In 1868, Rev. J. Dunham, of Blandinsville, at the request of some friends, held a series of meetings at Pleasant Gale school house, which resulted in the organization of Pleasant Gale church. Some of the first members were: Samuel Rush, Mrs. E. Rush, M. Elwell, Mrs. Elwell, Eunice Purkey. Mr. Elwell was elected leader, and Samuel Rush steward.

In 1872, A. Worman, pastor, conducted a series of meetings which resulted in a number of conversions, and acceptions and in awakening a desire for a more suitable place of worship. C. Aten, Samuel Rush, and William Aten, were appointed a board of trustees, and in the following year a subscription was circulated. The more liberal donors were Wm. Aten, S. Rush, B. K. Purkey, C. Aten, Thomas Killough. A lot was procured from Thomas Killough, on the northeast corner of section 8, Sciota township, upon which a house 30x40, with a neat belfry was built, at a cost of about $2,100. This was dedicated in December of the same year, Rev. J. Wagner being pastor. Mr. Wagner's pastorate resulted in strengthening the church. Within the past few years quite a number have removed to the west. The society though somewhat reduced in numbers, is active, healthy and hopeful. Pleasant Gale is four miles north of the village of Sciota. The present officers are the following: Ahaz Bryan, leader, John Rush, steward, Joseph Briner, superintendent of the Sunday school. The trustees are: William Aten, Ahaz Bryan, Joseph Briner.

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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