In 1995, the United Methodist Church of Wyanet celebrates the
One Hundred Fortieth Anniversary of its founding as a Methodist
Episcopal Church.
As a part of this observance, the church will hold an open
during the Wyanet Summer Festival July 8 from noon to 2:00 pm.
Historical exhibits will be on display, and lunch will be available. All are invited.
The United Methodist Church of Wyanet stands on the town's
Main Street (Illinois Route 6), seven miles west of Princeton.
Built in 1890, the present building has interesting brick patterns
and lovely stained-glass windows. The interior carved woodwork is
outstanding. A newspaper clipping of the church's dedication call
it "one of the prettiest churches in Illinois, of which the people
of Wyanet are justly proud". In 1890 Wyanet had become a
significant agricultural shipping point, with three railroads
intersecting in the village.
The history of this worshipping community began in 1838,
meeting for worship in the small settler cabin of Solomon Sapp,
about two miles northeast of Wyanet. As the town grew, the
congregation moved in 1858 to an old schoolhouse in town. It stood
beside the old Kellogg Trail, the earliest land route from Peoria
to Galena.
Two years later, in 1840, members erected their first real
church building, a frame building thirty feet by forty. This
served for worship for fifty years, until construction of the brick
church on Main Street. Then the prudent church folks moved the
frame structure to a location next door to the new brick church and
converted it to a parsonage.
Life has continued to change over the years since pioneer
days. Interstate Route 80 carries more traffic than the road
through town, and not all the railroads are still operating. Some
members come from a greater distance than used to be possible.
The One Hundred Forty-three members have varied skills and
great dedication to their faith community. They all contribute to
the church's witness to the community, as is necessary when sharing
a pastor with another congregation. There is church school for all
ages and a women's group with four different circles, meeting the
varied interests of the members.
The United Methodist Church of Wyanet has always had a vision
of their mission beyond the local community, contributing work and
necessary supplies to needs in other places. The church has
maintained a close link with the Lake Bluff Home for Children,
supplying clothing and bedding; one member, historian Madge
Brieser, helped teach the children there while attending teachers'
college in Evanston.
The Anniversary observance is continuing throughout 1995, with
various events scheduled throughout the year.
The united Methodist Church of Wyanet, "the church on Main
Street", is alive and active. The members look forward to
celebrating the One Hundred Fiftieth anniversary, in the year 2005!
Contact: Mrs Madge Brieser, Historian, Phone 815/875-4140.