In 1865, Rev. J. L. Condon, of Pilot Grove circuit, held the first religious services under the United Brethren auspices, in this community, at the Collins school house. In 1866, this appointment was added to Deer Park mission, and Rev. N. A. Walker placed in charge. In the early part of the year Mr. Walker conducted a series of meetings of considerable religious interest and organized a society, consisting of the following eight members: Abraham Switzer, John Dobbins and wife, Wm. Earley and wife, Polly Spangler, Alice Wilson and Angelie Markham. Abraham Switzer was elected leader, and John Dobbins, steward. The following year, Rev. D. J. B. Ross, pastor, was one of religious interest, a number being added to the church. As the place of meeting seemed straightened, A. Switzer, J. B. Conley, E. Spangler, J. C. Dobbins and Wm. Early were elected a board of trustees to build a house. A lot was procured from Nicholas Combs, on section 11, Macomb township, and through the liberality of A. Switzer, E. Spangler, J. B. Conley, A. L. Bryan, Levi Shriner and others, a house 28x36 was erected upon it, and dedicated December 22, 1867, Rev. D. J. B. Ross officiating.

The house was refitted in 1876, principally through the liberality of A. L. Bryan. This church is located in the midst of an intelligent and enterprising people. A number of interesting meetings have been held here, notably one conducted by Rev. J. Wagner, in 1874.  The present officers are: George Wetsel, leader; John Swisher, steward; Geo. Wetsel, superintendent of the Sunday school, and A. L. Bryan, E. Wetsel, Geo. Wetsel, trustees. Under the itinerant system, pastors are frequently changed. Since the organization of the work, the following ministers have been in charge: Revs. J. Slutts, S. Austin, J. Deardorf, J. L. Condon, J. Dunham, N. A. Walker, J. Wagner, W. P. Pease, I. Valentine, D. C. Martin, J. B. King, M. Douglass and A. Worman, the present incumbent of the pastoral charge.

History of McDonough County, Illinois, 1885, Continental Historical Co., Springfield, Illinois
Transcribed by Robin Petersen for McDonough County ILGenWeb

Copyright 1999, 2000 Robin L. W. Petersen; all rights reserved. For personal use only. Commercial use of the information contained in these pages is strictly prohibited without prior permission. If copied, this copyright must appear with the information.

 
Return to United Brethren Church index