The Methodist Heritage in Lincoln, Illinois

The village of Postville was laid out by Russell Post, of Baltimore, Maryland, from whom it received its name, in 1836. Postville, situated twenty-eight miles northeast of Springfield, Illinois, was near the center of, the territory which three years later, became known as Logan County.  Several other prospective villages were laid out in the County; however, by 1839, only Mount Pulaski and Postville survived. Postville, with a population of about 100, was selected as the first county seat, by one vote.

1839 -As early as 1839, pioneer Methodist Circuit Riders came to Postville wanting to hold religious services, but there were no suitable buildings available. Mr. Thomas W. Enslow, who lived about one mile west of the village, was deeply interested in such a movement, and offered his home as a meeting place.

Samuel H. Martin was the pioneer minister in charge of the group, known as the Methodist Society .

1840 -In the winter of 1840, the Logan County Courthouse was built in Postville. It became the gathering place for all public meetings including religious services. It was used even before many details such as the seats, were finished. This was a small matter as blocks and boards, were pressed into service. Rev. Samuel H. Martin had the distinction of preaching the first sermon in the new courthouse, and organized the Methodist Society of Postville in the new courthouse in 1840. The leading members were, Dr. and Mrs. John Deskins;  Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Hackney Sr. ; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Enslow; James Primm, and mother.

No church building was erected in Postville by the Methodist Society .The school house was sometimes used in place of the courthouse. Peter Cartwright and his son-in-law, W. R. D. Trotter, were early pioneer preachers who conducted meetings in Postville. Peter Cartwright was also Presiding Elder of the district.

1844 -The Postville Circuit was organized. The circuit included the Postville, Elkhart, Middletown and other Methodist Societies which Rev. Samuel H. Martin had organized. The Rev. Daniel Hatton was in charge.

1848 -Postville Circuit was dissolved and the Methodist Society of Postville was attached to the Mount Pulaski Circuit, which included many of the Methodist Societies in Logan County .

The first church built in the new town of Lincoln was erected by the Methodist Society of Lincoln, on the corner of Pekin and McLean Streets.

1853 -The town of Lincoln was laid out, about one mile east of Postville, on either side of the Alton and Sangamon Railroad. The first religious services held in the new town, were conducted in the depot by Rev. Lewis Anderson. The Postville Methodist Society disbanded and was absorbed by the Lincoln Society .

1854 -The meetings of the Lincoln Methodist Society were taken to a new school building on Clinton Street (where Washington School was later erected). It was in the school building, during October 1854, the "Lincoln Society of The Methodist Episcopal Church" was organized. Charter members included: Dr. A. C. Wood and wife; Robert Leslie and wife; James Ratekin and wife; and son, John; James Smith and wife; and Esther Swallow, wife of the Station agent. Rev. Asbury Garner who was in charge of the Mount Pulaski Circuit in which the Lincoln Society was located , was also in charge of the new church. Rev. Hiram Bird was his assistant and Rev. Hiram Buck, Presiding Elder .

John D. Leslie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leslie was the first convert.

1855 -A Sabbath school was organized in April, with Henry L. Bennett, superintendent, and William Starkey as secretary-treasurer.

1856 -1857 W. B. M. Colt, Pastor.                                                                                                          

The leaders of the church, could see the need of a permanent meeting place and set about to have it so. By March 18, 1856, plans were decided on, and the new church building was to be located on the corner of Pekin and McLean Streets. The lots were donated by Col. R. B. Latham, the present site of the Lincoln Public Library (1964). The first services were held in the new building June 23, 1856 and it was dedicated on April 29, 1857. The white frame church building was the first church to be erected in the new town of Lincoln. The cost of the building was $1,600. Trustees of the church were: Robert Leslie; Adam C. Wood; James Radekin; Joshua Barrick and James Johnson. Other early members were: Henry Johns; David Smith and wife; George Brady and wife; Mrs. S. F. Edgar; William B. Cramer; Wm. Tenny; William P. Randolph and wife; Henry L. Bennett; and William Starkey. It was the custom for the men to sit on one side of the church and the ladies on the other .

1857 -1858 Rev. B. Barthalow was appointed Minister with Lincoln becoming the residence of the pastor .

1858 -1860 Sampson Shinn, assisted by S. D. McGinnis and W. E. Pitner were the circuit ministers. Under their pastorate a great revival broke out, after two weeks of intercessory prayer by a few of the leading members. About 125 conversions occurred during the following two weeks.

1860 -1862 Rev. Joseph Montgomery, Pastor. The Mount Pulaski Circuit included the following places of worship: Mount Pulaski; Zion; Dalby's; Two Mile Grove; Downings ; Day's School House; French's; Hurricane Point; Whiteman's; Metcalf's; Bateman's; Mt. Pleasant School; Lincoln Church; Thomas and Ewing .Most of these Methodist Societies met in Homes or school houses and later several built churches. The Mount Pulaski Circuit was divided and the Lincoln Circuit was formed. The Lincoln Circuit included the communities of Lincoln, Zion, Layman, Sugar C reek, Duff's, Metcalf, and Ewing .

1862- 1864 Rev. J. B. Houts -Civil War Years.

1864 -1867 Preston Wood, Pastor.

In 1866, the Lincoln church was separated from the circuit, and became a station. A new Lincoln Circuit was established with eight charges: Layman, Sullivan (later Central Point), Duff School (renamed Harmony), Beans, Union School, Grapes , Lawndale and Zion.

1867 -1869 Rev. W. R. Goodwin, Pastor.

In twelve short years, the congregation of the Lincoln Society , outgrew the small frame building, and a movement was started to build a new church. Property was purchased at the corner of Broadway and Logan Streets from W. G. Starkey for the sum of $3, 500.

The frame building was sold to the Presbyterian congregation in 1868. In 1885 the Presbyterians sold it to the local Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Two years later it was moved from Pekin Street to the 200 block on North Logan Street and for eighty years it was known as the W. C. T. U. Tabernacle. The building is now owned by the Faith Missionary Baptist congregation. Services are still being held there regularly (1964).

The record tells us that work was started on the new brick church (basement) on June 11, 1868. The basement rooms were completed, and dedicated by Dr. Buck, December 26, 1868 at cost of $15,000. Methodist services were held in Brewers Hall, on Pulaski Street and Eckert's Hall on Sangamon Street, while the church was under construction.

The Illinois Conference Annual meeting was held in the Lincoln Church in 1869 with Bishop E. Thompson presiding. During the session, a "Cartwright Jubilee" was held, honoring Rev. Peter Cartwright, who had served fifty of his sixty-five years in The Methodist Ministry as a Presiding Elder, (District Superintendent) .The basement did not provide ample room for the observance, so ministers and friends filled Gilletts Hall on Broadway Street to overflowing .The devotions were given by Dr. Peter Akers, who paid a glowing tribute to Rev. Cartwright. Among the gifts received by Rev. Cartwright were a Turkish chair, the gift of Richard J. Oglesby, Governor of Illinois; a set of 33 pieces of silver, from citizens of Decatur, Illinois; a gold headed cane; gold spectacles; several pieces of gold and silver ware; and a picture album which contained photographs of all ministers of the Illinois Conference.

1869 – 1871  J. G. Little was appointed Pastor. ** 1871 -1872 M. A. Hawes, Pastor.

The auditorium was finished and occupied with a cost of about  $22,000.00 up to this time. Dr. Thomas Bowman (later Bishop Bowman) dedicated the building. A silver communion set consisting of two plates, two chalices, a pitcher, and a baptismal bowl, a gift to the church on December 25, 1871 by Sunday School Class No.11 is still in use at various times when observing the Sacraments.  

The second Methodist Episcopal Church in Lincoln, was on the corner of Broadway and Logan Streets. It was in use 1868 -1926.

1872- 1875 Rev. G. W. Gray, Pastor.

In 1873 the legal name of the church was changed to "First Methodist Episcopal Church of Lincoln, Illinois" .The Lincoln Church was a part of the Decatur District. A house on Pulaski Street was purchased as a parsonage.

1875 -1876 Rev. J. G. Little returned for another pastorate.

1876- 1877 Rev. M. D. Hawes, pastor.

1877- 1880 Rev. George Stephens, Pastor.

1880- 1882 Rev. J. H. Noble, Pastor.

The annual meeting of Illinois Conference met in the Lincoln Church for a second session, Bishop H. W. Warren, presiding.

1882 -1883 Rev. Horace Reed, Pastor.

1883 -1886 Rev. T. A. Parker, Pastor .

1886 -1887 Rev. M. W. Everhart, Pastor .

1887- 1890 Rev. F. M. Sisson, Pastor.

The Ladies Aid Society was determined to finish the towers of the church, which had remained incomplete, since the auditorium was built in 1872.

1890 -1895 E. D. Wilkin, Pastor.

The church towers were completed, and a new pipe organ purchased.

Rev. Wilkin passed away, April, 1895.

1895 Rev. E. M. Black finished out the year, the vacancy caused by the death of Rev. Wilkin. The church was now apart of  Bloomington District.

1895- 1898 Rev. C. B. Taylor, Pastor. The parsonage was extensively repaired in 1898 and 1899. The Board of Trustees were: W. H. Randolph; F. B. Mills; J. J. Friend; W. W. Houser; W. P. Wakeman; J. S. Randolph; D. H. Harts Sr; W. M. Bock; and P. E. Kuhl.

It was a question in the minds of the members, as to what was the proper thing to do -sell their church building and build a new one, or extensively remodel the present building .

1898- 1902 Rev. A. C. Byerly, Pastor.

The church was remodeled and repaired. A large room was added for the choir and pipe organ which was purchased during Rev. Wilkin's pastorate. Church services and Sunday School were held in the Broadway Theater (Grand), across the street while the church was being remodeled. The congregation returned to worship in the church early in 1900. The church was rededicated by Bishop Isaac Joyce on February 11, 1900. By January 5, 1902 all expenses of the renovation (about $10,000) were fully met .

1902 -1905 Rev. A. P. Stover, Pastor.

The parsonage at 115 Pulaski Street was sold. Lots were purchased at the corner of Delavan and Ottawa Streets where a new parsonage was erected. It was a two story, 10 room frame house.

1905- 1907 Rev. Freeman Havighurst, Pastor.

 1907- 1908 Rev. G. W. Flagg, Pastor.

 1908- 1911 Rev. W. A. Smith, Pastor.

1911- 1915 Rev. W. N. Tobie, Pastor.

1915 -1919 Rev. Thomas H. Tull, Pastor.

 1919- 1921 Rev. C. F. Buker, Pastor.

1921 -1922 Rev. J. D. Kruwel, Pastor.

1922 -1926 Rev. A. R. Grummon, Pastor.

Early in the ministry of Rev. Grummon, in the Lincoln Church, there was a movement started to remodel the old church or build a new one. After the generous gifts of Mrs. John (Eliza J. ) Safly and Miss Effie Zollars, there was a very optimistic outlook on the possibility of having a new church. Much credit is due Rev. Grummon, in convincing the members, that the remodeling of the old building would not serve the needs of the present or future generations. Eventually, when subscriptions reached $75, 000, the building committee felt justified in making plans for a new church home, one that would furnish better facilities for worship, religious education, fellowship and community service.

Lots on the corner of Broadway and Kankakee streets were purchased, plans were drawn up and construction began early in 1925. The local firm of Deal and Ginzel were architects for the new stone church. Final services were held in the old church, June 13, 1926. It was sold to the Masonic Lodge and was con- verted into their temple and was razed in the fall of 1961.

(**) Dedicatory services for the new First Methodist Episcopal Church were held on Sunday, June 20, 1926, Rev. A. R Grummon, Pastor.  Bishop Edwin Holt Hughes preached at both the morning and afternoon services. The evening service was given over to the dedication of the organ, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur J. Gullett. Mr. Wilbur J. Gullett has served as organist or choir director and sometimes both, for as many as fifty years and is still an honorary member of the Music Committee.

The "Call To Worship" rang out from the same bell that had been used in the earlier Lincoln Methodist Churches. The bell was an old steamboat bell, bought in St. Louis for the first church, and weighs about 1, 000 pounds.

The services of dedication continued through the week. Open house on Monday night, a banquet Tuesday evening, honoring special guests . The following former ministers were present: Rev. F. M. Sisson; Rev. F. A. Havighurst; Rev. C. B. Taylor; Rev. G. W. Flagge;  Rev. Thomas H. Tull; Rev. C. F. Buker;and Rev. John D. Druwell. On June23 the American Flag, a gift of the W. P. Wakeman family, was dedicated. On Thursday evening, the Zollars Memorial Gymnasium was dedicated . Miss Effie Zollars had made a second gift ($25,000) and requested that the gymnasium be named in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Zollars and her brother, Elmer Zollars and the gymnasium was to be dedicated to the youth of the church. The last service on Friday evening was an organ recital, given by Charles Galloway, assisted by Harold Saurer, baritone soloist.

The Board of Trustees in 1926 were P. E. Kuhl; B. H. Armstrong; F. S. Coddington; J. J. Friend; C. E. Gullett; Charles Richards; H. W. Sanford and W. P. Wakeman.

Church membership was 825 and the cost of the new stone church building was $185,000. All but about $6,000 of this amount was pledged on or before the day of dedication. $51,000 in pledges and estate notes were still unpaid one year later .

For the next ten years, the following men served as pastors:

1926- 1928 Rev. E. V. Young

1928 -1930 Rev. Stanley Ward

1930- 1935 Rev. H. M. Bloomer

1935 -1936 Rev. F. A. McCarty

1936 -1940 Rev. Laren Spear, Pastor.

The work toward clearing the church debt the past ten years, met with all the hardships only a pastor can know. With all the organizations making new pledges, the women serving meals, members going deeper into their pockets, and the interest on the loan soaring higher was about all that was raised each year, with small amounts applied on the loan.

1939 Three Methodist Churches united, (The Methodist Episcopal Church, Methodist Protestant Church, and Methodist Episcopal Church, South) .The word "Episcopal" was dropped and our church has since been known as "The First Methodist Church of Lincoln".

1940 -1944 Rev. A. A. Belyea, Pastor.

During the pastorate of Rev. Belyea, the contagion spread the church debt, $24, 250, "must be cleared and that it must be done now". Under his leadership, and untiring labors, an all- out effort was made to make the church debt free. The debt committee was Dean J. Harris, Chairman; Dr. Deane Doolen; Dr. L. R. Branom; Percy B. Johnston and D. A. Bently.

On March 12, 1944 an impressive service was held at the 10:45 Service of Worship with Bishop Titus Lowe, of Indiana, delivering the "Victory" message. During the service, there was a mort- gage burning ceremony and at last our beautiful church home was free from debt.

1944- 1949 Rev. 0. B. Enselman, Pastor.

During the pastorate of Rev. 0. B. Enselman, extensive re plastering of the sanctuary and other parts of the building were done and the sanctuary was re-decorated. Various wood floors and the narthex floors were replaced due to termite damage.

1949- 1953 Rev. T. J. Marshall Crapp, Pastor.

The 110th Anniversary of Methodism which had its beginning in Postville, and later in Lincoln was observed in November 1950. Guest speaker at the Sunday morning Worship Service was Bishop J. Ralph Magee. On the following Monday evening, Dr . W. T. Smith was the guest speaker at the anniversary banquet .

1953- 1958 Rev. Eugene E. Stauffer, Pastor.

During Rev. Stauffer's pastorate, two new staff members were added: the Parish Visitor and Director of Youth Activities. The Methodist Messenger, a monthly newsletter was sent to members of the parish and published in the church office. The Junior and youth choirs were formed and new choir robes and hymnals purchased. A new gas heating system was installed and the church kitchen modernized.

1958- 1963 Rev. H. Sheldon Pattison, Pastor.

In 1962 a Memorial Chapel was established in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Richards, who had made a generous bequest to the church. It is located in the room formerly occupied by the church parlor and the parlor was relocated in a near-by class room. The sanctuary was redecorated, new tables and metal chairs were purchased and the church lawn relandscaped . Rev.. Pattison instituted two Sunday Morning Services of Worship.

1963 Rev. Orval L. Bear, Pastor.

The sanctuary, choir loft and pastor's study were carpeted and plans were made for a new church roof.. For some time the membership felt the need of an associate pastor. This became a reality at Annual Conference time in June 1964 and Rev. James R. Poe was assigned to our church.

Rev. James Poe as our Associate Pastor, was placed in charge of Christian Education, directing classes and activities of the Church School. In addition to this responsibility , he accepted other duties of assisting in regular pastoral work.