, about a mile south of Bardolph, and probably by William II. Jackson, as he i was a local preacher of the M. E. Church, and one of those sturdy i pioneers who not only desired to open up the beautiful country) for settlement, that men might prepare comfortable homes for i their families and their children's families, but to sow the good seed of the Gospel of Christ in the hearts of those who should bei neighbors ; to make this people a religious and God fearing people, that the rising generations may be reared in the midst of thei highly elevating influence of the religion he through life held so dear. The original members were William II. Jackson, Ann i Jackson, Mrs. Jacob Kepple and Mrs. Culp. Meetings were held at Mr. Kepple's house for about two years, when they were moved to Mr. Jackson's residence, where thev were held for several years.

This society has been in existence since the early settlement of I the county, as before mentioned, part of the time in connection with the Macomb circuit, and a part with the Marietta circuit. It struggled for existence and success from the time of its organization until June, 1867, without any house of its own in which to worship, being dependent, after leaving Mr. Jackson's residence, on the Presbyterians for their church, and upon the school district for the school house, as places of worship. At that date the Methodist Episcopal and Cumberland Presbyterian congregations - jointly had completed and dedicated a very neat and commodious liouse of worship. This arrangement affords the society a i house of their own one-half of the time only, leaving them to work i at a great disadvantage.

The pastors since 1867 have been Revs. B. E. Kaufman, D. S. Main, A. P. Hull, J. Ferguson, Jacob Mathews and the present pastor, Kev. J. E. Taylor, who is now serving his third year here. .1. E. Ilendrickson and William Bailey class leaders; John Booth, Thomas A. Jackson, and J. E. Ilendrickson stewards; John liooth, John AV. Jackson, and J. E. Ilendrickson trustees. The present membership is ninety-eight; the average annual contribution is $500. The average attendance of the Sunday-school is sixty; the aniiual contribution $35; J. E. Ilendrickson superintendent.

Stickle s M. E. Church - This congregation was organized in 1845 with twelve members and met in school house near the present church until a church was built. The present ediiice was erected in 1854 at a cost of $1,700; its size is 30x45 feet; it is located in section 11 Emmet township. It was named in honor of Abraham Stickle, deceased, the prime mover in organizing the Isociety. The membership is forty-live; the attendance at Sun- I day-school is about fifty. George Stickle and Abraham B. Stickle are the trustees.

! BiandinsvUle M.E. Ghui-ch. - This church was organized by liev. i Barton Cartwright, then in charge of the Macomb circuit, about the year 1848. Previous to this time the few Methodists living in the town worshipped at the church in Hays' settlement, but there being enough to form an organization, it was thought advisable to do so. E. R. Jones was the first class leader. The following were in the original organization : E. R. Jones and wife, A. 1*.

Jiock Creek M. E. Church. - In 1850, this congregation was organized, with twenty-two members who met in school houses until 1875, when the present well finished church house was erected. It stands on the southwest quarter of section seventeen. Hire township and cost $2,000. It is thirty by forty-six feet. The membership is fifty-three. The trustees are : Isaac Oakman, S. K. Patrick, Mrs. Harriett Pedrick, Mrs. Katherine Hainline, Solomon Hainline, Mrs. Susan Hainline, and Mrs. Margaret Hainline. Isaac (Jakman, class leader; William Anderson, Steward ; S. K. Pedrick, superintendent of Sunday school. Average attendance twenty. . -

Maple Groce M. E. Chiirdi. - The building is located on section nineteen of Emmet township, and was erected in 1865, at a cost of ^2,500, Size twenty-six by fifty. The society was organized and held regular meetings in groves, and in school houses fifteen years previous. The present membership is forty-five. James Griffith, G. G. Guy, B. F. Guy, and Eli Murray, are the trustees; J. C. Guy, class leader; I). T. Guy, Steward. The membership of the Sunday school is forty. Eli Murray, superintendent.

Mound Chapel M. E. Church. - This church was organized at the residence of E. Dyer in 1854, with eight or ten members. The church building is located on section 22 of Mound township; it was erected in 1868 at a cost of $3,200; is a good frame building, 35x55 in size; the location and grounds are beautiful. The present membership is sixty. John Holmes, class-leader; Joseph Melvin, steward. The trustees are J. Holmes, J. Gardner, Edward Mitchell, J. Melvin, Amos Hippskey, Ross Manl}^, J. Manly, Cyrus Head, A. Fleming, John Sheely, and William An. derson; Isaac Sheely superintendent of the Sunday-school.

Pleasant Grove M. E. Church. - The church building of this congregation is located on section 26, Industry township, and was built in 1857 at a cost of $1,200; it is 36x40 feet; the membership is about eighteen. John Bennett is both steward and class-leader; Marion Skiles superintendent of the Sunday-school, of which the average attendance is twenty-five. The trustees are Joseph Mc- Clean, Marticia Springer, George Bennett, and Geoi'ge Meadows.

Liberty M. E. Church. - The church structure of this congregation stands upon the southeast corner of section 13, Blandinsville township, and is one of the best church buildings outside of the towns in the county. It is worth $2,500.

Prairie City 31. E. Church. - The following facts in reference to the M. E. Church in Prairie City are collected from the memory of some of its oldest members. As the fathers of the church failed to transmit a written history, this is our only source of information. AVhile perfect accuracy in all the details are in the nature of the case impossible, yet the following may be relied upon as substantially correct.

The Methodist preachers who assisted in laying the foundation of Methodism in Prairie City and vicinity were Revs. James Ilaney, R. Berry man, Richard Ilaney, William Ilaney, Benjamin Applebec, John Morey, Amos Morey, A. E. Phelps, Thomas

! erected in rrairieCity, it was used for holding meetings in, and until the building of their church. The names of the original members, as near as can be ascertained, were Thomas Brinks and

I wife, J. (iriffiu and wife, Vincent (xoldsmith, David (jritHu and wife, E. Sandtord and wife, M. T. Hand and wife, R. C. Benedict and wife, Elijah Iloyt and wife, John Mann and wife, J. White and wife, E. G. Tally and wife, L. I. Washburn and wife, and A.

The present church edifice was erected at a cost of about $3,500. It was dedicated in 1858. The pastors who have served the church in their order arc as follows : A. Fisher, M. T. Ilavermale, William Watson, M. C. Lewis, J. B. Craig, William Underwood, A. Mc- Cool, J. C. liybolt, A. Bowers, W^ J. Peek, M. D. Ileckard, D. S. Main, A. Magee and A. S. Atherton. The parsonage was erected in 1864. It is a good frame residence, costing about ^500. The

Its present officers are as follows: Pastor, A, IS. Atherton ; Stewards, A. Burr, A. Mead, S. Davey, K. C. Benedict and W. F. Taylor; Class Leaders, A. Mead, A. G. Kreider and J. T. Morgan ; Trustees, A. Burr, A. Mead, R. C. Benedict, S. Davey and J. T. Morgan. S. Dave}"-, Superintendent of Sunday school. The attendance is from eighty-five to one hundred.

Industry 31. E. Church. - The first class was organized by Rev. E. Montgomerv in 1855, with the foUowins: members: John Reed and wife, Henry Robely and wife, M. Merrick and wife, old Mrs. Vance, Fanny Bridges, and Polly Shannon. The growth of the society has been moderate, and at present the membership numbers sixty. The church edifice was erected in 1866, and dedicated by Rev. Reuben Andrews, of Quincy; value of building $2,000; parsonage at l*ennington'"s Point; salary of pastor for part of his lime §200; Rev. J. Budd pastor; attendance in Sunday-school sixty; annual collection $50.

Colchester M. E. Church. - This church organized February 1, 1858, by Rev. II. Presson, and B. E. Kaufman, with the following 21 members : Joseph Taylor, Mary Taylor, Abraham Pearson, Elizabeth Pearson, Richard Musson, Rebecca Musson, James Roberts, Cecilia Roberts, A. B. Doan, Sarah Doan, Mary liechtel,

Margaret Mussou, Johu Pearson, Abraham ISTewland, Jr., Thomas Pearson, William Cowan, David Sherbiue, Marj A. Sherbine, Sarah Y.. Biell, Philip Lawrence, and John Level. Meetings were held in school house until 1861, when a good brick structure was erected at a cost of $1,200, its size is thirty-two by forty-six feet. The following are the names of the various pastors : Rev. 11. Presson, B. E. Kaufman, B. B. Kennedy, Mclvee J. Tate, J. Cavet, Stephen Brink, W. B. Carithers, W. B. Frazzell,'D. S. Main, G.J. Lucky, William Ilany, L. Kirkpatrick, B. F. Tallman, T. Pool, A. S. Atherton, and T. P. Henry. The trustees are : James Roberts, John Pearson, Abraham Newland, Jr., Richard Williams, and James Underhill. Stewards are : William Hulson, and David Reece. Class leaders : Richard Musson, John Pearson, and John James. Local ministers are : Johu James, and John Parnell.

The average annual contributions for all purposes is $650. The growth of the church was foi; many years very great, but of late has decreased in numbers on account of so many removals and numerous deaths ; but still they are prosperous, and have a good active membership. The value of church property is $2,000. The average attendance in Sunday School is 150, with an annual contribution of $100 ; Abraham Newland, Jr., Superintendent.

Mound 31. E. Church - The church building is located on the northwest corner of section 6, Prairie City township, and was erected in 1858 at a cost of $1,400; size o2x48; the present membership is sixty-five. The trustees are Thomas King, D. Crawford, Leonard Hall, William McMahill, and T. J. Breiner. A parsonage, belonging to the congregation, stands just east of the church.

Linn Grove Chapel 31. E. Church. - The church house stands on the northeast corner of section 24, Walnut Grove township, and was erected in 1870 at an outlay of $2,400. It is a good frame building, 32 feet wide by 48 feet long. The society was organized in 1861 with twelve members; the membership at present is thirty. A. J. Tiger, class-leader; William Pugh, steward; AVilliam Pugh, Mary J. George, A. J. Tiger, E. Chidester, David Chidester, S. Sandridge are the trustees; A. J. Tiger, superintendent of school; ^ the average attendance is fifty. fl

Willow Grove 31 E Church. - This society has been organized for many years, and for some time met in Prosperity Hall, Emmet township. This congregation now occupies Willow Grov^e United

Brethren Church on section 1 of Hire township, meeting every alternate Sunday. The membership at present is thirty, and the contribution per year $250. At present Rev. G. B. Snedaker and W. B. Alexander are pastors. Mrs. Emily Wilson, steward; S. B. Davis, class-leader. Sunday-school in union with the United Brethren, with an average attendance of twenty -live.

New Hope M. JE. Church. - The organization of this church was effected in 18G6, and in the following year the present church structure was erected. It is a good frame, thirty-two by forty-five feet, and cost $1,600. The membership at that time w\as near seventy, at present but forty. Rev. James AIcElroy was the first pastor, the present is Rev. T. Head. The annual contribution is about $700. The Trustees are James C. Archer, George Barclay, James Depoy, and J. K. ^. Horrell. Thomas Ilanthorn is Class Leader and Superintendent of Sunday School, which has an average attendance of fifty-eight; contribution, $4.00 per quarter. The building is on the northeast quarter of section lour. Bethel township. In this neighborhood, about forty years ago. Bethel M. E. Church was organized, and about the year 1845, a buihling was erected on the southeast quarter of section seven. This house was burned in 1863, being set on fire b}^ an incendiary.

Centennial 31. E. Church. - The church edifice is located on the northwest quarter of section thirty-six, New Salem township, and was erected in 1871 at a cost of $1,850. It is thirty by forty feet, and a good, substantial, frame building. It was dedicated July 2, 1876, Rev. William Rutledge preaching the sermon. The congregation was organized in 1871 by the Rev. C. Atherton. Met for five years in school house. Solomon Ritter Class Leader; Robert JeflVey Steward. The following have officiated as pastors : Rev. C. Atherton, T. J. Pearson, T. M. Durham, F. R. Boggess and J. S. Budd. Joseph Porter is the Superintendent of the Sunday School.

Greemoood 31. E. Church. - Previous to the erection of a church building, the class had met in the various school houses in the neighborhood for several years, but was finally disbanded. In August, 1873, the class was reorganized, then numbering eight members; at present they have forty-eight. They proceeded to build, and on Sunday, Dec. 19, 1875, they dedicated their church edifice ; the sermon was preached by President Evans, of lledding. It is situated on section two, Macomb township; it is 36x46, and u - 35 cost $2,000. The following have served as pastors : Rev. Ferguson J. Mathews, Rev. Taylor. The Trustees are : David Chide**- ter, H. II. McElvain, Abraham Switzer, L. II. Shriner, A. C. Ford, J. Bricker and Geo. Beaver; Class Leader, A. Switzer; H. II. McElvain, Steward. Average attendance in Sunday School, one hundred.

Adair 31. E. Church. - This society was organized in 1875, and the same year the present church structure was erected and dedicated in October. It was built by general contribution, of all denominations, at a cost of $2,000. It is a good, neat, frame edifice. The original members were Washington Williams, Lafayette Williams, Jacob Ready, Mrs. Wm. Lance, Josephine Porter and Martha Epperson. The present membership is ten. Rev. J. E. Taylor the first and present pastor. Trustees: W. Williams, L. Williams, J. Ready, Stephen Blackston, and Thornton Randolph; Steward, Jacob Ready ; Class Leader, L. Williams. Annual contribution, $350. Joseph E. Porter, Superintendent of Sabbath School. Average attendance, forty.

Second Church., Macomb, (colored) - This society was organized in September, 1876, by Rev. Jacob, of Galesburg, w4th the following members: Alexander Garner, Mrs. Shoots, Miss Rachel Anderson, Miss Walker and Milton Daniels. For some time meetings were held in the old Baptist Church on IsTorth Lafayette street, but now a hall on the south side of the square is nsed for worship. The present membership is about fifteen. M. Daniels, Steward; Allen Cooper, Class Leader. An average attendance in Sunday School of twenty.