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THE UNIVERSITY
OF ILLINOIS
LIBRARY
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H3ls
IIUN01S HISTORICAL SURVEY
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ouvenr.
BEING A HISTORY
OF THE
BLOOMINGTON, ILL.
1833-1895.
PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION
OF THE
YOUNG WOMEN OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
OF MR. SAMUEL L. HAWKS.
4
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Gbe ID first Cburcb.
BY MISS MARY L. KIMBALL.
" -
The hands that laid these time-worn walls
Have crumbled into clay;
And hearts that worshiped God within
Mouldered in dust away.
Here Sabbath folk for fifty years
Have come to praise and pray,
. And some who came as children once
Are gray-haired men today.
Year after year beneath this roof
Christ's table hath been spread:
And shepherds to their changing flock
Dispensed His living bread.
Here youth hath come to consecrate
His service to the Lord;
Hath armed him in the mail of faith,
Girt on the Spirit's sword.
Joy hath been here, and grief hath heard
Of many mansions fair,
That Christ doth in His Father's house
For troubled hearts prepare.
Thus of the past; but there is work
Our Master's work to do,
And we who cherish still the old,
Look forward to the new.
Tear down the walls that hem us in
To self and narrow aim,
And broad and firm a structure rear,
An honor to His name.
True, all the good the old hath known
Forgotten may not be,
And best to prove its work and worth
A new church let us see.
Then firm in faith give prayer and gold
Give with an earnest will
And when the strong new walls shall rise
We'll name the "Old First'' still.
C"
"
497298
REV. E. K. STRONG,
Present Pastor. 1887.
Ifjietorical
DELIVERED BY THE PASTOR
REV. EDWARD K. STRONG
On the morning of May 12, 1895, being the last Lord's Day in the Old Church
Building of tJie First Presbyterian Church.
psalm 44:1. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what
work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
OF THE most noticeable features of sacred history
is the recognition of God in human affairs. By word
and by example the Bible points to the Almighty as
intimately associated with the ways of men. The children
of Israel acknowledged the Lord in their vicissitudes as well
as in their triumphs, and whatever men might do to them as
individuals, or as a nation, those men of God looked back be-
yond the immediate causes to the Lord as the great First
Cause. Therefore they really meant it when they said: "We
have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us,
what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. "
Such a spirit possesses great moral power. It exalts the
aims and purposes of a people. Indeed this consciousness of
the Divine presence and of His deep and abiding interest in
the affairs of men is the source and spring of the noblest
human aspirations.
It was such faith in God that brought to this continent the
heroic founders of this republic. They were men and women
who could dare anything for the right to worship the Almighty
EGBERT R. CAMPBELL
according to the dictates of their con-
sciences. This belief in the nearness of
the Lord in all that concerned them sus-
tained our fathers in hours of sore trial
and was their incentive to self-sacrific-
ing deeds. From this sprang the high
moral character of this nation. It gave
to us our houses of worship, our Sabbath
schools, and other means of grace and
charity which so long have blessed this
land.
As then we meet for the last services in this sanctuary, it
is right that we should look back and mark the way along
which this church of Christ has passed during the years of its
existence. Verily, we have good reason to say with ancient
Israel, "We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers
have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times
of old."
From all the information I can obtain I learn this import-
ant fact: The first settlers of this region were God-fearing
men and women. The history of McLean county tells of the
settlement of John Hendrix in Blooming Grove in 1822. It
calls him a "consistent, devoted Methodist," "the pioneer of
Christianity in this locality." It further says: "The strict,
almost Puritanic, ways of the religious Mr. Hendrix naturally
had the effect of impressing new comers who were reckless
and irreligious, with an aversion to his society, and would as
naturally attract pious men and the influence of all these
early settlers was of lasting value."
You and I can never appreciate at its full value the bless-
ing to all this region of the presence of such a man. It is as
true of communities as of children that the first moral in-
fluences have very much to do in shaping the future life for
good or ill. The ..moral bias, the religious tendency of this
community, therefore, is largely due to him and to those of
like character who immediately followed him.
REV. B. B. DRAKE,
Pastor 1840-1844.
11
Prom various sources, which I will not always stop to men-
tion, I have gathered the following- facts regarding the early
religious history of this city, and particularly of the history
of this church:
The first sermon preached in this region was delivered
in the cabin of Mr. Hendrix by Rev. James Stringfield, in 1823.
The following year (1824) the first Methodist class was organ-
ized in the same house. This class of ten members is believed
to have been the nucleus from which in after years was formed
the First Methodist Church of this city. In this same year
Rev. Ebenezer Rhodes, a Separate Baptist, organized a Bap-
tist Church of eight members at his house three miles east of
this city. Rev. Dr. J. W. Dinsmore says this occurred previous
to the organization of the Methodist class in the house of John
Hendrix, and was probably "the first organization of Chris-
tian people in this region. "
At this time the principal settlement was at Blooming
Grove, about four miles southeast of this city. When the
county of McLean was set off from Tazewell county, in the
winter of 1830-31, Bloomington was designated as the county-
seat, through the influence of Mr. James Allin,who, in the early
part of 1830, had built a house and store, now a part of the resi-
dence of Mrs. Stipp, opposite this church. The first lots in
the new village were sold in July, 1831, and within a year, or
a year and a half, there were about one
hundred persons in Bloomington. In this
year (1831) the first sermon preached
within the limits of this city is said to
have been delivered in a schoolhouse
on the corner of Main and Olive streets,
and near the close of the year a Method-
ist class was formed which worshiped
in this schoolhouse, and was served by
the same minister who preached at
Blooming Grove. JDDGE JOHN M . RAYBUBN
12
In December, 1831, Mr. A. C. Washburne, a young" school
teacher from Vermont, opened a school in Blooming-ton. Of
these early days, and particularly of the early life of this
church, we are greatly indebted to his diary for information,
and I have availed myself of the quotations made by Dr. Dins-
more in his Historical Sketch. Mr. Washburne says that on
the 9th of March, 1832, he organized a Sunday School. This
was a union school, though largely managed by Presbyterians.
The Methodists organized a denominational school in 1839,
which, Mr. Washburne says, drew many from the other. ' 'Prom
this time forward the old organization took on a denomina-
tional character, and with slight interruptions has been con-
tinued to the present time, so that the Sunday School of the
old First Presbyterian Church may rightly claim direct lineal
descent from the first Sunday School organized in Blooming-
ton." The claim made by our Sunday School of being the
oldest in the city is further substantiated by the fact that
Mr. Washburne organized the union school, was its first super-
intendent and chief supporter during its early years, and was
one of the original members of this church, and for a time its
first and only elder.
On the 27th, 28th, and 29th of July, 1832, three sermons
were preached in the village by a Presbyterian minister whose
name Mr. Washburne could not recall. "This, so far as I know,"
he writes, "was the first Presbyterian minister who visited
Bloomington." On the first of December, 1832, "a gentleman
called at my house and introduced himself as Calvin W. Bab-
bitt. * * * I had a pleasant and interesting conversation
with him, from which I learned that he was sent out by the
Home Missionary Society to look after feeble churches, and
to organize new ones, where there was sufficient inducement."
Mr. Babbitt preached a number of times in private houses,
in the schoolhouse, and in the court house. On the 26th of
January, 1833, he preached in the school house, and after the
service organized a church of eight members. The Sessional
Records of our church begin as follows:
REV. DAVID I. PERRY,
Pastor 1844-1850.
15
"BLOOMINGTON, MCLEAN COUNTY, 111., Jan. 26, 1833.
"Assembled agreeably to previous appointment for the purpose of
forming a church according- to the rules and under the care of the
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of
America.
"Opened the meeting with prayer. The following individuals were
received on certificate: Enoch Hunt, Amasa C. Washburne, Benjamin
Depew, Margaret Depew, Robert Guthrie, Catharine Guthrie, Nancy Dur-
ley, Isabelle Michaels. Amasa C. Washburne was elected elder.
"Closed with prayer. Calvin W. Babbitt, Minister."
The next entry is under date of Nov. 23, 1833:
"After sermon by the Rev. Mr. Foster. A. C. Washburne was or-
dained as an elder, which ordination had previously been neglected."
Thus the church was practically organized January 26,
1833, but according to the rules of the Presbyterian Church it
was not legally organized until the ordination and installation
of its elder, which took place on the 23d of November, 1833.
At the meeting of the Presbytery of Sangamon, April 18, 1834,
at Sand Prairie, four miles south of Pekin, the organization
of this church was reported, and the church was enrolled as
organized in November, 1833.
So far as I can learn, the First Presbyterian Church is the
second in age in this city, the First Methodist Church having
been organized as a class in 1831. On the 3d of March, 1833,
Rev. James McGeoch was engaged to supply the church for
a year. He was a young man of fine abilities, and was highly
esteemed. He lived but a few months, dying in the follow-
ing September of a violent fever, and his remains lie in an
unknown grave in our cemetery.
Late in the same year Rev. Lemuel Foster came to Bloom-
ington, and established a school, and erected a building on
Olive street just west of the present residence of Dr. Hill. This
school house was used for both school and church for many
years, and Mr. Foster preached to this congregation about
three years.
According to the church records, fourteen ministers have
for longer or shorter periods served this congregation. The
16
names of these men will be of interest to you, and are as fol-
lows in the order of their service: Calvin W. Babbitt, James
McGeoch, Lemuel Foster, C. L. Watson, B. B. Drake (father
of Mrs. Jas. H. Robinson), David I. Perry (father of Mrs. J. M.
Scott and Mrs. Adelaide Perry), Fielding N. Ewing, Hugh R.
Price, John McLean, S. B. Taggart, H. B. Thayer, F. S. Brush,
Chas. M. Moss, and myself. The terms of service of these
men range from a few months to several years. The longest
is eight years and seven months, the term of service of both
Mr. Ewing and Mr. McLean. Four of these ministers have
been regularly installed as pastors: Messrs. Price, McLean,
Brush, and myself. Mr. Ewing and Dr. Thayer were both
called to the pastorate, but were not installed.
At this time, when we are on the eve of erecting a new
sanctuary, it will be of interest to note the places where this
church has worshiped. Our church was organized in the
school house which stood on the corner of Main and Olive
streets. For a number of years the congregation met in the
schoolhouse afterwards erected by Rev. Lemuel Foster on
Olive street, just west of Dr. Hill's residence. The next place
of worship was the old court house which stood where the
present one stands.
Those who were members of that early congregation and
still residing in our midst, such as Mrs. James H. Robinson,
Mrs. J. N. Ward, and Mr. Abram Brokaw, speak with much
pleasure of the Christian fellowship which then prevailed.
The late Mr. William Gillespie once told me how each Satur-
day he sawed and wheeled to the court house the wood neces-
sary for the church services on the succeeding Lord's Day.
This church had no home of its own before 1846. There
were then four church buildings in Bloomington. In 1837 the
Methodist charges of Blooming Grove and Bloomington were
united, and built the first church edifice in this city. This was
"a plain wooden building," still standing on the southwest
corner of Main and Olive streets. Soon after this the Bap-
tists built, and were followed, in 1841, by the Christian or Dis-
DAVID DAVIS.
19
ABRAM BKOKAW
ciple Church. In 1843 a building- was
erected by the African M. E. church.
About this time the Presbyterian con-
gregation began the agitation for a
sanctuary of their own. Mr. Abram Bro-
kaw tells me that Mr. John T. Stuart,
the personal friend of the lamented
Abraham Lincoln, owned a lot near the
present Pantagraph building for which
he wanted $25. Being a larger price
than our people were willing to pay he finally agreed to give
them the lot on which this church now stands, since the land
was quite low and wet, and there were a number of stumps
upon it. The title deed to this lot which conveys the prop-
erty to the First Presbyterian Church in fee simple bears the
date of April 27, 1846. Thus this congregation came into pos-
session of this the most beautiful church location in the city.
The lot next east is the gift of the Hon. David Davis, James
H. Robinson, Abram Brokaw, Oliver Elsworth, and perhaps
one or two others.
I have found it very difficult to learn the exact time of
the building of this church edifice. Mrs. J. M. Scott, whose
father, Rev. David I. Perry, was the pastor at the time, says
it was probably begun in 1846, but was not finished until the
winter of 1848 and 1849. Mr. Brokaw says, "The walls' were
raised the first summer. It then stood until the following
summer when the timbers for the roof were laid. The work
then ceased for a time, and was again renewed." The people
were poor and found great difficulty in completing the build-
ing. Mrs. Scott tells me that her father tried hard to induce
the congregation to build a less pretentious structure of wood.
But their minds were set on having a brick building, and thus
the first brick church in Bloomington was erected.
I am informed that Mr. James H. Robinson circulated the
subscription paper for the new church, Mr. Abram Brokaw
bought the brick, Mr. John W. Ewing hauled the brick to the
20
lot, Mr. Wm. F. Flagg drew the plans, and, with Mr. Brokaw,
superintended the construction, while Mr. John Magoun laid
the brick. Thus the people had a mind to work. But not the
men only. There was at that time as 'efficient a corps of
women as now, and these "elect ladies" met and sewed and
did other work by which they obtained money for the build-
ing so dear to their hearts. After the congregation took pos-
session of the building these same women for a time swept
the church, and cleaned and filled the lamps. The building
cost about $4,000.00.
How did the building appear when first completed? It
was about 60 feet long, 36 feet wide, and 35 feet to the ridge
of the roof, fashioned after an old Greek temple with entab-
lature, and in front four columns after the Grecian Doric style.
The cross section at this north end of the building was not
then erected; the pillars, unlike the present time, were free,
and the vestibule ran across the south end of the church, over
which was a gallery. The stairs to that gallery were in the
east end of the vestibule. At the other end was a stove whose
pipe ran up through the gallery floor, and then to the north
end of the building. The keeping of this pipe clean was the
cause of great annoyance, says Mr. Gillespie. Some years
after, the gallery was extended along the east and west sides
of the church.
When first used the church was not plastered. There were
no pews, the congregation sitting upon
planks laid on blocks of wood. The
church was struggling with a debt and
were in consequence unable to finish
their sanctuary.
In the records of the church Session
is the following, under the date of Feb.
27, 1850: "Application to the Commit-
tee on Church Extension for the sum of
$150.00 to aid in finishing our church
was ordered to be sent to the Commit- WILLIAM GILLESPIE
REV. FIELDING N. EWING,
Pastor 1850-1858.
23
tee of Presbytery on this subject for their sanctuary." This
action was taken at the suggestion of Rev. F. N. Ewing, then
pastor of the church, and with the assistance thus obtained
the pews and other necessary furniture were purchased. The
younger members of the present congregation will be inter-
ested in knowing that each pew had a little door, according
to the fashion of that day. Some time after, there having been
a good crop in this region, the people sent to the Committee
on Church Extension a contribution amounting to more than
$100.00, thus nearly paying their obligation to that body.
The same day on which the Session resolved to ask aid
for the church building they passed the following resolution:
"Resolved, that we ask aid of the Assembly's Board of Mis-
sions to the amount of $175.00. "
Please notice the indebtedness of this church to two of
the great Boards of the Presbyterian Church. It was the
Home Missionary Society who sent out and supported the mis-
sionary, Rev. Calvin W. Babbitt, who organized this church.
It was the same Board to whom the church looked for assist-
ance in paying the salary of their pastor. The money fur-
nished by the Board of Church Erection enabled the church to
complete their sanctuary. Surely here is a strong argument
in favor of these Boards, and they should ever be held in
grateful remembrance,- and should be liberally supported year
by year by this congregation in order that other churches may
be similarly blessed.
Rev. Robert Conover tells me that the young ladies' sem-
inary of which for so many years he had the charge, was organ-
ized in the gallery of the church, and its sessions were held
there until the seminary building was completed. In Septem-
ber, 1849, the Old School Presbytery of Peoria met here, and
in the following autumn the Conference of the Methodist
Church was held in this building. Here, also, the Rev. Alfred
Eddy preached the Sunday afternoon preceding the organiza-
tion of the Second Presbyterian Church of our city.
Like most churches, our church began in a very small way.
Like others, it has grown, and has passed through serious
trials, some of which even threatening" the very life of the
church. Soon after the organization, the slavery question
came into prominence. Bloomington lay on the border be-
tween the two great sections which favored and opposed slav-
ery. In this church were gathered these two elements, and
more than once the struggle became intense. It was the anti-
slavery sentiment which led to the formation of the Congre-
gational Church, which, according to the protest against such
organization in the records of the Session, occurred in 1844.
Our church, how r ever, continued to grow and thrive, until the
congregation became too large for the home, and in 1855 four-
teen drew out, and with twelve from the Congregational
Church, and some others, organized the Second Presbyterian
Church. This was a perfectly peaceful separation, and yet I
have been informed that opposition to slavery had considerable
influence in determining these persons to leave the parent
church. Again, in 1867, troubles which had their founda-
tion in this same question, split the church in twain, and
caused the organization of a third Presbyterian church, and
after an unfortunate lawsuit, the division of the church prop-
erty. Thus this church has been the mother of three churches,
only one of which is now living.
Despite these serious drawbacks and the still more seri-
ous bitterness engendered by the slavery question, which so
greatly disturbed our American churches, the old First Church
held on its way. There was that in the make-up of this church
which is manifest to the present time, namely, a dogged per-
sistence, a determination to overcome and to conquer, which
under God is due to the fidelity and godliness of so many in
its membership. This church has been a power for good in this
community during all the long period of its history. It has
ever stood firmly for the Bible as the Word of God. Its pulpit
has uttered no uncertain sound concerning the Divinity of the
Lord Jesus and the necessity of His gracious atonement. If
REV. HUGH R. PRICE,
Pastor 1858-1865.
this church has not increased in its mem-
bership, as have others in the city, it
has nevertheless trained a multitude for
faithful work in the churches in this city
and land. Here in our Sunday School,
in our prayer meetings, in our Endeavor
Society, and in other departments of
Christian effort, many have caught their
first inspiration to do service for Christ,
CAPT. JOHN MCLEAN and today are in other fields doing- much
for the glory of God and the good of their fellowmen.
It was during the ministry of Rev. Hugh R. Price that this
building was enlarged by the addition of the cross section at
the north end. I learn from Mr. Conover this was done in the
year 1859, and that the money was raised by the sale of the
pews. He himself paid $30 for a pew. Mr. Conover also says
that there was a decided opposition to this addition, a large
number in the congregation desiring to erect a new edifice.
The plan for an addition, however, prevailed, and Mr. S. W.
Wilson, who built these walls, informs me that the intention
was eventually to tear down the old part of the building and
make the entire structure as wide as this cross section. About
four years later the maple trees which have given us such grate-
ful shade and added so much to the beauty of this location were
set out. It is gratifying to know that the plan adopted for
the new building will not require their destruction. In 1868,
during the pastorate of Rev. John McLean, the pipe organ
was purchased.
In writing the history of any organization, and especially
of a church, it is impossible to do it justice. There are so
many elements that enter into its successes or failures which
cannot be detailed that one is sure to give at best a partial
account. The history of a church is the history of personal
character. It is the story of self-sacrifice, of struggles and
hardships, of personal discipline, in which Christ is fitting His
loved ones for greater usefulness in the kingdom above.
28
Call to mind that goodly list of elders who have so loy-
ally served this church. A. C. Washburne ordained the first
elder. Benjamin Depew, Henry Richardson, and Joseph N.
Barber, who were probably ordained to their office in Mr. Fos-
ter's schoolhouse. After recording the election of these men
our Sessional minutes quaintly add "Adjourned to meet at
candle light." Then that evening, "after sermon and other
religious exercises by the pastor the elders elect were set apart
and solemnly ordained in the usual manner to the office of rul-
ing elder." Samuel T. Molton, John W. Ewing, William Gil-
lespie, and John Beaty, according to Mr. Brokaw, who well
remembers the scene, were inducted into office in the old court
house. Then the following were chosen in this building to do
the Lord's service: T. P. Worrell, Samuel Pollock, James Ray-
burn, Jacob Smith, J. C. Wilson, M. L. Moore, W. P. Boyd,
Hamilton Spencer, Oramel Rugg, William K. Davison. John
McLean, John M. Ray burn, S. L. Hawks, Hugh Wallace. J. C.
Scoville, R. M. Caldwell, John Y. Chisholm, Elias Daggy, M. L.
Christian, Walter H. Bell, R. S. Mcllvaine, B. M. Herr. R. R.
Campbell, J. R. Tankersley, and Calvin Rayburn. Beside our
present elders only five of these gentlemen are now living.
Two, Messrs. Moore and Caldwell, reside in Bloomington; the
other three, Messrs. Scoville, Bell, and Tankersly, live in
other cities.
But when these names are mentioned let us not forget
others who were deeply interested in the
church's welfare. Such men were Abram
Brokaw, the Hon. David Davis, James
H. Robinson, Abel Harwood, and George
Bruner, who were among its trustees,
and gave liberally to its support. Nor
should the present Board of Trustees be
passed by: George P. Davis, S. W. Wil-
son, H. M. Senseney, John D. Robinson,
and Calvin Rayburn.
JAMBS H. KOBINSON
JOHN Y. CHISHOLM,
Supt. Sunday School.
31
Now there comes to mind that goodly number of "elect
women" who have given to this church their heart's affection,
their earnest prayers, and their self-denying labors. It is im-
possible to mention their names, for they are a host. With us
now are many like faithful, gentle souls, true descendants of
those gone before, whose unselfish, Christlike lives are a con-
stant incentive to the other sex to greater loyalty to the church
and to our Master and Head, Jesus the Christ.
One of the foremost agencies for good in the church has
been our Sunday School. We cannot speak too highly of the
efficient work done by its teachers and officers in the more
than half a century of its life. It has been a true nursery of
the church, and for years has been the largest school in the
city as compared with the membership of the church. It
numbers now two hundred names. It would be interesting to
call the roll of those who have taught in this school. But
this is impossible. I can only give you this incomplete list of
its superintendents: A. C. Washburne, J. N. Barber, E. H.
Coleman, Abel Harwood, Hamilton Spencer, Oramel Rugg,
S. L. Hawks, J. Y. Chisholm, Geo. P. Davis, John Hull, Frank
A. Fiske, Walter H. Bell, R. S. Mcllvane, and B. M. Herr.
The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor had
its origin in my house on the evening of February 2, 1888. As
its name indicates, its work lies among the youth of our con-
gregation. It has been a most valuable aid to the church and
pastor, and has been a means of bringing nearly one hundred
young persons into the membership of our church, besides
training many to become efficient Christian workers.
While a full and complete idea of what a church has ac-
complished cannot be gained from its written or printed rec-
ords, because its unconscious influence can never be expressed
in words or figures, nevertheless some conception of what this
church has been to this community and to the world can be
obtained from a careful study of those records. During the
sixty-two years of its existence this church has had a total
32
membership of 1246. Of this number 780 were received by
certificate from other churches, and 456 on confession of their
faith in Christ. During the present pastorate of seven and
one-half years there has been added to the church 227 mem-
bers, 138 of whom have here first acknowledged their faith in
Jesus. This is a larger addition to the church by thirty than
in any other like period in the history of the church.
In the past thirty years (I have but little information ear-
lier than 1866), this church has contributed for congregational
expenses the sum of $90,399.00, and for the Boards of the
church and other benevolent causes, $12,180.00, or a total
amount for all purposes of $102,579.00.
During my pastorate we have given for congregational
expenses $22,839.00, or very nearly one-fourth of the amount
contributed for this purpose in the past thirty years. To be-
nevolences we have given in the past eight years $7,317.00, or
considerably more than one-half of the amount contributed to
the same objects since 1866. In other words, the church has
raised during this pastorate for all purposes more than one-
third of the amount given by the church in thirty years.
While, then, we have been struggling against serious diffi-
culties, and have frequently been discouraged, we have just
cause for praising God. We have reason to believe that our
church is steadily moving forward, and as we have come to this
important time when we are to abandon
the old church home in order to erect an-
other and more convenient one, let us
rejoice before the Lord. Let us acknowl-
edge His hand in these evidences of our
prosperity. Surely we can say with the
saints of old, "We have heard with our
ears, O God, our fathers have told us,
what work thou didst in their days, in
the times of old."
EL1AS DAGGY.
REV. JOHN MCLEAN.
Pastor 1865-1874.
35
Today we meet in this house for the last time. Even those
of us who have most earnestly desired a new building cannot
turn from this one without feelings of sadness. It is a place
hallowed by many tender associations. To many, this has been
the church home from childhood. Here fathers and mothers,
long since passed to the other shore, were wont to worship.
Here some of you were consecrated to God by your parents in
the sacred rite of infant baptism. Here you first confessed
your faith in Jesus, and at the sacramental table first par-
took of the emblems of the death of a Savior mighty to save.
This room has been the center of your religious life. In it you
first learned to speak and pray in public, and in the various
departments of church work were trained in the service of
Christ. These walls have witnessed the last ministrations of
affection rendered to dearly loved ones, and out of this door
their mortal remains have been borne to their last resting
place. Words have here been spoken whose silent influence
has reached down along the years, and to many has been an
inspiration and an incentive to a life of honesty and purity
and love.
Is the Lord now calling this church to enter a wider sphere
of usefulness? If so, there come to us larger opportunities
for Christian service, louder calls to self-sacrifice for the glory
of His name. What the future of this church shall be in large
measure depends on us. Not only must we labor and deny
ourselves in the erection of this new building, but if it is to
be a place of spiritual power, we must also be living examples
of the truths we profess. If from it shall flow streams of holy
influence to bless coming generations, you and I must "walk
in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. " For power,
divine power, the only power, is from God, and is given to
those alone who obey Him. Without the presence of the Holy
Spirit the sanctuary, however ornate and beautiful, is but an
empty, worthless pile, and the work of pastor and of people
is without effect. But with the spirit of God that church,
pastor and people, must be a blessing and a joy to men. As
36
we leave "this building with all its blessed memories, let us
carry with us a deep, abiding conviction of the truth of the
Word of God: "Except the Lord build the house, they labor
in vain that build it."
"Lord, are there any stones upon the way,
That tear Thy bleeding feet?
If our weak hands can move them from Thy path.
Give us that duty sweet.
Is there. O patient and pathetic Face!
One thorn upon Thy brow
That we can pluck from out Thy cruel crown?
For we would do it now.
Is there a deed so difficult for us
That none but Thou canst ask?
Thine asking be our answering. Lo! swift
Be ours that happy task.
Lord, hast Thou left Thy hungry in the world
For us to lind, to feed?
Sharper the hungers of the soul. Give us
Nutrition for that need.
And hast Thou prisoners unvisited,
Whose woes our care should tell?
There is a deeper prison of the heart;
Help us to find that cell.
Is there a mourner dear to Thee, whom we
Have left uncomforted?
Yet still through lonelier loneliness, the heart
Bereft of Thee, is led.
O world of common, human cries! And calls
Of souls in direst need!
To meet ye, mighty were the love that sought
To take the Master's speed .
Give us that love, dear God, who gave to us,
To bear His loving name.
Give us that sacred speed to keep the step
That strikes with His the same.
Waves of one tide, this people be! And flow
Straight shoreward to Thy will.
White as a dove, upon them, now descend
Thy Spirit, strong and still.
Thy blessings on their future rest and brood
The brightest, lip can tell,
In home and heart, in faith and fact, O best
Of daily mercy, dwell."
REV. FRANK S. BRUSH,
Pastor 1881-1886.
39
tber farewell Services.
At noon of the same day, May 12, 1895, the Sunday School
met and held appropriate farewell exercises. Addresses were
made by former Superintendents and others, giving most inter-
esting reminiscences of the school in former days.
At half past three that afternoon the Sacrament of the
Lord's Supper was observed. By invitation of the Session
the officers and members of the Second Presbyterian Church
of this city were present, and the pastors and elders of the
two churches united in the administration of the sacrament.
A final service of farewell, in which the Second Church
also united, was held in the evening. The house was crowded
with an interested audience, very many of whom were ex-
tremely reluctant to leave a room hallowed with many blessed
memories. Addresses were made by Messrs. M. L. Moore, Geo.
P. Davis, S. L. Hawks, and the Hon. J. M. Scott. These
gentlemen related many interesting incidents in the history
of the church and of its old time members. Rev. Dr. W. P.
Kane spoke of the fraternal feeling existing between the First
and Second Churches, and wished the movement for a new
building God-speed. The pastor exhibited the trowel which
was used in the laying of the brick of the old church nearly
fifty years ago, and said:
A few days ago I called on Mrs. J. N. Ward to make some
inquiries about the former history of this church. In the
course of the conversation Mrs. Ward told me that on com-
pleting the brick work of the original part of this building
Mr. John Magoun presented his trowel to her husband. The
trowel had continued in the possession of the family ever
since, and through the courtesy of Mrs. Ward it is before you
this evening". I have obtained permission to use it in the
laying of the corner stone of our new building.
Please notice this trowel. Listen, young men. while it
preaches a sermon to you. There are many here tonight who
knew Mr. Magmm. I have often heard him spoken of as a
man of the strictest integrity. Some have said. "When you
come to pull down these walls you will have a difficult task.
John Magoun laid these brick, and he did good, honest work."
I am informed that Mr. Magoun lost his property before
his death and died a poor man. But he did not lose his char-
acter for honest, reliable work. That lives on to this day.
There is nothing enduring on earth but character. That never
dies. Whether good or bad, it lives on throughout eternity.
What a glorious thing then is a noble character! This trowel
tells how a man died poor, and yet was rich rich in the esti-
mation of his fellowmen. To you and me he is unknown, yet
this trowel, long since forgotten, comes to us tonight and
speaks of the power and nobility of an honest and trustworthy
life. This trowel calls to every artisan, every tradesman, every
professional man, young and old, "Do honest, reliable work.
Strive for a character of uprightness in all your dealings with
others. " Such reputation lives on forever. That you may
have this, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteous-
ness, and all these things will be added unto you. " As John
Magoun did, take the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and
Guide.
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fllMnisters of tbe Cburcb.
Calvin W. Babbitt, 1833,
James McGeoch, 1833,
Lemuel Foster, 1833,
C. L. Watson, 1837,
B. B. Drake, 1840,
David I. Perry, 1844,
Fielding N. Ewing, 1850,
Hugh R. Price, 1858,
John McLean, 1865,
Samuel B. Taggart, 1874.
Henry B. Thayer, D.D., 1877,
Frank S. Brush, 1881,
Charles M. Moss, 1886,
Edward K. Strong, 1887,
Organized Church.
Stated Supply.
Stated Supply.
Stated Supply.
Stated Supply.
Stated Supply.
Pastor-elect.
Pastor.
Pastor.
Stated Supply.
Pastor-elect.
Pastor.
Temporary Supply.
Pastor.
Eloers of tbe Cburcb.
INSTALLED.
INSTALLED.
A. C. Washburne, .
Nov. 23, 1833
John M. Rayburn,
. April 2, 1865
Benjamin Depew,
Oct. 2, 1837
Samuel L. Hawks,
. Jan. 9, 1870
Henry Richardson,
. Oct. 2, 1837
Hugh Wallace,
Jan. 9, 1870
Joseph N. Barber,
. Oct. 2, 1837
J. C. Scoville,
Jan. 11, 1874
Samuel T. Molton,
. Nov. 6, 1842
R. M. Caldwell,
Jan. 11, 1874
John W. Ewing,
April 12, 1845
John Y. Chisholm,
. Jan. 11, 1874
William Gillespie, .
April 12, 1845
Samuel L. Hawks, .
Sept. 20, 1876
John Beaty,
April 12, 1845
Elias Daggy, . .
Sept. 20, 1876
T. F. Worrell,
Jan. 11, 1851
Matthew L. Christian, Oct. 7, 1877
Samuel Pollock,
Jan. 11, 1851.
Walter H. Bell,
Oct. 7, 1877
James Rayburn,
Dec. 21, 1851
John McLean,
. Oct. 7, 1877
Jacob Smith,
Dec. 21, 1851
R. S. Mcllvaine. .
March 7, 1880
James C. "Wilson,
Oct. 19, 1856
Samuel L. Hawks, .
March 7, 1880
M. L. Moore,
Oct. 19, 1856
Elias Daggy, .
March 7, 1880
W. P. Boyd, .
Nov. 6, 1859
Benjamin M. Herr,
March 30, 1884
Hamilton Spencer, ,
Nov. 6, 1859
Robert R.Campbell,
March 30, 1884
Oramel Rugg,
Nov. 6, 1859
John Y. Chisholm, .
March 30, 1884
William K. Davison,
June 14, 1857
J. R. Tankersly, .
March 30, 1884
John McLean,
June 14, 1857
Calvin Rayburn, .
March 29, 1891
44
ZTbe Builfcers of tbe Hew Gburcb.
COMMITTEE ON PLANS.
EDWARD K. STRONG, Chairman.
George P. Davis. Daniel Holder. S. W. Wilson.
John D. Robinson. Calvin Rayburn. Porter T. Wakefield.
John Y. Chisholm. Robert R. Johnson. George H. Cox.
H. M. Senseney.
BUILDING COMMITTEE.
ROBERT R. JOHNSON, Chairman.
George P. Davis. George H. Cox. John D. Robinson.
John Y. Chisholm. Daniel Holder. Edward K. Strong.
SUBSCRIPTION COMMITTEE.
HENRY M. MEANS, Chairman. Wm. H. Johnson.
Porter T. Wakefield, Treas.
ARCHITECTS.
MILLER & FISHER, Bloomington, 111.
GENERAL CONTRACTORS.
THE JOHN W. EVANS SONS Co., Bloomington, 111.
Contractor for Brick, . . Smith W. Wilson. Rloomington, 111.
Contractors for Stone, . The Peoria Steam Marble Works, Peoria, 111.
Contractors for Metal, . . . The Meyer Bros. Co., Peoria, 111.
Contractors for Plastering, . . Kuhn Bros., Bloomington, 111.
Contractors for Heating, . MaGirl & Diedrich, Bloomington, 111.
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Ube {present fficers of tbe Cburcb.
Pastor, EDWARD K. STRONG.
ELDERS.
Hugh Wallace. Matthew L. Christian. Benjamin M. Herr.
Samuel L. Hawks. Robert S. Mcllvaine. Calvin Rayburn, Clerk.
TRUSTEES.
George P. Davis. Smith W. Wilson. H. M. Senseney.
Calvin Rayburn. John D. Robinson.
Treasurer, CALVIN RAYBURN. Asst. Treasurer. GEORGE A. BOOSER.
f tbe 5unfcas Scbool.
Superintendent, JOHN Y. CHISHOLM.
Assistant Superintendent, Joseph K. P. Hawks.
Assistant Superintendent, George A. Booser.
Secretary and Treasurer, Arthur C. Best.
Assistant Secretary and Treasurer, Joseph L. Means.
Librarian, Thomas H. Ramage.
Assistant Librarian, Harry B. Gilmore.
Assistant Librarian, David S. Ramage.
Organist, Miss Clara B. Wilson.
TEACHERS.
Mr. B. M. Herr, Mr. S. L. Hawks,
Mrs. C. F. Kimball, Mr. R. S. Mcllvaine.
Mrs. J. Y. Chisholm, Miss May Christian,
Miss Alice Reed, Mr. Porter T. Wakefield.
Mrs. Henry Harrington, Mr. George A. Booser,
Miss Frances A. Greenlee, Miss Mabel M. Chisholm,
Mr. William H. Johnson, Mrs. M. L. Christian,
48
Rev. E. K. Strong, Mrs. Laura J. Booser,
Mr. Joseph F. Gregg, Miss Elizabeth FitzHenry,
Mrs. Anna B. Wakefield, Miss Mary L. Kimball, Infant Class.
f tbe OLaoies' /HMte Society.
President, Mrs. S. W. Wilson. Vice-President, Miss Mattie A. Crotliers.
Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. George P. Davis.
tbe Xaoies' 1bome ano jforeicw /iMssionarg Society.
President, Mrs. M. L. CHRISTIAN.
Vice-President (Foreign), Mrs. B. M. Herr.
Vice-President (Home), Mrs. J. A. Beck.
Secretary and Treasurer (Foreign), Miss Mattie A. Crothers.
Secretary and Treasurer (Home), Mrs. P. T. Wakefield.
<>f tbe IPouno people's Society of Cbristian jnoea\>or.
President, GfiORGE A. BOOSER.
Vice-President, Frances A. Greenlee.
Corresponding Secretary, Ada E. Maxwell.
Recording Secretary. Frank H. Chisholm.
Treasurer, Joseph F. Gregg.
Chairman Lookout Committee, Daisy F. Hopkins.
Chairman Prayer Meeting Committee, Alice Reed.
Chairman Social Committee, Frank H. Chisholm.
Chairman Missionary Committee, Edward K. Strong.
f tbe Brotberbooo of Hnorew ano ipbilip.
President, Frank H. Chisholm. Vice-President, Joseph K. P. Hawks.
Secretary, Joseph F. Gregg. Treasurer, George T. Heritage, Jr.
GEO. P. DAVIS,
President Board of Trustees.
51
IferMnanfc Downs.
FERDINAND DOWNS.
Ferdinand Downs, the faithful janitor
of the First Presbyterian Church, was
born in St. Clair county, this state, in
1832, was reared in Montgomery county,
later lived in Carlinville, and came to
Bloomington nearly thirty years ago.
His first Sunday as janitor was the day
the Rev. H. R. Price preached his fare
well sermon about twenty-eight years
ago, since then his service has been con-
tinuous and faithful to every trust. He
has held the position longer than any other person has held
any similar place in the city.
He was twice married, the last time to Mrs. Mary Cowan,
in this city, she having been married once before. He has one
child, a married daughter, living, six children having died.
He is a consistent member of the Union Baptist church, and
also is an honored member of Odd Fellows and Masonic socie-
ties of this city.
Mr. Downs is a stone cutter by trade and always has em-
ployment, and by his industry and the economy of his wife,
has a comfortable home, where they enjoy the results of their
industry in the good esteem of all their neighbors.
52
of the Corner-stone.
On Tuesday, July 23, 1895, at 5:30 p. m., were held the
services in connection with the laying of the corner-stone of
the new church edifice. The evening was a perfect one, and
a large assemblage of people were present.
The services opened with a chorus, ' 'It is a Good Thing to
Give Thanks." Then followed the invocation by Rev. Robert
Con over. The congregation then sang "Come Thou Almighty
King." As the strains of this grand old hymn died away, Mr.
Calvin Rayburn, clerk of the session, proceeded to read a his-
tory of the First Presbyterian Church. Following this, Rev.
Frost Craft, pastor of the First Methodist Church, read the
Scripture lesson, taking passages from Ezra III, 10-13; Isaiah
XXVIII, 16, and First Peter II, 4-8.
Following the reading a quartet rendered, "O, Father
Almighty."
THE PASTOR'S ADDRESS.
Text: "Jesus Christ, the Chief Corner-Stone." I Peter 2-6.
The practice of laying a corner-stone is not a mere form.
To the devout Christian and Bible student it is full of precious
meaning.
Where the custom originated no one knows. Evidence of
it is in the ruins of Nineveh, Babylon, and even in that ancient
city Ur of the Chaldees whence Abraham came.
Little is said in the Bible of this practice, but sufficient to
show that it was known and observed in Israelitish times.
No reference, however, is made to the laying of the corner-
stone in any building, not even in the temple built by Solomon.
Practice is mentioned in Job, in the 118th Psalm, and in Isaiah.
These references, with those in the New Testament, show that
SAMUEL L. HAWKS,
Longest Continuous Member of the Sunday School,
55
whatever the custom may seem in the case of other buildings,
it has a deep spiritual significance to the disciple of Christ.
From these passages we learn that believers in Christ are
likened to a house which has
I.
Its architect the Lord God.
Ye are God's building. Household of God. A spiritual
house Thus is the church definitely declared to be planned
and built by God, building of holy character drawn on fairest
and most beautiful lines.
II.
The materials which compose this building are the holy
lives of the disciples of Christ.
Ye also as living stones are built up a spiritual house,
writes St. Peter. So St. Paul also speaks. This edifice is
built of a multitude of brick and stone and pieces of wood and
iron, all to be fitly framed together.
The building of God is composed of a multitude of believ-
ers. The church of Christ is the aggregate of the holy charac-
ter of the redeemed.
III.
The foundation of this building is the apostles and
prophets.
Not these men as individuals but the truth which they
uttered and exemplified in daily life. It is the doctrines of
salvation through a living and eternal Savior which these
men proclaimed which are here meant. These spring from
God, and thus Christ is the great foundation underlying all.
The conception of St. Paul is that of a great rock on which
rests the building, but which reaches up and forms a part of
the very corner, the side walls meeting in it and being united
in it as the corner-stone.
Thus like earthly buildings which demand a safe and im-
movable foundation, so has the church been founded on the
rock of Jesus Christ.
56
IV.
Its corner stone is the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. A building- must have a corner. As we cannot conceive
of a good building without corners in which the lines of the
building 1 meet, so the walls of the spiritual house must meet
and be bound together in that one character of all others pure
and true, Jesus Christ.
2. The corner supports and gives strength to the building.
The corner sustains heaviest weight and binds walls to-
gether. Leave out side walls and corner will stand firm and
solid. But take away the corner and the walls become at once
insecure.
Christ gives solidity to the church. Take Him away and
nothing remains firm and enduring. His presence in the life
gives moral character. The church always lacks in vital force
in proportion as it loses sight of Christ and fails to depend
on Him.
3. The corner gives character to the building. It requires
the best materials, the best workmen, most careful work. It
must be laid plumb and true, for the sidewalks get their lines
from it. Poor materials here make a weak building, for the
greatest height is concentrated here. The building gets its
character for strength and durability from its corner. The
character of the church of Christ should come from its corner,
Jesus. But men will persist in judging of it from the make of
its walls. Look at its chief corner stone. He is the eternal
Son of God, Jesus Christ, the righteous. His character is
matchless and must ever endure. He is the Elect, the Chosen
of God, a picked stone from the quarry of the Almighty to
support the temple of His grace and love. He is precious.
No stone is more costly. He gained His place through sore
discipline and there remains without spot or blemish of char-
acter. He rose from the dead and was thus declared to be the
Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead;
power and strength divine to bear up and carry a whole world
of needy sinners. There is no flaw in Him. The church is not
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what its human membership is, but what its corner stone is.
It is true and righteous not because of those mortals profess-
ing 1 faith in Him, but because founded on the rock of Jesus
Christ. With him the church is eternal; because He lives, the
church must endure.
The work of laying the stone was performed by Mr. Robert
R. Johnson, chairman of the building committee. The stone
was placed at the southwest corner of the building and has
three exposed sides. On two of these are engraved the names
of the streets which they face, respectively, "Grove" and
"East," while on the other face are the dates of the founding
of the church and the erection of the new building, respect-
ively, "1833" and "1895." Following are the contents of the
stone :
A Bible.
The history of the First Presbyterian Church.
A list of the officers of the church.
A list of the officers and teachers of the Sunday School.
A list of the officers of various societies of the church.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism.
Brief history of the Presbyterian Church and its teachings.
The minutes of the Presbyterian Synod of Illinois of 1894.
Catalogue of Auburn Theological Seminary for 1895.
Copies of the following Presbyterian publications: The Interior, of
Chicago; Evangelist, of New York: Mid-Continent, of St. Louis: Assembly
Herald, of Syracuse.
Copies of the Pantograph of July 23, Leader of July 22, Bulletin of July
22, and Trades Review of July 19.
A list of members of committees on plans, on subscriptions, and on
building.
The names of the architects.
The names of the contractors and sub-contractors.
A number of coins of the United States and a souvenir of the World's
Fair of 1893.
After the stone had been placed in position Rev. R. E.
Anderson, of Hey worth, led in a prayer of dedication, followed
by the hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy," by the assembled people,
after which the benediction was pronounced by Rev. N. T.
60
Edwards, of the Congregational Church, and the impressive
services were closed.
At the close of Rev. Strong-'s address the following 1 ap-
propriate hymn was sung by the congregation:
An earthly temple here we raise,
Lord God, our Savior! to thy praise;
Oh, make thy gracious presence known
While now we lay its corner-stone.
Within the house thy servants rear
Deign by thy spirit to appear
On all its walls salvation write,
From corner-stone to topmost height.
And when this temple, "made with hands,"
Upon its firm foundation stands,
Oh, may we all with loving heart
In nobler building bear a part.
Where every polished stone shall be
A human soul won back to thee;
All resting upon Christ alone,
The chief and precious corner-stone.
So when our toil is o'er at last,
All labor in both temples past,
Oh, may it then by works be shown
That faith hath laid this corner-stone.
'',111-.
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA
285.1H31S C001
A SOUVENIR BLOOMINGTON? ILL
30112 025277424
