McHenry County, Illinois - Chapter 8: Churches, 1922

Religious Spirit

.Man lias ever sought to draw near to his Creator, ami never does this tendency heroine so stronir as when lie feels the lark of something material in life. As loiijr as his creature comforts are assured, his happiness is intact, he appears able to exist without much thought of a future life, but lei trouble or misfortune visit him, and instinctively he longs for some assurance of a power above his own. Just as a nation is purified and elevated through a period »f great affliction, so are its people brought into proper religious frame of mind when misfortune falls upon them heavily.

Lack Of Facilities

Perhaps im one facility was more deeply felt, not only by individuals, hut the communities they formed, in pioneer days, than that which in the old homes afforded proper observance of religious duties. The pioneer had no churches, nor could they at firsl come in contact with religious teachers. The lack of the religious clement in the early settlements had much to do with the lawlessness which prevailed in some communities. It appeared impossible to properly curb this until churi were established and a regular religious routine installed. Therefore not only was it important for the peace and happiness of each individual that some religious services be provided, hut also for the growth of the citizens to which desirable people and additional capital would be drawn. Because of these and many other cog< tt1 reasons, it is easy to see why the settlers exerted themselves to raise sufficient funds to guarantee a certain it matters not upon what exact date some certain seel held services, in a given community. The fact thai such services were held is the important Eact. It is found thai several Protestant and at least two Catholic churches were very early in the field in this county. They all had to as could be provided in a log cabin at first. Sometimes a schoolhouse was found in which religious services could be held. Some communities lacked a minister, and then a layman took charge, for they believed ill the promise made to the "two or three gathered together in my name," even though they were in the wilderness where the sound of the churchgoing hell had never yet been heard. On red-letter days in the history of a settlement, services were held by a traveling clergyman, at which time creeds and differences of doctrine were usually forgotten, and all gathered to drink in the words of warning and comfort which fell from the eloquent lips of one or another of the missionaries, soldiers of the ('mss. who went forth, on horseback, into the wilderness and preached and labored for the .Master, without thought of reward other than a bare living and the realization that they were living up to their conception of their duty to their Maker and humanity.

First Cuurcliks

Ofttimes the log schoolhouse served as a meetinghouse in the early days, but finally, after much effort, in each of the new settlements, the little frame house of worship with its tiny bell in a wooden belfry, began to dot the prairies or grace the beautiful valleys midst the woodland.

Vale," SO popular everywhere now-a-days. Each Lord's day. a stream of people, clad in the best they possessed, might have been seen wending their way, on foot, horseback and with ox teams, to these little country chapels. In time these small frame structures gave way to larger, more appropriate edifices with costly and attractive stained windows and a high steeple with a silver toned bell within its belfry. Some obtained pipe organs and modern furniture, but the same spirit guided them, the same purpose of worshiping the only true and living Cod, in both humble and more pretentious edifices.

In order t" give the readers of this volume ;i clear idea of how the religious elemenl developed in every pari of this county, the writer has soughl to gather together all i »» >s.^il il<- data from all denominations here represented, and place such information in readable form in one chapter.

The Marengo Church is among the pioneer church organizations in northern Illinois. The first sermon ever preached in McHenry County was by a Baptist minister named Southworth, one Saturday evening in April, 1836, at the home of Calvin Spencer. The audience was composed of less than a dozen people. Reverend Southworth was on his way further west, and perished in the terrible snow storm, near Rock Island in December, 1836. Rev. Lyman B. King, preached ;it the home of Calvin Spencer iii October, 1836, and from that date on as occasion offered, until the autumn of 1838. In 1840, Kev. Isaac Marvin, a graduate of Harvard University, was sent into this region to labor in behalf of the Baptist Home .Missionary Society. lie ami his young wife came in a onehorse wagon with their trunk strapped to the rear of the vehicle. Aboul half-way between Coral and Marengo, a stick caught in one of the wheels and broke it. They stopped at the next house and remained over night. Their host proved to be Orson P. Rogers, who then lived, where afterwards resided William Boies. Through this incident was formed a Baptist Church in this vicinity.

It was August 28, 1S.")2. when the Baptist Church of Marengo was organized by Rev. Isaac Marvin. Its charter members were as follows: Samuel Farnum, Beniah Parnum, Reuben Parnum, Orin Hubbard, John Robinson, Philander Pa<re, Jedadiah Rogers, James Andrews. Rev. Isaac Marvin. Sarah Marvin, Bertha De Wolf, Mary Wilbur, Wealthy Safford, Eliza Page, Eliza Stull, Hannah Hubbard, Sarah Robinson, Phoebe Perry, Nancy Richardson, Orpha Farnum, Sarah Howe. Clark Richardson, Harriet E. Bates. The membership of this church is 241. The first church building, a frame structure, was superseded in 18H7 by the present building, which is valued at $1"»,000.

The various pastors to serve here have been as follows: Revs. Isaac Marvin. Luther W. Lawrence. '/.. A. Bryant, David E. Halteman. T. F. Borchers, 0. B. Stone, A. B. White. J. K. Wheeler. R. L. Haley. A. »i. Dunsford, Ross Matthews, A. -I Morris, W. E. Billings, Vernon s. Phillips. W. M. Embree, Eutrene Xeubauer. W. F. Bostick. R. M. Morphett and II. P>. Stevens.

t'xist. it rightfully finds a place in this connection. This church was organized, December 30, 1S40. with seven members. For the first year in. etings were held in a log cabin and later at the schoolhouse. In ls.">l the Pleasant Grove Church changed its name to that of the "Coral

Baptist Church" and continued to worship as such until July l's, is."),"), when pastor and members all united with the Marengo Baptist Church. The faithful pastors of this church were Isaac .Marvin, who after three years, finding it hard to exist on what was possible to be paid him, resigned; early in 1*44. Reverend Lawrence was made pastor, and his flock numbered aboul forty members. lie was a farmer-preacher and owned a farm on the Belvidere road, on which he lived. lie drove to liis appointment every Saturday and back home Monday.

The oldest religious society at Crystal Lake was the Baptist, it having been formed there in 1839, by Joel Wheeler, D. D., of McHenry. They crcited a church in 1853 and it burned in 1864. This society is not active today. Among its first members were Hiram Harris, Benjamin Crabtree, Clarinda Crabtree, and Benjamin Crabtree, Jr.

The First Baptist Church of Woodstock was organized May 12, 1 847, by Elder Adams. The charter members were : Asa Churchill, Mrs. Louisa Churchill, Mrs. Submit Enos, Mrs. Nancy (Enos) Swartout, Bela D. Churchill, Freeman Churchill, Elonor Allen, Louis B. Allen, Norman Butts, Jane (Cranston) Stowell, Sarah L. Allen, Mrs. Polly Butts, Louisa Cranston. The first services were held in a hall, but in 1858 a church was erected. This was subsequently sold and in 1866-67 another church was built, costing $7,000 and it is still in good repair and in use. In 1893, improvements were made on the present structure, which cost the society $1,600. The old frame church was sold to the -Methodist people in 18(ii'.

The present total membership of the church is 103. A good Sunday School is connected with the church and this has an enrollment of about 150. It is believed the first pastors here were: Revs. Wheeler and Eldridge Whittier. The record furnished for this article by Rev. Herbert H. Smith, runs as follows (since 1850) :

There are aumerous strong and well-directed Catholic churches within this county. The construction of railroads through the county brought many Irish and other foreign-born of this religious faith to the county and many of these, after finishing the railroad work, settled here and formed a strong nucleus which added to those who had settled in and near McHenry village, as early as islO, made possible the organization of some prosperous parishes.

St. Patrick's Catholic Chdboh, was organized at McHenry, in 1840 by Rev. M. St. Palais, afterwards Bishop of Yincennes. The charter members were: John Sutton, Michael Sutton, George Prisby and James Gibbs.

There are now ISO souls in this parish. The first church was built in 1853 at a cost of $300; in 1872 it was rebuilt at a cost of $2,000; in 1883 it was enlarged and valued at $3,000. The present church edifice and property is valued at $15,000. The rectory, which was built in 1899, with its property is valued at $5,000.

The following have served as the faithful pastors of this parish: Rev. Fathers: M. St. Palais, Gigwan, McGorick, McMahan, Hampstead Brady, 1'. GafEney, .lames Moran, Andrew Eustace, James Meagher, P. Smith. G. Pendergrast, Peter Birch, John Kilkenny, John A. Waves, Peter J. Gormley, .Michael Welby, P. M. O'Neil, Paul Burke, D. Lehane, II. Hagen, Charles Quinn, J. Lynch, and M. J. McEvoy, who was appointed to St. Patrick's in August, 1915, is the present pastor.

St. Joiix's Catholic Church. The first church formed at Johnsburg was St. John's, in 1843, by Father Portman, there being but three families in the parish at that time, those of Nick Adams, Jacob Smith and Nick Frett. There are now 130 families, 705 souls in the parish. At first they worshipped in a log cabin, but soon erected a frame church, years afterward. Among the more prominenl members who assisted in organizing this Chnrch are recalled the aamea of such faithful souls as \eill Donnelly, who was merchant, mayor and sheriff at sundry times in this county; John Donnelly, Francis short, John .1. Murphy, banker was a brick structure iii 1856, its cost being about $4,000. In 18S1 this building was remodeled and enlarged to meet the pressing Deeds. This seated over 400 persons. The property was then valued at $12,000. The membership of the parish was one hundred families. The present membership is 1,000. Among the faithful pastors of this church should not be overlooked: Rev. Fathers: Hugh T. Brady, who came in 1852 and left in 1855; Barnard OTIarra. who came in 1855 and remained until 1858, James Meagher, who came in 1859 and continued until I860; Terrance Fitzsimmons, who served from I860 to 1867 and was followed by Rev. Lyons. All of the priests above named died prior to 1885. In 1868 came Rev. J. M. Ryan and following him were Rev. P. M. Reardon, assisted by Revs. Peter Sheedy and Rev. Eagan. Rev. T. Qnigley, the aexl priesl was followed by Rev. L. Lightner, D. D., who remained till 1870 and was succeeded by Rev. Lawrence Dunne, who remained till 1871, when he was followed by Rev. John Carroll, who arrived in 1871 and remained till November, 1877, after which came Rev. Thomas F. Leyden. Rev. D. J. Conway has been in charge of the parish for many years, and has built up a strong church and fine parochial school. Splendid modern-styled buildings adorn the beautiful grounds in the central part of the city. The present church, erected in 1909, is valued at $75,000. Father Conway has been highly successful in his work and is greatly beloved by all within and without his own church. Public-spirited and true to American ideas, through the late war he proved himself worthy of the highest esteem from all classes.

No point in the state can show a finer Catholic school building than St. Mary's of Woodstock. It was erected in 1916, at a cost of $50,000, and was dedicated in August, 1916. It has ideal lighting and heating arrangements and spacious play-grounds. The main structure, 85 by 120 feet, is two stories above the fine much used basement.

St. Joseph Catholic Church, was formed in 1866 at Harvard. From a beautiful Jubilee book printed on the occasion of the semicentennial of this parish, the writer is able to glean considerable interesting as well as very valuable history.

In lMiti. the inurrcss of the railroad and the immigration of many of the stalwart Bons of Ireland increased the population t<> such an extent thai the church authorities considered Harvard of sufficient importance to have a resident pastor and Father Fitzsimmons was the priest chosen. The little congregation rallied round its pastor and it was not long before they left the store building on Main street for the new h>z church. The building of the h"_r church was no small task for the few that had it all to do. Father Fitzsimmona did not live long to enjoy the fruits of his labors, and in the year 1869, he passed to his eternal reward. For the next twenty-one years Father Dominic Egan attended 1" the spiritual needs of the Catholics of Harvard and there are many prominent men and women of today who received their first catechetical instruction from Father Egan. In 1890, this good priest left Harvard for Chicago, to establish the parish of St. Stephens, where he now resides in the vigor and strength of a ripened old age, admired and loved by all.

The little wooden church had now outgrown its usefulness, and Father .lames E. Hogan was sent to Harvard to bring about a better state of affairs in way of buildings. He succeeded in his work beyond the expectations of all and the present beautiful Gothic church stands as a lasting monument to his faithfulness and good judgment. In July, 1894 the city of Harvard was shocked by the news that Father Hogan was drowned in Lake Geneva and great was the sorrow expressed by all citizens. The sad accident happened in the late afternoon when a strong wind arising capsized the boat, which had contained the crew, Father Hogan, his sister, his brother and his brother's wife. All were drowned.

For the next sixteen years St. Joseph's parish had for its pastors the kind and generous Father Stack and the pious and gentle Father Goulet. On July 12, 1912, the present pastor. Rev. Daniel A. Feely, assumed charge of St. Joseph's Church and the work he has accomplished in the last few years proves his ability. His first and uppermost thought was to add to the comfort of his people. He installed a fine heating system for the church building; he also interested himself in procuring temporary quarters for the parochial residence, and when the debt was liquidated he started that which was nearer to his heart, namely the parochial school. The present enrollment on the parochial school is about 170. It is impossible to estimate the mental as well as physical energy expended on this work by him. The church property is worth at least $150,000. It is stated that in all this work he was greatly

Oilier priests who haw had charge at Harvard in years long ago were: Revs. Patrick EUordan, and Thomas Ojiijrlev. In 1884 the parish of Harvard comprised 200 families, [t's presenl membership is about 250 families and 1,000 communicants.

and Dr. O 'Callahan, with their assistant priests attended it. Not until about 1902 did Maremro became a separate parish. Rev. Father Swanson becoming the firsl pastor. He was succ led by Rev. D. J. McCaffrey and still later by Daniel Patrick Dreusman. the present pastor. The first building was a frame structure once owned by the Methodist people, but sold to the Catholics who used it about ten years. In 1908 the church erected a new handsome church edifice which is valued at $40,000.

The present membership of this cnninvL'ation is about 450 souls, or 11(1 families. A church cemetery is located just to the north of the city limits of Marengo.

St. Thomas Catholic Church is situated in the village of Crystal Lake. It was organized in June, 1881, by Father Leyden, and its charter members were as follows: John Purvey. .lames Brannen, Cornelius Malone, James Kelley. Tim Kelley, William Clark, John McGarry, James Gannon, John Riley, Tom Leonard, .lohn Leonard, James Burke. John Callahan. Patrick Bolestry. The church edifice erected in 1881 still stands and is valued with the lot at $10,000. The membership of St. Thomas congregation is 400.

The various priests who have served these people are: Revs. Fathers Leyden, Clancy. Quinn, Fox. Dorney, Lonergan and present pa-tor. Rev. Edwin McCormiek.

St. Mary's Catholic Church. Through the kindness of Father Edward Pcrthold. the following facts concerning the organization and development of St. Mary's Church and parish at McHenry have been gathered :

In the early nineties McHenry received a strong influx of Catholic families from Johnsburg and the surrounding villages. To enjoy the accommodations of an attractive river town many farmers retired and built homesteads in McHenry. Old St. Patrick's church was soon overtaxed and headed by Dr. Rogers a delegation of citizens presented the matter and the needs of McHenry to Most Rev. P. A. Feehan. D. D., at that time Archbishop of Chicago. Efforts were made by Father

Mehring of Johnsburg to delay the movement, but the determined people of McIIenry succeeded in raising funds and obtained episcopal sanction to purchase the McIIcnry public school which was for sale at thai time. Accordingly, Rev. P. Kirsch was appointed in the summer of 1894 to

The spacious I wo story brick school building accommodated the parish for religious services four years. At the end of that time preparation heiran for the erection of a pretentious Gothic church edifice, seating five hundred people. The parochial school gradually grew with the increasing parish. Today it accommodates 135 children who arc taughl by four experienced instructors, sisters whose mother house is in Milwaukee. St. Mary's school is reputed to be a standard school today. teaching eight grades in four large classrooms. It is fully equipped, steam heated, sanitary, efficient, and abreast with the times. During the last few years, under the direction of the present pastor. Rev. Edward Berthold, this private school has made a remarkable stride. Spacious school grounds and play ground apparatus is a notable feature in the physical culture of children attending the McHenry Parochial School. Sister Sydia is superintendent and principal since 1918.

In 1917 larger and more modern accommodations were undertaken in behalf of the school sisters who had been obliged to take quarters in a rented frame house several blocks away. A- spacious two-story brick building was erected at a cost of +10,000. The school grounds were enlarged and the property beautified.

During the funeral rites over the deceased Peter Scheid of Crystal Lake. April, 1918. a disastrous fire broke out destroying a beautiful Gothic structure. This church had just been paid for. On account of inadequate water supply a volunteer fire company was unable to save the edifice. .Most of the contents were saved and the parish collected $15,000 insurance. War prices made reconstruction difficult and expensive, but the people made signal sacrifice to float the project which cost $25,000. New St. Mary's, more beautiful than the old, was dedicated in September. 1919. It is notable for its red tile roofing, reinforced steel trusses, copper cupola and most especially for its ecclesiastical mural d irations executed by Paul X. Klosc of .Milwaukee.

The church started here with a membership of sixty families and lias grown to 181, and 900 souls. The old public school building was purchased by the church for $900, in 1894. In 1895, a parsonage was

The pastors for this successful parish nave been as follows: Rev. Fathers F. Borsch, M. W. Barth, Anthony Boyer, who died October, 1914. and present pastor, Rev. Edward Berthold, w ho took charge in 1915.

Christian' Science

first chdbcb OF chbist, scientist. Among the later religions or ganizations in the county is that of Christian Science, which has quite a following at different places, but no regular organized church society outside of the one at Woodstock, known as the "First Church of Christ. Scientist." This was the outgrowth of the christian Science Society there, and was incorporated January L'T, 1910. The first services here were held in the home of Harry Hilands, on North Hoy street, January 5, 1908, and meetings were held there until January. 1911, when the followers went to the supervisors' rooms at the courthouse. There they held services regularly until August 30, 1914, when they moved to the old Belcher residence property at the corner of Dean and South Streets, which was purchased December, 1914, and was all paid for by January, 1917. The seating capacity of the building is about sixty persons. A Christian Science reading room was established there in 1915.

The Christian Science Society was organized July 30, 1912, with seven charter members, as follows: .Mr. and .Mrs. Harry Hilands, -Mrs. Carrie Hill. Mrs. Susie W. Clark, Mrs. Louise Eberwein, Mrs. Fmilie L. Gall and Mr. Prank Drahehn. Services are held each Sabbath; a Sunday school is supported and the reading room is open several days each week.

Congregational

city of Crystal Lake, which was organized June 111, 1842. The charter members were as follows: Reuben Jenne, Mrs. Susan Jenne, John W. Salisbury, Mrs. Eliza A. Salisbury. Allen Baldwin, George W. Dike ami James T. Pierson. The present membership of this church is ninety-five.

A frame building was erected in 1849, the cosl of which is now unknown. Another Erame edifice was built in 1867, opposite the Park, and is valued at $8,000. It was dedicated in 186S.

THE FIHst CONGREGATIONAL CHUBCE OF RICHMOND was organized December 23, 1843, by the following charter members: Robert W. Chapman, "Walter Jones, Eliza Jones, Daniel Howe, Joshua Post, Emaline Post and John Brown. Rev. L. Rogers was chosen moderator. The present membership is forty-four. A frame church was erected in 1859, and another built in 1896, valued at $2,000.

The following have served as pastors for this church : Revs. I. K. Hart, J. V. Downs, C. C. Caldwell, Francis J. Douglas, Charles II. Frascr, II. W. Harbaugh, II. O. Spillman, B. C. Preston, J. B. Orr, H. A. Kerns, J. W. llelmoth, Frank P.. Hicks, Alex B. Cutler, S. II. Herbert, P. H. Barker, F. A. WTilliams, Howard Moore, Fred Squires, John Herring, Clay E. Palmer, Ralph T. Cass.

Tin: ALGONQUIN Chuech was organized at the village of Algonquin, February 9, 1850, and had for its charter members .lames Humes and wife, Rosalinda; Ambrose Dodd, Mrs. Ann Kerns, John Van Buren and wife, Livonia; -Mrs. Abigail Smoek, .Mrs. Jane Foster, Wright Warren and wife, Cynthia; Samuel G. Foster. The present membership is 111.

The original church building was dedicated January 17, 1868; it was remodeled, as at present, in 1913 and dedicated November 9, 1913. The tiist parsonage is still in use. The church is valued at $5,500.

An effort to secure the names of the pastors upon the part of the compiler of this chapter has not met with success. However, from an old publication from church authority, the following incomplete 'list of pastors has been found and will be here attached: Revs. C. L.

Ball, N. C (lark. X. shapely, E. C. Berge, J. D. Davis who rani.- in 1867, I. B. Smith, T. Qulespie, W. W. Cutless, a Miss Newman, Rev. Hill of the Methodist church preached half time for this church and later became a Congregational minister. He was succeeded l>y Alfred Wray. who came in 1878; next was Rev. Andrich, followed by Rev. Buestis, ami be was succeeded by Rev. C. C. Campbell, who in lss.'i was still pastor. The presenl pastor is Rev. J. P. Bishop.

the huntley CHURCH was organized in 1852 by the "Congregational Church Society." The early records are not intact at this date, but from a former county history it is learned that the church was formed September 11, 1852, by two clergymen, Revs. Starr and Dickeson. Up to 1865 there was no church building in which to worship, but under the ministration of Rev. C. S. Harrison, a commodious structure was provided. Among the pastors have been Revs. L. Church, Daniel Chapman. W. W. Curtiss, C. H. Abbott, H. W. George, A. K. Wray, T. L. Brown, Charles Hartley, and J. R. Smith.

the first congregational church at Woodstock. From the present church clerk, Archie W. Hill, and from other sources, it is learned that this church was organized in 186"), with charter members as follows: Caleb Williams, Cordelia B. Williams, Nelson Diggins, Katy M. Diggins, Orvis Gage, Fannie Page, Timothy B. Bidwell, Abner Bidwell, I twin K. Bidwell, Hattie Baldwin, J. H. Branson. Margarel Kelly, John

C. Williams, L. A. Barrows, Emily S. Barrows. The membership today is about 116. The property of the society is valued at $17,000 and consists of a brick church and a frame parsonage. The first church building was a frame one, erected in 1866. The present church was built in 1907. The pastors have included the following, in the order given: Revs. J. J. A. T. Dixon, J. R. Danforth, A. L. Riggs, A. P. Johnson, L. V. Price, T. C. Northcutt, M. A. Stevens, E. J. Alden. .1.

Episcopal

rengo and numerous places had mission churches planted, but the only really active Episcopal Church in Mdlenry County now is Christ Episcopal Church at Harvard. The planting of the church here "Was the accomplishment of an effort begun under very unpromising circumstances, as there were already three Protestant churches here, there did not seem to be any other call for additional work in a religious line. Hut there were a lew families, of the Angelican communion, who felt a desire to see an Episcopal church established here, and by their united and zealous efforts, the end was attained. The initial steps were begun by Rev. Peter Arvedson, who had built a church at Algonquin. Appointed missionary-at-large for some northern counties in this state, he became especially interested in numbers of old-country people settled on farms in McHenry County, and by occasional friendly visits among them won their confidence and esteem. Their Dumber was not large, but they became the nucleus of what afterwards became Christ's Episcopal Church of Harvard. On a petition being signed and sent to Bishop McLaren, asking for a resident priest to hold regular services, Rev. A. A. Fiske was induced to accept the position and serve the little band of believers, beginning his work in the Congregational Church building which was leased for that purpose. The first services were held by Mr. Fiske in January, 1877 ; the last in May, 1880.

Meanwhile measures hail been ripening among the members to build a house of worship of their own. A lot was secured and ground broken for the foundation of the present church, upon which the carpenters began their work in November. 1SS0, ami finished it in the summer of 1881. The new edifice was opened for divine worship in September that year and on Sunday. .May 8, 1885, the church was consecrated by Bishop McLaren. The churcb property, comprising all of the buildings, is valued at $30,000.

In 1886 Rev. Fiske resigned his charge on a call being sent him from the churcb at Austin, 111., and other rectors followed him, until Reverend Fiske was called again to his old charge, and continued its faithful pastor until his health failed a few years ago, since which time he lias lived a quiet, retired life among the people of other days, when he built up one of the strongest churches of his denomination in this part of Illinois.

The rectory was purchased in 1908 ami in 1913 a parish bouse was erected of brick. St. Mary's Guild is presided ever by .Mrs. .Mary A Fiskc; st. Catherine's Guild, by Mrs. »'. M. Johnson; St. Martin's Guild Acolytes, Harry Hosier. Master of Ceremonies Christ Church

1907. Hon. J. 11. Viekers was elected its tirst president. The clubrooms of this club "ere recently built especially with this objeel in view ami are in all ways modern in appointment, having line reading rooms, billiard parlor and many conveniences. It should here be added in conclusion that whatever success has come to this church has been largely due to the devout men who have been its rectors - men of scholarship and advanced ideas in church work.

At Spriii<_' drove. St. Mary's Episcopal church was formed May 5, 1873, by Rev. Peter Avidson and flourished as long as the English resided in that vicinity.

The first services held in Algonquin township was by the Episcopal people who assembled at the home of Samuel Gillilan, in 1836. St. John's Protestant Episcopal church was organized at Algonquin in 1844. A church was built in 1864 and was clear of debt in 1871. Rev. Avidson, rector, died there in November, 1880. Other denominations have virtually crowded this church out of the field.

Lutheran

Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. This church was or ganized at Crystal Lake in 1S69-70, by Rev. h'ichmann. then located at Elgin, HI. The constitution was signed by thirty-six constituent members, only one of whom still survives, John Hold of Crystal Lake. John Berg, F. T. Reddersdorf, John Han-. F. Wen. It. John Ritt, Fred West l>hal, Karl Kruse. Carl Kniebuseh, William Kniebusch, John Sund, Mr. Zimmerman were also members. The present membership of this congregation is (100.

The first building erected in 187") by the congregation, was a frame schoolhouse 20x36 feet. John Sund contractor, at a cost of $575. This building is now a part of John Rudder's store at Crystal Lake. In 1877 a church standing near Crystal Lake Park was purchased for $400 and moved to the lot on McHenry Avenue. This was next to the school- house. In ls!»."i this building was taken down and the presenl edifice built. Ii is 86x44 feet, with two steeples 160 feet, and cosl £6,000. It is valued al $10,000. The children of the congregation attend the day schools, bul for strangers there is maintained a Sunday school, having both German and English departments thai is now attended bj aboul twenty-nine children. The daj school is attended bj 111 pupils.

The following pastors have served this congregation: Revs. II. Schmidt, located al Dundee; Rev. Richmann, Elgin, Rev. Adam Betzer, of Desplaines, supplied. The firsl residenl pastor was Rev. Eenry Schmidt, 1875-80. He was followed by: Rev. M. Heyer, 1880-83; Karl

Trinity Evangelical Li theran Chxtrch was organized at Huntley, March 1, 1871, by Rev. P. \V. Richmann, <>i' Elgin. The charter mem bers were as follows: John Schrader, Henry Heuer, John Prost, John Gutshow, Charles Gruitzmacher, Pred Miller, Fred Zimmerman and Henry Heinemann, Sr., who died at the advanced age id' ninety-five years, in 1917. The presenl membership is :;7."> souls.

In 1872 they built a fine, large church in which to worship. Willi alterations and additions the properly is valued at $23,000. Ill 1878, under Rev. -I. E. Baumgartner, a steeple was added to the church, the same boiut; Id") feel hiidi, and the hell weighs 545 pounds. The congregation owns a beautiful school property near the church, creeled ill 1912, a brick structure 46x28 feet, is equipped with all modern improvements and is really an honor and credit to the village of Huntley, lis value is $5,000. The present pastor. Reverend Baumgartner, organized a Sunday school of aboul seventy-live pupils. He also ha- charge of the parochial school of the congregation where the Bible and common school branches are taught, and from here pupils are fitted for the seventh or eighth grades in the public schools. As pastor, superintendent and instructor. 1 he presenl faithful pastor is kept very busy. Besides his congregation at Huntley he also cares for a church at Gilberts, where he holds services monthly.

of Calhoun and Jefferson Btreets, Woodstock. It was organized in April, 1874, under direction of Rev. Carl Schmidt, lis charter members were as follows: Ji tin Reiber, William Scharnau, Carl Etiedel, Joachim Zierk, John Kindt, Car] Wienks, William Kindt, Fred Albrecht, Chrisl Vogt, Fred Jiervitz, John Wellner, Carl Sahs, Fred Kindt, William Knei busch, John Schuett, Sr., Louis barchmann, John Schuett, Jr., John Niemann, Carl Nagel. The membership in 1875 was twenty-five families, The presenl membership of this church is about 329 souls, divided as follows: seventy-six voting members, and 253 communicants.

The school connected with this church is as follows: Christian day school, seven grades, U. Q. Ernst, teacher ; membership thirty-nine pupils. Sunday school, sixtj two pupil--: R. G. Ernst, teacher. Rev. 11. A. Laufer is superintendenl of both schools. The Sunday school is conducted entirely in English.

Engelbrecht, L894-96; Rev. II. Dannenfeldt, L897-02; Rev. J. Bertram, l!ii>2 12; presenl pastor, Rev. II. A. Laufer, came in L912 and is doing excellenl work in both the church and school.

As to the places in which tins congregation bas worshiped it may be -tatcd that for almut the first nine years services were held in the lecture room of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Woodstock. Later the congregation purchased a vacant church, a frame building, on the corner of Calhoun and Jefferson streets for $1,700, which in later years was destroyed by fire. In 1898 a brick veneered church was built for l 00, which today is valued a1 $9,000 with all improvements made since it was first in use. A parsonage and barn erected on the three lots purchased in June. I!)ii7. are valued at $4,000.

Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church was formed in 1876 at West .Mellenry. under the direction of Rev. II. G. Schmidt, and in 1884 it had a membership of twenty-five. At presenl it has about twenty-one voting members and seventy-six communicant members. The Sunday school is conducted bj Rev. II. A. Laufer.

St. John 's Bvangj li< w. Li theran Church a1 the village of Algon quin, this county, was formed March 11. 1876, and its firsl pastor was Rev. .1. II. C. sir, of Dundee, who preached in various schoolhouses easl of Algonquin. The seventeen original mi mbers of this congregation were as follows: Fred Richards, Fred Duensing, Sr., Christian Patsche, William Wodrich, John Colbow, Christian Duehn, Carl Buerkle, Benry Rogm'an, Benrj AJbrecht, Benrj Benk, Christian Pinnow, John Zorn, Carl Schoening, J. Wienke, Pred Ahrens, Pred Pruess, Car] Gehr.

Rev. Benry Fuss was the firsl ordained minister, bul he remained only cmc year. Rev. Ludwig von Schenk, who broughl uew life to the church, faithfully served for three j ears and was then called to Rockford, III. Walter von Schenk was next called, and be proved an able minister and teacher. Be was installed dune 13, 1882. All debts of the church were paid during his pastorate, also a fine bell was placed in the church tower. On December 6, 1891, Rev. Schenk received a call Prom a congre gation in St. Paul and accepted, Rev. J. Steffen was called to Algonquin in 1892. Be was an able man. but much of the time be was an invalid and died after he arrived at Algonquin in about one year. It was during his illness thai the parsonage was destroyed by fire and the congregation who remained until July, 1900, when be resigned. Nexl came Rev. II Moldenhaver from Banson Park, who was installed September 30, 1900. Be it was who wisely saw the need of keeping the children in the church and iit once gathered them into his school.

a new and better building in which to hold the school. In 1902 he had seventy-six pupils. The pastor was unable to teach and attend to the parish as minister, hence a teacher was employed in the autumn of 1902. Ernsl Milizer of Arlington Beights, was called for thai position and served well until he met with accidental death by drowning in Pox River, April 8, 1!U7. Various instructors have been employed since ; hat date.

In 1914 the congregation decided to build a modern church building. Tic committee finally awarded a contract for the building to Henry Markhoff, of Elgin. The church is valued at *2."),OO0. The present con

Zion Lutheran Churcb was organized at Marengo, April 'J.'). 1880, L\ Rev. J. E. Baumgaertner, with the Eollowing charter membership: Carl Guse, Karl Krause, William Qehrke, Ferdinand Trebes, Herman Trebes, Gottfried Treebles, William Treebes, Carl Zizkuhr, Ernesl Kamholz, William Eickstadt, Tl Schmidt, William Fiebranz, Carl Feibran . Fred Luehring. The presenl congregation has a total o 820 souls, with 340 communicants. The church edifice is of brick and eosl $19,000; the Erame school building cosl $3,200; the frame parson is valued al $1,800. This fine property is all located on Jackson street. Ii is uow valued at .$:J0,000.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Chi rch. This is one of the strongest church organizations in the county. Its history reaches hark to 1884, when work was begun by Reverend Schenk, who held the firsl services in a rented building belonging to the Presbyterian denomination at Harvard. The mission was really established in February, 1884, when Harvard had hut aboul 1,700 population. No1 until May, 1889, was this congregation fully organized into a church. A goodly number of families «erc immigrants from Germany, these numbering certainly as many as thirty families who helped forward the new church movemenl at Harvard. .

In the month of August, L885, an attempt was made to start building operations, hut nothing materialized along this line until April. 1892, when the present frame church edifice was .reeled. It is a large build- iiiir with a spire surmounting it which is fully Kin feel high. This building was dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, October, 1892. It is valued al $45,000.

The parsonage is also a frame building standing on the same grounds av the church, the premises being a full city block of land in a very sightly pari of the city of Harvard. Its streel location is East Diggins.

The various pastors who have faithfully served this congregation have been in the order bere named as follows: Rev, P. Caemmerer, who served until -May (>. 1899, and was succeeded by the Rev. E. A. Behrens, of New York; he continued here five years and six months. Dnder bis administration the influential Ladies Aid Society, with about 150 members was formed. In all, this societj has raised $(>,">( it) fur church improvements and for deeds of charity and mercy. The third pastor was Rev. Carl <>. Salzmann, of St. Louis, Mo., who served three years and -i ven months. Dnder him was built the addition to the church building, used for school purposes. Next came Rev. E. O. Giesel, of Platteville, well until called by death. December .">. 1912. Dnder his guidance was added to the parsonage more room and other needed improvements, amounting to an expense of about $1,200, including the splendid base ment, hot -water heating plant, the cement sidewalks, etc. Be it was who started the pipe organ fund with which later the present sweet-toned pipe organ was purchased, and it is highly prized by the congregation and well-trained choir of about twenty voices. Following Rev. E. O. Giesel, Rev. E. A. Giesel, his son. responded to a call from this con gregation December 11, 1!H'J. He came from South Haven, Mich. It was he who lirst introduced the English language in church services here and also in the Sunday school work and Bible classes. Be is a strong believer in the use of the English language by all American citizen-, whether native or foreign horn.

I'nder this energetic pastor there was organized a Luther League of 100 members, commencing with the modest number of only twenty-four. This noble band of church workers has been busy in season and out, and have raised and paid into the treasury of this church over $1,589, which has aided a score of needed improvements. The total amount in improvements made under Reverend Giesel is $7,000. The present pastor is John M. Schedler.

The "envelope system" of making collections is employed and was introduced and urged upon the people by the present pastor. The church books and records in general of this congregation show great pains upon the pastor's part, whose every hour is filled with pre duties as he circs for both the spiritual and material interests of his large and constantly increasing congregation, yel he seems to be given

When Rev. Giesel came to Harvard he found a church ahoul onehalf its present size. There is a membership of 600. The church held us twenty-fifth jubilee anniversary commemorating the dedication of r church edifice in 1917, an illustration of which appears in this volume. At thai great gathering Rev. II. K. Doermann, I). I)., of St. Paul, was present and delivered the sermon. Up to the date of this jubilee twenty-five years after the dedication, there had been officiated at !.\ pastors here 1,008 baptisms; couples married, 233; persons buried,

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at the village of Union and was organized there November 10, 1887, with charter members as follows: Fred Schneidewind, Charles Miller, Benry Young, Fred Bloedorn, August Kunkle, Fred Martens, Fred Miller, August Kamholz, M. Kolberg, John Bopp, Charles Pries, Fred Selchow, Gust E. Binz, Charles Hasten, John Tornow, Alb Gehrke, F. Pries, Charles Winkelmann, F. Dahelke. The present membership is about 103 families with seventy-six voting members. The presenl buildings of this con gregation are the veneered brick church, built in 1901, valued at about $20,000, a parochial school built in 1901. and a parsonage built in 1!)()S.

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized at Crystal Lake in is'tfi, and reorganized in 1906. It was organized by Rev. E. Rahn, reorganized by Rev. II. Wagner. Under the reorganization the members were: Fr. Mackeben, II. Walther, F. Schulz, II. Dunker, E. Schubbe, K. Tegtmeier, Fr. Kempfert, William Schwarz, Fr. Dreyer, Karl Lange. The present membership includes about thirty families and 600 souls. The Sunday school has four teachers and about thirty children. The Ladies Aid Society has relatively twenty-five members.

The church building is at North Crystal Lake and is a cement structure valued at $10,000. The following have been pastors in the order here given: Revs. II. Wagner, William Ereis, II. Wagner, II.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church a1 Barvard, was organized by Re\ R. Reinke aboul L904, and now lias a membership of relatively 107, with sixty-six communicants. Carj was organized by Rev. Kuehnerl in 1911, ami dow lias fori y-nine members and twenty-four communicants. Rev. Kuehnerl lias charge of the church at Barvard as well as at Cary.

Boli Cross Luthebah Church. The Lutheran Church at Cary Btation was organized in 1910, and has a presenl membership of thirty souls. There is no church property. Rev. P. <i. Kuehnerl is the pastor.

(ikack KvAMiMi.ic.M. Litheram Churcb is a rather recenl religious organization of Woodstock. The church building they now own and occupy is in! far t'rnin the Catholic Church in the northwestern pari of the city. It was built bj the old German Presbyterians who disbanded a few years since, in 1919 a large addition was made to the edifice to ommodate the greatly increasing congregation. The church is valued at $20,000. There is a membership of 600 souls. Rev. Roger C. Kaufman is the present pastor.

Methodist

the tifst pioneer ehureli organizations in this county. It was organized in 1837 by Rev. John ('lark and Leander S. Walker. It was during 1837 that the conference formed the Sycamore circuit which embraced all the territory from Sycamore north to the Wisconsin line, running cast as far as the Fox River and west to the Rock River. The regular appointed places for holding services were Sycamore, Rockford, Belvidere. Round Prairie. Garden Prairie, -Marengo, Harmony, Ridgefield and McHenry, besides many isolated places where occasional services were held. In all this vast region there was not a single church house at that date, private homes being made into '-meeting houses." In the autumn of 1837, Rev. William Gaddis preached his firsl sermon at the house of Dr. Eli Smith, in Riley Township. The audience did not i sceed eight persons besides the doctor's family. Sometime in 1838 the minister in charge funned a class at .Marengo, holding meetings in the house of Calvin Spencer. Tin' following were the firsl members of the [limner society: Eli Smith, elassdeader ; Asenith Smith. Samuel and Polly Smith, and Eunice Cobb. A few days later the names of 0. P. Rogers, Mary S. Rogers and Chester Williams were added to the list.

In consequence of this circnil being 300 miles in circumference, requiring nearly one year for a pastor to make the round, it was subdivided. In 1838 Rev. F. s. Walker and Nathaniel Jewetl were senl to the Marengo "appointment." Al the firsl quarterly meeting held at Bound Prairie, the following stewards were elected: We&lej Diggins, <>. p. Rogers. Revs. Walker and Jewetl received for their sit-. aboul $100 a year, and their duties were to preach one sermon each weekday and three <m Sunday.

In the never-to-be-forgotten winter of 1856-57, one <>f the mosl remarkable revivals of religion ever known in this county, was held at Marengo. It commenced in the fall and continued till spring with do decrease in interest. People came from far and oear, and the result was lint people were soundly converted. It was in 1855 the church ted its handsome edifice, the same being dedicated in the spring by Rev. John Demster. A Sabbath school was organized in 1840 with nine pupils, bul in 1885 the school had over 100 pupils.

The present beautiful brick edifice was built in 1897 and cosl $20,000, while the parsonage cosl $3,500. The membership is »'J". Thi' ministers who have faithfully discharged their duty as pastor of the church at Marengo are as follows: Revs. William Geddis, Nathan Jewett, D. A. Walker. P. Ferry. X. Smith. William Geddis, Charles McClure, B. Brown, A. Hammond. I). Fellows, -I. X. Hinman, James

Tin: Richmond Church is one of the county's oldest religious societies, p was organized November 3. 1838, by Rev. L. S. Lewis, who preached two years. At that date this formed a part id' Crystal Pake Circuit which comprised about thirty preaching appointments. Among the earlier ministers here were the following: Revs. Walker. Jewett. Nathaniel White. Dr. Decker, Whipple. Amos Wiley. P. S. Walker. John Rhodes, B. P. Jacobs. Calvin Brookins, Edwin Brown, J. H. .Moore. Thomas Corwin, P. M. Battis, G. S. Wiley. Nathan Critchett, Samuel Earngey, P. C. Steere, W. F. DeLap, Grover C. Clark, and many more who came a1 ;i later date. At firsl a schoolhouse was used for a house of worship, bul in L855 the society dedicated its own church building on Main street, a frame edifice seating 250 and costing aboul $2,500. In 1880 the total membership was aboul forty. The presenl membership is fifty-three. The Sundaj school attendance is aboul 112. The church property erected in 1902 is valued at $10,500. The presenl pastor is P. \V. Polej .

socii'tics of this county. It was organized in 1840 and its first members were [ra and Mrs. .Mary Colby, Darius Reynolds and wife, Alden and .Mrs. M. Harvey, Freeman Harvey, and .Mrs. Abigail Harvey, with Free man Harvey as class-leader. The county seat was then at McHenry and services were held in the courthouse once in four weeks, and also at times in private homes. The circuil then consisted of seven appointments. In 1850 this church, in connection with the Free-Will Bap tists. 1 > n ill a brick church and used it alternately. The Methodists built a church for their own use aboul 1870 and a parsonage in 1S79. The church property is valued a1 $7,300. Rev. Raymond Sanger is the present pastor.

Tin: Woodstock Church. Methodism in Woodstock was established in 1850 by Reverend Morehouse. The charter members were as follows: Mr. Cotting and wife, .Mrs. ('. Ramsey, Mrs. Dr. Rose, Miss .Mary Sherwood, George Starr and wife, Silas Wilson and wife. William Montgomery and wife. The first officers were: George Starr, elass-Ieadcr : S. ( ). (iregory, William II. Murphy, Silas Wilson, -lames Murphy, .John Reider, Andrew Murphy, Owen Murphy were stewards; and Charles McClure and I. II. Fairchilds were local preachers. Services at first were held in the schoolhouse, then in Excelsior Hall, and two years later in Phoenix Hall. The church was organized twelve years before a church edifice was owned. In 1862 they purchased the old Baptist church building for the sum of $1,500. For many years this building served as a place of worship, but finally it was too small to accommodate the increasing congregation and the presenl frame edifice was erected in 1N70 at an expense of $8.01111. It seats about 401) persons but is fast going to decay and is soon to be replaced by a larger and more modern building at a cost of $60,000.

Tin Greenwood Churcb was organized .it the village of Green wood in 1850, bul Lapsed in 1875 and was reorganized in 1884, the last organization being made l>y (.'. \V. Jayeox, with charter members as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Parker, Alphonso Newman, Mr, and Mrs. Owen Murphy, .Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart. The presenl membership is about ninety. This church was one of the nine appointments comprising the old McEenry Circuil which included in 1852, Eighland Prairie, North Bebron, Richmond, Ringwood, Greenwood, Easl Greenwood, Queen Ann. English Prairie and McEenry.

The firsl church used by this congregation was the old Presbyterian building. This was torn down and a new church provided in 1909. A frame parsonage was buill in 1904. The church is valued at $8,500 ami the parsonage at $2,500.

The following is a list of pastors who have served at Greenwood: Revs. Leander S. Walker, Rev. Shepherd, Christopher Lazenby, T. R. Satterfield, Rev. Stewart, 1863; Rev. Bundoe, M. II. Triggs, Rev. Wilson, 1866; S. II. Adams. 1 s ( 1 7 ; L. K. Davis, 1869; Rev. Brookins, 1871; Byron Alden, 1872-75 (no pastor for some time ; Rev. Adams. l,sso; Rev. Elkins, 1881; William Nickle, 1881-1884; C. W. Jaycox, 1884;

Tm, Rinqwood Church was organized in the village of Ringwood in 1855 as a Union church, made up of Methodist and Congregational church people. Iii lS(iS i he ( 'oiifrrc^at ionalists withdrew. The charter members of this church were as follows: Mr. and -Mrs. Samuel Simmons, Mr. and .Mrs. William Mead, Jane Vasey, John Vasey, Richard Vasey, William Vasey, Prank Vasey, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Carr, Mr. and Mrs.

membership is fiftj one. The presenl value of church property is $5,000. Pasters w ho have served here are as follows : Revs. Nathan Jewett, < Ihris- until the station was placed in with that at Bebron (see Bebron church for other history . This society 1ms now a membership of aboul fifty, and a Sunday school enrollment of aliout eighty.

'I'm: Bebron Church was organized not far from 1857, when Rev, Calvin Brookins became pastor in charge. There is no record of this church for many years. It now has a membership of about 170, with a Sunday school enrollment of about ninety; the superintendent is .Miss Anna Douglas. <>n this same circuil is Alden village, above mentioned.

Tin: BABVABD CHURCH. During the winter id' 1857-58, the Methodist Episcopal Church at Harvard was organized with five charter members. In I860 they erected their first church, the first church edifice to be erected at Harvard. The hoard of stewards were: William II. Culler.

The church has a membership of aboul 425, with a Sunday school enrollment of about 225. The presenl brick church edifice nn> constructed ii"i manj years ago at an expense of $30,000.

existence. The congregation buill a frame church at old Crystal Lake. also a parsonage. In 1898 the church was removed u> North Crystal Lake ami remodeled. A new frame parsonage was erected at a cost of $2,000. This branch, like others in the county, has virtually failed to maintain itself. Its present membership in regular standing is only five, of the pastors who have served this church these are recalled: Revs. ('. B. Bbey, F. 1>. Brooke, -I. D. Kelsey, C. S. Spaulding, I'. W. Newcomer, John Harvey. .1. F. Bill. II. Lenz, W. ('. .MeXeil, .1. G. Rockenbach, -I. II. Polly, .1. W. Hill, A. L. Wright, W. (i. Bamner, .1. (i. Rockenbach, W. M. Kelsey. II. W. Hills ami .1. E. Parry.

Tin: Crystal Lake Churcb was organized as early as 1861. possibly earlier, the records are not clear as to the very early events of this society. It is shown, however, that S. II. Hamilton, E. Owen and W. A. Smith are named as among the officers. The minister in charge was Rev. ('. Lazenby, with Presiding Elder -I. W. Agard. The presenl membership is 200. The presenl value of the church with lot is $18,000, recent improvements having been made in it. The parsonage is valued at $8,000.

Tin Kki i Methodist Chi rch al Algonquin was organized as a local branch of the "Free Methodisi Church of North America," bj Rev. I>. P. Baker in 1N7I Among the Brsl members here were: R. B, McKee, Emmeline McKee, William Head, Mr. Dunn, olive Dunn, William William--. Ann Williams. Henry Chandler, Mrs. Chandler, and Sarah Hubbard. The church a1 one time flourished in ihis community, bu1 of late aol so much ami there are now bul two members lefl of ihis organization. A frame church was erected in ls77 costing $1,400, ami a parsonage was built in 1884 costing about $1,500.

Tut: Cart. Station Pbee Methodist Church was organized at the same time as the one al Crystal Hake in 1874, by Rev. I). 1*. Baker, with charter members as follows: M. S. W. West and wife. D. D. and Mariah until today only live members are reported. A church was erected in 1877 costing $1,200. At present there is a Sunday school which has an enrollment of about thirty-one pupils.

Edith Crabtree, and a few others whose names are not now recalled by church officers. It is not a strong church, for today it only numbers sev enteen souls. The church edifice was erected in 1875 for school purposes but since 1889 has been used for religious worship. The church proper including the comfortable parsonage is valued at $5,750.

The pastors who have served here include the following: Ixevs. I. \. Goodell, L. A. Johnson. William Nickle, Charles Went worth, P. J. Milnes, wife and three daughters, Ann Van Alstine, Alfred II. Earling, John and Lydia Adams, John Sawyer and wife, Daniel, .Maria, Jane and Elisha Cornue, William F. and olive Peake, Charolette Streator, Catherine Weaver, .lane Meyers, David Prime and wife, David Shaw, and Adam Phillips. A substantial church was erected in 1868, in the village nf Bebron, and in 1882 the parsonage was built. This was replaced in 1909 by the presenl edifice, valued at $1,500. The presenl membership is 110. The presenl pastor is Rev. F. B. McDowell.

Woodstcx k Church was organized in 1846 by Rev. J. B. Plumstead, with the following members : M. B. Given, Elizabeth Given, Allen Dufield, Jesse Sloan, Anna Slavin, Margarel J. S'avin, Naomi C. Slavin, Charles Dufield, Andrew Scott, .lames Sn.it, Sarah Scott, Caleb Williams, Cor delia Williams, John Givins, J. S. Glvenk, Thomas Lindsay, Marj A Lindsay, William Gilbert, Catherine Gilbert, William D. Given, and Rachel Given.

This church was the outgrowth of the church at Ridgefield, then called the Virginia Settlement. Rev. ii. K. Todd commenced to preach at Woodstock for the new church in 1847, continuing until 1865. Be was followed by Rev. Blood as above noted.

The following pastors have served this church: Revs. R. K. Todd. Blood, John Thomas, Kirkwood, E. J. Fisher. John I>. McCain, S. C. Bay, who came as pastor in 1883. Revs. Beck, Peck, McDermott and R. B. Guthrie.

structure capable of seating two hundred. .Most of the material was donated. The present church building was erected in lsx_ at an expense of $4,500. It is situated on the corner of Calhoun and Tryon streets. This is a frame building accommodating about 350 poison-. A manse was built the same year as the church. The church property

The Harvard Churcb was organized in 1868, with .Messrs. II. C. Blackman, Lewis Beaner, and C. Brown as trustees. Rev. Thomas C. Easton being first pastor. Soon the Presbyterians united with the Con gregationalists, the two societies using the hitter's building. In 1880, the two denominations separated. During the winter of 18U8-9, the Presbyterians erected a building of their own a1 a cosl of $3,000. This was replaced in 1912 with the present church which is valued at $20,000. The

The Germ \.\ Presbyter] \.\ < 'in bch. There is uo such denomination in Germany, but in some of the localities in this country where Germans settled whose belief was nearer the religious faith of the Presbyterians than any other denomination, hence they organized what was termed the "German Presbyterian Church." One such society was organized firs! in Greenwood Town-hip, on Queen Ann Prairie, .May 1, 1853, by Rev. Weitzel. The society has long since been abandoned and many of its members took their letter- and united with the Presbyterian church of Woodstock. As the charter members will bring up by association many old time names among the devoul German families, the list of the firs! members of this church will be given. With the exception of two or three Swiss families, including the Renics', these members were all Germans: Peter Weidrich, George Herdklotz, Peter Sonnedruecker,

Magdelena Schmidt, Barbara Prey, Margaretta Senger, Charlotta Sonde drueeker, Eve Eekerd, Barbara Berdklotz, Magdelana Schaaf, Margaretta Barmann, Benrietta Bugler, Louisa Mueller, M. Dietrich, Barbara Weidrich, Magdelena Bertchey, Barbar Dcllenbach and Eve Knhn. In 1856 these people secured a church in which to worship and it served the congregation many yens, h was purchased by the American P byterians in Woodstock, taken aparl and hauled to Queen Ann Prairie, ami there buill into a church edifice. In 1878 the Dame of the church was changed to Queen Ann Church of Woodstock. Services were held there until 1881, when they buill a bouse of worship on Chemung street, Woodstock. This was a frame structure and seated 250 pers It stood "ii the presenl site of i trace Evangelical church, near the < Oliver Typewriter shops.

This congregation bung together as a church 1 >« >« 1 \ as long as possible, Init times changed and finalh the property was sold and the members went elsewhere. Among the long to be remembered pastors were Rev. Weitzel, Selmell. Phillip Host-i- and .laeoh Kalb. As late as 1885 the church was in a prosperous condition and bad sixty-six members.

Universalist

A society was formed al Marengo in 1864, with forty members, but before lssi> the\ had dwindled down to not over a half dozen. At one time they supported regular pastors, bul only for a few years.

A church of this faith was established at Woodstock in 1855 by Rev. Livermore, who for many years edited the Nt w Cow nant in < Ihicago. At the time of organization there was a membership of twenty-seven. In lss."> they estimated their property to he worth $L\ .">()(). For many years this chureh has not existed. .Many of the NVu Englanders who came in and settled in this eonnty were of this religious faith.

A CJniversalisI society was formed at McHenry, in January. 1853, with Rev. .lames R. .Mack as the first pastor. A building was erected in 1854. The tirst members included these: R Bishop and wife, l>. Brown and wife, Francis Harrison and wife, C. B. Curtis and wife, Christopher Seeber and wife, George Gage and A. II. Nanly.