Christian Church
Macomb


 
The first discourse ever delivered by a Disciple in Macomb, was by Elder Livy Hatachitt, at the house of David Clarke, in the year 1835. Elder H. came to Macomb and endeavored to get the use of some public building, but was refused on account of his supposed heterodoxy. Mr. Clarke, who had read much of the writings of Alexander Campbell, and who subscribed generally to his views, offered his house, which was accepted. No special results followed the preaching, but it was supposed the "good seed" was sown, which brought forth fruit in after years.

By 1845 quite a number of Disciples had gathered in the neighborhood of Macomb, and they resolved to organize, if possible. They sent for Elder Davenport, of Walnut Grove, now Eureka, Illinois, who, not being able to come, sent A. J. Kane, now a resident of Springfield, but then a young evangelist. Elder Kane came, and securing the court house, preached with such force and power as to turn 29 souls to the Lord. Dr. Young organized the congregation September 16, 1845, with 17 members, which, adding to the 29 obtained under Elder Kane's preaching, made a band of 46 earnest disciples.

The following are the names of the original 17 members: Benjamin F. Martin, William H. Franklin, James S. Palmer, James Clarke, William B. Pile, Hannah B. Pile, William Maxwell, Lucy Maxwell, Elizabeth G. Palmer, George Booth, Isabella Booth, Lucy Beard, Margaret Broaddus, Emily J. Sweeney, Sarah Bacon, Rachel Hampton, Maria J. Franklin. The following officers were chosen: B. F. Martin and W. H. Franklin, elders; James S. Palmer and James Clarke, deacons.

No regular preaching was had for some months, but the congregation met regularly upon the Lord's day to break bread. In 1845, a church building was erected, on Carroll street, east of Lafayette, which was in use until in 1877, when they erected the present house of worship, on West Jackson street This edifice is 38x78 feet in ground area, and was built at an expense of $4,400, including the price of the lot. The following named have served as pastors of the congregation: Elders Livy Hatchett, W. W. Hopkins, W. P. Shockey, W. 0. Miller, Samuel Lowe, J. C. Reynolds (about 11 years), J. H. Garrison; P. K. Dibble, J. H. Smart and G. W. Mapes. Several successful revivals have been enjoyed by the church under the preaching of such men as A. J. Kane, William Brown, Ziba Brown, William J. Houston, Dr. Hopkinson, John S. Sweeney, Samuel Lowe, J. C. Reynolds, Dr. Dunkeson, D. R. Lucas, P. K. Dibble and J. H. Smart. Since the organization nearly 1,000 persons have united with this church, and the present membership is about 200. A Sabbath school has been kept up by this congregation for at least 35 years, and is well attended.

  History of McDonough County, Illinois, 1885, Continental Historical Co., Springfield, Illinois
Transcribed by Karl A. 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.

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