McDonough County, Illinois - Religiou S - C 0 N T I N U E D Presbyterians, 1878

Religiou S - C 0 N T I N U E D Presbyterians

A sutlicient number of former members of this body having settled in the neighborhood of Macomb in the early part of the 3'ear 1832, it was determined to ett'ect an organization, and the Rev. "William J. Frazer, of Morgan county, was invited here for that purpose. On the ninth of June, in that year, he organized the lirst Presbyterian Church in the county, in the old log court house, situated near the northeast corner of the square, on the site of the present Union National Bank. Mr. Frazer continued to labor for the congregation for some years, preaching frequently in various parts of the county. His death occurred in 1875, in Peoria county, Illinois.

Although not an aggressive body, the Presbyterians in this county have continued steadily to increase in numbers and influence until they now number eight hundred and ninety communicants, and have organizations in nearly every town, and several large ones in the country. Among the most prominent ministers who have served as pastors and "supplies," we recall the names of Revs. William Iv. Stewart, James Chase, Ralph Harris, I. Pillsbury, Joseph Warren, D. D., and J. H. Xesbitt. Mr. Stewart was among the pioneer preachers of the county, and did much to here establish the cause. In this work he was ablv assisted by Rev. James Chase, a well known and well educated minister of the denomination.

Macomb. - The Presbyterian Church of Macomb was the first of this body, and was organized June 9, 1832, two years after the county seat was located at Macomb, then a wild prairie.

As evidence that the hardships of the wilderness did not bleach the "true blue" Presbyterians, it is said that Rev. Romulus Barnes, then presiding at Lewistown, proposed to assist in the organization, but some objected because they feared he was not sound in the faith ; and so they sent to Morgan county for Rev. AVilliam J. Frazer. Here, no doubt, is the first step which resulted afterward in the church becoming Old School.

The organization took place in the old log court house that stood near the northeast corner of the square. The following are the names of the original members, five men and nine women : Thomas Grant and Jane, his wife ; Alex Harris and Margaret, his wife; Alex. Campbell and wife ; John Harris and Jane, his wife, afterwards Provine, and now the widow of the late John Clark ; Mrs. Patsey ISTaylor, Thomas Pickett, Elizabeth M. Anderson, Miss Ruth Wilson, Miss Jane Campbell and Miss Mahala Campbell, afterward Mrs. Quintus Walker. The Elders chosen were: Alex, and John Harris, Thomas Grant and Alex. Campbell. This church at first included the fields now occupied by the prosperous churches of Camp Creek, Bardolph, Ebenezer and Good Hope, all of which are from six to eight miles distant.

Services were held in the log court house until 1884, when the first brick court house was erected in the center of the square. This was used until a church building was erected, which was in 1835, or 1836, and on the site of the present edifice, E. Carroll street. This was a brick building, which in a few years had become so small that it was removed and a frame building erected, which was first occupied January 10, 1853, at three o'clock P. M. In 1867, this house was enlarged and remodelled at a cost of $700, and in 1870 the entire structure was rebuilt and enlarged to its present dimensions, at a cost of $4,458. The building is a frame, built in Gothic style, with two spires, one on either of the front corners ; it is entered by a vestibule, in the center of the front end. A very good bell, weighing nine hundred pounds, hangs in the main spire, which rises from the southwest corner. The audience room is neat and commodious, well furnished and tastefully fres- coed, and is capable of seating about four hundred persons. The value of the church structure is $8,000, and the value of the parsonage, which is located on East Jackson street, about $1,600.

For want of documents we can only give statistics since 1865, or for about one-fourth of the church's existence. The membership in 1866 was 200. Since, 175 have united on profession and 120 by certificate. Removals and deaths leave the present membership 300, Adults baptized, 41 ; infants, 80. Contributions as follows: Home missions, §746; foreign missions, $715 ; educating ministers, $526 ; publishing and colporter work, $185 ; building churches, $370 ; disabled ministers and their families, $180; Freedman's mission, $82; sustaining permanent pastorates, $54; commissions to Assembly, $163. Congregational work - pastor's salary, sexton, repairs, etc., $20,052. Miscellaneous - American Bible society, Sabbath School union, public charities, etc., $1,629. Total, $24,703, or an average of $2,245.73 per year. The membership of the Sabbath School is 250, J. H. Cummings ^Superintendent. About a year after the organization, Eev. W. J. Frazcr became stated supply for this and other points in the county until 1836, when Rev. William K. Stewart, of Vandalia, Illinos, was called as pastor. Mr. Frazer, and some of the people not satisfied with this move, attempted to get up a rival organization, but after a year or so, the effort failed.

Mr. Stewart remained as pastor until his death, which occurred on the nineteenth day of April, 1852; aged fifty-two years. lie was a man of noble worth ; an able minister of the gospel; a devout Christian, and a valuable citizen. During the last year or two of Mr. Stewart's ministry, and owing to failing health, he was assisted by Rev. Ralph Harris, a professor in McDonough college, who, after the death of Mr. Stewart, became stated supply, and September 17, 1853, was elected pastor, at a salary of ^500 per year. He resigned the pastorate January 20, 1855. Rev. Ithamar Pillsbury, President of McDonough College, was elected stated supply March 7, 1855, and February 23, 1856, he was elected pastor, at a salary of $700 a year. April 10, 1859, he resigned the pastorate, but acceeded to the request of the Session May 2, to remain as stated supply till the election of a successor, which took place January 25, 1860, when Robert F. Taylor was elected as stated supply for one year.

Time would fail to tell the eminent services of this devoted soldier of the cross. He was intrusted with many important responsibilities ; he took the lead and bore the burden in the establishment of the colony of which Andover is the commercial center, and in every enterprise he acquitted Mmself as worthy of the most sacred trust; but as a Minister of the Gospel, in unfurling the banner of truth in these, then western wilds, he had no superior. His ministrations in Macomb were sealed with the richest tokens of divine favor,

Mr. Taylor, failing in health, resigned before the close of the year. In 1862 he went as Chaplain of the Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry. In January, 1861, Rev. Joseph Warren, D. D., was elected stated supply on a salary of $800. Mr. "Warren had returned from the Foreign Mission work in India. Rev. John H. Woods was|engaged as stated supply JSTovember 5, 1862. October 29, 1863, Mr. Nesbitt was chosen stated supply. He commenced his labors about the first of February, 1864, but was soon elected pastor at a salary of $800, and installed May 28th. April 11th, 1868, his salary was fixed at $1,000 per year and a parsonage.

Rev. Peter Hathaway K. McComb, of Bloomtield, Fenn., was chosen pastor February 28, 1870. Salary, $1,000. He resigned May 11, 1873, and on the eighteenth of May, Dr. J. Jamieson, by the direction of the Presbytery, preached and declared the pulpit vacant. June 1, 8 and 15, 1873, Rev. J. Moore, of Canton, Illinois, the present pastor, occupied the pulpit for the first time. June 16 he was chosen stated supply, and October 2, 1874, was chosen pastor. Salary $1,000 and use of parsonage. October 1, 1875, the congregation adopted the "Term Eldership," and the session is as follows: Pastor, J, Moore; Elders, A. Blackburn, W. E, Withrow, Dr. V. McDavitt, William Hunter, J. II. Cummiugs and II. L. Ross ; Deacons, J. II. Cummings, William Hunter, O, F, Piper, Dr. B. I. Dunn, II. R. Bartleson and R. L. Cochrane ; Trustees (elected for five years), J. II. Cummings, John McElrath and 0. F. Piper. i«|

Ca^np Creek. - This Church is located on section twentj'-seven of Scotland township. The society was organized by Rev. W. K. Stewart and Rev. Samuel Wilson, on the twenty-fifth day of May, 1839, in Joseph McCrosky's barn, on Camp Creek, There

The first services held by the Presbyterians were in 1832, and were held in school houses, log cabins, barns, or in the open air. In 1843 Rev. J. M. Iloge was called as the first pastor. During this year Sanders W. Campbell, John C. Clark and Alexander Provine were elected the first Ruling Elders, and also a Church building 30x35 feet was erected on ground given by Joseph Mc- Crosky.

In 1857 the Church resolved to elect Deacons instead of Trustees. Robert McIS'air, Alexander McLay and James C. Watson were elected to that office, since which time the following named gentlemen have served in that capacity : James Watson, A. Walker, James Walker, William McMullan, J. A. Provine, Duncan McMillan, Grier McGoughy, Jonas Ringer, Joseph Simpson, Thomas Watson, T. J. Walker and James Bennie. In 1857 a parsonage was built at a cost of §1,200. In 1861 the present Church structure was erected at a cost of §1,800. Its size is 36x 48 feet. The old house was sold for $40.

The following gentlemen have served as Elders since 1852: David R. Morris, George W. Provine, Cyrus Walker, J. Sullivan, Alexander McMullen, Robert McNair, William McMillan, John Barclay and Joseph Simpson.

The following ministers have supplied the pulpit : J. M. Hoge, James Chase, William K. Stewart, William F. Ferguson, J. C. King, James Cameron, John Steel, C.Leavenworth, Joseph Piatt, J. G. Bliss, John Giffin, W. II. Goodeson, P. W. Thompson and J. G. Condit, the present occupant.

Shiloh. - Shiloh Presbj'terian Church was organized at the residence of Alexander Campbell, on section sixteen of Walnut Grove township, in 1839, and by Rev. James Chase, with twentythree members. For several years meetings were held alternately at the residences of J. G. Walker and Alexander Campbell. In 1852 a large school house, twenty-two by thirty-two, was erected on section eight of Walnut Grove township, which has since been used for church purposes. When the township was redistricted into school districts, two miles square, the congregation purchased the building. The reason given for no church building ever being erected is, that the membership was so scattered that no point convenieut for all could be selected. Members were living in Macomb township, as far north as the county line, and east and west several miles. At one time the church was prosperous and had a large and interested membership, but when towns sprang up here and there in the surrounding country and new congregations organized, the members residing near of course left Shiloh and united with the new church nearer home. When the Bushnell Church was organized, the members living east and near the town united there ; when Bardolph was started those living south left Shiloh and united there ; and when Good Hope Churcli was organized but few remained in Shiloh Church, the present membership being but eight or ten. The building is worth about ^250. The first elders were Alexander Harris, J. G. Walker and Alexander Campbell. The first preachers were James Chase, Isaac B. Moore, David Monfort, P. W. Thompson and Joseph Piatt. Present officers are Quintus Walker and Robert Pollock. Sunday school attendance about thirty-five.

Prairie City. - This church was organized September 19, 1841, with the following twelve members : George Kreider, Barbara Kreider, Celinda Woods, James Jackson, Phebe Woods, James Reed, Samuel Mourning, Katharine Mourning, Thomas Boyd, Eleanor Boyd, Mary Moore and Sophronia Schofield. George Kreider was chosen Elder, and Samuel Mourning Deacon. The congregation met for several years at the residence of George Kreider, five miles northeast of Prairie City, and was known as the Pleasant Prairie Church. Rev. William Frazer and Robert Dobbins preached occasionally for ten years. The church was reorganized October 25, 1851, when Peter Bennett and J. D. Belville were chosen Elders. In 1854, P. W. Thompson was chosen the first stated supply. The following year subscription to the amount of |1,115, was "raised toward building a church at Virgil, to where the. church was moved this year, holding meetings in a school house about three and a half miles east of Prairie City. In 1856, Rev, P. W. Thompson was installed as pastor, he being the first regular pastor the congregation ever employed. At this time the new town of Prairie City was attracting great attention, and it was thought best to move the church there, which was accordingly done, and a good frame church building erected and dedicated November 13, 1856. The cost of this building was about $2,800, and its size about forty feet square. In 1868 it was repaired and enlarged at a cost of 31,500, and now the congregation have a neat church edifice, forty feet wide by sixty long, with a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty. A finely proportioned spire rises from the center of the front, and contains a four hundred and forty-three pound bell. Its present value is $3,000. It stands on the corner of Clay and Columbia streets. The present membership is one hundred and seventeen. The average annual contributien, |900.

The following have served as pastors: Revs. P. W. Thompson, John S. Robertson and John D. IIowe3\ The present officers are : Elders, M. Lichtentlialer, M. K. Sweeney and J. II. Wilson. Deacons, Thomas Campbell and John E. Dunham. Trustees, Thomas Wilson, Thomas Leard and II. W. Kreider.

By request, Schuyler Presbytery appointed Rev. William K. Stewart, James M. Chase and Elder Briscoe, a committee to visit Doddsville, and if the way was clear, to organize a church. Accordingly, these brethren visited Doddsville, held services in the house of Andrew Walker, in said village, on the twenty-ninth day of July, 1843, and proceeded to organize a church ot seventeen members. The names of the original members are as follows : Andrew Walker, Ann Walker, his wife, Charles W. Walker, Rachel Walker, John M. Clark and Mirah Clark, his wife, Margaret Ilodge, Rebecca Clugston, Isabella Clugston, Jane Clugston, Hettie McCoy, John Scott and Rachel Scott, his wife, Sarah Black, Maria Black, Thomas Shannon and Elizabeth Shannon, his wife. Andrew Walker was elected Ruling Elder. The next da}'. Sabbath, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered, and the church established. Of the original members, eleven were from near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, four from near Urbana, Ohio, and two from Virginia. Five are still living, viz.: Charles W. Walker, Margaret Iloge, Jane Clugston and Maria Beaver, formally Black. The first four still belong to the church at Doddsville, having been members a period of over thirty-three years. The last named is a member of the Presbj'terian Church at Plymouth, Illinois. On the seventeenth of September, about seven weeks after the organization, Andrew AYalker, elder, was called to his long rest. The following named ministers have served as supplies to the church : Revs. John Iloge, James M. Chase, John Marshall, Cyrus B. Bristow, Joseph H. Marshall,

James T. Bliss, Geo. A. Hutchison, Heury C. Mullen, i'reston W. Thompson, and now, the Eev. 11. C. Mullens. The Rev. Mr. Davis, a missionarv of the Xew School branch of the church, also preached a short time. These were all staled supplies except liev. Joseph H. Marshall, who was a regularly installed pastor. Of these ministers all are -now living, as far as we know, except the Rev. James M. Chase, and John Marshall. The following persons were elected and served in the eldership : Andrew Walker, John M. Clark, John G. McGoughy, David R. llindman, James McDavett, Elijah Hindman, John McMillan, HughL. McGoughy, Thomas Conner, Thomas McCoy, Henry Black, William Pollock and John Colleasure. Five of those serving have departed this life, namely : Andrew Walker, John M. Clark, Hugh F. McGoughy, Elijah Hindman and John Colleasure. James Colleasure was elected, and would have accepted, but died before ordination. The following named persons were elected and served aa Deacons of the Church : George Bair, William 11. Black, Samuel C. Hoge, John 11. McGrath and James Colleasure, all living except John Colleasure. George Bair, Samuel C. Hoge, John H. McGrath and William S. McLain, constitute the present Board of Trustees. The old church just vacated was built in 1851, as far as inclosing was concerned, when it was taken posession of, but was not completed until the summer of 1855, four years after, consequently it was never dedicated a house of worship. It cost about §900. The first revival was in February and March of 1858, under the ministry of Rev. John Marshall, when twentyeight members were received - twenty-two on profession and six on certificate. The second was under the ministry of the Rev. James T. Bliss in Januarj-, 1867, when eleven members were received - nine on profession and two on certificates. The third was under the ministry of Rev. George A. Hutchinson, December, 1867, when eleven members were received on examination. The fourth was under the ministry of the Rev. 11. C. Mullens, in union with the Rev. Mr, Garner, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, when six members were received on profession of their faith. This was in March, 1873. The fifth was in October, 1874. The meeting was under the direction of the Rev. J^eil Johnston, an Evangelist, ,when God was pleased to pour out his spirit most copiously, thirty-five being received to membership on the profession of their faith in Christ. The church was organized with seventeen original members. At the close of the Rev. John

Marshall's ministry, the number was seventy ; rim down again by deaths and removals until only forty-six actual members remained. After the revival of 1874 there were reported eighty members to the Presbytery, which was the highest number the Church ever attained - seventy being the present membership. As near as can be ascertained, about two hundred is the full number of memberships ever belonging to the Church since the organization. Thirty-three years have come and gone since the organization of the Church, and one quarter of a century has passed since worship was iirst held in the old church building. Many who were then with us have passed away, and, we trust, have entered into their rest. Within its sacred walls songs of praise were heard, earnest prayer and supplication was ofl'ered, the gospel most faithfully preached by many of God's ministering servants, the Sabbath School teacher sowing the good seed of the word, and sinners inquiring "What must we do to be saved?" and as God said that he would not let his mercy depart from Solomon, neither did he let it depart from us. For all of which we would give thanks to the great head of the Church ; and, as we enter and take possession of our new and better edifice, yet, in looking back, our memories would still linger with atfection around the old Church building as we say farewell.

BuskneU. - At an early date (probably 1856) a Presbyterian Church was organized in Bushnell, in connection with the Presbytery of Schuyler, but in two or three years was dissolved, the members generally uniting with the Reformed Church. At the spring meeting of the Presbytery of Warren, held at Monmouth, 111., in 1868, a petition was presented asking for the organization of a Presbyterian Church in Bushnell. This petition was signed b}-- about thirty persons, the greater number of whom were members of the Reformed Church. The committee appointed by this Presbytery, after visiting the field, decided to organize a church, which was done April 25, 1868. Twenty-one persons presented a certificate, in a body, from the Reformed Church of Bushnell, and seven from other Presbyterian churches, or a total of twenty-five members, which were the following : John W. Adams, Mrs. Minerva F.Adams, Robert A. Adams, Mrs. Caroline Adams, Mrs. Carrie Anderson, Daniel H. Bodiue, Mrs. Harriet S. Bodine, Mrs. Maria C. Hessler, A. 11. McGahan, Mrs. Alice W. McGahan, Mrs. Eliza A. McGahan, Mrs. Lydia Moore, Joseph Neff, Mrs. Mary Neff,

Mrs. Jennie Odell, Robert Rea, Mrs. Ilannali Rea, Frank Sample, R. M. Scott, Mrs. A. K. Scott, Mrs. E. A. Seiber, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Sperry, William Tied rick, Mrs. Caroline Tiedrick, Henry S. Wells and Mrs. Francis Wells. The total membership April 1, 1876, was 110. In eight years sixty-seven members were received "on profession" of faith, sixty-eight "by letter" from other churches, forty were dismissed to other churches, and twelve died. The pulpit was occasionally supplied with preachers the first year until August, when Rev. R. T. McMahan became stated supply, remaining with the congregation two years. April 1, 1871, Rev. M. Bigger, of Hamilton, III., took charge of the church as stated supply. In May, 1872, he was installed as pastor, in which relation he continued until his sudden death, by heart disease, December 21, 1872. The present pastor, Rev. T. Stephenson, commenced his labors for this church, April, 1873. During the first eight years the church had contributed for congregational purposes between 115,000 and |16,000. The church property cost iu the neighborhood of 17,000, and is generally regarded as the neatest church in Bushnell; it was erected under the superintendency of F. A. Cooley- The plastering was done by Shafer & Kuhn ; the painting by Adams, Barrett & Travis; the frescoing by Jevin & Almini, of Chicago, and the stained glass windows by Geo. A. Misch & Bro. ot the same city. The Board of Ruling Elders, usually denominated the "Session," elected at the organization of the church was composed of the following persons ; Robert A. Adams, Robert Rea, Robert M. Scott and A. II. McGahan ; the latter was chosen clerk. The present session is composed of R. A. Adams, Wm. A. Pasey, J. C. Cadwalader, R. W. Wheeler and A. H. Mc- Gahan. The church retains the lite service plan of the eldership adding to the session from time to time, as deemed necessary. On the eighteenth of Ma-y, 1873, the following persons were elected Deacons : R. W. Wheeler, D. A. McDonald, William Tiedrick and F. M. Duel. Mr. Wheeler was afterwards released from serving as deacon, on his election to the eldership, and R. W. Fowler was added. The first Board ot Trustees consisted of R. M. Scott, Joseph Neff and A. H. McGahan. This board was re-elected in 1871, and in 1876 the following Trustees were elected: John C. Cadwalader, D. A. McDonald and A. II. McGahan. The Sabbath school was organized soon after the dedication of the church building, which was in 1869. A. II. McGahan was chosen superintendent, and has been re-elected each year since. The school has a library- of over three hundred volumes ; Harvey J. Wells, Librarian. The actual expense for conducting the school has varied from jSfty to one hundred dollars per year.

Good Hope. - At the fall meeting, in 1868, of the Presbytery of j Warren, a committee was appointed, consisting of Rev. K. C. ! Mathews, D. D., Rev. R.T. McMahan, and Ruling Elder, M. Lich- I enthale, to visit Good Hope and organize a church, if the way be clear. Accordingly, said committee, except the elder, met at Good Hope, January 30th, 1869, and after a sermon by Rev. McMahan, the chairman stated the object of the meeting. After consultation the committee proceeded to organize the church. There were received as follows, from the Shiloh Presbyterian Church : James A. McClelland, Mary C. McClelland, Warren S. Bruce, James M. Hummer, Helen Ann Hummer, David Campbell, Mrs. Winniford Campbell, Ebenezer Campbell and Mrs. E. Duel. From the church at Macomb were the following : Joseph Rollins, Mrs. Harriet Rollins, Mrs. Jane M. Painter, Miss I. Ella Rollins, Aaron Bennett and Mrs. Rosella Bennett. From the (/umberland Presbyterian Church at Walnut Grove : Mrs. Rebecca Brawdy, Miss Catherine Brawdy and Mrs. Matilda Morris. J. A. McClelland and Aaron Bennett were elected Ruling Elders, Joseph Rollins and J. M. Hummer, Deacons ;F. Cruzer, Clerk and Treasurer, in the fall of 1869 he was elected Ruling Elder, but was not installed. Rev. Thomas M. Hench was the first stated supply, and was subsequently chosen pastor, but was not installed. He was succeeded by Rev. A. F. Ashley, who supplied the Church about two years, commencing in 1870. In December, 1873, Rev. I. T. Whittcmore, the present pastor, took charge of the Church, and in October, 1874, was installed pastor. The membership at the ors^anization consisted of nineteen members - twelve males and seven females. There were received from the time of organization to January, 1874, twenty-seven - making a total of forty-six. There had been dismissed, seven ; removed by death, one. There had been added since (nearly all upon profession of faith) eightyone, and lost by dismission, six; and by death, five, leaving the present membership one hundred and eight. The following are the present officers ruling: Elders, David Campbell, John Cochrane and Aaron Bennett. Deacons, J. A. Brown, Cyrus Elliott and John Morninger. The system of ; Rotary Eldership was adopted in December, 1875. The Church edifice was erected in 1869. It is located on block one, lot six. It is a good frame structure, forty feet by sixty, and costing about $4,000. It has a seating capacity of three hunded. The average attendance of the Sunday School is seventy; Cyrus Elliott, Superintendent j Charles Bruce, Secretary. S

Ebenezer. - This society was formed by a portion of Camp Creek Church, in 1861, and the same year a good frame church edifice was erected at a cost of $2,000. Tts size is thirty-six feet by fifty-six. In 1866 a parsonage was built which cost $1,500. Both church and parsonage are located on the northwest corner of section thirty-two, Scotland township. There were forty-four members present at the organization. ISTow the membership is about one hundred. George W. Provine, John Clark, J. Sullivan and Robert McXair were chosen elders. The deacons elected were James Walker, James Clark and J. A. Provine, and Rev. J. M. Chase was chosen pastor. In 1865 J. T. Bliss was called to the pastorate, and in 1868 Rev. H. C. Mullens, the present pastor, was called. Simon Smith and James Clark were elected elders in 1869.

Cumberland Presbyterian

Notwithstanding it was among the first to organize in this county, this denomination has never made any material progress here in building up their cause, even in one instance failing to sustain what they had already gained. At Macomb a very flourishing congregation once existed, having a neat and commodioua house of worship. The building has been sold and the congregation disbanded. Revs. Cyrus Haines, T. R. Roach and Wm. C. McKamy were among the most noted ministers of the denomination who have labored here. The number of communicants in the county are now about three hundred and thirty-two. The first church organized was the

Bersheba, or Argyle. - The Bersheba congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was organized January 19th, 18S4, by Rev. P. C. Jewel. The organization took place at the residence of John McCord, in the southwestern part of Emmet township. The original membership was nine. John McCord and E. Burant were the first Ruling Elders. William McCord was appointed Clerk of the Session. This church held its first meet, ing near the residence of John McCord, in 1838, and was conducted by Rev. Peter Downey, Cyrus llaynes, John Crawford and William McKamy. The church remained at the place of organization until 1854, when it moved to Argyle Church, in the south- eastern part of Hire township. For a while, this church house was held jointly by the Baptists and Cumberland Presbyterians. In the spring of 1855 the first Sabbath School was organized, and superintended by G. A\\ Welch. For twenty years after the house was erected. Rev. J. AV. Stapp had charge of the church the greater portion of time. The present membership is sixty. Kev. David llogan took charge of the congregation April 1st, 1875. In the spring of 1876 a parsonage was built near the church house, and is held as the property of the C. P. Church at this place. It cost $600. The cost of the church is $1,500. The Elders of the church at present are : T. J. Caldwell, Allen Murray, A. G. McCord and G. AV. Stapp. The Deacons are E. A. Welch and J. T. Murray. The average attendance at the Sabbath School is sixty; F. F. Myer, Superintendent.

Sugai' Creek. - Meetings of this congregation were held in the Foster neighborhood as early as 1836. In that year, at the residence of A. J. Foster, the Rev. William C. McKamy was ordained a minister of the gospel, being the first minister ordained in the county. Meetings were held off and on in groves, dwellings and school houses until 1865 or "66, when the present church structure was erected. It is a good frame, about thirty-six by forty-eight feet, and cost $3,000. It stands on section two of Fldorado township. The present membership is about seventyfive. Contributions per year, $450. The Elders are William D. Foster and Samuel J. Foster. Rev. William S. Campbell, pastor. John T. Foster, Superintendent of Sunday school. Attendance, fift}-. Contributions, fifty cents per Sunday.

Good Hope. - This was formerly known as AValnut Grove Church and was organized April 28, 1838, by Rev. Peter Downey, Cyru8 Ilaynes, and Elder John McCord, who constituted the committee of Rushville Presbytery appointed for that purpose. The original members were Cyrus Ilaynes, Mahala Ilaynes, A. II. Berry, M. M. Berry, Michael Vincent, Levi Hamilton, Malinda Hamilton, Mary Stapp, J. B. Stapp, Mary Creel, Charles Creel and Parthena Creel. For about twenty years its ministers served as stated supplies. Prominent among these were Rev. Cyrus Ilaynes, Peter Downey, Rev. Weir, William S. Campbell, E. Kuowles, T. K. Roach and J. W. Stapp. In 1859, Rev. J. W. Carter was installed pastor, and served for nine years. Following him were T. S. Mc- Clure, Rev. Richardson, J. H. Morgan, and the present pastor, J.

D. -b'oster. There has been two church buihlings erected. The lirst was destroyed by fire, and supposed to be the work of an incendiary. Another structure was erected on the same site, at Walnut Grove, two miles and a half southeast of Good Hope. This building was removed to Good Hope and remodeled. The present membership is 100. The value of church property is $3,500. The first Elders were Michael Vincent, Levi Hamilton and J. S. Campbell. Present officers are L. Hamilton, J. S. Campbell, Silas Creel, Henry Baker, A. Allison, JI. A. Allison, ^Y. T. Brooking, Mr. Hamilton, C. H. Creel and John Edmonston. H. A. Allison Superintendent of Sunday School. Average attendance is eighty.

Industry. - This congregation was organized at the house of Thomas Adkisson, Xovember 3, 1843, with the following members : Xathan Compton, Sarah Compton, John Compton, Sarah Adkisson, "William C. McKamy, Mrs. O. H. McKamy, Jane P. McKamy, Elizabeth McKamy, John McKamy, Margaret Campbell, Tom. Pollock, Elizabeth Osborn, A. J. Osborn, Stephen Cockerham, Rachel Cockerham, Martha Bridges, Walter Mean, Joseph Peck, Martha M. Berry and A. H. Berry. Xathan Campbell was elected Elder. The congregation was first named Grindstone. Shortly after the organization, meetings were held in S. Cockerham's house. After this the camp grounds were used, which were on the farm now owned by Washington Vail. In 1845 a Union Church house was erected, which, at present, stands unoccupied one mile and a half east of Industry. This building was used until the one occupied at present was erected. The congregation is not now in a very prosperous condition. The membership is forty-two; value of church, $2,500. They have no Sunday School. Rev. Wm. C. McKany preaches occasionally. J. H. Berry was the first supply. Several very successful meetings were held in the early existence of this church. One shortly after its organization, w^hen seventeen professed religion. Another commencing August 18, 1844, when twenty-six united with them.

West Prairie. - This congregation was originally organized at "Sixteen" school house, where meetings were held until the erection of the church. Meetings w^ere also held in the school house of district number three, Eldorado township, by another little band. At the close of the rebelion, Rev. Jumes Russell, who had served as a chaplain in the army, was employed by these and

Other cougregations, and by his earnest labor he united the two, and urged the building of a church editice, which was done in 1867, at a cost of $3,300. The building is a neat frame about thirty-three feet by lifty. It is located upon the southwest corner ot section nine, Eldorado township. Rev. James Ivussell was the first pastor, Kev. McClellan followed, and at present, Rev. James Morgan has pastoral charge. Pastor's salary for one-half of his time, $400. The church has been rather prosperous, and now has a membership of fifty-five. The elders are, Samuel Wilcoxen, Thomas Moore, William McFadden and William M. Hammock. Deacons : Henry Hushaw and John Burson. Trustees : Samuel Wilcoxen, Isaac Chandler and Thomas Moore. The Sunday school, under the superintcndency of Maxwell Kennedy, is one of the best in the county. The average attendance is sixty.

This branch of the Church of Christ has never succeeded in any special degree in this county, there being two congregations organized, one at Prairie City and the other al Macomb. In both places neat and commodious houses of worship have been erected, and every advantage would seem to be enjoyed by them, but prosperity does not seem to attend them in the way of membership, the entire number in the two churches being only one hundred and fifteen. The first congregation organized was that of I Frairie City - The First Congregational Church of Prairie City I was organized at Virgil, Fulton county, October 1, 1842. The ! Rev. Levi Spencer, who was laboring at Canton, had held a series of meetings at this place, and his conversions formed a nucleus out of which this congregation was organized, and consisted of , the following eleven members : Ezra D. Smith, Cyntha Smith, A. G. Andrews, Frederick R. Andrews, George S. Smith, Alraon Tainter, Levi Curtis, Nancy Smith, Sarah Schofield, Laura Gorham and Chloe Andrews. This church was dependant on the Home Missionary Society until JSTovember 15, 1845 ; then for ten years it received aid from the Knox Presbytery. After that, and until 1868, aid came from the Home Missionary Society. The church was removed to Prairie City, October 9, 1858, and those called to labor with the church since, as pastor, were Revs. Samuel Dilley, B. F. Worrell, A. Y. Drake, L. Jones and H. B. Swift. Initiatory steps were taken October 6, 1860, toward erecting a

Macomb. - The first Congregationalist Church of Macomb was organized in 1858, the following being the original members: L. Clisby and family, J. Trull aud family, J. P. McCandless and family, James Anderson and family, Dr. Chase, Thomas Gilmore and wife. Hector McLean and family, Reid and family, and Mrs. S. Beardsley. From 1863 to 1867 no regular pastor was employed, and no religious advancement was made. In 1867 the Rev. (Jr. L. Granger was called as pastor, aud spent two years, when the Rev. Lemuel Jones was called to the pastorate. Rev. Z. K. Ilawley was the first pastor. In 1872 and 1873, the congregation erected a neat church edifice on Carroll street, east of Randolph street, at a cost of $6,500. The present membership is eighty. The average annual contribution is about $1,000. The salary of the pastor, $900. There are seventy-five scholars enrolled in the Sunday School, with an average attendance of tifty-tive scholars, and a contribution of fifty-five cents per Sunday.

Although this denomination was the first to hold service in this county, and occupied the field alone for some time, its congregations are none of them very old. AV^liether the first organizations ceased to exist, or were merged in others, we are unable to determine. As a denominatiou they have been growing rapidly in numbers during the past ten or fifteen years. They now number ten congregations and seven hundred and forty-six members in the county. Following will b^ found short sketches of each congregation :

Ilillshorough. - This congregation was organized in 1849, and in the year following a good frame house of worship was erected, at a cost of $2,000. It is located on the southeast quarter of section 18, Blandinsville township. The house at present is in good repair. The membership is one hundred and thirteen. The fol- lowing persons have servod us pastors : Elder J. G. Ward, William Forrest, John liay and the present pastor, P]ldor William llobbs, who came among this people in 1868,

Macomh. - The First Baptist Church of Macomb was organized in 1827, bj llev. D. D.Gregory. The congregation purchased the Macomb Female Seminary building on north Lafayette street, now occupied by the Second Baptist Church, and continued to worship there until their new church edifice was erected, which was in 1869. It is on Carroll street west of Lafayette street, and is the largest and most expensive church structure in the county. The architectural design of the building is rather imposing, of good proportion and pleasing to the eye; a very tall steeple, one hundred and thirty-two feet high, rises from the center of thebuilding, over the front and main entrance, it is beautifully designed and proportioned. The present value of the structure is $11,000, although it cost the congregation several thousand dollars more to erect it ; real estate, material and labor were much higher then than at present. The following are the names of the original members : B. D. Gregory, J. Pennington, T. Axford, J. W. Blount, M. T. Winslow, Mrs. Rice, Mrs. McCabe and Mrs. Summers. The congregation has grown gradually until the membership at present numbers one hundred and seventy-two, with an average contribution of $2,000 per year. The following are the names of the various pastors since the organization : Kev. L. M. Whitman, J. O. Metcalt, C. W. Palmer, J. L. Benedict, C. B. Roberts, and the present pastor, Rev. J. L. M. Young. The salary of the pastor is $1,000 per annum. There are enrolled in the Sunday school about one hundred and twenty-five, with an average contribution of from seventy-five to ninety cents per Sunday.

Frairie City. - The Baptist church of Prairie City was organized November 9, 1856, by Elder E. J. Lockwood, with the following fourteen members : Alonzo Barnes, Martha L. Barnes, Wm. Davis, Susan Davis, Kate Smith, J. B. Robinson and wife: Ann Legg, M. Heminover, Martha Macomb, T. C. Luther, Porter J. Jack, Ruth H. Bell and Rebecca Barnes. Meetings were held in the school house until 1850, when a good frame church edifice was erected, at a cost of $2,000 ; it is 32x48 feet, with a spire containing a fair-sized bell; it is situated on Smith street near Main. The first Deacons chosen were : M. Heminover and Alonzo Barnes. Mr. Barnes was also chosen clerk. The following have served this church as pastors : S. A. Kingsbury, II. S. P. Warren, C. Ilutchins, E. J. Lockwood, Danforth C. A. Ilewett, A. J. Colville, and S. H. D. Vaughn, the present pastor. The present officers are : Deacons, Alonzo Barnes and J. H. Taylor ; Clerk, J. S. Barnes. The present membership is about fifty, and the annual contribution $800. A good Sunday School with an average attendance of seventy-five, is presided over by Alonzo Barnes. The contribution of the school is about $1.00 per Sunday.

Independent. - The church building ot this congregation is located upon section ten of Emmet township, and was erected in 1858 or '59. The organization was originally perfected July 4, 1847, with a membership of eight, and until the erection of the house of worship, met in a school house. Rev. J. Owen was the first pastor, succeeded respectively by the following : Elders Hays, Thomas Camp, W. L. Forrest, Ray, Canfield, Joel Pennington, Parks, Ilobbs and, in 1876, the present pastor, Eider W. L. Lemly, was called. Since the organization of the church 220 persons have taken membership. Of this number, 16 have died, 91 dismissed by letter, and 28 excluded. The present membership is but 42. The value of the church property is $600. Joshua Simmons and James Simmons are Trustees. The latter is also Superintendent of the Sunday school, which has an attendance of about 40.

Cedar Creek. - The church structure is located on section twenty-two of Walnut Grove township. It is a good frame building, 26x46 feet, and was erected in 1872, at a cost of $1,500. Rev. John Thompson, pastor.

Tetmessee. - This church was organized February 8, 1860, by Elders Farris, and Garnett. Held meetings in school house until 1863, when the present church structure was erected, and at a cost of $2,000. It is a good frame building thirty-six feet by fortyfour. The following are the names of the original members: Michael Stookey, Lucinda Stookey, Joseph Wood, Mary Wood, Carolina Samuel, B. Smith, Sarah Smith, John Carroll, Elizabeth Hawker, Thomas Howell, Sarah Howell, G. D. Mourning, Rebecca Mourning, and J. G. Eastwood. The present membership is thirty-five ; a few years ago it numbered one hundred and forty, but two or three churches have been organized through the country by members attending here, and this of course largely diminished the membership. The following are the pastors serving this church respectively: Elders B. J. Garnett, J. D. Ward, W. R.Welch,

Bmhncll. - The Baptist Church of Bushnell was organized March 1, 1862. Elder H. S. P. Warren was moderator of the meeting and John F. Smith, clerk. The original members were : Elder Warren, J. F. Smith, Jonathan (Greene, William 11. Greene, Moses Wilson, William S. Hummell, Augustine Kenyon, Jane Fusin, Esther Adams, Laura J. Warren, Lucy P. Greene. The pastors from that time to the present are the following in order : Rev. H. P. S. Warren, William T. BIy,. Elijah Ross, Wm. T. Ilill, J. J, W. Place, G. P. Guild and Niles Kinney, the present pastor. The church building was erected in 1867, and dedicated in October of the same year. The meetings of the church had previously been held in the German M. E. Church, in Andrews, Hall, and in Smith's Hall. The building is situated on Craffbrd street east of the C, B. & Q. R. R. denot, and is a good frame structure thirty-six feet by forty-four, and is worth $2,700. The growth of the church has been gradual, mostly by members moving in from other places, and in the conversion of the children and friends of its members. The church has had several revivals of religion, but no very extensive work. The present membership is 102; average annual contribution, $850. The present officers are : Clerk, J. R. Kay ; Treasurer, J. L. Griffith ; Trustees, W. L. Shoatf, J. Dixon, W. S. Hummell, H. Fowler and E. B. Hunt; Deacons, W. H. Greene, H. Fowler and J. R. Kay. The average attendance in the Sunday school is eighty-five; the contribution, $60,00 per year. J. R. Kay, superintendent and has been for ten years. Since the organization ten members have

Sciota. - This church was organized in the spring of 1870, at a meeting held in the Christian Church, at which Elder Corfield officiated, and with seven or eight members. Meetings were held in the Christian Church until a church edifice of their own was erected, which was in 187L It is a good, plain church structure, about thirty feet wide by forty long, with a well proportioned spire rising from the centre of the front, which contains a good toned, ordinary sized bell. The building cost $1,950. The present membership is about eightj^, and the contributions about $700 per annum. The first sermon preached by a Baptist minister in Sciota was by Elder Sutton, in the year 1868. The church, after its organization, was very prosperous, and continued so until a short time ago, when, unfortunately, discord and strife arose among its members. The present othcers are : Deacons William Terrine and F. Hollenbeck ; Pastor, Rev. Colvin ; Evan Eogers, Superintendent of Sunday school. Attendance, thirty ; contribution, thirty cents per week.

BlandinsviUe. - The following correct history of the organization of this church we copy from the digest of letters in the minutes of the 37th anniversary of the Salem Baptist Association, held at Macomb : "Rev. S. Pickard, during the month of June, came among us and held a series of meetings, which resulted in our organization. By the blessings of the great head of the Church, saints were revived and sinners made to bow. "We were organized on the twenty-fourth of June, 1870, by Elders Samuel Pickard and Wm. Hobbs, and publicly recognized as the Baptist church of BlandinsviUe by a regular council called for that purpose. "We have commenced the erection of a house of worship, which we expect to complete before winter. Have preaching every alternate Thursday evening, by Elder J. J. "W. Place, and occasionally by Elder Norman Parks, of Raritan, on Sunday." The following were the original twelve members ; J. C. Feigley, Mrs. J. R. Harmon, Edith Porter, Mary A. "Ward, Helen Gruber, Eliza Feigley, Jane Ray, Eleseph Ray, Matilda Seybold, Paulina Logan, Henry Harmon and Isaac H. Bogarth. The church has been prosperous, enjoying four seasons of revival, which brought many into the fold of Christ. At present the membership is ninety-one ; the congregation has agood church edifice on Maple street which is valued at $4,000. Those serving as pastors since its organization, have been : Rev. J. H. Delano, "Wm. Hobbs, G. E. Eldridge and Rev. J. Wood Sanders. The average salary paid pastors has been $550 per year ; the annual contribution is $800. The attendance at Sunday School is sixty ; the annual collection, $40.

Second Church (colored), Macomb. - This congregation was organized by Elder Doling, of Quincy, J. C. Graves, Galesburg, J. W. Harrington, Sciota, and A. Blackburn, Macomb, May 9, 1875. The following were the original members : Andrew Pleasant, Hattie Pleasant, David and Emma Hammond, Winnie Fields, Matilda Mayweather, Wisten Jackson and ISIaria Sanford. The church has had two revivals, at which thirteen were added to the church, making a membership at present of twenty-five. The church building is situated on ]S"orth Lafayette street, and wa& formerly owued by the First Baptist Church, but purchased from them recently, ^400 being the consideration. The annual contribution is about |240. The pastor's salary for one-half his time is $120 per year. There are twenty scholars enrolled in the Sunday School. Rev. William Webster, pastor; J. B. Fields, W. Jackson and William H. Ball, Trustees ; D. Hammond, M. Clay and Wisten Jackson, Deacons ; J. B. Fields, Clerk ; D. Hammond, Treasurer; and Henry Fields, Sexton.

This denomination has never made any special efibrt to evangelize in this county, and therefore do not number very largely, having only one congregation, which is located at Macomb.

Universalist Churchy Macomb. - The first sermon of this denomation ever preached in Macomb was delivered by the Rev. Gardner in 1846. In 1851 a congregation was organized by Rev. I. M. Westfall. The following named persons were among the original members: R. M. Bonham, J. W. Westtall, J. M. Martin, John S. Smith, Orsamus Walker, J. L. N. Hall, William D. Penrose, F. L. Westfall, I). D. Roll, Green C. Lane, H. II. Burr, John Q. Lane, John L. Ileuton, and J. II. Baker. Services were held in the court house until 1855, when the present church structure was erected. It is located on East Jackson street, near the Square, and is a good frame building. Those that have served us pastors for this congregation are: Revs. I. M. Westfall, AVilliam S. Ballon, D. P. Livermore, Carney, William Livingston, John

Reformed Church

Biishnell. - This church was organized October 19, 1850, by a committee consisting of Rev. A. Wilson and S. B. Ayers. The original members were Frederick Cruser, Thomas Plotts and wife, Aaron Sperling and D. M. Wyckoif. The church edifice was erected in 1860 or '61, and dedicated May 1, 1861. It is a good frame building, and is on the corner of Church and Craiiord streets. It is vahied at ^5,000, and the parsonage at $1,600. The first meetings of the society were held in a school house, and afterward in a carpenter shop which was purchased and fitted up as a chapel. The present resident membership is one hundred and four. The first consistory was composed of Elders John Wyckofi, Thomas Plotts and Frederick K. Cruser; Deacons D. M. Wyckoff and Aaron Sperling. The present consistory is composed of the following : Lewis Smick, J. S. Clark, Abram Iloagland and J). M. Wyckoff', Elders; and J. B. Pearson, J. I. Perrine, J. B. Cummings and M. L. Sperry, Deacons. For the past eight years the annual contributions have been $1,665. The Sabbath school is superintended by J. B. Cummings. The average attendance is eighty. There have been but three pastors : Revs. E. P. Livingston, James Wyckoff and the present one, Rev. G. D. W. Bodine.

Free Will Baptist

Prairie City. - This congregation was organized in September, 1857, by Elder John B. Fast, assisted by Elders S. Shaw and P. Christian, and consisted of the following members : Elder J. B. Fast and Sarah, his wife, John J. Fast, Samuel ISTestleroad and Catharine, his wife, William ISTestleroad, William Bolin, Adaline Tainter, Belchy Mary White and David S. Johnson. From 1859 to 1868, the congregation met in the Prairie City Academy building; Elder J. B. Fast was employed as the first pastor, and the first deacons were Samuel Xestleroad and John Murphy. For awhile the church was quite prosperous, having a membership of two hundred, at present the membership is but seventy. In 1866 and 1867 the church edifice, which stands on Fremont avenue, was erected, and at a cost of $5,000. It is a frame forty feet wide and sixty feet long, having two floors; the lower for Sunday school and prayer meetings. The upper is the main auditorium and has a seating capacity of four hundred. The average annual contribution is $1,000. Rev. B. F. World is the present pastor; J. F. Davis, deacon and clerk, (x. W. Closson is superintendent of the Sunday school, which has an average attendance of one hundred, with a contribution of fifty cents per Sunday.

3Iaple Hilt. - This congregation was organized in 1875, by Rev. T. J. Dodge, with twelve members. They meet in Maple Ilill school house, in the southeast corner of section twenty-six, Bush- nell township. Benjamin Tainter, deacon ; George "W. Thompson, superintendent of the Sunday school, which has an average attendance of twenty-seven.

Catholic

Two congregations exist in this county, viz : at Tennessee and Macomb, both in good condition. Contrary to the spirit of the denomination there seems never to have been any special effort put forth to build up their cause in this county. The first congregation organized was that at Tennessee.

Tennessee. - About 1839, the old church at Fountain Green (St. Simon's) was built, but not completed. In 1860, the church was removed to Tennessee, and a good church building erected. Among the original members at Tennessee were the following: Mr. Irwin, and family, Mr. McKeons, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Xester, Mr. Cosgroves, with their their families. Rev. Father Albright was the first pastor. Rev. Father Touhey (of Macomb) is the present pastor.

Macomb. - The Catholic couo;regation of Macomb was organized in 1854 by the Rev. Father CXeill. The following are the names of the original members : Frank McSpirit and family, Joseph Reilly and family, Terence and Patrick McGinnis, Peter Crawford, Patrick Laughlin, Francis Campbell and Michael Mc- Gan. Services were held at the residence of Frank McSpirit, where Peter Sullivan, Sr., now lives. The Rev. Mr, O'Xeill officiated for about four vears, and was succeeded bv Father Schileing, who was instrumental in purchasing the lots on West Jackson street, corner of Johnson, upon which the present church structure and parsonage stands. In 1864 Rev, John Larmer came as pastor. During his pastorate the church was built and parsonage refitted. Rev. Thomas F. Mangan succeeded Rev. Larmer, and remained as pastor for two years. He was succeeded by Rev. D. J. Cogau. The Rev. James Tuohy, the present pastor, succeeded Rev. Cogan, In 1875 a revival, or mission, was held by a missionary clergyman from Xew York, The church financially is in good condition. The church property is valued at 87,000. The annual income about §1,000. The average attendance in the Sunday school is about eighty.

The Christians, as an organized denomination, commenced their distinct existence from other christian bodies about the beginning of the present century, viz : in three different localities - in the East, in 1804, from the Baptists, Abner Jones and Elias Smith being prominent leaders in the movement ; in the South (North Carolina), in 1802, from the Methodists, led by Elder O'Reilly ; and in the West, from the Presbyterians, led by Fulton W. Stone, Marshal], Thompson, Dunlany, and David Purviance. These men were moved by a common impulse. East, West and South, to work a retormation in the religious world, and were eminently successful. The leading principles of the "Christians," as urged by those pioneers and still held prominent by the body are :

Fourth- - Private judgment the right of all christians in matters of doctrine and conscience. They believe in God, as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ; in the Son, as the only begotten of the Father ; in the Holy Spirit, as proceeding from the Father ; one Conaf orter and Sanctifier.

N. Summerbell, D. D., the present editor of their denominational paper, summarizes thus: "If the Christians, generally, believe in one God, in Christ as the Divine Son of God, in the influence of the Sprit, in the fullness of atonement, in repentance, faith, conversion, baptism, holiness, the resurrection, the judgment and eternal life, it is not because they have a human creed, but because these doctrines are so frequently and so luminously set forth in the word of God that they naturally adopt them. * * * Nothing is more dear to the heart of the Christian than the hope that all Christians will yet return to the apostolical basis and be united in Christ. The evangelical basis, insisting only on pure Bible words for doctrine, and faith and fellowship, removes the greatest obstacle to union."

Baptism is administered by an entire immersion or burial with Christ. The Christians have some 1,G00 churches, about as many ministers, ninety conferences, and about 250,000 membership. Schools and colleges are encouraged ; and a Bible school, at Standtirville, New York. They claim the earliest religious paper, the Herald of Gospel Liberty, commenced in 1808 ; now published at Dayton, Ohio.

Christian Church, Industry. - This congregation was organized January 27, 1858, by Rev. John McMillin, with the following members, James M. Yail, Elizabeth J. Vail, James 13. Vail. Sophia Vail, Jessie Brown, J. Brown, llexey Downen, and Nancy Vail. Meetings were held in school houses until the Cumberland Presbyterian church was erected, when it was used until 1809, when a building of their own was erected at a cost of about $5,000, it is a good frame forty feet by sixty feet. The present membership is one hundred and twenty, but the general attendance is about four hundred. The following pastors have served this church : John McMillin, Alvin H. Chase, Eli Linscott, and the present pastor J. L. Towner. The trustees are John B. Vail, AVashington Vail, T. B. Stewart, and Caleb Hathaway. The attendance of the Sunday school is about seventy-tive, contribution about $75 per year, mostly raised by entertainments. Aaron Shusley, superintendent.

German Baptists, Or Brethren

In all their periodicals and records this sect is known as German Baptists, but always among themselves as Brethren, and are better known, perhaps, by others by their nickname Dunkers. This denomination claims to have re-organized the church, with all of its primitive rites in 1708 in Germany. The awakening that followed Luther's reformation caused many to seek after true "primitive Christianity," who, from their Christian association together and fidelity to the teachings of their Master, were called *'Pietists." Their zeal aroused the indignation ot the priesthood, who, by the relentless hand of persecution, drove them for protection to ~vVitgenstein.

They still held to the name of Pietists, but notwithstanding much difference of opinion among themselves, they called each other brothers and labored together. It was found necessary to have a form of regular church government. A convention for this purpose was held, which resulted in partial failure. There were eiffht souls who here covenanted w^ith God in Christ Jesus - to take the Bible as their man of council, and the Gospel of their blessed Savior for their rule of faith and practice, ignoring all creeds and discipline of human invention, but resolved, by the grace of God, to make all things according to the pattern shown to them on Mount Zion. There were eight present at this convention. The little band made considerable headway for several years, when again they were driven from their homes by persecution. They sought shelter under the King of Prussia, and still further persecution followed, when they resolved to go to America, and in 1719 the first party landed, and in 1729 the remainder arrived, and settled in Germantown, Pennsylvania. From this point they have spread all over the nation, numbering at present about 150,000, with 1,466 ministers, with 140 in Illinois.

Mr. A. G. Black, a minister of the Washington arm of the Church, located in the county of Kosciusko, Ind., came to this county in 1864, and, after visiting the members residing here and in the western part of Fulton county, concluded to organize a Church in this county, and on June 2nd, 1865, through the kindness of the friends in school district number eight, in Mound township, were permitted to meet in their school house. There were fourteen present : John Pool and wife, Henry Zuck and wife, John Crowl and wife, Joseph Pinker and wife, Martin Myers and wife, Isaac I^. Crosswait and wife, A. G. Black and wife, and some foreifirn brethren. After the usual solemnities of such occasions, it was ascertained that John Pool and Henry Zuck were already authorized Deacons, and A. G. Black a Minister in the second degree. The members present, on being examined separate and apart from the official members, agreed to accept them in their official capacity in the new organization. After the Elders had dedicated them to their Lord and Master in solemn prayer to God, the organization was given the name of the Bushnell Arm of the Church. Since, thirty members have moved within the boundary of the congregation, and thirty-four joined by baptism, while sixteen have removed - leaving a total of sixtytwo.

In 1867 John L. Myers and Jacob Burgard, w^ho is now deceased, were chosen to the ministry, and in the same year Iliram Morrison and P. Carson were elected deacons, and in 1875 John Pool, Jr., was chosen to the ministry and William Cook as deacon.

The tenets of the church are, in brief, as follows; They consider faith, repentance and baptism as essential to church membership, also valid Christian baptism to be performed by "trine immersion," Matthew 28 : 19; members are to observe all things Christ has commanded them, Matt. 28 : 20; they are not to engage in carnal warfare, Isa. 2 : 4, Matt. 16 : 52 and 5 : 38-47; they are not to take an oath, Matt. 5 : 33-37, James 5 : 12; they are to wash one another's feet, as commanded in John 13; and are to salute one another with the kiss, as commanded five times b}-- the Apostles, and observe plainness of dress as commanded in I. Peter 3, and other places. Respectfully,

United Brethren In Christ

The church of the United Brethren in Christ was organized by Rev. Philip William Otterbein, in Baltimore, Maryland, in the year 1774, and until 1800, were called United Brethren. In order to distinguish this church from the Moravian United Brethren Church, the words "in Christ" were added. The highest ecclesiastical body in this church consists of a General Conference, composed of Bishops and three Delegates from each Annual Conference. It is the duty of the General Conference to enact such laws as are required for the good government of the church, and to see that they are properly administered and observed by the Annual Conference, which is the next highest body, and is composed of Ordained Elders, and Annual Conference Licentiates, presided over by a Bishop. The duty of this body is to enquire into the moral and official character of its members, look after the various interests of the church in its district, elect presiding . . elders and station ministers on their various fields of labor. There n are now forty Annual Conferences in the entire church. The one i of which the churches of this county form a part, embraces the territory between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, as far no,rth as the mouth of Rock river and the city of Peru, and is known as the Illinois Conference. The next body in authority is the Quarterly Conference, composed of the pastors, local preachers, exhorters, class-leaders, stewards, Sabbath school superintendents and trustees of churches and parsonages belonging to the circuit, mission or station. This body is presided over by a Presiding Elder, and its duty is to inquire into the moral and official character of its members, and look after the various interests of the church. Classes are organized, consisting of three or more members, who elect a leader, whose term of office continues one year. A steward, whose duty it is to look after the finances of the class, is also elected annually. The highest office in the church is that of Bishop, which is filled every four years by an election of the General Conference. There are now five Bishops in the church : J. AVeaver is Bishop of this district. Presiding Elders are elected annually by the Conference to which they belong. The church has always opposed intemperance, slavery and secret societies, and has special laws against them. The doctrine is similar to that of the Methodist Episcopal Church. There are at present in this county fifteen societies and eleven church buildings, viz. : Pleasant Gale, Willow Grove, Jerusalem, Center, Mound Chapel, Pilot Grove, Lutz Chapel, Blandinsville, Elm Grove, Salem and Lamoine Chapel. The numerical strength of this denomination iu the county is net large, and it was a number of years after its organization before a congregation was formed. There are now nine in the county, having a membership of about three hundred and titty. The first organized was the

Elm G-rooe. - The church building is located on section fifteen of Hire township, and was erected in 1866 at an outlay of $1,200. Its size is twenty-six by thirty-six feet. The church was organized in 1855, with fifteen members. The present membership is thirty-five, Isaac Valentine, Pastor; Israel Null, Class Leader; Perry Keithly, Steward. The Trustees are John JSTelson, James Boyce, William II. Null and Israel Null. William II. Null is Superintendent of the Sunday school. The average attendance of the school is thirty;

Willow Grove. - The United Brethren ministers began preaching in Prosperity Hall, in 1867, but it was not until 1871 that a regular organization was effected, which was by Rev. I. Valentine. Prosperity Hall alluded to was erected in 1862 by a Good Templar society, and used by that order of temperance workers for seven or eight years. The hall was thrown open to the general public, and meetings by the various denominations were held in it. The building was about eighteen feet by thirty-two, and cost $450. Many interesting and profitable meetings and conventions were held in this hall, and were largely attended by those living in all parts of the county. Previous to the erection of the hall, meetings were held at the residence of A. J. Hainline. The church building, which stands upon section one of Hire township, was dedicated by Bishop D. Edwards on the tenth of November, 1872. The building is a good frame, thirty feet by forty, and cost $2,000.

The following are the names of the original members: A. Brown and wife, Quincy Hainline and wife, Georgiana Watts, Emma Watts, Lodelia Watts, James Fielding, Rebecca Hainline,

New Philadelphia. - The church structure is situated on section fourteen of Mound township, and was erected in 1868. G. A. Cadwallader is the Class Leader, and J. Pickering, Steward. The membership of the Sunday School is forty. G. A. Cadwallader, Superintendent.

Jerusalem- Chapel of the United Brethren C'tareh. - This society was organized October 29, 1867, at the residence of A. Switzer. J. B. Conly, A. Switzer, William Early, Enos Spangler elected trustees. A church edifice was commenced immediately, and on the twenty-second of December, 1858, it was dedicated. It is built for the use of all orthodox denominations when not in use hy the LTnited Brethren. The size of the building is 28 by S6 teet, and the cost $1,411 85. It is located on section 11. The present membership is about thirty; at the organization but sixteen. The following are the various pastors since 1867: J. B.Austin, J. Dunham, S. K. Coats, !N^. A. Walker, Amos Worman, Isaac Valentine, J. Wagner, and William Pease.

Blandinsiiilte. - Elder Josiali Terrel preached the first sermon in 1846, and organized the church same year, with the following named persons, as original members: Thomas Fisher and wife, Frank -b'reeland and wife, Sylvester Ruddle and wife, Jacob Keith - ly and wife, Elizabeth Freeland, Wesley Frecland, Joseph Way, John Freeland. Rev. D. G. Porter was the first pastor. The church at one time was quite powerful in the commuuity and established an institution of learning in the place, the well known Blandinsville Seminary, which was in successful operation some years. The building has passed into the hands of the village and is still used for school purposes. For some years the cause has not prospered so well and is attributed by its members from the fact the society has always opposed slavery and secret societies.

Thej have a church building valued at $1,200, and a parsonage $250. They pay pastor $100 for one-third his time, and raise for all church purposes $200 per year. The society is financially weak. In the Sunday school they have enrolled seventy-live with an average attendance of fifty, and raise about $25 per year for school purposes. J. Dunham is the presiding elder for the district, and has occupied like position for many years. The following named have served as pastors ; D. T. Porter, J. R. Evans, J. Dunham, J. L. Condon, A. Wimset, Newton Walker, David Martin, L. P. Parviu, Isaac Valentine, and A. Callahan.

Pleasant Gale. - This church was organized in 1868 by liev. J. Dunham, about one mile east of the present church building, which is located on the northeast corner ot section eisrht, Sciota township, and was dedicated November 1, 1874, by Rev. X. A. Walker. The building is a good frame structure, and cost $2,000 to erect it. The following are the names of the original members: Samuel Rush and wife, Mr. Elwell and wife, Mrs. B. K. Purkey and Mrs. Samuel McDonald. Revival meetings have been held by Revs. Dunham, Martin, Worman, Wagner, Smith and Pease, which resulted in additions to the church each meeting. The growth has been continual and steady, both in numbers and spirituality. The following have served as pastors : Revs, J. Dunham, S. K. Coats, I. Valentine, A. Worman, IST. A. Walker, I. Wagner, and W. P. Pease, the present pastor. The trustees are W. II. Allen, Samuel Rush and Joseph Breiner. The present membership is fifty. Annual contributions, $450. Average salary of pastor for one-fourth of his time, $150. Value of church building, $2,000 ; value of parsonage in the town of Good Hope, $450. The average attendance of the Sunday school is fifty. Thomas Kellough, Class Leader, and George Torrence, Steward.

rine A^au Doren, Ilarrj Rodciibach, Joseph Arthur, Elizabeth Arthur, Henry Hudson and J, W. Buckley. Since the organization the names of J. C. Barrett and Lizzie Robertson have been added. The growth of the Church since its organization has been more in tlie spiritual advancement of its members than in new additions. The Church building was erected in 1876 on the southeast corner of section sixteen, Walnut Grove township. It is valued at ^1,600; size, 30x42 feet. This Church, in connection witli the following three United Brethren in Christ Churches, own a parsonage in Good Hope valued at $450: Willow Grove, Pleasant Gale and Jerusalem Churches. Center Church was dedicated December 10, 1876, by Rev. J. AV. Hott, of Dayton, Ohio - Rev. AV. P. Pease, Pastor. The average salary of Pastor is SI 25. The Trustees are George Hasting, Henry Rodenbach, Simon Rutledge, Thomas Brooks and Quintus AValker. Attendance at Sunday School, sevent.y ; collections, twenty dollars a year.

Evangelical Lutheran

The Evangelical Lutherans date their organization from October 31, 1517, when Luther nailed ninety-five theses (propositions) against the old church door of Wittenberg, which he proposed to defend ; they being directed against the papal abuses. In 1530 the adherents of Luther, in defense of their faith, laid before the Diet at Augsburg a summary of their doctrines, which has been known as the "Augsburg Confession," and which has formed the foundation for all Protestant confessions. These adherents to, and defenders of, the pure Bible doctrine wished to be known simply as Evangelical Christians, but tliey were constantly called Lutherans in derision ; and since Luther restored the gospel to the people, they finally accepted the name as an honor, and joined it to their "Evangelical" designation. Doctrinally, the Evangelical Lutheran Church glories in being "the church of the AVord," maintaining the duty of simple faith in the AVord of God without regard to human philosophy or logic. She insists on the careful indoctrination of her young people in Luther's Catechism, a summary of Bible doctrines through her pastors. In theological literiiture the Lutheran Church stands pre-eminently front in the ranks.

Her researches are acknowledged as the most protouud, and many of her writers are the indispensable aids of every Christian scholar. Her progress in this country was much retarded on account of the less demonstrative character of her people when compared with the puritanic element coming from England, and also by the transition from the various foreign tongues to the English language. For the last twenty-live years, however, she has increased at a much greater ratio than any other Evangelical denomination. She now numbers in this country, 54 synods, 2,795 ministers, 4,822 churches, and 600,353 communicants. In this county the first organization was eftected April 7, 1871, by the Rev. G. H. Schnurr, who located at Bushnell at that time. The said congregation held its services at the Jerusalem Chapel, three miles northwest of Bardolph. Another organization was efiected in Bushnell and regular services held for one year ; but owing to present difiiculties they were suspended, in the hope of more auspicious circumstances. In the space of a few years, several families having removed from the neighborhood of Jerusalem Chapel to the vicinity of Macomb, the question of transfer of the congregation to Macomb was agitated. The proper arrangements having been made, a meeting for that purpose took place at the Cumberland Presbvterian Church in Macomb, Januarv 11, 1875, where the congregation re-organized under the name and title of " Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church," and the old Congregational Church was purchased and refitted for Divine Services.

In the meantime (July, 1872) another organization was efiected five miles southwest of Macomb, and a house of worship erected conjointly with Methodists in the neighborhood, and called Salem's Church. These two churches, at Macomb and in Chalmers township, are still regularly. served by their first pastor, and embrace a membership of eighty communicants.

We have one Sunday school in Macomb (C. II. Eahe, Superintendent), and unite with others in a Union school at Salem church. There arc connected with the two seven teachers, sixty-five scholars. Average attendance, forty-five. Contributed for current expenses, per year, $15; for benevolent purposes, 615. Pastor"s salary, one-half the time, S825. Missionary purposes, S50.

The following table will show at a glance the relative strength of the different denominations in the county, with the number of their churches, value of church property, annual contributions for all church purposes, number of Sunday Schools, pupils enrolled, average attendance and contributions :