The first meetins of this denomination held in the neighborhood of Tennessee, were at the residence of James Fulkerson, near Hill's Grove, in 1832. This locality is known as "Old Methodist Stamping Grounds." These meetings were held by missionaries, Rev. Carter, Levi Springer and Henry Summers. In 1851, a society was organized south of Tennessee, at what was called the brick school house. The Revs. James Taylor, J. P. Brooks, William Smith, and J. B. Quinby, served as preachers.

The following are the names of the original members: John Jarvis, Mrs. Jarvis, Garrett Jarvis, William Delay, Absolam Parker, Mary Parker, C. L. Davis, Maria Davis, William Clayton, Louisa Clayton, L. C. Bacon, Honor Bacon, Lewis Mourning, Ann Mourning, and Sarah Lawler.

After a few years, the society was transferred from the Macomb district to that of Blandinsville, and the following ministers preached to this little flock, during the succeeding years: Revs. Joseph Cummings, G. W. Erwin, James Cowden, John Beard, B. E. Kaufman, and H. Presson.

In 1857, the class at the school house was moved to Tennessee, and about the same time the class at Hill's Grove, also, moved to the same place, both uniting, Rev. B. E. Kaufman preaching the first sermon there in the school house. The church is now a part of the Colchester work, and is presided over by the minister of the latter place.

The church structure was erected in 1864, under the supervision of John McElroy, William Clayton, and William Latimer, building committee. It is a good frame building, 28x40 feet, and cost $2,000.

The trustees were John McElroy, William Clayton, J. Jarvis, William Latimer, and Thomas Fulkerson.

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.

 
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