The church structure of this congregation was erected in 1869, before the organization of the church. It is a good frame building, 32x46 feet, and cost $2,250. William H. Franklin was the prime mover in this work. The building committee consisted of W. H. Franklin, John Dew, and J. M. Russell. Before the building of the church, meetings were held in a shed, built for the purpose, on ground near the church. Here Elders, J. C. Reynolds and Coffee held a meeting, the first of this denomination in the town. Elder J. B. Royal preached the first sermon in the church, while Elder J. H. Garrison delivered the dedicatory sermon. Elder S. K. Hallam was the first pastor, J. H. Seaton, the second. The first elders were Larkin Osborn and William Smith; deacon, Silas Woodside. The congregation, which had run down considerably, was reorganized, January 27, 1876, with seven members, and at present, is in good running order, with a fair membership.

History of McDonough County, Illinois, 1885, Centinental Historical Co., Springfield, Illinois
Transcribed by Karl A. Petersen for McDonough County ILGenWeb

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