McLean County, Illinois - Chapter 14: Churches, 1924

Society

This history has dealt in the main with material things, the progress of the county in agriculture, industry, home building, city-making, and road constructon. However, unless something be said, even if inadequately and all too briefly, of the spiritual struggles of the people and their progress along moral and religious lines, the history will not meet the full requirements of the times. For McLean County people as a whole have been always and are still a religious and spiritual people. In all sections of the county, in every city and village, church spires point the worshiper to a higher life, and weekly meetings summon him to remember his Creator.

Rev. Jesse Walker, the first Protestant minister in Illinois, made his headquarters at Kaskaskia, the early capital of Illinois, even before the territory became a state. It seems that while his scene of activities was mainly in southern Illinois, he learned after 1822 that there was a family of Methodists at Blooming Grove, and as this was his own denomination he set out to visit the families in this region. Therefore he has credit of having held the first religious services inside of. the boundaries of McLean County. Other Methodist ministers took up the work of Rev. Walker, for we learn that Rev. Peter Cartwright, a famous evangelist of that day, made frequent visits to central Illinois, although he lived in Sangamon County. He was the first presiding elder of this district, if we can speak of it as such.

The Baptists seem to have been the second denomination on the scene here. Rev. E. Rhodes, a Free Will Baptist preacher, made his home at Blooming Grove in 1824, and preached often. In fact he seems to have been the first resident minister of any denomination.

Rev. William See, another Methodist, lived at Blooming Grove and preached in the region around. When the postoffice was established at Blooming Grove he became first postmaster. He probably found time to handle all the mail that the little settlement received, and also attend to his religious duties.

The ministers of the early period were mostly itinerant preachers of the gospel, they were here one year and gone the next. Therefore even the names of most of them have been lost to history. It is known, however, that the earliest ministers included some from the Methodists, some of the Free-will Baptists, some Campbellites, or Christians, and some United Brethren. The Presbyterians and Congregationalists also had scattered adherents.

Many of the churches of the early days were established right out in the open country, and they were attended mostly by the farmers and their families. But a later period saw the rural churches decline in membership and prestige and the churches located mostly in towns and cities. Some of the first rural churches built in McLean County have long ago been abandoned and left to the whims of the weather. Often a church was flanked by a cemetery and where the church was abandoned the ceme~ tery likewise fell into neglect. This is a sad state of affairs, but it is true.

Rev. James Stringfield was the first resident minister, although Rev. Walker had previously visited here. Rev. Stringfield preached at the home of the Hendrixes in 1823. The following year a "class" was organized and Blooming Grove made a station in the Peoria circuit or mission. The first Methodist sermon was preached and the first Methodist class organized in Blooming Grove in 1824 and was the beginning of what is now the First Methodist church. For the first six years the meetings were held in the homes of the settlers. The first edifice was built in 1836, at a cost of $900. It was 32x44, and dedicated in August, 1836. It was on the corner of

Main and Olive streets. Here the people worshiped from 1836 to 1851. In 1851, the second meeting house was built upon the corner of Washington and East streets. It was 44x70, and cost $7,838, and was dedicated, free from debt, to the worship of God, on Aug. 10, 1851. It was used as a church from that time to 1873, when the present edifice was built. Rev. Zadoc Hall was minister when it was determined to build the first church. He himself took the contract, secured a tract of timber, took men and went into the woods and hewed the logs, hired carpenters to erect the building, and when paid the stipulated price of $1,000, found he had made a profit of 75 cents as contractor. The preachers who were upon the circuit when the congregation worshiped at the courthouse were W. T. Crissy, William Royal, John E. French and Zadoc Hall. The ministers in the first church building were Zadoc Hall, S. W. D. Chase, Richard Haney, Millin Harker, T. W. Chandler, A. L. Risley, William M. Grubbs, Norman Allyn, Samuel Elliott, C. M. Holliday and Thomas Magee. The preachers serving in the building at East and Washington streets were R. W. Travis, W. J. Rutledge, Joseph Montgomery, William M. Grubbs, J. R. White, J. C. Kimber, L. C. Pitner, Reuben Andrus, W. N. McElroy, James Keaton and R. M. Barnes. The earlier ministers who served at the present building were Thomas A. Parker, W. N. McElroy and H. O. Hoffman. The church has had a long line of distinguished pastors, and its membership is now about 1,200. Rev. F. A. McCarty is pastor.

Grace M. E. church was organized in 1867 and was known as ''University Charge." When the new building was completed in 1872 Amie chapel became the place of worship until 1879, when Rev. J. A. Kumler arranged to purchase the building known as the Third Presbyterian church on Locust street near East. For ten years this little building was used. During the first pastorate of J. F. Stout funds were raised for a new church. Under Horace Reed in the fall of 1887 the work was taken up and the church finally completed and dedicated on July 21, 1889. Bishop Bown Bowman officiated. The new church at Locust and East cost, including ground, $40,000. Since then the building was extended north and a fine pipe organ installed. The charter members of University Charge included such names as David Kern, B. F. Funk, E. C. Hyde,' D. C. DeMotte, O. T. Reeves, J. L. Beath, Isaac Kenyon, Harry Reeves, Jesse A. Willson, John Carroll, John Geltmacher, Charles Munsell. The list of pastors and the year they began service is as follows: W. H. Webster, 1867; George

Park Methodist church is on South Allin near Miller park, and is a younger congregation. Rev. N. E. Keenan is its pastor. The German Methodists formed a church in 1854 and maintained an organization until recently. The Swedish Methodists and the African Methodists maintain organizations with a goodly number of members. The Bloomington district of the Illinois conference is in charge of Rev. Charles M. Duncan at present, and the list of churches in McLean County and their pastors are as follows: First church, F. A. McCarty; Grace, E. V. Young; Park, W. E. Keenan; Arrowsmith, F. R. Deland; Bellflower, S. H. Hoar; Covell, W. E. Williams ; Heyworth, A. S. Weiss ; Weedman, S. N. Ingmore ; Downs, A. A. White; Leroy, T. B. Lugg; Saybrook, U. G. Johnston; Chenoa, Stanley Ward; Gridley, Ivan Obenchain; Hudson, S. G. Foster; Lexington, L. S. Zinser; Normal, Guy Z. Moore; Towanda, W. F. Budman; McLean, 0. L. Clapper.

The Catholic church has many adherents in McLean County. Rev. Barnard O'Hara arrived in Bloomington on Nov. 5, 1853, and the first services were held at the house of William O'Brien soon afterward. Later the old courthouse was secured and 33 communicants attended first mass in that building. The old M. E. church building at Olive and Main was bought Nov. 11, 1853, for $1,600, and was used for many years. Father O'Hara bought land west of the city and donated 13 acres for St. Mary's cemetery. The priests following along at this period were Fathers Cahill, Hurley, Fitzgibbons and Sherry. In 1859 Father Kennedy came, and he soon bought the block bounded by Main, Locust, Center and Chestnut streets for a church site. It was not until 1866 that the cnurch was started under Father O'Gara, and it was almost completed when a cyclone destroyed it. Then followed Father Douhig one year and then Father McGovern. The latter sold the old church, and the congregation worshiped in Phoenix hall. Father McDermott came in 1875, and started a movement to build a church, which he accomplished after many tribulations. On July 22, 1879, Father M. Weldon arrived, who was destined to have a long and distinguished record. He served 40 years, and retired after having been given the title of Monsignor. He is still living in retirement at the rectory, and Father C. H. Medcalf is in charge of the parish, with two assistants. The block now contains the church, rectory, St. Joseph's academy and St. Mary's school. The block just west is also owned by the church and contains St. Joseph's hall, a girls' dormitory.

The German Catholics of Bloomington held their first meeting to form a church in 1852, and soon afterward Father Reeves of Wapella was assigned to hold services here. A small church was built on West Taylor street in 1869. Some of the priests of this period were Fathers Nettstraetter, Heckman, and Schreiber. St. Joseph's cemetery was acquired, and in 1881 the congregation was taken over by the Franciscan Fathers of Cincinnati. In 1885 the present building at Jackson and Mason was erected at a cost of $28,000. Just a few years ago it was stuccoed. The parish now has a fine church, a large school, and houses for the priests and the sisters. Rev. Father Adam is in charge of the parish.

St. Patrick's parish was organized from the west end of Holy Trinity parish in 1892 and Rev. J. J. Burke was placed in charge. A large church, school and convent were built, the church having the only chimes of bells in the county. Rev. M. J. O'Callaghan is now in charge.

Several places in the county outside Bloomington have Catholic churches. Downs is in charge of the priests of St. Patricks'. Merna has a large church, and Chenoa also. Lexington has a church, but no settled pastor.

The United Brethren denomination have had congregations in Bloomington for about 15 years, and have built two beautiful but not large structures. The First church is in the northwest part of the city, and the Second in the southeast. Rev. H. M. Klinger is pastor of First, and L. A. Whitesell of Second. There are flourishing U. B. churches at Lexington, under J. Guy Jordan; at Saybrook in charge of J. T. McCreery; and at Anchor under G. H. Schisler.

The First Presbyterian church of Bloomington was one of the real pioneer churches of the county, being organized in 1833, only three years after the county was organized and two years after the city of Bloomington was created. Amasa C. Washburn organized a., Sunday school in March, 1832, a union school though managed by Presbyterians. When the Methodists organized a school in 1839, they drew many from this union school, and from that time it became Presbyterian. A Presbyterian minister whose name is lost to history preached in Bloomington three times in July, 1832, and in December of that year Calvin W. Babbitt came here, and his work resulted in the official organization of the First Presbyterian church in January, 1833. Rev. James McGeoch was engaged in March, 1833, for one year as minister. The congregation first met in a house at Main and Olive, then in a school house erected by Rev. Lemuel Foster. About 1843 the church began to look for a home of its own. John T. Stuart, a friend of Abraham Lincoln, donated a low, swampy lot at corner of Grove and East street, where the first building was erected in 1846. The lot to the east of the Stuart lot was donated by David Davis, James Robinson, A. Brokaw and Oliver Ellsworth. The building was not entirely finished until 1848. The structure cost $4,000, being built mostly by volunteer labor. It was of unique shape, somewhat after the form of a Greek temple. This building was used until 1895, when the present stone church was erected. The last service in the old building was on May 12. The first pipe organ was put in 1868. The various ministers of the church from the first were: Calvin W. Babbitt, 1833; James McGeoch, 1833; Lemuel Foster, 1833; C. L. Watson, 1837; B. B. Drake, 1840; David I. Perry, 1844; Fielding N. Ewing, 1850; Hugh R. Price, 1858; John McLean, 1865; Samuel B. Taggart, 1874; Henry B. Thayer, 1877; Frank S. Brush, 1881; Charles M. Moss, 1886; Edward K. Strong, 1887-96; DeWitt L. Pelton, 1897-99; N. H. G. Fife, 1900-04; R. Calvin Dobson, 1905-10; W. A. Bodell, 1910-15; F. E. Vernon, 1915-23. The cornerstone of the present building was laid on July 23, 1895, and the structure was completed during the following autumn and winter, and occupied in the spring of 1896.

The Second Presbyterian church was organized on June 24, 1855, at a meeting held in Major's hall. There were 34 original members, mostly those who had left the First Presbyterian owing to differences of opinion on the subject of slavery. Rev. Alfred Eddy was chosen first pastor, and served until 1863. The first building was erected in 1856 on a lot near the southeast corner of East and Monroe streets. Later a tower was added and the building remodeled in 1877. Rev. John W. Bailey succeeded Dr. Eddy as pastor, and then Rev. A. MacDougal was called to the pastorate. Dr. J. W. Dinsmore became supply and then pastor in 1870, and he served with great distinction until 1891, a period of 21 years. Dr. W. P. Kane became the pastor in 1892, and he served until 1898, when he was chosen as president of Wabash college. A supply filled the pulpit until 1899, when Rev. Henry K. Denlinger became pastor. During the pastorate of Dr. Kane, the "old" church was abandoned, the last service being held May 19, 1895. The building was torn down, and in August of that year work was begun on the present structure, the cornerstone being laid on Oct. 15. The church cost $60,000 and was dedicated in 1896. Dr. Denlinger was followed as pastor by Rev. Frederick W. Hawley, who remained for about five years and then resigned to go to Oklahoma. Dr. Hawley was succeeded by Dr. Joseph N. Elliott, who came here from Muscatine. Dr. Elliott resigned in April, 1917, to take the position of home mission head in Illinois and Rev. W. B. Hindman came here from Ohio. He remained for about five years, and resigned in December, 1921, to go to Aurora. After a few months, Rev. Charles Tupper Baillie of Plattsburgh, N. Y., was selected to the pastorate and is still in the position. The church has a membership of 800, being the largest church in the Bloomington presbytery.

Outside of Bloomington, the Presbyterians have a number of churches in other places in the county, some of which have been in existence from very early times. The list of churches of this denomination and their present pastors are as follows: Chenoa, Rev. Mr. Owen; Cooksville, vacant; Danvers, Lewis C. Voss; Downs, vacant; Heyworth, W. R. Gibbons; Leroy, Thomas G. Melton; Lexington, Frank A. Campbell; Two Towanda, D. K. Campbell, stated supply; Stanford, Loyal W. Madden. There is a flourishing Presybterian church in Normal, of which Rev. Henry B. Wooding is the pastor. He succeeded Rev. Henry Abraham, who occupied the pulpit for many years. Prior to Rev. Abraham's term, the minister was for a number of years Rev. W. D. Smith. A long line of earlier ministers made the pulpit famous. The Presbyterian church used to stand on Ash street next to the public school building. When the school board bought the lot, the church was moved away and made into residences. The membership at about this time effected a merger with the Congregational church of Normal, which had existed many years. The two churches took over the site of the Congregational building and there erected a very handsome modern church, which is occupied today.

in 1837 with 20 members, including the following heads of families: David Haggard, Samuel Lander, W. G. Thompson, Catherine Enlow. The first pastor was Rev. Isaac D. Newell. Meetings were held at various houses. In 1843 Rev. Lyman Whitney organized a Sunday school. A church was built in 1848 at 107 South Madison and in '56 the building at Jefferson and Madison was occupied, which was burned down in the fire of 1900. Under Rev. F. M. Ellis in 1865-68, a church in Normal was formed. Under Rev. D. Read, 1880-84, the Prairie Street Baptist church was organized, but later disbanded. The present First church was built under Dr. J. L. Jackson, 1884-90. Rev. W. B. Riley, now a famous minister of Minneapolis, was pastor here at one time. Rev. J. L. Jackson became pastor for the second time in 1912, an occurrence unusual in any church. He served till Dec. 31, 1923, when he handed in his resignation to take effect Feb. 1, 1924. But death claimed him on Jan. 18. The membership of the church is 699. The missionaries who have gone from this church are Rev. Fred P. Haggard, Miss Gertrude Miller, Miss Mildred Jones. Rev. Frank Fagerburg, pastor of the First Baptist church at Springfield, Mass., and Rev. William Steinkraus, who has a charge in Indiana, are members of this church. The Baptist churches in McLean County outside Bloomington are: Chenoa, Rev. H. Westerfield, pastor; Danvers, no pastor; Hudson, Rev. E. D. Bell; Lexington, no pastor; Normal, Rev. George Sneath; Towanda, Rev. A. W. Fuller; McLean, no pastor. Chenoa church was organized in 1866, Danvers in 1838, Hudson in 1856; Lexington, 1860; Normal, 1866 ; Towanda, 1856 ; McLean, 1867.

Congregationalists have maintained churches in McLean County for many years, there being organizations in Bloomington, Chenoa, Gridley, Normal and McLean. The Bloomington organization has a fine modern church at East and Mulberry streets, of which Rev. Frank L. Breen is pastor. It was built about fifteen years ago. The Congregational church in Normal merged with the Presbyterians a few years ago, and the new Presbyterian church erected on the former site of the Congregational. The Congregationalists were an organization here as early as 1842, and have several times been disbanded and reorganized again.

The Disciples of Christ have a strong following in McLean County. The first body of worshipers was formed at Blooming Grove in August, 1828, with five families as members. Rev. Ebenezer Rhodes, who had been a minister of the Baptist faith, united with William Brown to conse- crate this organization, and Rev. Rhodes afterward was known as a Christian minister. Grassy Ridge church, south of Bloomington, was formed in 1853 with 13 members. The First Christian church of Bloomington was organized in 1837 at the home of W. T. Major with 13 charter members. In 1840 a small frame church was built on East street between Grove and Front. In 1856 the lot at Jefferson and West (now Roosevelt avenue) was bought as a site for a church. The brick building was first occupied in. 1857. Some of the early pastors were Leroy Skelton, T. V. Berry, D. R. VanBuskirk, Henry S. Earl, J. H. McCullough, A. I. Hobbs, H. D. Clark and B. J. Radford, and J. W. Lampheer. J. H. Gilliland came to the church in 1888 and served 14 years, the membership increasing in this time from 400 to 1,500. Rev. Gilliland organized the Second church in 1902 and erected the building at Mulberry and Evans street, of which he then became pastor. After serving as pastor of Second church until 1910, Rev. Gilliland then organized the Centennial church, at Grove and Willard avenue, of which he then became pastor. Mr. Gilliland died in 1912. The Third church is for colored people and has a building on South Morris. Rev. Edgar DeWitt Jones was for many years pastor of the First church, being perhaps the most famous of the pastors in later years. He was noted as a writer, lecturer and platform orator. He arose to the highest honor within the gift of the organization of Disciples of Christ, being made national president. He is now pastor of Central Christian church at Detroit.

The Christian Church at Anchor was organized in 1891 by Dr. A. W. Green. Arrowsmith has had a Christian Church since 1879. The church at Bellflower was formed in 1891, and in 1913 the modern church was built. Buck Creek Church, near Lexington, was formed in 1850 and a house erected in 1869. A church was formed at Carlock in 1836, known as White Oak Grove, but after fifty-three years of existence it passed out and the membership transferred to Carlock. Colfax has had a church since 1867, and in 1907 the present building was erected. John R. Golden formed a congregation at Cooksville in 1902, succeeding the Blue Mound Church. Ellsworth Church succeeded the Old Town Church in 1867, and Heyworth Church was organized in 1872. In 1906 the present modern building was erected in Heyworth. A Christian Church has been at Holder since 1877, and at Hudson since 1877. Leroy Church was formed in 1888 by T. T. Holton, and a fine church erected in 1907. Lexington

Church has lived since 1860 and occupies a brick building. The church at McLean has existed since 1903. Normal First Church, organized in 1873, occupied a fine new church at Fell Avenue and North Street in 1912. This was the last work of the lamented J. H. Gilliland. There is a colored church at Normal formed in 1884. Saybrook Church dates back to 1868, and Shirley Church to 1869. The congregation at Stanford was formed in 1870 and has a church and parsonage. Twin Grove Church was formed in 1841 and still has a building after two previous ones had been burned down. The list of pastors of the various churches in McLean County at present is as follows:

The German Lutherans of Bloomington has for many years maintained a large church and a parochial school. The church is at Madison and Olive Streets, and the school further south on Olive Street. The services were conducted in the German language until the time of the World War, when the English was used during that period. The school has a large enrollment. Rev. O. L. Hohenstein was for many years pastor of this church, succeeding Rev. C. F. W. Sapper, and at his death he was succeeded by his son, Rev. Walter E. Hohenstein, the present pastor. The Swedish Lutherans for many years had a church on West Olive Street in Bloomington, but of late this has been changed to the name of the English Lutheran Church.

The Evangelical Friends Church at Front and Lee, has been in existence for forty years. Rev. H. H. Bierbaum became pastor in 1919, and since then many improvements have been made. The church has a Sunday School, Young People's League and two Ladies' Aid Societies. The pastors of the church, since its organization, include Alexander Arronet, 1884-5 ; M. Severing, 1885-90 ; Sam Suter, 1890-98 ; F. Harder, 1898-1900 ; Ed Durand, 1900-10 ; Ed Klimpke, 1910-19 ; H. H. Bierbaum, 1919-24.

The Unitarian Church of Bloomington is the only one of that faith in the county. It was organized in 1858 and is housed in a good building at East and Jefferson Streets. Rev. J. H. Mueller and Rev. H. H. Burch are among the more recent pastors who are well known. Rev. Rupert Holloway is the present pastor. Under his leadership many public and popular educational features have been introduced

The work in Christian Science began in this community in 1886. Word had reached some of the people of Bloomington that healing through mental practice known as Christian Science was taking place elsewhere. Copies of the Christian Science Text-Book, "Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures," by Mary Baker Eddy, were procured. It was read and studied by a small group of interested persons who met at different homes to talk about Christian Science.

The meetings were first held in private homes, then "Bible's Hall," then Washingtonian Hall, in rooms at the corner of Center and Olive Streets, and in Jacoby Hall on North Main Street.

These pioneer Christian Scientists were called to minister to the sick, not only in the immediate locality, but in towns and country for miles around. By day or night, this little band of Truth seekers carried the gospel of healing wherever requested.

In one instance, practitioners were called by the members of the family to give Christian Science treatment to a young man critically ill. It was reported to the city authorities that these practitioners had thrust themselves upon this family without invitation, and that the family needed the protection of the law. A patrol wagon loaded with officers were dispatched in haste. When the situation was fully understood, the chief of police gave the word to the officers and they quietly returned to their headquarters.

On Aug. 1, 1922, this church was incorporated, as First Church of Christ, Scientist, Bloomington, 111. Later, the congregation rented the little frame church which stood on the lot now occupied by the present church edifice, corner of Monroe and Prairie Streets. This property was purchased in April, 1897, and within a month $1,300 was paid on the purchase price of $3,300. The property was paid for in full on Sept. 7, 1900.

In 1903 this church had accumulated $5,000 toward a new edifice which was needed by the growing congregation. At the annual meeting of the Mother Church in Boston in June of that year, it was voted to build an extension to the edifice erected in 1895, at a cost of $2,000,000.00 and the Bloomington Church contributed its entire building fund toward this amount.

As an evidence of the fact that the contributions to the Mother Church Building Fund did not impoverish the branch churches, it should be stated that within three months of the dedication of the Mother Church Extension, this church had made definite plans for the construction of a new building which cost when finished $55,000, though at that time there was less than $5,000 in the treasury. On Easter day, 1908, the last service was held in the old church building. On Easter day, 1909, services were held in this church, and formal opening services, to which the public was invited, occurred May 30 and and 31, 1909.

No Christian Science Church can be dedicated until all obligations are fully paid. This church building was dedicated free from all debt, July 14, 1912.

In the thirty-five years since its organized activity in 1888 this church has paid out $165,000, which includes the purchase price of the lot, church edifice and organ, contributions to the Mother Church activities and War Relief fund.

In the early history of Christian Science Churches, personal preaching was the custom, and Mrs. Delia H. Rigby, C. S. B. of Bloomington, 111., was the pastor until the order of service was changed in 1895, when she became the First Reader with Edwin O. Ropp as Second Reader. At this time, Mrs. Eddy ordained the Bible and Science and Health with key to the Scriptures, the text-book of Christian Science, to be the impersonal preachers for all Christian Science Churches. The result has been the development of Bible students among Christian Scientists in most remarkable numbers. Mrs. Rigby and Mr. Ropp as Readers, were succeeded by the following: 1903-1906, Mrs. Barbara Prince, First Reader, and John N. Niehaus, Second Reader; 1906-1909, Adelbert S. Eddy, First Reader, and Mrs. Myrtle Rodenhauser and substitutes, Second Reader; 1909-1912, Douglas C. Ridgley, First Reader, and Miss Flora Schneider, Second Reader; 1912-1915, Charles C. Gilliland, First Reader, and Mrs. Ethel Gooch, Second Reader; 1915-1918, Frank G. Morgan, First Reader, and Mrs. Osyth L. Hawk, Second Reader; 1918-1921, Andrew J. Moore, First Reader, and Mrs. Leota St. Clair, Second Reader; 1921-1924, Hiram J. Rodee, First Reader, and Mrs. Blanche Ott, Second Reader.

There is only one Episcopalian Church in the county, its building being at Jefferson and Prairie Streets in Bloomington. It has had many wellknown pastors since the church was formed in 1876. Rev. William BaKer resigned in 1922 to go to Pontiac, and is succeeded by Rev. J. G. Seacord, the present pastor.

There are three Baptist Churches in Bloomington for colored people, they being Macedonia, with B. H. Hunter for pastor; Union, with P. W. Fields as pastor, and Mt. Pisgah with G. W. Hanley as pastor.

William H. Shelper has conducted two evangelical missions in Bloomington, one on South Main and the other on West Washington Street. These hold nightly meetings throughout the year.

The Weston Evangelical Church was organized in 1869 by Rev. J. B. Rife and reorganized in 1894 when it became a part of the United Evangelical Church. The Evangelical Association and the United Evangelical Church were merged Oct. 4, 1922. The Weston Zion Church is a part of this association.

The Illinois Christian Missionary Society. - The Disciples of Christ have 700 churches and 130,000 members in Illinois. They have in the neighborhood of 600 preachers in the State. The movement, sometimes called the "Restoration Movement," began in Western Pennsylvania, with the preparation of a document by Thomas Campbell, known as the Declaration and Address. This was in the year 1809. Alexander Campbell, the son of Thomas Campbell, soon became the recognized leader of the cause. He established a church paper, the Christian Baptist, and after publishing it for seven years, discontinued it to start one with a somewhat different spirit, called the Millennial Harbinger. He founded Bethany College in West Virginia.

As emigration came westward naturally a large number of the people, who had accepted the religious views of Mr. Campbell, came into the middle-west states, especially Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. The first two churches in Illinois to take the name of Christian only were in Wabash County, the first one actually being a country church, still alive and active, called Barney's Prairie.

inspiration. The Disciples are a very democratic people and have no desire of adopting any form of government that will make them otherwise. But through the years they have found that there is such a thing as Co-operative Democracy. For a long time the tendency has been to form fraternal organizations and missionary societies through which the churches may express themselves.

The first church was established in this State in 1819, just one year after Illinois became a State. The churches grew rapidly. In 1834, at the close of a protracted meeting in Jacksonville, it was decided to foster cooperation among these churches. Various meetings were held for this purpose but it was not until Sept. 20, 1850, that the present State Society was actually organized.

For 75 years this society has represented the Disciples of Christ in missionary activity and co-operative fellowship in the State. More than 100 of the best churches in Illinois were founded by the society and more than one-half of the 700 churches owe their existence to its interest and fostering care. The headquarters of the society have been for years in Bloomington and at present are located at 504 Peoples Bank Building in that city.

Dr. H. H. Peters accepted the office of State Secretary Sept. 1, 1916. His administration has been marked by evangelistic activity and church building. The membership of the church throughout the State is growing and the spiritual life is deepening. There is a very noticeable advance in the matter of new buildings, or the enlargement of existing plants.

The Illinois Christian Missionary Society has in its employ an office and field force of eight people. The work is supported in three ways: 1. By offerings from the churches ; 2, by interest on a permanent fund of $125,000 ; 3, money received by the workers for services rendered. While this is a State Missionary Society it co-operates fully with all of the national and international agencies of the Disciples, including educational, benevolent and missionary organizations.