Chapter XIV

THE earliest preaching in Shelby county, of which we have any account, was at Cold Spring previous to 1825, by Joseph Foulks, who was then on the Shoal creek circuit. Mother Sallie Turner came from Kentucky in the fall of 1825, and settled on Robinson cr eek, and immediately threw open her house for preaching. In 1826 a sermon was preached in her house by Joseph Foulks, and closed with prayer by mother Turner. This service was followed by a class meeting led by brother Hall. Joseph Foulks was followed in this work, in 1827, by Thomas Randall, a cousin of Barton Randall, now of the Illinois conference. In 1828 came Samuel H. Thompson and Wm. L. Deneaue, who preached all over the County. They were followed in 1829 by Lorenzo Edwards, and in 1830 by Milo Huffaker. Nov. 12, 1830, Rev. Hiram Tremble came to the county, and settled on Robinson creek; found the society flourishing under the pastorate of Mr.Huffaker, to whom he gave his church letter. Two years later, having been licensed to preach, he deliv ered his first sermon in a log house in the vicinity, taking for his text these words: "The wicked shall be turned into hell with all the nations that forget God." Such was the power of the word that he had not proceeded far until the cries of the peniten t were heard on every side, and a number were converted to God. A good society still exists in the neighborhood.

Selby Chapel.--A number of Methodist families had settled in this vicinity; and in 1839 a good class of eighteen was found to exist, of which Rufus Imnan was leader. In 1845 a church was built with the following as trustees: Thomas Hardy, R. Imnan , Alex Boyce, John Selby, Jacob Moyer. In 1873 the church was moved from this to its present location; the house then being valued at $500. A Sabbath-school was organized in 1843 with Jesse Hardy as superintendent. At the present time the society is in a good condition with a membership of sixty-three.

St. Mary's M. E. Church.--Societies had existed in this neighborhood for over thirty years. In 1875 the classes from Union and Rosebud school-houses united, forming the present St. Mary's society. In this year a beautiful frame chapel was erected at a cost of $3,000, and dedicated by Dr. Wm. Stevenson. The present membership is sixty. A good Sabbath-school is connected with this society. The members of the first class were Thomas Carter and family, James Davis and wife, Martin and Nancy Dutton, William and Susan Doyle, E. S.and Julia French, Joseph and Mary Foster, Harriet Hendrick, Elizabeth Strump, Emily Starkey, and Sallie Ward. The society at present has a membership of sixty.

Sanners M. E. Church.--The society was organized in 1875 at Maple Grove, by Rev. E. Howard, L P. A revival of religion took place, resulting in some fifty acessions to the church. This was followed by the building of a house of worship, costing $1 200, under the labors of A. G. Graham. The society now numbers twenty-five.

A Sabbath-school was in exisitence before the organization of the society. The first board of trustees was: E. B. Sanners, John W. Sanners, Hiram Johnson, Wm. Ryker, Orson Smith, Lenis Cooper.

Mount Carmel.--As early as 1830, a good class existed in the neighborhood of Mt. Carmel church, called "Galigher's class," meeting at the house of Wesley Galigher. The members were: Wesley Galigher and wife, Wm. Carnes and wife Madilla, Thomas, P. Malinda Workman, and others.

The house of Wesley Galigher was the home of the early ministers, and long a place of public worship.

From this class sprang the two societies, Mt. Carmel and Wesley Chapel. The Mt. Carmel church is beautifully located, four miles south of Shelbyville, was erected in 1872, at a cost of $1200. Present membership is 103.

A Sabbath-school has existed here since 1850.

Wesley Chapel.--This church was commenced in 1875, under the labors of Rev. J. N. Lapham, and completed under the ministry of J. C. Burkett, at a cost of $1200. Dedicated by Dr. James Leaton. As early as 1855 a class, led by Wm. Carnes, met at t he Salem schoolhouse.

This society has now about twenty-five members. The church is a nice frame building, situated in a beautiful grove, six miles southeast of Shelbyville. They have an excellent Sabbath-school.

The Second (Moulton) M. E. Church was organized in the school-house situated in the south-west part of Shelbyville, Oct. 19, 1878, by Rev. M. C. Galeener. The class at first consisted of six members, with Moses Flanders as leader. After the seco nd meeting the leader leased a vacant store-room, in which services were held every Sabbath. But this room becoming too small to accommodate the congragations, about Jan. lst, 1879, a subscription was started to build a new church. Work began on this ho use about June lst, and it was completed in the fall, and dedicated by Dr. W. H. H. Adams. The church will seat 300 persons, and is valued at $3,000.

The first board of Trustees consisted of Moses Flanders, G. L. Gowdy, John Cutler, John Malone, and R. B. Reeve.

In 1880 Rev. M. C. Galeener was followed by Rev. W. R. Howard. A Sabbath-school was organized some time previous to the society.

The present membership is 150.

Cowden Circuit.--This circuit has three preaching places within its bounds, viz: Cowden, Lakewood, and Pleasant Grove.

At Cowden Methodism developed from occasional neighborhood preaching, into a permanent organization some 21 years ago, in an old log building known as Torrence School-house which still stands at the edge of the town under the ministry of Rev. W. Aneals. The class consisted of 18 members, many of whom are still resident in the county. These were Caleb Torrence and wife, James Christy and wife, Daniel Galigher and wife, and others. From this beginning Methodism has steadily grown until it has attained it s present standing. Among the ministers who have served this charge, are T. C. Lapham, S. Munsell, T. S. Johnson,--Malicoat, B. W. T. Corley, I Villars, J. W. Warfeld, T. M. Dillon, -- Gale, P. Swartz, -- Rhodes, and Stubblefield.

In 1875 the present church building was erected at a cost of $2,500, and dedicated by Dr. Wm. Stevenson.

Present membership, 65. Parsonage built in 1878. Sunday school organized 12 or 15 years ago.

Pleasant Grove.--At this place Methodism dates back 40 years or more. Before the day of school-houses, Wm. Petty, David Austin, R. Elijah Bankston, a L. P., and others, had services at their homes. Afterward the school-house and grove were used as places of worship, until 1868 a chapel was built costing $1,200, dedica-

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Sabbath-school dates back many years.
Present membership, 42.

Lakewood M. E. Society.--Here we have a class of 53 members but no church building. It has been a preaching place for some years. All this circuit, for a number of years, was a part of the Tower Hill work. At the Conference of 1877, it was set off as Cowden circuit, since which time its pastors have been W. H. Gannaway, A.Rusk, S. H.Huber.

Tower Hill has four appointments; Tower Hill, Knobs, Zion, Williamsburgh; at each of these places is a church building. The society in Tower Hill was formed in the summer of 1865, bv Rev. W.M. Bone, who preached the first sermon. Before this the M etbodists about Tower Hill belonged to Knobs appointment.

The first reaching was in the schoolhouse. There had been Sabbath-school before but no society. The church was built in 1866, cost $1,625; dedicated by H. Buck.

Zion church was commenced in 1869, completed in 1870, cost $1,200; dedicated by C. P. Baldwin.

Oconee Church.--Oconee was at first in the Pana circuit; there had been preaching in the timber east of the town, in private school-houses from an early day, but no society was the village until 1855. It remained connected with 1866, when it was m ade the head of a circuit.

The most prominent minister was Rev. W. A. Milner, for years a member of the New Jersey and Illinois Conferences, who lived a short distance south of town. He was a faithful and laborious preacher. Among those who have traveled the circuit are Revs. G. Miller, A. H. Whitlock, P. A. Swartz, R. A. Hutchinson, T. S.Johnson, E. Galagher, P. T. Gay, There is now a flourishing society and a comfortable church.

Windsor Circuit.--Methodism prevailed in this vicinity in the early settlement of the county. Preaching was furnished chiefly by the local preachers, sometimes visited by the itinerant from abroad. Dr. H. Buck, W. S. Prentice, Daniel Davis, Col. J. R. Reuben Ewing were among the pioneer preachers.

The first M. E. Church was erected in 1840, near Sulphur Springs, dedicated by Daniel Davis, L. P. It was a log house, 30 x 40 feet, door in side with a box pulpit in the opposite side, and a fire made of clay, walled with brick, without flue or chimney. Charcoal furnished by the members serving for fuel; the house was thus warmed for seven years. In 1870, the church now standing was built at a cost of $1,900, and dedicated by J. L. Crane. One of the earliest campgrounds was in connection with this appoi ntment.

Richland.--Richland society was formed by John W. Morgan, in the summer of 1855; it was then in the Sulivan circuit.

In 1874, the church of Sand Creek was built by Rev. J. W. Lapham, at a cost of $1,800, dedicated by J. W. Morgan. There was no collection taken at the dedication. Previous to that time they had worshipped in a log meeting-house, built by J. W. Reynolds in 1860.

The first sermon preached in Windsor was delivered by J. W. Morgan in a cabinet shop, in 1855. The church in Windsor was erected in 1863, at a cost of $2,000. There are members in this circuit: Windsor, 102; Sand Creek, 96; Sulphur, 35. A parsonage valued at $1,000.

Stewardson, M. E. Church.--In 1871 E. S. Warnsley began preaching, and formed a society in a school-house near "Dead Man's Grove." The members of this class were William Mitchell and family, Michael Strouse and family, Michael Dappert and family. A Sabbath-school was organized about the same time.

In 1873 a church was built within one mile of the Grove, costing $1,700--dedicated by G. E. P. Baldwin, T. S. Johnson, P. E., with the following as trustees: Michael Strouse, Wm. Mitchell, James Patrick, Michael Dappert and John Silvers.

In 1877 this church was moved into Stewardson, where it now stands. The first M. E. Society in Stewardson was organized by G. J. W. Lapham, September 24, 1875.

Olive Branch M. E. Church.--On April 5, 1875, J. W. Lapham organized a society on the south line of the county, in Holland township, where a church was built the same year, known as "Olive Branch," costing about $1,800, dedicated by Dr. Wm. Steven son. Hugh Butler, Dickson Reynolds, S. M. Locke, Jacob Zeigler and Salem Lantz, were trustees. A Sabbath-school was organized the same year.

March 25, 1875, J. W. Lapham formed a society at what is known as Washington School-house, thirty-one miles west of Stewardson. Sabbath-school was organized there the same year. Stewardson circuit has a parsonage in Stewardson, valued at $500. Membership as follows: Stewardson, 95; Mt. Zion, 47; Washington, 32; Olive Branch, 24.

First M. E. Church, Shelbyville.--As early as 1827 Shelbyville was supplied with preaching by the itinerants from Shoal Creek circuit, following each other in the following succession: 1827, Thomas Randall; 1828, Samuel H. Thompson and William Dene aue; 1829, Lorenzo Edwards; 1830, Milo Huffaker.

In 1828 a class was organized and services were held at the house of Barnett Bone; a camp-meeting was afterward held on his farm, just south of the present town. Services were first held in the present city limits, in the house of Nelson R. Jones, and th en in the old log court-house. After this it was held in the house of Amos Prentice, on the ground now occupied by the clothing house of M. Cottlow, Mr. Prentice's house being store, post-office and church at the same time. Among the members of this clas s were Leah Prentice, Nancy Bivins, Betsy Patterson, Thomas and Beulah Pugh, who are still remembered for their piety and sweetness of life.

In 1830 a lot near the present residence of Auntie Graham was secured, and a small frame church began under the labors of Amos Prentice, and completed under the ministry of Rev. James Woolard.

In 1834, so far as we can learn, Shelbyville circuit was formed, and Shelbyville was the head of the circuit. About this time the church became prosperous, and many accessions to the church were made, among whom was Wm. S. Prentice, now of the Illinois C onference; some of these remain. Auntie Graham is now the oldest living member, having united with the church in 1830. Her house was long the home of the earliest preachers. Joseph Oliver still lives, at the advanced age of eighty-six, who at the above da te was holding all of the county offices, because a devoted follower of Christ. In 1865 the society had grown too large for the house, and a new house of worship--the present brick edifice--was begun on West Main St., under the labors of S. S. Maginnis, and completed under W. N. McElroy, and dedicated by B. F. Crary, having cost $10,000. The board of trustees were, W. J. Henry, James Durbin, J. B. Vosberg, Adam Klare, William Eddy, Hiram Sears, H. M. Hickman. The society numbers among its members many devoted Christians and men of large experience and liberality, who have succeeded in making the charge one of the best in the Illinois Conference. We have here a flourishing Sabbath-school, numbering 333, under the superintendence of E. J. Scarborough. T he membership of the society is 250.

There are at the present time in the county 1,738 church members; churches 21, valued at $38,700: parsonages 5, valued at $5,200.

Shelby Male and Female Seminary.--The members of the M. E. Church and citizens of the county early felt an interest in the subject of education. A building was commenced in 1852 and opened in 1854. The institution was known as the "Shelby Male an d Female Seminary," and was understood to be under the management of the M. E. Church and care of the Illinois Conference. The enterprise was carried forward under the labors of C. W. Munsell, itinerant preacher, and H. Buck, Presiding Elder. Charles Sev ill was president of the board of trustees C. W. Jerome was principal of school. The school continued in successful operation about fifteen years. During its existence 37 teachers were employed and 1,084 pupils enrolled. Many of these are filling impor tant places in church and state. In 1869 the institution and property passed into the hands of the Shelbyville school district, and was merged into the Shelbyville graded school.

The M. E. Church was the pioneer in ecclesiastical affairs in opening places of worship for the early settlers. In l827 the county, which had been a part of Fayette, was organized into Shelby county, and the Methodists of the county commemorated the even t by holding two camp-meetings, one on the farm of Mrs. Sallie Turner, and the other on that of Barnett Bone. At these gatherings many were converted, who returned to plant the Church in their own neighborhoods, and now there are more M. E.churches than of any other denomination in the county, and more M. E. preaching places in Shelby than in any other county in the Illinois Conference, many of them yet being new societies, meeting in school-house until churches can be erected; almost every society being the outgrowth of a class held in school or private houses.

Some of the local preachers of the early day were Wm. Addison, John Apperson, John Clarage, Daniel Davis, Jonas Graham, Clemie Gore, Milo Hart, Samuel Hughes, G. M. Hanson, J. W. Jackson, Amos Prentice, Thos. B. Ross, J. T. Swafford, H. M. Tremble and D r. Williams, father of Auntie Graham. Of this noble band Rev. Hiram Tremble alone remains, looking with great pleasure on the growth of the county, and the church for which he so long labored.

The first election of church officers was held August 17th, 1844. Solomon Stilgebauer and Jacob Lumpp were elected as elders, and John Bieler and George Wendling, as deacons. They held their services in school-houses and private residences.

In the autumn of 1844, Rev. D Scherer moved to Mount Carmel, Ills., and consequently could not serve the congregation any longer. Soon after this Rev. Ephraim Mueller was called to the pastorate of the congregation. He served it until the autumn of 184 7, when Rev. Jacob Scherer, son of Rev D. Scherer, became the pastor of the congregation. Under the administration of these two ministers the congregation increased.

In 1851 they built a church in union with the German Reformed congregation. This church was erected near Robinson's Creek, about five miles from Shelbyville, on the road leading to Springfield, Ills. The cornerstone was laid April 24th, 1851, before the church was completed. The Rev. J. Scherer died in the autumn of 1851. The next minister was Rev. G. Wolf. He served the congregation about one year. During this time the Lutheran and German Reformed congregations dissolved their co-partnership in the church-building, the Lutherans selling their part to the German Reformed for $100. After this the congregation held their services again in the school-houses and private residences.

In the summer of 1853, Rev. William Hunderdosse was called by the congregation. In February, 1854, election of officers was held again. The following were elected: Christian Roessler and Jacob Wendling as elders; and Edward Roessler and Jacob Muths, as deacons. Rev. William Hunderdosse resigned, having served the congregation for two years.

In 1835 Rev. Elias Schwartz was called by the congregation. He left the congregation in the sprng of 1857, having served it about two years. After many efforts, and by the assistance of Professor Springer, of Springfield, Ill., the congregation finally succeeded in getting a minister in the person of Rev. Swaney of Nokomis, Montgomery co., Ills. He served the congregation only provisionally for half a year, for upon his advice the congregation called Rev. J. T. Boetticher of Vandalia, Ills., July 18,1 858, who took charge of it without delay. Soon after Rev. J. T. Boetticher had commenced his labors, the constitution of the congregation was changed, in some parts, and pursuant to it the following full vestry was elected as elders, Jacob Wendling and S olomon Stilgebauer; as deacons, Christopher Bauer and Edward Roessler; as trustees, John Wendling, Jacob Wendling, Andrew Roessler, Andrew Dagan and Edward Roessler; as treasurer, Edward Roessler. After this time a full vestry was elected annually.

In 1859 Michael D. Gregory donated two lots to the congregation, situated in the town then called Moulton, which since has bacome part of Shelbyville. These lots were thankfully received of Mr. Gregory, and another lot adjoining these, was bought of him for fifty dollars. The congregation has a legal Deed for them. On these three lots a church was built. The corner-stone was laid on Easter Monday, 1859. It is a brick building, 54 by 31 feet. At this time the congregation numbered about 95 communicants.< P> Shortly after the church was erected, a parsonage was built by the congregation on their three lots. This is a one-story frame building, 28 by 26 feet. The church cost about $2,300, and the parsonage about $700. There is also an organ in the church. The l ots, church and parsonage together, are now worth about three thousand dollars. Besides this property, the congregation now owns a grave-yard of about three acres.

Rev. J. T. Boetticher was pastor of the congregation only about two years. Rev. S. L. Harkey was pastor of the congregation from 1860 to 1864. About a year and a half, however, be was not with the congregation, having accepted a chaplaincy in the army. In 1864 Rev. J. F. Probst became pastor of the congregation, and served it until the beginning of 1866. November 3,1867, the congregation extended a call to Rev. P. A. Peters, who accepted it. On the 22d of Nov., 1868, he resigned his office as minister of the congregation. From this time on the congregation had preaching occasionally by students of the Evangelical Lutheran Concordia Seminary, in St. Louis, Mo., until the summer of 1870. At this time the Congregation gave Rev. J. D. Kothe, a student o f said Seminary, a call, and he accepted it. He was minister of the congregation up to Sept. 15, 1872, when be resigned. The congregation was now again without a minister for nearly two years. During this time there was preaching now and then by ministe rs when upon request, visited the congregation.

August 11, 1874, Rev. G. Mochel, of Canal Winchester Franklin county, Ohio, took charge of the congregation, having received a regular call from it April 19, 1874. In November, 1880, when this short history of the congregation was written, he was still the pastor of it. August ll, 1874, the congregation numbered 28 voting members, and about 60 communicants. Since that time, 19 names were added to the list of voting members. Of the whole number, some died, some moved away, and some left the church. At the present time the congregation consists of 34 voting members, and 125 communicants.

Services are held every Sunday, alternately in the German and English languages. The Sunday-school is also conducted in the two languages. The congregation has no regular parochial school, but the youth are diligently instructed in the Christian religio n according to Dr. Martin Luther's Small Catechism, during the year, except some months in the summer.

The members of the present vestry are: Elders, Jacob Wendling and Dr. Joseph Boromann; Deacons, Edward Roessler and George Ruff; Trustees, Andrew Roessler, August Schwenker and Philip Roessler; Treasurer, Aug. Schwenker.

Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Congregation.--In 1860, about twelve Lutheran families residing 5 and 6 miles north-west from Shelbyville, Ill., united for the purpose of holding divine services. They held their meetings in school-houses and priva te residences. The first minister who preached for them occasionally was Rev. F. W. Richmann, of Schaumburg, Ill. He continued his visits until June, 1863, from which time one Rev. H. W. Rincker, minister in Terre Haute, Ind, preached for them occasiona lly.

Feb. 14, 1864, the congregation was regularly organized by adopting a constitution, and calling themselves "The Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Congregation, in Shelby county, Ill." At the same time they elected a full vestry. This has been done every ye ar since. On the same day they gave Rev. H. W.Rincker a regular call, who accepted it. After he had moved from Terre Haute, Ind., to near Strasburg, Ill., in the same county, he served this congregation regularly, preaching for it every second Sunday i n German language, from August 14, 1864, till July, 1866. From this time on Rev. F. W. Schlechte, pastor of the Lutheran congregation at Strasburg, Ill., preached for it every third Sunday in German; this congregation having called him in connection with the one at Strasburg.

In 1867 Jacob Kircher donated one acre, in the south-west corner of his land, to the congregation, to be used as a site for a church and for a grave-yard. This donation was thankfully received by the congregation. On this land a church was erected in 1870 . On Pentecost of the same year it was dedicated. Rev. H. W. Rincker,

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In 1871 the Lutheran congregation of Strasburg, Ill., expressed the wish that their minister, Rev. F. W. Schlechte, should devote his entire time to serving them and preach for them every Sunday. In consequence of this he resigned his office as pastor of this congregation. On the 10th of April, 1871, they extended a call to Rev. J. D. Kothe, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's congregation in Shelbyville, Ill., who accepted it, and served this congregation in connection with the one he had alre ady. He was their pastor until the spring of 1873. From this time until Aug., 1874, the congregation had no minister, but Rev. F. W. Schlechte preached for them provisionally now and then. From Aug. 1874, to March 12, 1876, Rev. M. Claus was minister of this congregation, preaching German every Sunday.

February 27th, 1876, Rev. G. Mochel was called by this congregation to serve it in connection with his St. Paul's congregation of Shelbyville, Illinois. He accepted the call and preached his introductory sermon March 26th, 1876. In November, 1880, when this short history of the congregation was written, he was still the pastor of it. The services are now conducted in the German and English languages.

The congregation numbers now twenty-three voting members, and about sixty communicants. The members of the present vestry are Elders, John. Th. Pfeiffer and Godfrey Kircher; Deacons, Christian Kull and William Th. Ruff; Trustees, Philip Heinz, Jr., Ernst Schmid and Jacob Pfeiffer.

German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's Congregation, Strasburg, Illinois.--This congregation was organized in 1863. A number of Lutherans who had come to this part of Shelby county, assembled from time to time at first in private residences and hel d divine services, one of their number reading a sermon from a Lutheran sermon book. But they felt the need of a minister of the holy Gospel. Hence they wrote to Rev. H. Wunder in Chicago, asking him to request one of the ministers nearest to them to co mmence missionary work in their midst. Rev. H. Wunder wrote to Rev. H. W. Rincker, pastor of the congregation in Terre Haute, Ind., to visit these brethren and to preach for them. This he did. At a later period he received a regular call from this con gregation, which he accepted, and having moved into their midst, he served them regularly.

The number of Lutherans in this part of the county increased rapidly, others coming in from Chicago, Ohio, and Madison county, Illinois. The congregation soon increased to such an extent that they became able to build a church. One acre and a half, situ ated about one mile and a half south from Strasburg, was donated to the congregation for a building site and grave-yard. On this a church edifice was erected, thirty by twenty-four feet, which cost about five hundred dollars.

Rev. H. W. Rincker served the Congregation about five years.

At this time a number of the members, residing south from the church quite a distance, asked for an honorable dismissal from the congregation, in order to organize a new one in that part of the county. Their request was granted, and a new congregation wa s formed of which Rev. H. W. Rincker was minister. The St. Paul's Strasburg congregation called Rev. F. W. Schlechte as their pastor, who had just finished his theological studies in Concordia Seminary of St. Louis, Mo.

One year after this, the congregation bought a number of acres of land and erected a parsonage thereon near their church. The cost of the land and house was about eight hundred dollars. The congregation increased so rapidly that the church had to be enla rged not long afterwards. In 1875 a new church was built by this congregation in Strasburg, this place being more convenient for all the members. A part of the land on which the new edifice was erected was donated and the rest was bought. The building is framed sixty by thirty-two feet, with a gallery on three sides, and a steeple eighty feet high with a bell in it. The land that was bought and the church cost the congregation four thousand, six hundred dollars. Rev. F. W. Schlechte was called away, after having served the congregation ten years. Rev. J. Dunsing was then called, who entered upon his labors as pastor of the congregation in October, 1876.

The old parsonage is sold, and a new one erected near the church in Strasburg. It is a frame building. The entire property of the congregation is worth about $6,000. The congregation numbers seventy-six voting members. It has a parochial school with o ne hundred and twenty-five scholars, kept in the old church building. Teacher, H. Dablow. The congregation contemplates the building of a school-house near their church in Strasburg. Rev. J. Dunsing is still pastor of the congregation.

German Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Congregation of Prarie and Big Spring Townships, Shelby County, Ills.--This congregation was organized in 1868. About nine members of the Lutheran congregation at Strasburg, residing quite a distance from the ch urch, asked for an honorable dismissal for the purpose of forming a new congregation, and to erect a church in their midst. This request was granted. These and six other Lutheran families, residing in the same neighborhood, organized themselves into the German Evangelical Lutheran Trinity congregation of Prairie and Big Spring townships, Shelby co., Ills. They bought the church built by the Swedes close to the line of Prairie and Big Spring townships in this county. They paid $300 for it. It was not finished on the inside. In 1870 the congregation moved this church to where it now stands, about two miles northeast of Stewardson, and finished it. It is a frame building, 50 by 30 feet, and is worth about $600.

At first the congregation could not support a minister alone. From July, 1868, to 1869, Rev. Th. Buszin of Champagne, Ill., preached for them every four weeks. After this, Rev. Grupe of Champagne served it for about six months, preaching for them every six weeks. After this, Rev. H. W. Rincker, who lived in the midst of the congregation, served it nearlv two years. From 1872 to 1876, Rev. F. W. Schlechte, pastor of the Lutheran congregation in Strasburg, preached for it every third Sunday. In 1876 t he congregation extended a regular call to Rev. F. W. Schlechte, who accepted it, and moved to Stewardson. Since 1876 the congregation has a parochial school taught by the minister. It numbers about forty scholars. The congregation consisted of thirty- three voting members; and there is prospect for an increase, as there are many Germans living in the vicinity of Stewardson.

German Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Sigel, Shelby Co., Ill.--This congregation was organized in 1865, beginning with fifteen voting members. In the same year a church was erected. It is a frame building, 40 by 26 feet, with a steeple fort y-two feet high. A good bell, made by Mr. H. W. Rincker, was put into it in 1875. The church and lot are worth about $1,200.

Although the church was built soon after the organization of the congregation, they were nevertheless compelled to hold their services in private residences for some time, because the unionists, and those of the German Reformed persuasion, would not let t he Lu-

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From 1865 to 1870, the congregation was served by the neighboring ministers in the following order: Rev. H. W. Rincker, Rev. C. Meyer, Rev. F. W. Schlechte, Rev. Th. Buszin, Rev. H. P. Grupe, and Rev. H. H. Holtermann. In 1870 the congregation called Rev. R. Koehler as their resident pastor. He served them until 1872. Then Rev. W. Dahlke was called by the congregation; he left it in 1874. After this, Mr. C. Schroeder, student of theology in the Lutheran Seminary in Springfield, Ills., preached for them and taught a congregational school. In 1876, when he had completed his studies, the congregation gave him a call, and he commenced his labors as their minister in August of the same year. He served it until January, 1879. From this time on Rev. H . Kowert of Effingham county preached for them now and then to November, 1880. In the first week of December, 1880, Rev. A.C. Th. Ponitz commenced his labors as their regular minister, having been called by them. Since 1870 the congregation has a paroc hial school taught by the minister. This school has now thirty scholars. At this time the congregation numbers twenty-six voting members.

The principles of the church began to be urged in this county in 1833-34 by Elder John Storm. He was joined by Elder B. W. Henry, in 1836, and the same year by Elder Tobias Grider from Indiana. Elder John W. Tyler, now of Decatur, then of the southern p art of Macon county, greatly assisted the pioneers of this county. They labored together and separately, publicly and from house to house at manual labor for the support of their families, and in the ministry for the good of others. Their claims for the Bible alone as the rule of faith and practice provoked great opposition from the defenders of human creeds. Their plea for the union of all God's people in one body and under one Lord, greatly displeased the lovers of party. But believing the truth wort hy of a fair hearing all opposition was met with an open Bible, appealing to the law and to the testimony. They taught that to become a member of the church now, no more and no less should be required than in the primitive church. That to be a Christian the apostles required men to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, repent of their sins and obey the gospel, believing that if man did what God required him on the human side, He would perform all that He promised on the divine side. Suc h persons accepting Christ as their Saviour and leader were called Christians, disciples, etc., and any other than Scripture names would be dishonorable to their Leader. They were often called "Campbellites," but as often rejected it, reasoning that huma n things might be called by human names, but spiritual things by divine names. They further plead that the Church of Christ is not a sect but a divine institution, authorized by Jesus Christ, the living Head, and established by His inspired apostles. If man can submit to a human creed he can to a divine creed. If men can be united by human bonds of fellowship, much more can they by the Scripture bond of fellowship. They urged that to be religious it is not necessary to be partizan, and that man can be a Christian without being sectarian. The offices in the Church area so designated by the Scriptures, with careful description of the qualifications and duties of the officers, They were inclined to reject the speculations of Trinitarians and the dogmas of Unitarians, holding, that upon a subject so far beyond man's comprehension it became him to speak in the language of the Holy Spirit. They urged the disciples to meet on the first day of the week to break bread as was the custom of Christians un der apostolic teaching, and that they should faithfully observe all things that the Lord or His apostles have commanded, maintaining unity of faith with the utmost liberty of opinion. This people by no means reject the great work done by Luther, Wickliff e, Calvin, Wesley, and other men of God, who have done so much to render it possible for us to occupy and enjoy so much of the pure gospel of apostolic days. Nor should it be thought that every error has been dismissed or that all truth has been gained, b ut the appeal should ever be to the divine standard as God our Father gave it in the open Bible.

Cochran's Grove.--Here was the home of John Storm, the first Christian minister of Shelby county. The familiar name of "Jackie" Storm, and the memories of his fruitful preaching, are dearly cherished by the people of other days. He organized the Church in what is now Ash Grove township, in 1832. The entire enrollment of church members is about seven hundred and eighty-five, with a present list of two hundred and seventy. The Elders are William E. Bennett, G. J. Curry, James Veach, and Wm. R. Sto rm. The first has served the church in this capacity for twenty-eight years. The regular preachers for the church have been, John Storm, B. W. Henry, Thomas Grider, John Nantz, Father Sweeney, Al. T. Smith, and P. P. Warren. The last mentioned has been preaching for the church once a month for three years, and continues his labors as formerly. The occasional ministers have been John and Thomas Goodman, Zachariah Sweeney, and a host of others. The church sustains two Sunday-schools. The present meeti ng-house was built at a cost of two thousand, five hundred dollars, and seats six hundred. No doubt this is the most wealthy as well as the largest congregation in the county. If its liberality and zeal are equal to its ability, a glorious work will be a ccomplished in the name and for the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sand Creek.--The congregation of Christians meeting on Sand Creek, in Windsor township, was organized by Elder John Storm in 1834. It consisted of the following eleven members: Benjamin Weaks and wife; Joseph Baker, wife and son; Ashley Baker and wife; Louis Leadbetter and wife: Sarah Bougher, and Rachel Wallace; all of whom are dead. The entire enrollment of memters of the church since its organization is supposed to be twelve or fifteen hundred. Several congregations have been organized with ch arter members, chiefly from Sand Creek. Its present membership is about eighty-five, with J. K. Rose, Peter Robison, and James T. Warren, Elders. Father Grider was its regular minister for forty-four years, and Elder P. P. Warren has been associated wi th him in this capacity for thirty years. Elders Warren and A. J. Nana each preach once a month for the church at present. Prominent among the occasional preachers were B. W. Henry, A. D. Northcutt, Isaac Mulkey, John and Thomas Goodman, Samuel Peppers, Levi Fleming and John Harris. The church has raised up of its own members the following preachers: Isaac Miller, Nathan Rice, P. P. Warren, A. A. Loomis, and L. P. P. Phillips. Among these the name of P. P. Warren is probably the most familiar. He was born in Tennessee, came to this county when a boy, obeyed the Gospel in 1848, and was ordained to the ministry in 1850. Throughout this and adjoining counties his labors have extended, spreading the gospel, in the love of it, having a "thus saith the Lord " for what he preaches, making no effort to be wise above what is written. He has organized several churches and added many souls to be saved. He also labors on the farm for the support of his family. While this is as honorable as any way, it is not good economy to the Church. He is worthy of his hire. "They that preach the Gospel shall live by the Gospel," and the sooner the churches so situate such ministers that they can give themselves wholly to the work, the better it will be for the cause.

T. V. Rose is the Sunday-school Superintendent. The church occupies its fourth meeting-house, a neat brick, which was built in 1874, at a cost of about twelve hundred dollars, and seats three hundred persons. The church has faithfully survived the diffic ulties and changes of nearly fifty years, and if the members are faithful to what the Lord has appointed them to do, a great and good work can be accomplished in the fifty years to come.

Shelbyville.--The Free Will Baptist Church in Shelbyville in 1836, numbered about thirty-eight members, and Elder B. W. Henry was their minister. After much investigation and prayer it was decided to drop the name "Baptist" and organize the Church of Christ, according to the apostolic order and practice. In reference to the first meeting, I copy the following from an old church record. "In the good providence of God; we being citizens of a state (Ills.) whose constitution and laws permit men to worship the only true and living God according to the dictates of His Holy Spirit, as revealed in the Bible, and in the enjoyment of this inestimable blessing; about thirty persons, (baptized believers) met in the town of Shelbyville, Shelby county, State of Illinois, in the month of March, A. D., 1836, who then and there resolved to organize as a worshiping congregation of Christians, having and holding Jesus Christ, the Lord, as the Sure Foundation and only, Saviour; and the Bible alone as their infalli ble rule of faith and practice; and proceeded to organize the Church of God in Christ at Shelbyville, Illinois, by self acting and setting apart as Elders (or Bishops) of the congregation Bushrod W. Henry and J. J. Page."

Next to Father Henry, the chief burden of the work rested upon J. J. Page; and truly work never found more willing hands nor devoted heart. For more than 35 years he was an efficient Elder, cheering, admonishing, and blessing, sick and well; and being hi mself a worthy example of life, purity, and patience, till his death in 1872.

Reuben Wright, the father of the large Wright family in Shelbyville, was a charter member, but died the year after the church was organized, leaving his estimable wife, Martha, to seek the temporal and spiritual welfare of a large family of children. Few women have been more devoted than she,and, in a good old age, she died in 1875, as she had lived, in the triumphs of the Christian faith. Another original member was Mrs. Enfield Tacket, the worthy Christian mother of our fellow citizens Messrs. John A. , and William Tacket. She often prepared her house for the meetings of the little band of disciples more than 40 years ago. Aunt "Polly" Smith was the last charter member. She had previously heard the primitive Gospel in Ky., by Elders John Rodgers and Barton M. Stone. She was thus prepared for the organization on the "Bible alone," and eagerly worked for the church Her life was plain, pure, industrious, intelligent and devoted. She died Jan. 30, 1880.

"Elder B. W. Henry continued to labor for the congregation from 1830 through a series of years, and by his efforts added many souls to the church. His labors also extended throughout Shelby and adjoining counties with great success in planting the good s eed for many congregations."

In about 1843 Elder McVey, from Ind., held a meeting by which the church was greatly strengthened. The meetings, during those early years, were held in private dwelling-houses, the old courthouse, and sometimes in a school-house which stood near the prese nt residence of Mr. Charles E. Woodward. About 1845 the meeting-house was built which stands diagonally across from the present brick church. In this house the disciples met for more than 20 years, and enjoyed many a glorious meeting. In 1848 Elder A. D. Northcutt, from Ky., was employed to labor as evangelist under the direction of a co-operation of the churches of the county. By his untiring energies he added more than 300 to the church in one year. The following year he labored for the church in Shelby -

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The present membership is 240, with the following Elders, viz: T. P. Bryan, Wm. Chew, W. F. Turney, and J. G. Waggoner. The Sunday-school numbers about 200, with 20 teachers. Mr. T. T. Bryan has been Superintendent for the last five years, and Mr. D.. F . Hendricks is chorister. The church, by the grace of God, has endured many trials, and overcome great difficulties. It seems to be enjoying peace and prosperity. If every member will fill his place, using the ability and means as the Lord has prospere d, with devoted lives to the Giver of all good, and to the grand principles of the Church of Christ, eternity will reveal a glorious work accomplished, and to many the Judge will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of the L ord."

Bethel.--About 1837 Elder Henry organized a congregation near his home, on the west side of Okaw township. Two or three years later a log house was built for the double purpose of school and church, and was so occupied for about 20 years. Here the people enjoyed the ministry of Elders Henry, Grider, Fleming, the Goodmans, Storm, Mulkey, Sconce, and others. David. L. Sconce and Michael Freyburger were, for many years, the Elders. There is no organization at present, but most of the few members le ft in the community hold their membership at Antioch. It is still an occasional meeting place, and Sunday-school is usually held in the summer.

Green Creek, Mount Pleasant.--There was a Congregation organized in Big Spring township, about the year 1850. This church enjoyed reasonable prosperity, until the year 1865. Elder Thomas Goodman organized a church in Prairie township. The members of the Green Creek church identified themselves in the latter organization, which was called "Mount Pleasant" Church. The meetings were formerly held in the Baker school-house, later in the Forrest schoolhouse. The church numbers 89 members, and has Da niel Baker and George Shumard Elders. Elder James Carr has preached for the church most of the time for 30 years. Only a few weeks before this writing he died in a good old age, loved and respected by all. Elders Tobias Grider and Wm. Colson assisted i n the early church work, and the following ministers have preached occasionally of later years: Thomas Goodman, A. A. Lovins, J. I. Seward, J. M. Morgan, Isaac McCosh, and others. The church is not rich in this world's goods,. but we trust rich in faith and heir of the promises.

Prairie Bird.--Father Henry and others did considerable preaching in school-houses in the neighborhood, on Mud Creek, many years before they organized the church, Sept. 30, 1850. There were twenty-three charter members, and Lindsey McMorris, Chatte r Kelley, and Elijah Waggoner, were elected the first Elders, and John T. and Wm. Smith, Deacons. They built the meeting house in 1857, at a cost of probably $1,500; it seats 300 people. The principal preachers for the congregation were Elders B. W. Henr y and his son Jas. O. Henry, Edward Evey, Tobias Grider, A. D. Northcutt, ____________ Ethridge, John Harris, J. W. Sconce, __________ McCullum, I. Mulkey, N. S Bastion, J. M. Morgan, J. A. Williams, B. R. Gilbert, and at present J. H. Hite. In 1869 Elde r James Blankinship, of Indiana, held a meeting at Prairie Bird, resulting in about fifty-five additions to the church. It was here, August 7, 1858, that J. O. Henry was ordained to the ministry by Elders Tobias Grider, J. W. Sconce, and B. W. Henry. He immediately entered the work with earnestness, laboring chiefly at Prairie Bird, Blacklog, Rocky Branch, Pana, and Locust Grove. The present Elders of the congregation are H. C. Robertson, O. S. Carr, and Samuel J. Downs. The present membership is 127. It controls a good Sunday-school. Perseverance in well doing will lead to great usefulness here, and eternal life when our work here is done.

Windsor.--The church was organized at Windsor some time prior to 1859. Only four of the charter-members are known to be living. The present list shows a membership of one hundred and nineteen, with J. Henry Price, George Storr and Thomas N. Henry , elders. The following preachers labored for the congregation: John Brinkerhoof, J. M. Morgan, Z. T. Sweeney, P. P. Warner, John Ellis, B. W. Henry, A. L. Kellar, Thomas Edwards, M. T. Smith, H.Y. Kellar, and during the last year J. H. Hite. Prominent among those who have held protracted meetings for the church are Ellis Zound of Charleston, I. Mulkey, W. F. Black, Wm. Patterson, __________ Conner, E. J. Hart, John Friend, and others. A. D. Filmore, a sweet singer of Israel, made several visits to Wi ndsor, preaching and singing as few others could. Dr. Jesse Yoar, before his death, bequeathed $1,000 to be invested permanently for the church.

The church edifice was erected in 1859, and completed at a costof $2,500. It seats five hundred, and was dedicated by Elder John S. Sweeney of Paris, Ky. The church takes great interest in Sunday-school, which has on the roll one hundred and fifty-six s cholars and nine teachers. James A. Moberly is superintendent and Charles E. Storr secretary. The congregation has an excellent field of labor, with talent, and means to do a great work. May it still more consecrate its life to the service of God and t o the good of men.

Antioch.--In 1860 Elder B. W. Henry organized a congregation of about thirty-two members in Ridgetownship, with C. L. Scott, John and J. T. Barrickman, elders. The regular preachers for the congregation in the order of their labor are as follows: J. Sconce, J. M. Morgan, John and S. V. Williams, B. R. Gilbert, W. Avery and J. H. Hite. The latter is about entering his second year of successful work. The following have been occasional ministers: B. W. and J. O. Henry, James Blankenship, Jas. Marit y, Father Sweeney, P. P. Warren, M. T. Smith, A. P. Stewart, J. Roberts, T. Brooks, John Boggs, W. F. Richardson, Preston Week and others. The present elders are Michael Freyburger, Nathan and I. L. Killam. About twenty of the original members are still living. The entire enrollment is about three hundred and one with a present membership of one hundred and thirty-eight. The Sunday school has seventy-five scholars, with seven teachers and J. W. Killam, superintendent. The present meeting-house was co mpleted in 1868 at a cost of about $2,400, and seats four hundred persons. The church is in fair condition, and with proper energy and devotion and liberality, is able to do great good.

Welborn Creek.--April 28, 1860, elder John Sconce organized

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Bethany.--Elders Grider and Warren held a meeting in a schoolhouse in the community of what is now the Bethany congregation in Windsor township in 1860. In this meeting, many heard, believed and were baptized, who took membership at Sand Creek. I t continued to be a regular preaching point under the direction of Sand Creek Church till 1871, when elder P.P. Warren organized a separate congregation of fifty-three members. Only fifteen of the charter-members are now living in the community. The ent ire enrollment has been one hundred and thirty-four, with a present membership of fifty-seven. The elders are Wm. Quick and A. J. Nance. Elder Warren has preached once a month for the church ever since it was organized, and more recently elder Nance, a devoted young man, whom the church has raised up, also preaches one-fourth of the time. Occasionally the church has enjoyed the labors of elders G. Steele, M. T. Smith, B. W. Henry, __________ Vanhooser and L. P. Phillips. Elder A. J. Nance was the last Sunday-school superintendent. The meeting house was built in 1871 at a cost of $1,200, and seats three hundred. The church at present is in peace, and moving along quietly in the Master's work. God has given the church grace for its many trials and diffic ulties; and if it is faithful to the commandments of Christ and His apostles, with a loving and devoted spirit, it will certainly prosper under the kind providence of God.

New Liberty.--About forty, years ago, a log house with two chimneys and no floors, was built for the meeting purposes of the community in the north-east corner of Windsor township. In this house the few disciples and citizens of the vicinity in tha t early day listened to the preaching of the Gospel by Elders Tobias Grider, B. W. Henry, John Storm, Levi Fleming,, John Goodman and others. The members formed a part of the Sand Creek congregation until 1871, when it was thought best to organize a separ ate congregation. The church held its meetings in the Dodson and Baker school-houses, and was known as the Wolf Creek congregation. In 1874, the meeting-house was completed near the location of the old log church, at a cost of $1,100, and seats three hund red. The church was then called "New Liberty."

Since the organization of the church by Elder P. P. Warren, it has enrolled about two hundred and thirty, with a present membership of eighty. Elders P. P. Warren and R. J. Nance are the regular ministers each preaching once a month. W. K. Baker, Jacob We ger and Randolph Miller are elders. The following ministers have preached regularly for the church: M. T. Smith and Thomas Edwards, with the occasional help of Tobias Grider, Thomas Goodwin, N. S. Bastion and others. The church set apart to the work of t he ministry, Jesse Baugher, whose early death deprived the church of a useful man. Let every member become a zealous worker, seeking the prosperity of the church and the glory and of God, and great good can be accomplished in the community.

Union--This little congregation was organized at the Hidden School-house, on the line of the Okaw and Shelby township, by Elder Grider in 1873, with fourteen members; only three of these now live in the community. Since the organization seventy-ei ght have been enrolled, and the present membership is thirty-four. Elders Tobias Grider, Wm. G. Steele, L. M. Linn and A. J. Nance have been the regular ministers for the church, and the two last named preach regularly now each once a month. Elders Goodm an, Franklin Smith, Father Henry and others have preached occasionally. The summer Sunday-school enrolled forty scholars and four teachers, and was superintended by Mr. J. J. Barker. The church is at peace, the members zealous, but the losses by death an d removal of some of the best members greatly impaired the organization; but it is hoped they will soon be replaced by other devoted workers.

Rocky Branch.--In Rose township, thirty years ago, Elders B. W. Henry, M. R. Chow and Edward Evey held meetings--sometimes in a school-house known as Black Log--sometimes in a grove near by, and frequently in private houses. At one of these meetin gs held by Father Henry, there were more than fifty additions. Probably no congregation in the county has been subject to so many trials as this one; and much of the time there has been no organization. The church at present owns a neat little house, bu ilt at a probable cost of $900, and seats three hundred. The Sunday school, last summer, was under the superintendency of W. T. Cozart and six teachers. At the time of the last organization, in 1875, there were nineteen members, since which the enrollme nt has reached sixty-five, with a present membership of twenty-two. The community at Rocky Branch very, much needs the influence of a good Christian congregation. With the large number of well-meaning people there, it is hoped that the future will bring a brighter day. Let the honer of God and the good of men be first sought, and may our good Father grant grace and wisdom for every time of need.

Zion.--In the vicinity of the west side of Todd's Point township there lived a number of disciples, whose church membership was held at Antioch. Meetings, however, were held by Elder Gilbert and others in this community for several years previous t o the final organization by Elder Gilbert and the writer in 1878. There were thirty-two charter members. The entire enrollment has been fifty-nine, and the present membership is fifty-one. John Pogue, Charles and C. P. Robertson are the Elders. The regul ar preachers for the church have been Elders B. R. Gilbert and L. M. Linn, with Elder Clayborn Wright, the present minister. Elders Thomas Edwards, A. W. Avery, J. H. Hite and others have preached occasionally for the church. C. P. Robertson is superinten dent of a Sunday-school of forty-five scholars and five regular teachers. The meeting-house was completed at a cost of $1,200, and dedicated by the writer, October 6th, 1878. It seats about two hundred and seventy-five persons. Though the church has preac hing but once a month, it meets on the first day of the week, according to primitive custom, to break bread and exhort one another. This, with the social meet-

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Oak Grove.--In Jan. 1880, Elder L. M. Linn held a meeting at Oak Grove, in Shelby township, resulting in bringing together, including a few additions afterwards, thirty-six members. Of these, some have moved elsewhere, a few have gone back into th e world; but twenty-nine remain steadfast in the good work of the Lord. Mr. John Smith was superintendent of the Sunday-school of thirty scholars and three teachers. The church building is a union house, of which the Christians own one-half. It has been built about twelve years, and at a cost of about $800. It seats about one hundred and fifty. Those who have continued faithful are doing a good work, and, if steadfast to the end, will be a great blessing, and in the world to come receiving the crown o f life. May the Great Shepherd protect the little flock and keep them to the end.

Mode.--In an early day there was some preaching by the Christian Church, and a number of disciples lived in Holland township, near Mode. But many years passed on and the few scattered or died. In the winter of 1880 a good meeting was held by Elde r D. M. Linn. This energetic preacher had devoted most of his life to school-teaching, was ordained to the ministry by Elder A. D Northcutt in 1872. and moved to this county in the fall of '80. The county co-operation assisted in bearing part of the exp enses of the meetings at Oak Grove and at Mode. The church was organited with fifty-one, and now has fifty-three members. Elder Linn has continued to preach one-fourth of the time since the church was organized. Samuel Wallace is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has six teachers and sixty scholars. The meeting-house was built as a union house for the use of the community, at a cost of about $1,800, and seats three hundred and fifty. By stability of purpose, constant study of the Scriptures, and faithfulness to the work, the church will grow into great usefulness. It will be seen by examination that there are fifteen churches in the county, with a little more than one thousand four hundred members; fourteen Sunday-schools, with about one tho usand scholars and ninety-four teachers. The church property consists of thirteen meeting-houses, which cost about $31,000, and seats about four thousand five hundred and twenty-five persons.

In 1864, a second Baptist Church, claiming no parentage from any previous organization, was formed in the town. Rev. William Stillwell, of Kentucky, appears to have superintended the work of formation. He became the pastor; and the vine grew with consid erable vigor. Members were added in the modes known to Baptist policy; by baptism and by letter. The house of worship was a building at the south east corner of Long and North First Streets, now owned and occupied as a residence by Mrs. Martha W. Bivins . Mr. Benjamin Hall and his wife, were active members of the church. He was the assiduous clerk of the body; and himself and wife zealously served the church as sextons and general care-takers. In addition to this, they contributed liberally of their w orldly means to the support of the church. A history of the church would be incomplete without an appreciate mention of them and their works.

But like the church in the wilderness of which the Scripture gives account, the church in Shelbyville was destined to undergo painful trials. We have already mentioned that in the early settlement of the town and in the formation of the churches, the Sou thern element was very observable and was very influential. In the present case, the pastor of the church, as we have seen, was from the South. A pretty large proportion of the members had their nativity south of the Ohio River. The ministry of Mr. Sti llwell began in the city, it will be seen, right in the height of the war, and of the consequent civil, ecclesiastical and martial excitement. That a difference of political views should sometimes manifest themselves in the church was natural. Indeed, i t was inevitable. At a distance of sixteen years we can well afford to smile at some of the little things which betokened that difference.

The present Shelbyville Baptist Church was organized on the 17th of September, 1868. Rev. W.H. Steadman was called as pastor, April 3, 1869. His ministry continued for a little more than two years, during which time the church appears to have enjoyed a season of reasonable tranquility. Mr. Steadman resigned the pastoral care in June, 1871.

Before this time, the church recognized the necessity of providing a more commodious house of worship. The present church edifice was built in the year 1870. The cost amounted to $8,600. The house, a neat edifice of brick, is located at the south-west corner of Wood and North Second Streets. The dedication was celebrated on Christmas day, of the above year.

The church did not remain long without a pastor after a resignation and departure of Mr. Steadman. They obtained a new under-shepherd in a singular way. A young lady, Miss Eliza A. Duncan, came from Baltimore on a visit to a relative, Mrs. Dr. A. S. Sea man. The Seamans were devoted and prominent Methodists; but the visitor was an intelligent Baptist, and a teacher by profession. Finding a Baptist church comprising a good proportion of intelligent and progressive members destitute of a pastor, she info rmed the leaders that she had lived for many years in the family of a good Baptist minister who was at that time without a charge, and who, she thought, would afford them good satisfaction as pastor. Accepting her account as reliable, the church by unani mous vote, elected Rev. J.H. Phillips, of Baltimore, as their minister. Mr. Phillips is a native of Maryland. He had acquired a good education, had rendered highly acceptable service in the ministry at Edenton, North Carolina, Baltimore City and other p laces. Meanwhile, like many clergymen in the South and in the West, he had felt constrained to join the work of a teacher to that of a minister. He had conducted successively several female seminaries of a high order with great ability and success.

Having arrived in Shelbyville, he entered at once with characteristic devotion on the duties of the office to which he had been chosen without any seeking on his part. By his work he soon justified the expectations of his friends. At the same time, ther e occurred a vacancy in the superintendency of the Graded School. Several leading citizens showed great earnestness in their efforts to place Mr. Phillips in the vacant office. After a brief consideration, however, he firmly declined to be a candidate f or the position.

The new pastor found his work, though honorable and pleasant, an arduous one. The obstacles to the progress of the church were of a very grave character. The pastor's salary was not promptly and regularly paid; and this circumstance occasioned great emb arrassment to the worthy minister. In addition to this, the church was afflicted with a serious and exceedingly troublesome debt, on a portion of which they were paying as high as 15 percent interest. Another portion of the debt was finally placed in th e form of a mortgage, of course bearing a more moderate interest than the floating debt to which we have referred. Despite these troubles, the pastor and a part of the members still toiled on, never remitting wholly their zeal, their faith and their effo rts, and were rewarded with some tokens of good.

Mr. Phillips continued his pastoral work till the 31st of October, 1874, when he took his departure for Missouri. He soon afterwards established himself at St. Louis as Missionary Secretary of the Missouri Baptist Sunday School Convention.

For about nine months after the removal of Mr. Phillips, the church remained destitute of a pastor? when they obtained one in the person of Rev. A.L. Seward. He began his labors for the church in the month of June, in 1875. No notable event marked the h istory of the church during the short period of his ministry. The term of that ministry extended only over six months. He resigned his place in the month of December, 1875, and left for another field of labor.

The next year, 1876, the church, wearied with toiling on, destitute of a preacher and spiritual guide, recalled Mr. Phillips, who ultimately accepted the call. In common with the better part of the membership, he entertained an earnest desire to see the b urden of debt removed from the church. Unable to discover any feasible plan for accomplishing the object, however, he was constrained to content himself with persistently keeping the good object before the eyes of the Church, and in token of his sincerit y, proffered to devote a liberal percent of his salary as a contribution to the liquidation of the debt, provided the Church and her friends would make up the entire requisite amount. Not a sufficient number were found, however, who had both the ability and the will to accept and fulfill the proffered condition.

Mr. Phillips submitted his second resignation early in the autumn of 1878. The Church evinced her reluctance to part with the pastor, but finally yielded assent. His second resignation was effected on the 24th of September the same year. He still has h is residence in Shelbyville, enjoying the respect and esteem of all sects and all parties.

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The church, however, seemed unprepared to settle a pastor. Mr. Wilson went to Mount Vernon in this state, and engaged for a time in evangelistic labors at that place and in the adjoining region. He has since bestowed his efforts on several other points of more or less interest and importance, and was for a time engaged as an instructor in the Ancient Languages at Ewing College, in this state.

The year 1879 brought a most valuable benefit to the church. That benefit was the liquidation of the church-debt. I have already noticed this obstacle to the progress of the church -- the oppressive incubus on her energies. The burden grew heavier and heavier. Interest, of course, was increasing on the church's obligations; nothing was doing to cancel these obligations; while the little sums to meet current expenses even were collected but tardily, and with great difficulty. The church sadly needed a pastor, a really good live, working man; but whenever the business of calling or procuring a pastor was mentioned, all aspirations for obtaining the labors and care of an under-shepherd were forthwith repressed by the consideration that no pastor could b e procured without the means to give him a support; that is, no efficient, faithful one, such only as would meet the imperative wants of the church. Connected with the congregation, too, was a large and flourishing Sunday-school, numbering a hundred and fifty members, but books, papers, and other supplies for the school could not be procured without funds; and of these the church was destitute. The prayer-meetings commanded but a slim attendance; and only a faithful few appeared to retain their confiden ce in the great Head of the Church, and their Christian zeal.

While the church was in this depressed condition, Rev. I.N. Hobart, D.D., General Superintendent of the State Board of Missions, appeared in their midst. He came to ask for a subscription for the State Missions, when he was promptly informed that the chu rch was not only unable to give him a collection, as heretofore, but was in most pressing need of means to carry forward her own work. Moved by sympathetic zeal, after consultation with the church, individually and collectively, the good doctor determine d to make a strenuous effort to free his brethren from the burden of debt. Part of the members, he found ready and willing helpers; and this class not only made liberal subscriptions themselves, but aided in bringing others to give assistance in the good cause. Some engaged to pay on account of the debt double the amount which they had annually given for the support of the ministry. The benefactions of others were on a still more liberal scale. Dr. Hobart canvassed the members with a subscription pape r, in which it was proposed that every signer should give the amount opposite to his name, only on the contingency that the whole amount required should be secured by the signatures of responsible parties. After a short time it became evident that "the p eople had a mind to work;" and the friends of the cause were filled with joy.

Here, it would be unjust to omit the statement, that some of the friends of the church who were not within the pale of membership were found among its most zealous and liberal benefactors. First, among these should be mentioned Thomas M. Thornton, Esq. He was and is, we believe, a worshiper with the Episcopalians; but the fact that his venerated mother was staunch and devoted Baptist, in conjunction with other causes, naturally drew him into relations and sympathy with that people. From the stand-point of a business man, he depicted to the church in striking colors, the vast evil of an incorporated religious body sinking into bankruptcy, and averred that there was no need of suffering such a catastrophe.

He declared himself not only willing to aid in freeing the Church from debt, but also in the support of a pastor when she should obtain one. He hoped then, to see her doors opened to be closed no more forever. Other parties outside the Church, he knew, viewed the matter in the same light with himself. They would help the Church members only when the members would take hold of the work with due zeal and energy to help themselves. He knew the men of Shelbyville; and he knew that they were ready to lend a helping hand wherever they would witness the Church making proper effort to relieve herself from embarrassment. As the matter stood, the Church was liable to suffer a foreclosure of the mortgage which rested upon the Church property, and ere long to lo se possession.

He enjoined the Church, however, in making the effort which he hoped they would promptly make, to include all their debts in the estimate of their wants, mortgage, interest, floating debt, arrearages due their late pastor, Rev. Mr. Phillips, and all. Thi s last item amounted to $300 or $400. The whole amount which it was deemed necessary to raise was stated to be about $3,000. Mr. Thorton had proved his friendship to the Church in too many and too grave instances, to leave any ground for doubting his si ncerity or his perfect reliability.

It was not long after this that the visit of Dr. Hobart occurred, and that a subscription was commenced with a view to liquidate the Church's debts. The work went bravely on. Mr. Thornton headed the list with the pledge of $200; others, endowed with hum ble means, made offerings that were truly noble if considered in view of their ability. The first solicitations were made to members, as was fitting; so when Dr. Hobart, having effected the canvass of the Church, extended his efforts among the citizens a t large, and the latter ascertained how much the Church had done, there appeared a marked illustration of the old adage, God helps those who help themselves. The work was prosecuted with sustained vigor; and after a moderate interval a report that the Church had reached the goal of their hopes with regard to liberating themselves from debt was in general circulation.

A special meeting was called to hear the report of the executive committee, and of Dr. Hobart, the Superintendent of State Missions, who had the strongest title to their gratitude for his kind and effectual services in the matter. Dr. Hobart himself pres ided. The meeting was one of profound interest. After a good time spent in devotional exercises, a report of the collections was made. It appeared from this document that there was wanting only about $223 of the entire amount proposed in the subscripti on. As nearly every one of the subscribers had made pledges to the extent of his ability and duty, as he viewed the matter, the situation became a trying one. All the subscriptions had been made on the condition that they should be binding and payable o nly in the contingency that the whole amount should be raised and paid. Unless the small balance required should be subscribed and collected the cherished enterprise of paying the debt, even after so much toil and sacrifice, would prove a total failure. This would be like a rich ship filling

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But the universal sentiment of the members was, that they could not give up the long desired object. The Ladies' Sewing Circle connected with the congregation had already contributed one hundred dollars as an offering which was the fruit of their pious a nd untiring labors. With evident solemn feeling, they now doubled their subscription. Mr. Thornton, knowing the slenderness of their resources, and the costliness to them of the sacrifice which they had made, offered to pay the money, and trust the Soci ety a year for its, charging no interest. Dr. Hobart offered to lend them the money for the same time. They declined both propositions. The people had now almost reached the goal of their hopes. In this exigency, Mr. Thornton, in their name, pledged h imself for the balance, and filled the hearts of the people with the liveliest joy. Most fervent thanks were expressed to Mrs. Thornton, to Dr. Hobart, to Mr. Thornton, and to all who had aided in bringing the church out of debt.

The subscriptions made were promptly paid, and thus the church was freed from debt in a day. After some time, efforts to procure a pastor were renewed. At first, there were not successful; but after a time, a call was voted to Rev. William M. Barker. T his was in the autumn of 1880. After some delay, he accepted the proffered charge, and entered on his work. The church is united and fervent in the prayer, that his labors among them will prove effectual and useful in a very high degree.

Dr. I.A. Sumpkin is clerk of the church. Gabriel W. Abell is Superintendent of the Sunday-School. The church is pursuing the even tenor of her way, enjoying on the road the comforts of faith.

Moawequa Church. This church is located in the town of Moawequa, in the north-western part of the county. It reports 166 members, and enjoyed for several years the acceptable and efficient labors of Rev. W.C. Roach, as preacher and pastor. For a considerable time Mr. Roach ministered to the two churches, at Moawequa and at Assumption, in Christian county, respectively; but in the Moawequa church, realizing the grave importance of having the exclusive labors of an efficient minister, persuaded hi m to relinquish his charge at Assumption, and give himself wholly to the church at Moawequa. With characteristic devotion, he plied his work at the latter place, but has since resigned, and the church is left without pastor.

Moawequa is located on the Illinois Central Railroad, about 25 miles from Shelbyville by the highway, 33 miles by railroad, and 114 miles from St. Louis, At last accounts, R.I. Smith was the clerk of the church.

Stewardson Church. Stewardson is situation 16 miles south-east of Shelbyville by the common highway, and 20 by railroad. The town, which lies on the Chicago and Paducah Railroad, is of recent origin, and is rapidly increasing in population, busin ess, and importance. The Baptist Church in this place originated about the year 1875, in a very common manner. A prominent citizen, Mr. S.B. Fisk, one of the early settlers, had removed to the place from one of our cities. In his former place of living , himself and family had been accustomed to the weekly enjoyment of attendance on the services of the sanctuary. At their new abode they found themselves destitute of these privileges. They felt the privation to be a severe one. Very naturally and just ly, Mr. Fisk applied himself to remove the trouble at the earliest possible day. There was not a male citizen of his faith in the village in which he lived; but, being by occupation a farmer, he found three or four families in the adjoining districts who were engaged in his own primitive secular calling, and who were Baptists. In the village, also, a few of Baptist sentiments were found. After a moderate time, the Baptists were enabled to secure the occasional ministrations of a public servant of Chris t, of their own faith and order. In the early winter of 1877, Rev. D.P. French, a right zealous and efficient minister, missionary of the Illinois Baptist Association for the southern section of the state, visited the place, and commenced and sustained a protracted meeting with the little church that had been constituted. It is pertinent to mention that before and after this period the congregation had enjoyed the occasional labors of Rev. Mr. Griffith, a truly faithful and evangelical clergyman, living near Strasburg. Rev. J.H. Phillips, pastor at Shelbyville church, had also assisted them by preaching for them, and by procuring aid in building their house of worship. In addition to these Rev. I.N. Hobart, D.D., superintendent of missions of the Gene ral Association of Illinois, visited them, labored for them, and gave them most effectual aid in both spiritual and temporal matters. The singular inclemency of the weather, the bad condition of the roads, the great difficulty of procuring preachers at t he time, with other causes, united to prevent any considerable visible success of the protracted meeting referred to above. The writer preached on four successive dark and stormy nights at the meeting, when he was obligated to leave, owing to prior engag ements. The people gave good attendance, and eager attention, despite the storm, the mud, the darkness, and the cold. A year afterwards, through the intervention of Rev. Dr. Hobart, Rev. H.W. Wilson was sustained as a missionary of the General Associati on at Stewardson for several months. he labored zealously, held a protracted meeting, was prospered in his work, and received a good number into the church by baptism. At present the church has a good pastor in the person of Rev. J.H. Phillips of Shelby ville. In 1877 they built a neat, substantial and commodious house of worship, their own liberal efforts to build a house for the Lord having been supplemented by the generous aid of friends outside the limits of the congregation. The number of members is reported to be about 50.

THE churches of this order in the county are stated to have been gathered and organized in great part by the labors of Rev. Nathan Corley. I am unable to present their statistics.

Oak Grove Church of Liberal Christians. On Sunday, June 1st, 1868, Salem, (now Oak Grove), church of Liberal Christians was organized by the following persons making a public confession of the Christian faith, and covenanting together in church fe llowship; namely; Jacob Sittler and his wife, Sidney; Wm. G. Buckley and his wife, Martha J.; Mr. Beverly Milligan, George W. Douthit, Jasper L. Douthit and his wife, Emily L. This first congregational church covenant was entered into at the old Salem Sc hool-House. The weather being pleasant, and the house being too small to accommodate all present, the service was held out of doors, in the shade of an old elm tree, since cut down. Elder John Ellis preached the sermon on the occasion, and formally welc omed the little company to the Christian brotherhood. On Monday, July 6th, 1868, a meeting was held near the Griffith graveyard about three and a half miles south-east of Shelbyville. This meeting was held in the woods on the spot where in early days a log school-house stood. Dr. A.L. Kellar of Shelbyville and J.L. Douthit being present, stated that it was proposed to erect a house of worship there, to be held jointly for the use of Liberal Christians and "Christian," (Campbellite) congregations, said house to be free to all other Christian people when not used by either of these two congregations. Jacob Sittler, in addition to subscribing liberally volunteered to superintend the carpenter's work. On Monday, the 16th of November, the trustees met on the ground and decided to begin to build. A deed to the site was given by Edwin Martin. The people who could not give money had a mind to work, and the building was completed in time for dedication, September 29th, 1870. Robert Collyer, of Unity Church , Chicago, was present, and preached an eloquent sermon, which will long be remembered by those who heard it. The first trustees of this building were Jeremiah Southers, John C. Coconower, Jacob Sittler, and J.L. Douthit.

On January 16, 1870, at a meeting held in the unfinished Oak Grove chapel, the declaration of faith, covenant and constitution of the Liberal Christian Church of Shelbyville township, Shelby county, Illinois was adopted. The following are extracts from t he declaration and covenant:

"We believe that all duty is embraced in the following precepts of Jesus: 'All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.' 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy str ength, and with all they mind, and they neighbor as thyself.'***

"Our only test of fellowship shall be Christian character - 'By their fruits ye shall know them' - therefore, any one evincing an earnest purpose to lead a pure and upright life before God and man, may become a member of this church by signing its covenan t and constitution, - 'for in every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him,' and shall be with us. * * *

"We covenant with one another, and we bind ourselves in the presence of God to walk together in all His ways according to the best of our knowledge and ability. * * *

"We promise to remember mercy and do justly to all, not dealing oppressingly or cruelly with any one. We resolve to be temperate in all things; diligent in business; 'fervent in spirit; serving the Lord' in our special avocations, - shunning idleness as the bane of any people or state. We promise to give of our substance as God prospers us for the benefit of the poor and needy, and for such other purposes as have for their object the spreading of the gospel and the upbuilding of God's kingdom or righteo usness on earth. We promise to walk with our brethren with all watchfulness and tenderness, avoiding jealousies and suspicions, censurings, provokings, secret risings of the spirit against them; but in all offences to follow the rule of our Master and to bear and forbear, give and forgive, as He has taught us. All this we sincerely promise to try to be and to do; and while remembering that we are weak; and that to err is human, we are resolved, by the help of God, as often as we do in any way fail and fa ll, we will arise and try again."

This covenant is mostly in the words of the covenant of the first church organized in the colony of Massachusetts Bay, at Salem, in 1629, two hundred and fifty-one years ago. That old covenant was drawn up by Rev. Francis Higginson, the pastor, who was o ne of the first ministers ordained in New England, and the ancestor of Col. T.W. Higginson. The latter, in alluding to this covenant, calls it "Puritanism's original declaration of independence in America," and well says that "it proves the essential gre atness of the founders of New England society that those who claim to hold the most advanced outposts of thought have got so little beyond even the letter of this covenant, and not at all beyond its spirit."

Over sixty members have entered into this church covenant at Oak Grove, but part of these have moved away, and part of them have transferred their membership to the First Congregational Church in Shelbyville.

Christian Union Church, near Mode. - In April, 1872, an attempt was made to raise funds to build a house of worship at the graveyard between Jacob Elliott's residence and the village of Mode. But the attempt failed, because by the terms of subscr iption to the building fund, the house was to be only open to all orthodox and evangelical Christians when not used by the German Reformed Church. The people had got their eyes open to the fact that the holders of church property on such conditions claim ed the right to exclude the Unitarians and any others whom they had a mind to judge as not orthodox. Only a small sum was subscribed on this plan, when it was abandoned and a subscription started which made the church open to all Christian people when not used by that religious society, which should take care to keep the building in order and repair. Mr. Thaddeus Elliott most diligently solicited funds on this plan, and very soon about $1,500 was pledged. The stone foundation of the church was laid in 1 872. J.H. Worley did the stone work and John Root & Bros. the carpentering work. "Granny" Elliott, the aged wife of Jacob Elliott, with her own

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The Log Church Society. - The Log Church above mentioned, was first built for the "Hardshell" Baptists, and stood near where Thomas Dobins now lives. It was removed to the present place to make room for the Indianapolis and St. Louis railroad. I t became the school-house for Liberty school district until the district became so populous that two school-houses were required, and then, ceasing to be used for public school purposes, by the terms of the original deed the property reverted to Mr. Thoma s Rice. Mr. Rice was of the Roman Catholic faith, but seeing the good that the house had done, and there being no other to accommodate the religious interests of the neighborhood, he determined that it should continue to be held for that purpose. On Jan uary 4, 1871, Mr. Rice gave a deed for the property to the following persons and their heirs forever, namely: Bayless M. Davis, Levi N. Douthit, Christian Peterson and Jasper L. Douthit; said parties of the second part to have and to hold the same in tru st, "for the use of the religious societies of the neighborhood." A Sunday-school is kept here during part of the year, and Mr. Douthit preaches here frequently. No other religious body uses the house regularly.

The Unitarian Society of Sylvan. - During the years 1871-72, Mr. Douthit held services in the Methodist Chapel, Mt. Carmel, four miles directly south of Shelbyville. While preaching here, the nucleus was formed out of which grew the society of Un itarian Christians, which now worships at Sylvan School-house. Joseph Reid and his wife Eliza, were the first members. The officers of this church have failed to furnish the writer with exact data. It must suffice to say that it is composed of about fi fteen members. It supports a lively Sunday-school a part of the year, with an attendance of from fifty to seventy-five.

First Congregational (Unitarian) Church of Shelbyville. - On February 15th, 1874, regular preaching was begun by Mr. Douthit in the old court-house, Shelbyville. Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to hold services in this city. The foll owing record occurs in the minister's diary for "Monday, Feb. 22, 1869. A muddy disagreeable ride to the court-house and back last night. About two dozen were present. They listened suspiciously rather than kindly to what was said about Liberal Christi anity. Some acted as if they had got into the wrong pew and were ashamed of it. Next Sunday I shall try again in the day time."

Accordingly on Sunday morning, February 28, 1859, Mr. Douthit walked from his home, four and a half miles from Shelbyville court-house, to preach per appointment which was made the week before and thoroughly advertised. A short time before the hour for s ervice, one man who had been on a drunken spree the day and night previous, and who, it was supposed, was just out of the lock-up, came and peeped in at the court-house door and inquired what was going on. When told that there would be preaching if any o ne came to hear, he remarked "Wal, mebbe I'll be around by meetin' time," and turned away. The lonely preacher waited till nearly twelve o'clock, but this man not returning and no one else coming, he turned his steps homeward somewhat cast down but deter mined to try again. Occasional efforts were made during the next five years that were not very successful. But now, (1874), it was determined that if the audience averaged no more than one dozen, and if the minister had to be his own janitor, and pay al l incidental expenses, and receive no word of encouragement, he would nevertheless stick to it regularly for one year and leave results to God. At the first meeting there were about two dozen persons present, and the audiences gradually increased. Unexp ected friends arose. A small Sunday-school was organized in the spring of 1874, and rapidly increased in numbers and interest. The Church of the Disciples, Boston, Dr. James F. Clark pastor, sent us a donation of books for the Sunday-school library. Mr . Jacob C. Smith, of Marshall, Illinois, added interest to the mission by teaching one of his popular singing schools in the court-house, during May, 1874, closing with a jubilee concert, and giving part of the proceeds for the purchase of an organ for th e society.

On Thursday evening, May 13, 1875, at a meeting held in the court-house, thirteen persons united in church covenant by signing