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 lUiwuib !iioiUi;y iOKvtY 
 LIBRARY 
 
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 ■■■;^N^i.»,jv,t^;:

 
 HISTORY 
 
 OP THE 
 
 SPRINGFIELD BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 
 
 WITH 
 
 SKETCHES OF THE CHURCHES OF WHICH IT IS COMPOSED, 
 
 AND 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF DECEASED MIXISTEES. 
 
 BY EDWIN S. WALKER, A. M. 
 
 "The study of our history will evoke and sustain a true denomina- 
 tional spirit, and so minister effectually to the progress and triumph of 
 our distinctive principles. Our fathers labored itinerating amonff the 
 new settlements of this country: and planting the seeds of the gospel 
 with the first opening of the soil to cultivation, they understood with 
 distinctness the character of their work, and felt its high inspiration. 
 Wo shall catch their spirit by studying their deeds." 
 
 Sewall S. Cutting, D. D. 
 
 SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS: 
 
 H. W. RoKKEE, Printer and Binder. 
 
 1881.
 
 TO 
 
 MARTIN B. ANDERSON. LL.D. 
 
 PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 
 
 IN MEMOKT OF HIS KINDNESS AS MT TEACHEE, AND OF HIS 
 LIFE-LONG FEIENDSHIP, 
 
 THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED BY 
 THE AUTHOR.
 
 W/5 
 
 A-. 
 
 3 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 -♦♦♦- 
 
 This volume embraces the first half-century of the Baptist annals 
 of Central Illinois. The purpose intended in its preparation has been 
 to place upon permanent record such facts connected with the early- 
 settlement of the country, and the planting of its religious institu- 
 tions, as shall show to the present and future generations what inter- 
 est was taken by the fathers in laying the foundations of society upon 
 the firm basis of the Gospel. The sources from which these facts 
 have been drawn are the very complete records of the Baptist Church 
 in Springfield, and the original records of the Association, together 
 with a complete file of its minutes from its organization to the pres- 
 ent time. In addition to these, the minutes of the American Baptist 
 Home Mission Society, and those of the Illinois Baptist Convention, 
 as also of the Baptist General Association of Illinois, have furnished 
 incidental facts which have been woven into the wai-p and woof of the 
 book. 
 
 In addition to the documents thus made use of, valuable infor- 
 mation has been furnished from the personal recollection of persons 
 still living, who were among the constituent members of the Associ- 
 ation, Of these, and worthy of special mention, is our venerable 
 brother, Josiah Francis, who was a delegate from the Springfield 
 Church to the Association in 1838, and who was also its Treasurer 
 from 1840 until 1850. Intimately connected with all our denomi- 
 national interests for the last forty-five years, and with his natural 
 vigor of intellect stiU unabated, he has given from his personal 
 knowledge many facts which hitherto have been preserved only in 
 \^ his memory, but are now embraced in these pages. 

 
 Peeface. 
 
 The most scrupulous care has been taken to preserve historical 
 data, and to secure accuracy of statement upon every point within 
 the sphere of inquiry proposed. The method chosen has been to let 
 the fathers speak for themselves, in the resohxtions which were 
 passed, in the reports made, and in the action taken from year to 
 year in the furtherance of the work of giving the Gospel to the 
 world. The providential planting of our Foreign Missions in Burmah 
 was the era whence dates, if not the beginning, yet the more vigor- 
 ous growth of the Missionary spirit in our own land. 
 
 The impetus given by reports from the foreign field is traceable in 
 the early work of the Association, within its owti bounds. The record 
 made by the fathers of forty years ago, shows that whatever elements 
 of weakness were peculiar to the churches, they also had elements of 
 strength; they earnestly contended for the faith once delivered to 
 the Saints, as they understood it. They were sturdy Baptists. 
 They believed something and they did not seek to conceal that faith 
 under any pretentious form of liberality. They were persuaded that 
 they held God's truth and were always ready to declare it. The 
 SuMMAKY OF PRINCIPLES which they adopted as their Confession of 
 Faith was, as will be seen, brief and imperfect, yet it served to iden- 
 tifiy them with the great Baptist family, which was enrolled under the 
 Confession of the seven churches in England, in 1643, and the later 
 and more complete Confession of 1689, which, with emendations, 
 subsequently became known as the Philadelphia Confession. 
 
 The earliest Baptist churches in Central Illinois, were constituted, 
 in the main, of members who emigrated from Kentucky, and hence, 
 brought with them the creed-statements of the churches of that 
 State. These creed-statements were, at length, modified by the 
 commingling and intermixture of the New England element, which a 
 few years later came in to do its work in laying the foundations of 
 society in the great west, so that now every church connected with 
 the Springfield Baptist Association holds the New Hampshire Confes- 
 sion, as its Declaration of Faith.
 
 Cektificate of Incoeporation. 
 
 it4ti it taiiati, • 
 
 DEPARTMENT OP STATE. 
 
 GEORGE H. HARLOW, Secretary of State. 
 
 To A^iiom these Presents shall come — Greeting: 
 
 WHEREAS, A Certificate duly signed and acknoAvledged, having been 
 Jilod in the Office of the Secretary of State, on tlie eightli day of 
 September, A. D. 1880, for the organization of the 
 
 SPRINGFIELD BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 
 
 Under and in accordance witli tlie provisions of " An act concerning 
 Corporations," approved April 18tn, 1872, and in force July 1, 1872; 
 
 Now therefore, I, Geokge H. Harlow, Secretary of State of the S'ate 
 of Illinois, by virtue of the powei'S and duties vested in me by law, 
 do hereby certify that the said 
 
 Springfield Baptist Association, 
 
 Is a legally organized Corporation under the laws of this State. 
 
 In Testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand, and cause to be affixed 
 the Great Seal of State. 
 
 Done at the city of Springfield, this eighth day of September, in 
 
 the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighty, 
 
 and of the Independence of the United States, the one hundred 
 
 and fifth. 
 
 GEORGE H. HAKLOAV, 
 
 [L.S] Secretary of State.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 »_»- 
 
 « 
 
 Page. 
 
 Inteoduction 'J 
 
 CHAPTER FIRST. 
 
 Organization of the Association 14 
 
 Constitution of the Association 15 
 
 First Annual Meeting 17 
 
 Resolutions of first meeting 16, 18 
 
 First Missionary work 21 
 
 Education of the Ministry 23 
 
 Exemplary Christian zeal of a new church 25 
 
 Sunday Schools, and the education of the young, of every color 
 
 and condition 26 
 
 Temperance Societies 29 
 
 Obituary of first Clerk of the Association 30 
 
 Growth of the Missionary Spirit 34 
 
 Home Mission Society and its work 35 
 
 Character and work of Pioneer Preachers 36 
 
 Summary of Church letters. 1848 38, 39 
 
 Kesolutions for Christian work 40 
 
 Ministerial destitution 41
 
 Contents. 
 
 CHAPTEE SECOND. 
 
 Growth of the Churches 43 
 
 Ministerial Education 44 
 
 State Missionary organization 45 
 
 Associational Missionary appointed 47 
 
 Report of Associational Missionary 50,53 
 
 Fidelity to Baptist principles C4 
 
 Sunday School report 56 
 
 CHAPTEK THIED. 
 
 Statistical table for 1860 .■ C() 
 
 Besolution respecting the civil war 61 
 
 Circular letter, and Christian Patriotism 62 
 
 Resolution of fidelity to the government 64 
 
 Seven ringing Resolutions on state of the country 65,66 
 
 Revised Constitution of the Association 67 
 
 Report of Special Committee on Sunday School work 70 
 
 Work among the Freedmen 71 
 
 Report of Committee on the closing of the Civil War 72 
 
 Large accessions to the Churches 73,77 
 
 Resolutions for general Christian work 75 
 
 Growth of the Churches 78 
 
 Report of Committee on Associational Work 79 
 
 Christian and Ministerial Education 80 
 
 Sunday School work 81
 
 8 Contents. 
 
 CHAPTEE FOUBTH. 
 
 Discussion of Sunday School topics 82 
 
 Note of growth and progress 84 
 
 Domestic Missionary outloolc 80 
 
 Home and Foreign Missions, Temperance, Education 88 
 
 Centenary Eesolutions 89 
 
 Woman's Baptist Home Mission Society 92 
 
 Associational Missionary report 94 
 
 Central Baptist Church, Springfield 95,96 
 
 Betrospect 98 
 
 Incorporation of the Association 99 
 
 Amendments to the Constitution proposed 99 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Work of the American BaptistHome Mission Society 101 
 
 Home Missionary Table ] 03 
 
 Church Record of Association 106 
 
 Table of Churches 107 
 
 Historical Table of the Association 108 
 
 List of Pastors from organization 110 
 
 Historical Sketches of Churches 112 
 
 Biographical Sketches of deceased Pastors 129 
 
 Conclusion 139
 
 INTRODUCTION, 
 
 TN the year 1830, there were only four Baptist Churches in 
 i the State of Ilhnois, which were what might be termed 
 Missionary Churches. At that time there prevailed very 
 extensively in Illinois, as in nearly every Western State, 
 a spirit of opposition to missionary effort, which cast its 
 chilling influence over society. The heterogeneous char- 
 acter of the population which first settled in those 
 counties embraced within the bounds of the Springfield 
 Baptist Association, so widely differing in origin, habits 
 and education, made the labors of the ministers of Christ 
 at once difficult and arduous. 
 
 The United Baptist Church, of Springfield, constituted 
 July 17, 1830, with eight members, adopted the following 
 Summary of Principles. This being the oldest church 
 organizatipn, save one, in the Association, and the one 
 from which several others sprung, adopting the same 
 Summary of Principles, they are worthy of permanent 
 record here. They remained unchanged in the Spring- 
 field Church until 1865, when they ^ere superceded by 
 the adoption of the Articles of Faith, known as the 
 New Hampshire Confession : 
 
 SUMMAEY OF PRINCIPLES. 
 
 1st. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to 
 be of Divine Aitthority, and the only Infallible rule of Faith and 
 Practice. 
 
 2d. We believe in one only true and living God, the Father, the 
 Word or Son, and the Holy Ghost, equal in wisdom, power and glory. 
 —2
 
 10 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 3d. We believe in the total depravity of human nature, and that a 
 recovery from that situation is wholly and entirely of the sovereign, 
 free, unmerited grace of God in Christ Jesus. 
 
 4th. We believe that God purposed, in himself, for his own glory, to 
 make a display of his Wisdom, Power, Justice, Goodness and Faith, 
 in the works of Creation, which he hath made in the Dispensation of 
 his Providence. 
 
 5th. We believe that God from eternity proposed to save a people 
 from their sins, for his Holy name sake, and that Infinite wisdom de- 
 vised the plan and appointed every means necessary to accomplish 
 the great end of their redemption, which he effects in his own time 
 by the operation of his Holy Spirit. 
 
 6th. We believe that sinners are justified before God, alone by 
 Righteousness of Jesus Christ, imputed to them. 
 
 7th. We believe the doctrine of atonement for sin by the suffering 
 and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 8th. We believe all such as are bom of the Spirit of God are kept 
 by the power of God, through faith, unto eternal salvation. 
 
 9th. We believe that good works are effects of the faith of God's 
 elect, and follow being born of the Spirit of God, and in this point of 
 view are evidence of a gracious state. 
 
 10th. We believe Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of 
 the Gospel instituted by Jesus Christ, and none but those who pro- 
 fess faith in Christ and obedience to his will are fit subjects of either. 
 
 11th. We believe immersion, according to the Scriptures and Apos- 
 tle's practice to be the only proper mode of Baptism. 
 
 13th. We believe the sanctity of the First Day of the week, or 
 Lord's Day, ought to be observed and spent in public or private wor- 
 ship of God, and that we should abstain from our worldly concerns, 
 exaept in cases of necessity and mercy. 
 
 lath. We believe in the resurrection of the body, both of the just 
 and the unjust, and that the Son will judge the world in righteous- 
 ness by that Man whom he has appointed. 
 
 14th. We believe the righteous will abide in the peaceful presence 
 of God their Redeemer, and his pardoning grace and forgiving love 
 to be the theme of their song; while the wicked shall remain in ever- 
 lasting torment. 
 
 _ Elder Aaron Vandeveer, who assisted in its organiza- 
 tion, was very soon after called to "take pastoral care of 
 the church, to attend her whenever he can," which call 
 he accepted, and continued to serve as pastor for five 
 years, preaching once a month. 
 
 During the first year of its history, the church united with 
 the Sangamon Association, which organization was made 
 up of five or six small Anti-Mission Baptist Churches 
 in the vicinity. During the pastorate of Elder Vandeveer
 
 Baptist Association. 11 
 
 there were ten additions to the church by baptism and 
 eighty by letter and experience. In no essential particu- 
 lar did the church at that time differ from other Anti- 
 Mission Churches in the Association. 
 
 Illustrative of the customs of that day is a recorded case 
 of discipline in the church, wherein one Deacon John 
 Owens, was called to account, by the church, to answer 
 for the use of unguarded expressions made to Elder Van- 
 deveer, pastor of the church, and who, in answering for 
 himself, made the plea of justification by proving by 
 brethren present that Elder Yandeveer did drink in their 
 presence an immoderate quantity of ardent spirits, and 
 was very much intoxicated at two several times, on one of 
 which it is supposed the alleged "unguarded expressions" 
 were used by the Deacon to his pastor. 
 
 From 1835 to 1836 the church was without a pastor. 
 During this interval Chas B. Francis and Josiah Francis, 
 formerly members of the Baptist Church in Pittsfield, 
 Massachusetts, became connected with the church, and 
 brought with them those ideas of the objects and mission 
 of Christian Churches which were common to the churches 
 of New England. Previous to that time there was no in- 
 terest taken by the church in missions, either home or 
 foreign. The results of the labors of Dr. Judson had then 
 just begun to be made known in this country, and grow- 
 ing out of the success of the foreign missionary work and 
 its necessities, the American and Foreign Bible Society was 
 founded in 1836, as a coadjutor of the American Baptist 
 Missionary Union. The American Baptist Home Mission 
 Society, organized in 1832, had just begun to prosecute 
 its work in Central Illinois, one of its earliest fields of 
 labor. Monthly concerts of prayer for missions had 
 been for sometime observed by our churches in the Atlan- 
 tic States. To introduce their observance here at the 
 West, among Anti-Mission Churches was no easy service. 
 Bro. C. B. Francis, however, with an earnest zeal in the 
 service of his Master, commenced by inviting members of 
 the church to his house to read and talk over the news 
 from Dr. Judson and other missionaries in the foreign 
 field. These meetings were the first Monthly Concerts of 
 prayer for missions ever held in Illinois, though without
 
 y 
 
 12 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 that name at the time, for to have given them that name 
 Mould have defeated the object itself. As these meetings 
 were repeated, the interest felt by brother Francis was 
 communicated to others and the spirit of the Lord was 
 manifest. 
 
 In October, 1836, the church extended a call to Eev. 
 Jonathan Merriam, of Passumpsic Village, Vermont, to 
 take the pastoral care thereof, which was accepted. Mr. 
 Merriam was then in the prime of life, a stalwart man in 
 both body and mind. After reaching manhood he devoted 
 himself to the work of the ministry. Haying previously 
 enjoyed only such advantages for education as were af- 
 forded by the common schools of New England, when 
 about thirty years of age he spent two years study- 
 ing English branches and Theology, at Columbian College, 
 Washington, D. C, then under the presidency of the elo- 
 quent Dr. William Staughton, somewhat of whose spirit 
 and zeal he imbibed and carried into the work of his 
 ministry. 
 
 He entered upon his work in Springfield with an earn- 
 est purpose, and prosecuted it with success. Previous to 
 that time the church had no Covenant, and after full con- 
 sideration one was drafted and adopted. 
 
 At the Annual Meeting of the Sangamon Association, 
 in 1831), a resolution was passed changing the name of the 
 association from "United Baptist" to "Eegular Baptist" 
 as a measure of resistance to the influences akeady set at 
 work in the Springfield Church, to countenance and pro- 
 mote the cause of Missions, Sunday schools, Bible socie- n 
 ties and Temperance societies. *^ 
 
 In July, 1837, the Springfield Baptist Church took up 
 the minutes of the Sangamon Association, above referred 
 to, for consideration, when it was Resolved, that if tho 
 said Association at its next meeting refuse to reconsided 
 the resolution passed in 1836, by which the name of the 
 Association was changed from " United " to "Eegular 
 Baptist," fhe delegates of the church be instructed to 
 have the letter of the church entered upon the records of 
 the Association, and withdraw therefrom. The delegates 
 of the church attended the Association, and upon presen-
 
 Baptist Association. 13 
 
 tation of the letter of the church were refused a hearing, 
 and all action upon its request was evaded. 
 
 On the 15th of September, the church, upon hearing 
 the report of its delegates, voted to take immediate steps 
 to organize a new Association, and a meeting for that 
 purpose was appointed to be holden in Springfield on the 
 7th of October, following. Invitations were sent to such 
 other churches and individuals as were known to be in 
 sympathy with such a movement to organize an Associa- 
 tion, to consist of such churches, and such only, as were 
 based upon "Gospel Principles," which would cooperate 
 with all organized forms of Christian benevolence, to send 
 delegates to the proposed Convention. 
 
 Previous to the time fixed for the assembling of the 
 Convention, in order to place itself squarely upon record, 
 the Springfield Church passed the following : 
 
 "Resolved, That any member of this church who is 
 dissatisfied with it on account of its being favorably dis- 
 posed to the cause of Missions, Bible Societies, Sabbath 
 Schools and Temperance, and desires to withdraw from it 
 on that account, be granted his or her request, on appli- 
 cation to the church, with a letter certifying the cause of 
 separation."
 
 14 
 
 Spkingfield, Illinois, 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 IN compliance with the invitation given, such a Conven- 
 tion met in the house of worship of the Baptist Church 
 in Springfield, on the 7th day of October, 1837. It was 
 called to order by Eev. Jonathan Merriam, and, on motion, 
 Eev. Jonathan Sweet was chosen chairman, and Charles 
 B. Francis, clerk. 
 
 Delegates from the following named Churches presented 
 their credentials as members of the Convention. 
 
 Churches. 
 
 Delegates. 
 
 No. OP 
 Members. 
 
 Springfield. . . . 
 
 Jonathan Merriam, Charles B. Francis, 
 Foley Vaughn, J. C. Crowder 
 
 86 
 
 DiamondjGrrove 
 
 Jonathan Sweet, Joel Sweet, Peris 
 Holmes 
 
 37 
 
 Island Grove . . 
 
 Richard Rhea, John Rhea 
 
 33 
 
 Salt Creek 
 
 Wm. Randolph, Obed Hooper 
 
 14 
 
 Indian Creek. . 
 Mount Tabor. . 
 
 Wm. Kinner, D. Conover, James Daniels. 
 Eli Barbre, Elias Copenbarger 
 
 40 
 10 
 
 
 Total 
 
 
 
 210 
 
 
 
 
 After mature deliberation it was 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention deem it expedient to 
 proceed to the organization of an Association. 
 
 A committee, consisting of Jonathan Merriam, Joel 
 Sweet, William Kinner, Eichard Eliea, William Eandolph, 
 Eli Barbre and Charles B. Francis, was appointed to 
 draft and report a Constitution and Eules of Order for 
 the proposed Association.
 
 Baptist Association, 15 
 
 The committee reported the following, which, having 
 been considered, article by article, was unanimously 
 adopted : 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Article 1. This body shall be called the Springfield Baptist 
 Association. 
 
 Article 2. This body shall be composed of churches embracing 
 in substance the following summary of Christian doctrine : 
 
 The existence of God ; the Holy Trinity ; Divine inspiration of the 
 Holy Scriptures ; apostacy and total depravity of all mankind ; Jesus 
 Christ the only Mediator, revealed to us as God manifest in the flesh; 
 sufficiency of His atonement for the sins of the whole world ; justifi- 
 cation by grace ; perseverance of the saints ; future happiness of the 
 righteous; endless misery of the wicked; resurrection of the dead; 
 final judgment, and the imperative duty of all intelligent creatures to 
 love, serve and obey God, in all His commands ; also in believer's bap- 
 tism; the Lord's siipper, the peculiar privilege of baptized church 
 members, and the religious observance of the first day of the week 
 as the Christian Sabbath. 
 
 Article 3. The officers of this body shall be a Moderator, Clerk, 
 and Treasurer. 
 
 Article 4. The object of this body shall be to promote by corres- 
 pondence and personal intercourse, unity of faith and practice, fellow- 
 ship, cordiality of feeling, and union of effort in promoting Missionary, 
 Education, and other objects connected with the interests of Zion. 
 
 Article 5. Churches composing this body shall meet annually by 
 their delegates, at such time and place as shall be previously desig- 
 nated. 
 
 Article 6. Chiirches composing this body shall send, by their del- 
 egates, letters, exhibiting their alterations for the past year, and their 
 present state. 
 
 Article 7. This body shall recognize the power and independence 
 of the churches; and in no case exercise any authority or jvirisdiction 
 over them. Nevertheless, it shall have power to drop from its con- 
 nection any church which in the opinion of the body may have essen- 
 tially departed from the faith or practice of the gospel ; and to pre- 
 clude from a seat in her meeting any minister or delegate, who is 
 manifestly corrupt, either in principle or practice ; and the facts in 
 either case, may be ascertained in any way, not incompatible with the 
 rules of the Gospel. 
 
 Article 8. This constitution may be amended at any regular 
 meeting, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, provided 
 notice shall have been given of the proposed amendments at a previ- 
 ous meeting. 
 
 RULES OF ORDER. 
 
 1. The annual meeting of this body shall be holden on the Wednes- 
 day preceding the first Thursday in October, at ten o'clock A. M.
 
 16 Spkingfield, Illinois, 
 
 2. At each annual meeting a moderator shall be chosen, whose 
 duty it shall be to preside in all its meetings, give the hand of fellow- 
 ship to the churches to be received, direct the business of the body ; 
 keep order and put to vote any motion when duly seconded after 
 suitable discussion, if not withdrawn. 
 
 3. A clerk shall be chosen once in four years, whose duty it shaD 
 be to enter in a book provided for that purpose, all the doings of this 
 body ; and perform such other duties as are usually assigned to such 
 an officer, and transmit to his successor any papers belonging to this 
 body. 
 
 4. A treasurer shall also be chosen once in four years, whose duty 
 it shall be to receive and safely keep all moneys belonging to this 
 body, and pay them oiit only as directed by this body, (unless specified 
 by the donor) and transmit to his successor in office the books, together 
 with the moneys that may remain in his hands, at the expiration of 
 his office. 
 
 5. There shall be a sermon at the opening of each annual session. 
 
 6. Any church applying for admission into this body, after giving 
 satisfaction of being sound in faith and practice, may be received. 
 
 7. Any church, wishing to withdraw from this body, is at liberty so 
 to do, and shall not be considered out of fellowship on that account. 
 
 8. Any church not represented for three successive years, shall be 
 dropped from the minutes. 
 
 9. This body shall publish its doings annually. 
 
 10. Visiting brethren shall be invited to a seat with us, and allowed 
 to discuss all subjects but not to vote. 
 
 11. No delegate shall absent himself in time of business, without 
 leave of the chair. 
 
 12. Every person wishing to speak, shall first rise from his seat, and 
 respectfully address the chairman, and speak on no one subject more 
 than twice, without special permission. 
 
 13. All personal reflections shall be particularly avoided, in all the 
 deliberations of this body. 
 
 14. No subject shall be discussed without a motion made and sec- 
 onded, and reduced to writing, if required. 
 
 15. If. when a motion has been made and seconded, a member 
 opposes its being discuxsed, the chair shall immediately put this ques- 
 tion, " Shall this question be discussed V" which, if negatived, shall be 
 dismissed. 
 
 16. If any proposition under debate contains two or more points, it 
 shall be divided at the request of any member, and the vote taken 
 separately . 
 
 17. The first motion and last amendment, the largest sum, and the 
 most distant day, shall have the preference in the order they stand. 
 Motions for adjournment shall always be in order. 
 
 18. The Rules of Order may be altered by a majority of votes, at 
 any annual meeting.
 
 Baptist Association. 17 
 
 The Association being thus organized, Eev. Jonathan 
 Sweet was chosen Moderator ; Charles B. Francis, Secre- 
 tary, aiid Foley Vaughn, Treasurer. 
 
 Eesolutions were passed at this session cordially approv- 
 ing the formation and objects of the Amebic an and 
 Foreign Bible Society, and expressive of the judgment 
 of the Association, that the work of that society shoiild 
 not be limited to the foreign field, but made co-extensive 
 with the wants of the whole world. 
 
 It was also resolved, that the Association recommend 
 to the several churches, of which it is composed, a hearty 
 co-operation with the Illitstois Baptist Convention, in its 
 efforts to build up the Redeemer's Kingdom. 
 
 Delegates were appointed to represent the Association 
 in said Convention at its next annual meeting. 
 
 It was voted that the Constitution, Eules of Order, and 
 proceedings of this Association be sent for publication to 
 the Banner and Pioneer, a Baptist newspaper published 
 at Louisville, Kentucky. 
 
 The object of the meeting having been accomplished, 
 the Association adjourned to hold its first annual meeting 
 with the Church in Springfield. 
 
 1838 
 
 The first anniversary of the Association was held pur- 
 suant to adjournment, on the 3d and 4th days of October, 
 1838. The introductory sermon was preached by Eev. 
 Thomas W. Haynes, of Edwardsville, from Col. ii, 8, 
 after which the Association was called to order by the 
 Clerk, and Eev. Jonathan Merriam was chosen Moderator. 
 
 Two new Churches, the Sangamon Bottom Church, con- 
 sisting of 7 members, located in Cass county, and the 
 Lebanon Church, located at Loami, Sangamon county, 
 consisting of 29 members, were received into the Associa- 
 tion, the hand of fellowship being given to their delegates 
 by the Moderator. The Salt Creek Church, in Mason
 
 18 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 county, did not report this year, and was no longer a 
 member of the Association. 
 
 During this first year of its history, the Association had 
 increased its membership, by baptisms, from 210 to 302. 
 Two venerable fathers in the ministry, members of the 
 Association, Eev. Jonathan Sweet and Eev. Wm. Spencer, 
 were, during the year, called from their earthly labors to 
 their reward on high. In token of respect for their 
 memory, the Association resolved, "that while we bow with 
 submission to this afflictive dispensation, and deeply 
 sympathize with their bereaved families and congrega- 
 tions, we feel it to be our duty to labor more assiduously 
 in the same glorious cause ; and pray the great Head of 
 the Church that He will send forth more laborers, equally 
 faithful, into His harvest." This brief tribute to the 
 memory of those fallen soldiers of the cross — "faithful" — 
 was, to those who remained, an index of character which 
 they might justly emulate. 
 
 The following resolutions indicate most unmistakably 
 the scope and breadth of that christian enterprise which 
 characterized the founders of our denomination in Central 
 Illinois. The Sunday School work, ministerial educa- 
 tion, temperance, religious publications, missionary work, 
 sacred music, and Sabbath observance, all combined to 
 engage the attention of those hardy pioneers. How much 
 we owe to them for their far-sighted wisdom in the begin- 
 ning of our history, we may never know in full, but the 
 great Head of the Church will never forget : 
 
 Resolved,, That we highly approve of Sabbath Schools, as a means 
 both of mental and moral improvement, and as a method of commu- 
 nicating religious instruction, which God has abundantly blessed to 
 the salvation of souls; and that we earnestly recommend that the 
 members of the Churches make the most vigorous efforts to sustain 
 the cause by a persevering attendance themselves as learners or as 
 teachers. 
 
 While we recognize the strict independence of each gospel Church, 
 and the exclusive right of every Church to judge of the qualifica- 
 tions, and the internal and special call by the Holy Ghost of any of 
 its members who may be looking forward to the office of the Gospel 
 Ministry ; 
 
 Resolved, That we are in favor of an intelligent ministry, and recom- 
 mend to all our ministers, and to those designing to enter the ministry, 
 to ava?l themselves of every means within their reach to attain, by
 
 Baptist Association. 19 
 
 public instruction or private study, to the highest point of literary and 
 theological improvement within their power . 
 
 Resolved, That the difPusion of general intelligence in regard to the 
 progress of the Redeemer's kingdom is an object most desirable, and 
 that we regard it as the duty of every christian parent, who has the 
 means, to furnish himself and his family with such periodicals as will 
 make them acquainted with all the great religious and moral enter- 
 prises of the day. 
 
 We therefore for this purpose recommend the more extensive 
 patronage of the Western Pioneer. 
 
 Resolved, That the cause of temperance commends itself to the 
 patronage of the patriot, philanthropist and christian, and therefore 
 deserves our bold, uncompromising support. 
 
 Resolved, That the principles and objects of the Illinois Baptist Con- 
 vention, deserve the unqualiiied approbation of all Baptists throughout 
 the State, and that we renew our recommendation to the Churches 
 represented in this Association to contribute to its funds as the Lord 
 shall enable them. 
 
 Whereas, The cultivation of sacred music, besides adding interest 
 to the exercises of religious worship, has a direct tendency to aid the 
 cause of virtue and religion ; therefore 
 
 Resolved, That we approve of all efforts which tend to excite more 
 general attention to this important subject, and believe it to be the 
 duty of all, so far as practicable, to prepare themselves to join in this 
 part of divine service. 
 
 Resolved, That this Association regard the prosecution of a journey 
 on any part of the Sabbath, whether by ministers or Church mem- 
 bers, for the sake of convenience or of avoiding expense, as deserving 
 of special notice, and unqualified disapprobation. 
 
 Resolved, That we recommend to the Churches, according to their 
 ability, to sustain those ministers who devote themselves to their 
 work, whether as pastors or missionaries to the destitute. 
 
 Resolved, That we recommend to the several Churches composing 
 this body, to take active measures to procure and sustain an itinerating 
 missionary, to labor within the bounds of the Association. 
 
 Each of the foregoing resolutions was separately con- 
 sidered, and passed unanimously. In a few moments 
 $200 were pledged to put the last one into effect, and a 
 committee of three was appointed to secure a missionary. 
 Five delegates were appointed to represent the Associa- 
 tion in the Illinois Baptist Convention at its next annual 
 meeting. 
 
 The corresponding letter of the Association, this year, 
 says: 
 
 " We now number eight Churches, four ordained ministers, and one 
 licentiate, and three hundred and two members. One hundred and 
 four were baptised into our Churches during the year. "
 
 20 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 Although heset by all the difficulties incident to life in 
 a new and sparsely settled country, these little churches 
 "in the wilderness" showed most remarkable vigor, and 
 attained wonderful growth during this first year of their 
 associational history. Fifty per cent addition to their 
 membership, by baptism, is a ratio seldom reached by any 
 Association of churches in this, our late and more favored 
 age. It is a record of wdiich we do well to make note, as 
 showing how our Lord used the zeal and the talents of 
 those plain, and many of them uneducated pioneers, in so 
 impressing the great truths of the gospel upon the hearts 
 and consciences of the people, that such marked signs 
 followed and blessed their work. 
 
 1839 
 
 On the 2d of October, 1839, the Association met with 
 the Diamond Grove Church, in Morgan county. The 
 introductory sermon was preached by Eev. John Sears, 
 of Wayne county. New York, from Malachi iii, 14, after 
 which the Association was called to order, and Eev. Jona- 
 than Meeriam was chosen Moderator. 
 
 The committee appointed at the last annual meeting to 
 carry into effect the resolution providing for the employ- 
 ment of an itineratmg missionary within the bounds of 
 the Association, reported that immediately after the 
 adjournment of the Association, they secured the services 
 of the Eev. Jonathan Merriam, pastor of the Springfield 
 Church, who, upon resigning his charge of that church, 
 entered at once upon his missionary labors. Success 
 attended his ministry. God blessed the truth to the con- 
 version of sinners, and the building up and establishing 
 of the churches of the Lord and Saviour. 
 
 From the report of Eev. Mr. Merriam, still preserved in 
 his own handwriting, the following summary is given of 
 his labors during the year :
 
 Baptist Association. 21 
 
 "Attended 185 religious meetings ; preached 89 sermons ; constituted 
 3 churcTies. comprising 35 members; baptized 23; added to Churches 
 by letter, 15 ; making the whole number gathered into Churches, 73 ; 
 the whole number converted in meetings, in which I have taken a 
 part, 80; distributed several thousand pages of tracts; received on 
 the field, $06.40; received of Treasurer of the Association, $77.50: 
 total, $143.90." 
 
 Space forbids the details of the missionary work of this 
 devoted servant of Christ, thus briefly summarized, further 
 than to say that it was accomplished in a year, amid fre- 
 quent interruptions on account of ill health, the result of 
 overwork, and exposure in travel over four or five counties 
 embraced in his field. Winchester, in Scott county, the 
 Church on Salt Creek, Diamond Grove, Whitehall, Leba- 
 non, Springfield, Clary's Grove, Mechanicsburg, where 
 the Mount Tabor Church had been organized, but soon 
 became extinct, the Forks of Sugar creek, in Tazewell 
 county, all were witnesses of his toils, and sharers in the 
 blessings which followed them. To him, as the prime 
 mover in the organization of the Association, and as its 
 first missionary, is due more than to any other one man, 
 the credit of that intelligent and wise forecast which laid 
 the foundation of our Baptist churches in this region. 
 His works do follow him. Rev. Joel Sweet labored two 
 months in connection with Mr. Merriam, as missionary of 
 the Association, visiting Manchester, Clary's Grove, the 
 head of Apple creek, Mechanicsburg, and Sangamon Bot- 
 tom, 12 miles above Beardstown, at several of which 
 places revival influences attended the protracted meetings 
 held, and many professed conversion and were baptized, 
 making the number 110 added to the churches during 
 the year. It was truly a great cause of gratitude to God 
 for His blessing upon this first missionary work, crowning 
 it with such abundant success, appreciating which the 
 Association resolved, if practicable, to continue the service 
 for the following year. 
 
 Three new churches, namely : Clary's Grove and Eock 
 Creek, constituted under the labors of the missionaries 
 of the Association, June 29, 1839, Stonington, Christian 
 county, with 18 members, and Manchester, Scott county, 
 with 71 members, applied for membership in the Associa- 
 tion, and after giving satisfactory evidence of being sound
 
 22 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 in the faith, and orderly in practice, were received, the 
 right hand of fellowship heing given to the delegates by 
 the Moderator. The aggregate membership of the Asso- 
 ciation this year, was ten Churches, four ordained muiis- 
 ters, and three hundred and ninety-six members, an 
 increase of ninety-four during the year. 
 
 The circular letter of this year, in speaking of the im- 
 portance of the field, says : 
 
 "Let us realize our location in this vast Valley of the Mississippi, as 
 laying us under mountain weights of responsibility in relation to the 
 multitudes around us, to labor for their salvation, * * * watch- 
 ing and waiting the coming of the Lord." 
 
 Such was the spirit of the fathers who wrought in the 
 early days of the settlement of Illinois. Truly they were 
 heroic men, whose example of faith and devotion is wor- 
 thy of our imitation to-day. At this meeting the time 
 for holding the annual meetings of the Association was 
 changed from October to Wednesday before the 3d Sab- 
 bath in September. 
 
 Eesolutions urging the importance of liberal contribu- 
 tions for Foreign Missions, the American and Foreign 
 Bible Society, and the promotion of Ministerial Educa- 
 tion, were unanimously adopted. 
 
 To the Rules of Order were added the following : 
 
 18. Every ordained minister belonging to any Church composing 
 this body, is a member thereof by virtue of his office. 
 
 19. Every Church composed of a less number than twenty, shall 
 be entitled to a delegate, and every Church numbering twenty shall 
 be entitled to two delegates, and an additional delegate for every 
 twenty members. 
 
 20. Whenever ministers and members of Churches of this Associa- 
 tion, whose names are on our minutes of the last session, are present 
 at the session of any of the Associations with which we correspond, 
 they are hereby authorized to be our messengers to that body. 
 
 1840 
 
 On the 16ih of September, 1840, the Association met 
 with the Indian Creek Church, at Princeton, Morgan 
 county, The introductory sermon was preached by Rev.
 
 Baptist Association. 23 
 
 Alvin Bailey, of Carrolton, from Bev. iii, 20, after which 
 the Association was called to order, and Eev. Joel Sweet 
 was chosen Moderator. 
 
 The Apple Creek Church, at Waverly, Morgan county, 
 with 77 members, was received as a member of the Asso- 
 ciation, and the hand of fellowship given to its delegates 
 by the Moderator. 
 
 Foley Vaughn resigned the office of Treasurer of the 
 Association, and Josiah Francis was chosen to fill the 
 vacancy. 
 
 The total number of Churches represented was 9, with 
 4 ordained ministers, and 524 members, 97 having been 
 added by baptism during the last year. Protracted meet- 
 ings were held by the Diamond Grove, the Lebanon, and 
 the Manchester Churches, Eevs. Joel Sweet, and Thomas 
 Taylor serving as itinerant missionaries in the Associa- 
 tion. The Springfield Church was the only one in the 
 Association which enjoyed the preaching of the word 
 every Sabbath, Eev. 0. C. Comstock, D. D., having served 
 that church one year from October, 1889. Eev. Thomas 
 H. Ford served as pastor of the Diamond Grove Church. 
 The letters of the churches all express strong desire for 
 the regular ministry of the word, and in the resolutions 
 adopted the Association well and truly said : 
 
 "We consider that the education of a pious ministry is of the high- 
 est importance to the prosperity of the Churches. That in our esti- 
 mation this subject is indissolubly connected with the highest interests 
 of the Redeemer's kingdom. Men have been raised up who have 
 done what they could, have done nobly without the advantages of 
 early literary and theological training, but those who have been emi- 
 nently useful, have been men of study, men of strong minds, and 
 ardent piety have labored in the vineyard whose labors God has 
 abundantly blessed in the conversion of sinners, but those very men, 
 no doubt, would have accomplished more had they enjoyed the 
 advantages of a thorough education. " 
 
 "In the judgment of this Association it is the indispensable duty of 
 the Churches to aid such young brethren as are indigent, and yet give 
 satisfactory evidence of being designed of God for the gospel minis- 
 try, in procuring an education suited to their high and holy calling. " 
 
 A noble record this made forty years ago. No better 
 plea for an educated ministry can anywhere be found, 
 as condenses the whole matter as it were into a nut-shell. 
 They were men of "strong minds and ardent piety," who
 
 24 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 showed that although not trained in the schools, some 
 of them were "men of study." Every age has produced 
 such men, men like the "old man eloquent," Eev. Bar- 
 tholomew T. Welch, D.D., whose memory is fragrant in 
 our Baptist Zion, as one of the most eloquent preachers and 
 successful winners of souls. He learned to preach by 
 preaching, though without the advantages of early literary 
 training himself, he was its most earnest advocate. 
 
 Resolutions relating to Sunday Schools, Temperance, 
 the dissemination of religious literature through the 
 medium of the American Baptist Publication Society, and 
 religious intelligence through the Banner and Pioneer, 
 to the diffusion of the word of God, through the agency 
 of t]^e American and Foreign Bible Society, and the work 
 of home and foreign missions, were passed unanimously, 
 showing a deep interest in every good work. 
 
 From the report of Eev. Joel Sweet, Missionary of the 
 Association, it appears that he preached 176 sermons, 
 attended 95 prayer meetings, and baptized 76 persons, 
 durmg the year, which faithful service the Association 
 acknowledged, with gratitude to God for his crowning 
 blessings. The year 1840, although a year of great politi- 
 cal excitement, and great financial stringency, was marked 
 mth a good degree of spiritual life in the Churches, 
 wherever special efforts were made for the advancement 
 of the cause of Christ. 
 
 1841 
 
 On the 16th of September, 1841, the Association met 
 with the Church at Island Grove, Sangamon county. The 
 introductory sermon was preached by Eev. M. Dutton, 
 from Matt, vii., 15th to 20th verses, after which Eev. 
 Joel Sweet was chosen Moderator, and Charles B. 
 Francis was re-elected Clerk for the term of four years. 
 
 Four new churches applied for admission to the Asso- 
 ciation, and after examination of their Articles of Faith,
 
 Baptist Association. 25 
 
 were received, the hand of fellowship being given to their 
 delegates by the Moderator. These churches were : 
 Virginia, Cass county. Rev. J. H. Daniels, Pastor, with 
 9 members ; Jacksonville, Morgan county, with 26 mem- 
 bers ; Big Spring, Scott county, with 6"2 members, and 
 Winchester, Scott county, with 117 members. The total 
 number of churches represented this year was 14, with 6 
 ordained ministers, one licentiate, and 746 members, 121 
 having been added by baptism during the year. There 
 seems to have been no general revival this year, though 
 the Church at Manchester, under the pastoral care of 
 Eev. Joel Sweet, assisted by Rev. Thomas Taylor, a mis- 
 sionary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, 
 and the State Convention, and Rev. Jacob Bower, a mis- 
 sionary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, 
 enjoyed a season of refreshing from, the Lord, resulting 
 in the conversion of seventy souls. 
 
 The Church at Stonington, with seventeen members, 
 having no pastor or stated preaching, plaintively say in 
 the letter to the Association : 
 
 " We desire that God would send us some one of His ministering 
 servants to feed our hungry souls, and break unto us the bread of 
 life. We meet on the Sabbath, and keep up prayer and conference 
 meetings. We have a Bible Class. Our congregations are not large. 
 Dear brethren pray that God would send us a minister to preach to 
 us, that God would guide us by His word and Spirit. We send $15 for 
 missionary purposes. " 
 
 This is th way in which churches struggle into life in 
 many of our Western fields. Casting the horoscope of 
 the future at that day, an intelligent Christian faith would 
 have said, such a church will live. Seventeen members 
 maintaining Sabbath services, a Sunday School or Bible 
 Class, and prayer meeting, and contributing $15 per 
 annum for missionary purposes, constitute an invincible 
 company of christian soldiers. They embraced the world 
 in the arms of their faith, and freely gave of their sub- 
 stance for the preaching the gospel to others, poorer than 
 themselves, and in still greater need. That church is 
 now, after the lapse of forty years, as well might be sup- 
 posed, one of the best and most liberal in the Association. 
 
 This year Rev. Henry W. Dodge commenced his labors 
 as pastor of the Springfield Church, where during the 
 —3
 
 26 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 next four years great blessings attended his ministry. 
 Eev. Alvin Bailey, whose memory is still fragrant with 
 devoted service in the vmeyard of our Lord, became a 
 member of the Association, having been pastor first of the 
 Church in Winchester, and afterwards of the Church in 
 Jacksonville. 
 
 Eesolutions similar to those of former years were passed, 
 with two others, which are appended, being noticeable as 
 favoring the instruction of the rising generation of every 
 color and condition throughout the whole country, and the 
 Monthly Concert of prayer for foreign missions : 
 
 Resolved, That the Sabbath School cause commends itself to the 
 patriot, philanthropist and christian, and we recommend to the 
 Churches to sustain Sabbath Schools in their congregations, and 
 embody an account of them in their letters to the Association, and 
 that unceasing prayers and efforts be directed to the extension of the 
 benefit of Sabbath Schools, so as to secure instruction to all the rising 
 generation of every color and condition^ throughout the whole country. 
 
 Rewlved. That the success attendant upon the faithful and efficient 
 labors of our beloved brethren in foreign fields, calls upon us to exer- 
 cise fervent gratitude to God; and we earnestly recommend the 
 punctual attendance of the Monthly Concert for prayer; and while we 
 say, Lord! Lord! be not neglectful to contribute as the Lord hath 
 prospered us. 
 
 1842 
 
 On the 2d of September, 1842, the Association met with 
 the Church at Winchester, Scott county. The intro- 
 ductory sermon was preached by Eev. Joel Sweet, from 
 Phil, ii., 15, 16, after which Eev. Joel Sweet was chosen 
 Moderator. 
 
 The Hopewell Church, in Mason county, with twenty- 
 five members, was received as a member of the Associa- 
 tion, making the total number of churches fifteen, with 
 an aggregate membership of seven hundred and ninety. 
 During the year ninety-five additions were made by bap- 
 tism, forty-five of which were to the Church in Springfield. 
 
 Illustrating somewhat the condition of the Society in 
 some localities, a note in the minutes of this year, states
 
 Baptist Association. 27 
 
 that five members were received into the fellowship of the 
 Lebanon Church, on recommendation, which recommen- 
 dation was, their "Having been excluded from another 
 church for joining a Temperance Society." 
 
 As a new departure, Eev. H. W. Dodge, and M. Bray- 
 man, were appointed a committee to prepare a summary 
 of the letters of the churches, to be printed in the min- 
 utes. This year also the Treasurer's report was for the 
 first time printed in the minutes. It shows the contribu- 
 tions of two churches, and three brethren, for Home and 
 Foreign Missions, and Bible Society, $90.93, which sum 
 was paid into the Treasury of the Illinois Baptist Conven- 
 tion for the purposes specified. 
 
 Some advance was made this year in securing the 
 stated preaching of the word, by most of the churches. 
 The Springfield Church was the only one which had 
 preaching every Sabbath. Lebanon, Island Grove, Indian 
 Creek, Jacksonville, Winchester, Apple Creek, Sangamon 
 Bottom, Big Spring, Diamond Grove, Clary's Grove, and 
 Manchester Churches, each had preaching once, and 
 some of them twice, a month. But five of the churches 
 sustained Sunday Schools, as most of these churches 
 were located in sparsely settled places, and met for 
 worship, some of them, in small houses, it was difficult, 
 if not impossible, for them to maintain Sunday Schools. 
 Society was in a formative state, and obstacles, such 
 as now we know little of, continually presented themselves 
 to discourage the infant churches, which year by year 
 were struggling to maintain their existence. 
 
 The circular letter of this year contains these impressive 
 exortations : 
 
 "Brethren: Let us labor and pray that God may increase the 
 number, and strengthen the hands of the ministry. The field is ripe 
 for the sickle. 
 
 Brethren: Let us send the gospel to the /ieai/ien-. 'The isles wait 
 for His law' with prayerful impatience. 
 
 Brethren: Let us sustain the Sabbath Schools. On the children 
 depends the fate of all our institutions, ci\dl, moral, and religious. " 
 
 "Voted that the next meeting of the Association be held with the 
 Clary's Grove and Kock Greek Church, at Richland, Sangamon county, 
 at A. Smith's, near Kile's Store. " 
 
 Such were the specific directions necessary to show 
 where some of the churches were located at that early
 
 28 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 day. It might trouble a later generation to find the loca- 
 tion of the hospitable dwelling of that good brother, A. 
 Smith, of days gone by, wherein there was room to hold 
 the Annual meeting of the Association. 
 
 1843 
 
 The Association met September 1st, 1843, with the 
 Clary's Grove and Eock Creek Church, at Kichland, 
 Sangamon county. The introductory sermon was preached 
 by Eev. Henry W. Dodge, of Springfield, from Matthew 
 xvi., 3. Eev. Alvin Bailey was chosen Moderator. 
 
 Two new churches, the Sugar Creek Church, Sanga- 
 mon county, and the Martm's Prairie Church, Greene 
 county, were received as members of the Association, and 
 the hand of fellowship given to their delegates by the 
 Moderator. The whole number of churches represented 
 this year was fifteen, with an aggregate membership of 
 nine hundred and ten. During the year one hundred and 
 twenty-three additions were by baptism. The number of 
 ordained ministers laboring within the bounds of the Asso- 
 ciation, was eleven, and two licentiates. 
 
 Attention was specially called in the resolutions passed 
 by the Association, to the cause of ministerial education, 
 and the interests of Shurtleff College, as follows : 
 
 Your Committee, to whom was referred the interests of Shurtleff 
 College and JMiaisterial Education report that the College is advancing 
 in influence, in usefulness, and in favor, with the churches and com- 
 munity. The number of students in attendance the present year, is 
 sixty, of whom fourteen have in view the gospel ministry. 
 
 Besolred, That we urge upon the churches more liberal contribu- 
 tions to its funds, and commend it to the patronage and prayers of the 
 denomination. 
 
 Considering the great destitution of ministers, and the importance 
 of an efficient ministry to the growth and activity of the churches ; 
 
 Resolved, That we recommend to our brethren to look out and 
 encourage such gifts as the great Head of the Church has bestowed, 
 and by contributing to the funds of the Illinois Baptist Education 
 Society, to aid such young men in acquiring a suitable education.
 
 Baptist Association. 29 
 
 The interest in Sabbath Schools and Temperance, 
 which began in former years to be manifest, was unabated. 
 
 The Committee on the Sabbath and Sabbath Schools, submitted the 
 following: 
 
 Resolved. That the appointment of the Sabbath demands at our 
 hands gratitude to its author, and that we regard it to be the duty of 
 every friend of humanity conscientiously and habitually to observe it. 
 
 Resolced, That we have abundant reason for thanksgiving to God 
 for the signal success that has attended the Sabbath School cause, 
 and the greatest encouragement to pray and labor with renewed dili- 
 gence in this holy cause. C.B.Francis, Chnirman. 
 
 The Committee on Temperance report, that in view of the great 
 benefits which have resulted from Temperance Societies, not only 
 to the people of the United States, but to Ireland and the European 
 countries, we have great reason to thank God and take courage; 
 therefore. 
 
 Resohed. That we recommend the cause of Temperance to the 
 prayers of all christian people, earnestly requesting them to use all 
 gospel means, for the eradication of drunkenness from our land. 
 
 E. G. Miner, Chairman. 
 
 The Foreign Mission and Bible Work were urged upon 
 the attention of the churches, in the following teiTQS, 
 shoT\ing that these new and struggling bodies were not 
 unmindful of the great fact that 'The Field is the World :' 
 
 Resolved. That it is our duty to God, to aid in sustaining the cause 
 of foreign missions, and that we will make a vigorous effort to do so, 
 regarding this as one of the most important branches of christian 
 effort. 
 
 Resolved. That in the opinion of this body the American and For- 
 eign Bible Society has peculiar claims on the affections and benefac- 
 tions of our denomination. 
 
 The session was harmonious and profitable. Although 
 upwards of one hundred additions were made to the 
 churches, by baptism, the Circular Letter of this year 
 speaks of the growth being "slow," showing that those 
 fathers of our denomination expected gro^^i:h, and great 
 results from the preaching of the word. In this they 
 were, as sho\M^i by the resolutions adopted, awake to the 
 importance of lading the foundations of the new commu- 
 nities substantially upon the Divine word of the Heavenly 
 Shepherd, 
 
 Charles B. Francis, who was one of the leading Spirits 
 in the organization of the Association, and who had served 
 as its Clerk continuously ever since — a brother of marked
 
 30 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 ability and devoted piety, one whose counsels were always 
 regarded as wise, and whose example worthy of all imita- 
 tion, performed his last service for the Association at this 
 meeting. 
 
 The following obituary notice, prepared by M. Bray- 
 man, Secretary of the Illinois Baptist State Convention, 
 and published in the proceedings of that body for 1843, 
 shows how soon his earthly work was finished, and how, 
 when he died the cause of Christ lost one of its most 
 devoted and faithful servants : 
 
 OBITUARY. 
 
 The Secretary would be wanting in respect to the feelings of the 
 members of the Convention, as well as deaf to the voice of friendship, 
 should he fail to notice a most afflicting and solemn event, which 
 transpired immediately after the adjournment of that body. Allusion 
 is made to the sudden death of our beloved brother, Charles B. 
 Francis, a delegate from the Springfield Church. He arrived in 
 Jacksonville, on Wednesday evening, October 4th, and on the suc- 
 ceeding day, took his seat in the Convention in good health. He bore 
 a conspicuous part in its proceedings, and labored with ardent zeal 
 and wisely directed energy, to perfect those measures of gospel 
 benevolence, which the Convention met to advance. On Friday he 
 complained of slight illness. On Saturday he suffered from bvirning 
 fever and accute pain, but such was his anxiety to participate in the 
 business of the Convention — such his energy of character and entire 
 devotion to his Maste-rs cause, that he remained at his post through- 
 out the day, and though feeble in body, the whole strength of his 
 mind and fervor of his heart shone out in his eloquent and feeling 
 addresses and fervent prayers. The influence which his labors of that 
 day shed upon the hearts of those who stood by him, will live when 
 all. save his virtues, are forgotten. 
 
 On the adjournment of the Convention, on Saturday night, he took 
 his bed His illness remained slight, and caused no alarm, until, at 
 noon on Tuesday, the fever assumed a congestive form, and termi- 
 nated in death at six o'clock the same evening. His wife and young- 
 est daughter arrived barely in time to receive his parting blessing. 
 He died at the residence of Brother E. Burditt, and received every 
 attention and kindness, which christian sympathy and affection could 
 dictate. 
 
 Bro. Francis was a native of Massachusetts— he resided in this 
 State about eight years, and at the time of his decease, was nearly 44 
 years of age. He was a man of much energy of character— sound 
 judgment, and great singleness of purpose— one who, in all relations 
 of life, was 
 
 " Resolved, and steady to his trust, 
 
 "Inflexible to ill, and obstinately just.'" 
 
 But an undying devotion to the cause of religion and morality— a 
 consistent life and exemplary christian deportment were the crowning
 
 Baptist Association. 31 
 
 glory of his character. As a husband, father, and friend, he was kind, 
 affectionate and steadfast— as a citizen, ever active in doing good— as 
 a deacon and leading member of the chiirch, he was always in his 
 place, urging others to "a closer walk with God," and leading the 
 way. His last labors were given to the cause he loved — he fell, like a 
 faithful soldier, with his burnished armor in his hand. It is well with 
 him— he "kept the faith" and has received a "crown of righteousness." 
 May the remembrance of his christian virtues, while it consoles his 
 surviving family and friends, excite to equal usefulness — and inspire 
 the same hope of a blessed immortality ! 
 
 1844 
 
 The Association met with the Lebanon Church, on the 
 30th of August, 1844. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Eev. Alvin Bailey, of Jacksonville, from 
 Isaiah xlii, 4, after which the Association was called to 
 order, and Eev. Alvin Bailey was chosen Moderator, and 
 M. Brayman, Clerk, m place of Charles B. Francis, 
 deceased. 
 
 Seventeen churches, comprising a membership of nine 
 hundred and fifty-one, reported this year, including the 
 Church at Decatur, which was received into the Associa- 
 tion at this time. 
 
 During the years 1842 and 1843, Eev. H. W. Dodge, 
 pastor of the Springfield Church, visited Decatur, and 
 preached occasionally. His labors were blessed in the 
 conversion of quite a number of persons, who were bap- 
 tized by him into the fellowship of the Springfield Church. 
 Being too remote from Springfield to worship with the 
 church there, it was deemed advisable to form a separate 
 organization. Accordingly letters of dismission were 
 granted, and on the 14th of September, 1843, twelve 
 members residing at Decatur, were organized into a 
 church, under the name of the "Decatur Baptist Church," 
 Eev. H. W. Dodge, of Springfield, officiating at the recog- 
 nition services. Eev. Moses Lemen commenced laboring 
 with this church about the 1st of June, sustained jointly
 
 Spkingfield, Illinois, 
 
 by the church and the IHinois Baptist Convention. During 
 the year, eighty-nine members were received into the 
 churches of the Association by baptism, thus showing a 
 continuous increase, and encouraging fruits of that mis- 
 sionary service which characterized the early history of 
 the Association. 
 
 The minutes of this year embrace strong resolutions, 
 urging more liberal contributions to the work, of both 
 home, and foreign missions ; and in view of the destitu- 
 tion of ministerial labor in the Association — there being 
 only five ordained ministers, the Committee recommended 
 the appointment of a traveling missionary for one year. 
 A Committee of one from each church, was appointed to 
 ascertain what amount could be obtained from the respec- 
 tive churches, to be paid quarterly, for this object, and a 
 Committee of three was also appointed to select a mis- 
 sionary for this service. 
 
 The letters of the churches speak of the prevalence of a 
 spirit of harmony, and some of them enjoyed seasons of 
 revival. 
 
 Eev. H. W. Dodge, whose labors as pastor of the 
 Springfield Church, had been blessed in large measure to 
 the upbuilding of the cause of Christ, having closed his 
 work with that church. Rev. Ambler Edson, of Griggs- 
 ville, Illinois, was called to be his successor in April, 1843. 
 
 Rev. Amos Dodge, pastor of the Stonington Church, 
 died during the year. He was a good man, a beloved 
 brother, and pastor. His illness was short, and his death 
 triumphant. 
 
 "The Jacksonville Church reports monthly Missionary Concert, 
 prayer meetings, etc., well sustained. Sabbath School |ttourishing ; 
 fifty pupils, six teachers, and sixty -three volumes in the library. Rev. 
 A. Bailey, pastor. Has commenced a house of worship 40 by 44, 
 to be completed next season. Contributed for missions $12.85. 
 The Female Bible Society has transmitted $15, and $4 besides have 
 been raised for the Bible cause. Raised for the Education Society $8. " 
 
 "The Winchester Church has been blessed during the year, in the 
 use of Grod's appointed means. A revival has been enjoyed. Preach- 
 ing every other Sabbath by Rev. E. Dodson. The brethren meet 
 every Lord's day, following the apostolical example, in reading the 
 Scripture, prayer, singing, and exhortation. The benevolent opera- 
 tions of the day are sustained with efficiency and regularity. Raised
 
 Baptist Association. 33 
 
 for foreign missions, $9.31; for education, $2.70; American and For- 
 eign Bible Society, $4. A proper sum is about to be raised for home 
 missions. The Sabbath School, and monthly and weekly prayer meet- 
 ings are kept up. " 
 
 The circular letter of this year closes with these sig- 
 nificant words : 
 
 "Brethren, let us labor and pray for the spread of saving trvith; for 
 the objects of the Redeemer's mission cannot be accomplished until 
 the uttermost parts of the earth are lighted up by the "Sun of 
 Righteousness.' We have need of more efficiency and united action 
 in sustaining the gospel ministry. Many of our churches are without 
 stated preaching, and many of their laborers who are already in the 
 field are not sufficiently sustained. The churches need a new impulse. 
 We feel that much more may be done than has yet been accomplished. " 
 
 Rev. Alvin Bailey published a Baptist, semi-monthly 
 newspaper at Jacksonville, this year, called The Western 
 Star, the second Baptist newspaper ever published in 
 Illinois. 
 
 1845 
 
 The Association met with the Indian Creek Church, at 
 Princeton, Morgan county, on Friday, September 5th, 
 1845. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. 
 Porter Clay, from Hebs. xii, 28, after which the Rev. 
 Alvin Bailey was chosen Moderator. 
 
 Sixteen churches, with an aggregate membership of 
 eight hundred and sixty-two, were reported, and only 
 twenty-two baptized during the year. Only four ordained 
 ministers are reported as being employed within the 
 bounds of the Association this year, showing great lack of 
 the regular ministration of the word of life. 
 
 Pursuant to a resolution of the Association, passed in 
 1844, the churches, during these two years, made more 
 strenuous efforts in raising money for missionary work 
 beyond its own bounds, than ever before. The Treasurer's 
 report is most instructive, as showing how the seed 
 planted in earlier years had begun to show fruitage;
 
 34 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 about $160 having been raised for Home, and Foreign 
 missions, including $100 for the support of a native 
 Karen preacher. When we remember how the whole 
 field occupied was a new and undeveloped country, the 
 people mostly poor, and living in log houses, most of the 
 churches having no houses of worship save as meetings 
 were held in private houses, or in log school houses, we 
 can appreciate the spirit which animated those pioneer 
 Baptists of Central Illinois. This remembrance may 
 teach us of this favored age, lessons of self-denial and 
 devotion, which we have never yet learned. The Church 
 at Jacksonville, the only one in the Association which had 
 preaching every Sabbath through the year, under the 
 pastoral care of Eev. Alvin Bailey, this year built its first 
 house of worship, at a cost of $2,200, With but forty- 
 seven members, this was an outlay which shows how 
 freely that church gave of its substance in its infancy, to 
 lay enduring foundations for future growth. Constituted 
 only four years before, its progress was both rapid and 
 substantial. Whilst bending every energy to build a 
 house of worship, that church raised during the year, 
 $22.63 for foreign missions ; $14.15 for the American and 
 Foreign Bible Society; $3.81 for the Illinois Baptist 
 Education Society, and $5.37 for Home missions. A 
 worthy example of missionary zeal which should be held 
 in lasting remembrance. 
 
 The church hitherto known as the "Clary's Grove and 
 Eock Creek," was reported this year as the "Richland 
 Church," under which name it has since been known in 
 the Association. Rev. John H. Daniels was pastor of 
 this church during the year. 
 
 The resolutions passed this year embrace every depart- 
 ment of christian endeavor, and have the ring of genuine 
 enthusiasm, such as is so often noticeable by its absence 
 from our Associational meetings in later years. Church 
 pslamody, among other subjects, came in for its share of 
 attention in the resolution, "That a more general intro- 
 duction of hymn books, of a uniform character, would 
 greatly tend to the edification of Divine service ; and that 
 the Association recommend the Psalmist as a work well
 
 Baptist Association. 35 
 
 adapted to the general use of the churches." The Hymn 
 Book war had not begun then. 
 
 The Committee on Home Missions presented the fol- 
 lowing report, which was adopted : 
 
 "We consider the Home Mission department of Evangelical effort, of 
 primary importance to the promotion of everything v^^e hold sacred 
 and valuable. In promoting it we regard the American Baptist Home 
 Mission Society, and the General Association of the State, to be under 
 God, principal agents. To the former we are indebted for the labors 
 of our brethren, who have planted many of our churches, and have 
 been instrumental in promoting precious revival seasons within our 
 Associational bounds; to the latter for uniting and arranging our 
 energies in every good enterprise ; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That a public contribution be taken up at this meeting for 
 Home Mission purposes, and that each minister take up a collection 
 for the same object during the year." 
 
 As one of the first attempts towards the establishment 
 of a Baptist newspaper in Illinois, note the following : 
 
 "■Resolved, That we recommend the Western Star, as a religious 
 newspaper, most ably edited by our beloved brother, A. Bailey, and 
 eminently calculated to subserve the great interests of religion, and 
 will use our utmost endeavors to sustain it, and procure its weekly 
 issue. " 
 
 Deeply conscious of the need of Divine assistance in 
 every effort to build up the I^edeemer's kingdom, and fol- 
 lowing the example of the forefathers, it was 
 
 '■^Resolved, That in view of the low state of religion within the 
 bounds of the Association, we recommend to the churches to devote 
 Friday before the first Sabbath in October, as a day of special fasting 
 and prayer before God, if peradventure He may have mercy on us, 
 and on the souls of men. " 
 
 1846 
 
 The Association met with the Sugar Creek Church, in 
 Sangamon county, on Friday, September 4th, 1846. The 
 introductory sermon was preached by Eev. Thomas 
 Taylor, from Joshua xiii, 1. Eev. Alvin Bailf.y was 
 chosen Moderator. The stated Clerk, M. Brayman, being 
 absent, E. G. Miner was chosen temporary Clerk. 
 
 Sixteen churches were reported, with an aggregate 
 membership of eight hundred and sixty, only three having
 
 36 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 been added by baptism during the year. The remark- 
 able advance which characterized the churches during the 
 first seven years of Associational history, reaching as high 
 as one hundred and twenty-one baptisms in the year 1841, 
 the flood tide of revival influence, had now reached the 
 ebb tide, as though God had almost forgotten to be gra- 
 cious. What was the cause of so great spiritual declen- 
 sion ? As the minutes for this year contain no digest of 
 letters from the churches, but little information can be 
 gained from them in answer to the question, other than 
 the fact shown by the statistics that there were but five 
 ministers laboring among all the seventeen churches 
 during the year. 
 
 The Committee on Ministerial Destitution, said in their 
 report : 
 
 "Your Committee find from the letters of the churches of this body, 
 but two churches that are regularly supplied with the ministration of 
 the word ; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, 1st. That this destitution calls for deep humiliation on the 
 part of the churches. 
 
 Mesohed, 2d. That we recommend to the churches to humble them- 
 selves in the sight of God, and pray the Lord of the harvest to send 
 more faithful laborers into His harvest. 
 
 Resolved, 3d. That it is the duty of the churches to sustain their 
 ministers by their contributions and their prayers. " 
 
 Looking back to those days of planting, in the wilder- 
 ness of the then Great West, who of us shall for one 
 moment question the faithfulness of the hardy pioneer 
 preachers, many of whom wrought with their own hands 
 six days in the week, and as well as they were able to do, 
 preached the gospel on the seventh, many of them alike 
 without any special preparation, or any pay for their 
 services. They had obstacles to overcome which most of 
 them met with heroic spirits, and God blessed them and 
 their work. There were leaders among them, men of 
 sterling native talent, and true piety, not often surpassed 
 in these respects by the more cultivated preachers of our 
 own time. For rugged natural eloquence, some of them 
 were specially distinguished, whilst the spirit of the reso- 
 lutions passed in the meetings of the Association show 
 the breadth of their sympathies, and the ardent spirit 
 which animated them in their work.
 
 Baptist Association. 37 
 
 1847 
 
 The Association met with the Winchester Church, 
 Scott county, on Friday, September 3d, 1847. The intro- 
 ductory sermon was preached by Rev. J. 0. Metcalf, from 
 Proverbs xiv, 14. Eev. Thomas Taylor was chosen Mod- 
 erator. The stated Clerk being absent, Noah Divelbiss 
 was chosen temporary Clerk. 
 
 The total membership reported this year, was seven 
 hundred and sixty-four, with eleven added by baptism. 
 
 Eev. Gilbert S. Bailey settled as pastor of the Spring- 
 field Church, which had for more than a year been with- 
 out pastoral labor. Rev. Alvin Bailey, pastor of the 
 Church in Jacksonville, worn with the multitude of his 
 labors, was laid aside from his work, not able to preach 
 on account of ill health. The Decatur Church, for the 
 first time, enjoyed the services of a pastor every Sabbath. 
 Eev. Burton Carpenter having settled with the church 
 during the year. The Stonington Church, for the first 
 time, had preaching every Sabbath this year. 
 
 In view of the great lack of ministerial labor, the Com- 
 mittee on Education reported strong resolutions favoring 
 the raising of $25,000 within the next four years for the 
 endowment of Shurtlefl: College, as an institution afford- 
 ing necessary facilities for acquiring a thorough Collegiate 
 education, there being no other similar institution in Illi- 
 nois, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin. 
 
 1848 
 
 The Association met with the Apple Creek Church, in 
 Morgan county, on the 1st day of September, 1848. The 
 introductory sermon was preached by Eev. G. S. Bailey, 
 from Jeremiah xxiii, 28, after which Eev. Thomas Taylor 
 was chosen Moderator. 
 
 The total membership reported, was nine hundred and 
 twenty-eight, there having been one hundred and sixty
 
 38 Spkingfield, Illinois, 
 
 additions by baptism during the year. Earnest labor, 
 attended with the blessing of the spirit, once more became 
 a cause of rejoicing to the churches, and a new era of 
 prosperity and growth opened to the Association. 
 
 To preserve the full record of the condition of the 
 several churches at this important point in their history, 
 we give the following : 
 
 SUMMARY OF LETTERS, 
 
 Springfield Church. — Is erecting a commodious house of wor- 
 ship — of brick — 64 by 48 feet, to be completed next season. Is under 
 the pastoral care of Rev. G. S. Bailey. Enjoyed a revival season the 
 last spring, during which about thirty united with the church. The 
 labors of Rev. E. Dodson at that time were greatly blessed. Sabbath 
 School sustained, with about eighty pupils, seventeen teachers, and 
 two hundred volumes in library. Female Bible Society, prayer meet- 
 ings, etc., successfully sustained. 
 
 Diamond Grove. — Present condition rather discouraging, in conse- 
 quence of not having regular preaching. Expect preaching one-fourth 
 of the time by Rev. Thomas Taylor. Is engaged in a flourishing 
 Union Sabbath School, numbering fifty pupils. 
 
 Indian Creek. — Continues in harmony and brotherly love. Have 
 enjoyed the labors of the Rev. J. H. Daniels during the past year. 
 
 Island Grove. — The cause in a languishing condition, but har- 
 mony prevails, with an increasing desire for a "closer walk with God." 
 Is erecting a comfortable house of worship, which will be soon ready 
 for use. Rev. Thomas Taylor labors with this church one-fourth of 
 the time. 
 
 Lebanon. — Has in its connection two ordained ministers, Rev. W. 
 Meacham, and Rev. Moores Bailey. Has sustained meetings during 
 the past summer, preaching by the Rev. Mr. Taggart, one half the 
 time. Is engaged in a Union Sabbath School of sixty or seventy 
 pupils. 
 
 Richland. — Have been, for the past year, like sheep without a 
 shepherd, but God, in His great mercy, has recently sent us one of his 
 servants, the Rev. John White, who has visited and labored with us 
 for a short time. Have invited him to become their pastor. 
 
 Manchester. — Has sustained preaching one-fourth of the time, 
 and would have had more if it could have been obtained. Could not 
 find a preacher. "How shall they hear without a preacher." 
 
 Stonington. — Sustain preaching constantly. Brother Paris Pray, 
 a licentiate, is with them, ministering acceptably. Have a Sabbath 
 School, Bible Class, and weekly prayer meeting, and take an interest 
 in the benevolent operations of the day. 
 
 Big Spring. — The year has passed in peace and harmony. Though 
 no special proofs of Divine grace have appeared, the cause of true
 
 Baptist Association. ^9 
 
 religion is on the advance. Have enjoyed the labors of the Kev. 
 Thomas Taylor one-fourth of the time. 
 
 Jacksonville. — Have been deprived of a settled pastor since the 
 sickness and absence of Rev. A. Bailey, but the Lord has visited them 
 in mercy, and brought many into His fold. Diiring a season of gen- 
 eral revival last spring, Rev. W. F. Boyakin, of Jerseyville, and Rev. 
 E. Dodson, of Winchester, labored a few weeks with them in a pro- 
 tracted effort, which was greatly blessed. The church is endeavoring 
 to secure the services of a pastor. Sabbath School flourishing, with 
 forty or fifty pupils. 
 
 Hopewell. — Continues in peace and harmony. Have enjoyed the 
 labors of the Rev. John H. Daniels once a month, and occasional 
 preaching by Rev. R. S. Cole. 
 
 Sugar Creek.— Have preaching by Rev. Thomas Taylor one-fourth 
 of the time. They unite in sustaining two Sabbath Schools. 
 
 Martin's Prairie. — Have been greatly blessed under the preach- 
 ing of Rev. Elijah Dodson. Sinners have been awakened, and many 
 turned to the Lord. Forty have united with the church. 
 
 Winchester. — Commenced a series of meetings in January last, 
 which resulted in the addition of forty -nine, thirty-nine of them by 
 baptism — many of those baptized being young persons connected 
 with the Sabbath School. They have a pastor. Rev. E. Dodson, 
 whose untiring labors of love, seconded by the church and blessed by 
 God, will make the church what it should be — "A city set on a hill." 
 Making arrangements to build a brick meeting house. Have regular 
 preaching three-fourths of the time. Pupils in Sabbath School, sixty; 
 volumes in library, two hundred. 
 
 Apple Creek. — Have the labors of Rev. Thomas Taylor one-fourth 
 of the time, whose ministrations have been greatly blessed. Harmony 
 and brotherly love prevail, and the church has welcomed into its com- 
 munion seventeen by baptism, and seven by letter. The house of 
 worship, which the church had at much expense erected, was burned 
 down by an incendiary. Undismayed by this calamity, the church 
 immediately went to work and erected a new and more commodious 
 house of brick, ready for the reception of the Association. A Union 
 Sabbath School is sustained. 
 
 Decatur. —The Rev. Burton Carpenter labored acceptably with 
 this church until his health compelled him to retire in April last, since 
 which, the church has been without regular preaching. Has an inter- 
 esting Sabbath School of nearly fifty pupils, with a library of two 
 hundred volumes. Sustain the usual weekly prayer meetings, and 
 Concerts of prayer. Have, during the year, fitted up a convenient 
 meeting house, capable of holding the usual congregation. 
 
 New vigor was manifest in every department of chris- 
 tian endeavor, and the appended reports of Committees
 
 40 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 show the scope of the work which the churches proposed 
 to themselves m the cultivation of Foreign, as well as 
 Home mission fields : 
 
 " rhe Committee on the American Baptist Missionary Union, made 
 the following- report, which was adopted: 
 
 The Committee on the American Baptist Missionary Union, would 
 submit the following;- report : 
 
 In looking over the fields occupied by the Missionaries of the Ameri- 
 can Baptist Missionary Union, we find that thore is great and pressing 
 need of additional laborers. Some of the stations already occupied, 
 are in a languishing condition for the want of men, while other inter- 
 esting fields are opening on every hand, promising a rich reward to 
 the faithful laborer in the vineyard of Christ. 
 
 We believe it is the duty of the present generation of christians to 
 evangelize the present generation of heathen nations, and as the 
 church is the only Society organized by ou.r Heavenly Father for the 
 evangelization of the world, and it is of the greatest imijortance that 
 all members of the church cultivate the spirit of benevolence to the 
 fullest extent ; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That such a system is needed in the prosecution of our 
 Foreign Missionary Work, as will secure to every family in our respec- 
 tive congregations the reading of the monthly numbers of the Maga- 
 zine or Macedonian — a faithful observance of the monthly Concert of 
 Prayer, and regular monthly contributions into the Treasury of the 
 Union by every member of our churches. 
 
 I. D. Bawling s. Chairman.''^ 
 
 "The Committee on the Duty of Christians to sustain Sabbath 
 Schools, reported as follows, which was adopted: 
 
 The Committee on Sabbath Schools report, that the interesting fact 
 of many of the churches have reported to this Association a number 
 of conversions from those who were regular attendants at the Sabbath 
 School, and that the Sabbath School is one of the means imder God 
 of 'training up a child in the way he should go ;' therefore. 
 
 Resolved, That this Association earnestly recommends to every 
 church, to renew their efforts, and establish a Sabbath School and 
 Bible Class within the bounds of each church, as being calculated to 
 give a right training to the children and youth of our land. 
 
 Resoloed, That in settlements where there are christians of differ- 
 ent denominations, we wou.ld recommend the Union plan, and the 
 books published by the American Sunday School Union. 
 
 Resoloed, That it is the duty of all christian parents, to see to it, 
 that their children attend regularly some Sabbath School. 
 
 E. C Miner, Chairman.'" 
 
 The Chairmen of the Committees, Brother I. D. Eawl- 
 ings, of Jacksonville, and Brother E. G. Miner, of ^Vin- 
 chester, after a lapse of a third of a century, still live, 
 enjoying in old age, the satisfaction of knowing that the 
 foundations they helped to lay in that early day, were
 
 Baptist Association. 41 
 
 the sure foundations of intelligence and Christian princi- 
 ple, upon which have been built the superstructures of 
 well established churches, and other institutions of reli- 
 gion and learning. The memory of such Christian laymen 
 as these is never to be forgotten. Would that there were 
 more of them to give their presence and counsels to our 
 Association meetings of this generation. 
 
 Of the sixteen churches represented in the Association, 
 only one, viz : the Church in Springfield, was supplied 
 with preaching every Lord's day. As a measure of relief, 
 a Committee of two was appointed to obtain the services 
 of an itinerant Missionary to preach within the Associa- 
 tion, and visit all its churches during the year, and labor 
 among them as their needs might most require. 
 
 1849 
 
 The twelfth Annual Meeting of the Association was 
 held with the Springfield Church, on the 31st day of 
 August, 1849. The introductory sermon was preached by 
 Rev. J. N. Tolman, from Psalm iv, 3. Rev. W. F. 
 BoYAKiN, of Jacksonville, was chosen Moderator. 
 
 The total membership of the churches, was ten hundred 
 and fourteen. The bajitisms reported were eighty-five. 
 
 The summary of letters shows continued and increas- 
 ing prosperity, both in the formation of new churches, 
 and building new meeting houses. 
 
 The Taylorville Church, constituted on the 23d of 
 November, 1848, of members fiHinerly belonging to the 
 Stonington Church, and the German Baptist Church, of 
 Springfield, constituted August 29, 1849, of German breth- 
 ren formerly connected with the Springfield Church, were 
 duly received as members of the Association. The Spring- 
 field Church reported the near completion of its commo- 
 dious house of worship. Rev. G. S. Bailey, pastor of the 
 church for the last three years, and whose labors and
 
 42 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 influence had done much towards the promotion of 
 denominational growth in the Association, and the State, 
 closed his labors with the church on the 1st of October. 
 
 The Island Grove Church erected a commodious house 
 of worship, at Berlin, and took the name of the Berlin 
 Baptist Church. 
 
 The Winchester Church reported the erection of a house 
 of worship, built of brick, 40 by 50 feet, which would be 
 enclosed this year. 
 
 The Constitution of the Association was amended so as 
 to make the 2d Article read : "This body shall be com- 
 posed of messengers from churches embracing, in sub- 
 stance, the following summary of Christian Doctrine." 
 
 Special mention was made in many of the letters from 
 the churches, of the mercy of God, in sparing their mem- 
 bership m so large measure, from the ravages of cholera, 
 which, as "the pestilence that wasteth at noonday," pre- 
 vailed so widely in this region during the summer of 1849. 
 
 The resolutions passed relating to the various objects 
 of Christian benevolence, show undiminished interest in 
 every branch of the work of giving the gospel to the whole 
 world. 
 
 Two hundred and fifteen dollars were contributed for 
 Home, and Foreign missions, and the Bible cause, during 
 the year. 
 
 The deliberations of the Association were of deep and 
 exciting interest, yet marked throughout by the utmost 
 harmony.
 
 Baptist Association. 43 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 1850 
 
 THE Association met with the Manchester Church, on 
 the 30th of August, 1850. The introductory sermon 
 was preached by Eev. T. C. Teasdale, from 1st Peter ii, 
 9, after which Kev. T. C. Teasdale, was chosen Modera- 
 tor, and J, G. Johnson, Treasurer, for the next four years, 
 Josiah Francis having dechned re-election. 
 
 The total membership of the Association, was eight 
 hundred and forty-two. Baptisms during the year, 
 seventy. 
 
 This year marks what may be termed, the beginning of 
 the Second Period of the History of the Association. Thir- 
 teen years have elapsed since its organization. From six 
 churches, with a total membership of two hundred and 
 ten, it has increased to embrace nineteen churches, with 
 a membership of over eight hundred. During this period 
 many of these churches have been constituted, and ten 
 hundred and twelve persons baptized into the fellowship 
 of the churches embraced in the Association. At the date 
 of its organization not one of the churches had a meeting 
 house, meetings then being held at private houses, or in 
 school houses. Now, in 1850, several of them have com- 
 modious, and others, comfortable houses of worship. 
 Sunday Schools have been established in most of them, 
 liberal and increasing contributions have been made, from 
 year to year, to the various objects of Christian benevolence, 
 and a large advance made in the increase ot intelligence
 
 44 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 among the people. The decade thus passed away was in 
 fact the formative period of the rehgious history of all this 
 region of country. 
 
 The crying need of the time still was, that of ministers 
 to preach the word, and feed the flocks, so many of which 
 had preaching but once a month. Witness the following 
 from the records : 
 
 "The Committee, to whom was referred the subject of Ministerial 
 Destitution, submitted the following- report: 
 
 That in looking over the field of labor occupied by this Association, 
 and the reports of the letters, and comparing the number of ministers 
 in the Association, and the multitude of souls in its bounds, we are 
 made to mourn, and ask: What can be doneV Many of the churches 
 have preaching but once a month, and very few all the time, and some 
 none, except as an occasional minister passes by and gives them a ser- 
 mon. It may be said, that a united and simultaneot^s prayer should 
 be offered up to the Great Head of the Church for more laborers to be 
 sent into the field. This is true, but prayers, without practice, is like 
 faith without works — it is dead. Therefore, we would earnestly 
 recommend to the Association to take some immediate steps to sup- 
 ply this great lack of the preached word. 
 
 J. M. Chapman, Chairman.'" 
 
 The need knoA\ai and realized, the source to which those 
 brethren looked for supply, is pointedly indicated. 
 
 "The Committee on Shurtleff College and Ministerial Education, 
 submitted the following report : 
 
 In the great work of evangelizing the world, the living ministry can 
 never be dispensed with. Reason, experience, observation, and his- 
 tory, unite their testimony with the Bible in confirmation of the great 
 principle, that it pleases God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save 
 those who believe. 
 
 Truth, to be understood and embraced, must be presented intelligi- 
 bly, clearly, and forcibly. The peculiar nature of the ministerial 
 office, the spirit of the age, and the vastness of the field unoccupied, 
 demand more systematic and vigorous exertions, more frequent and 
 persevering prayer, and more liberal contributions to supply the desti- 
 tute with a devoted, pious, and intelligent ministry. 
 
 Shurtleff College has long engaged the attention, and shared the 
 prayers and contributions of the Baptists of this State, and we must 
 still look to her with the earnest expectation that a class of ministers 
 will emerge annually from her walls, to give the bread of life to the 
 perishing. 
 
 Resolved, That the Illinois Baptist Education Society is indispensa- 
 ble to our success as a denomination in the State ; that it is embalmed 
 in our hearts; and that it is worthy the sympathies, prayers, and lib- 
 eral contributions of every Baptist in this Association. 
 
 J. BuLKLEY, Chairman."
 
 Baptist Association. 45 
 
 1851 
 
 The Association met with the Decatur Church, on the 
 5th 01 September, 1851. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Eev. A. J. Bingham, from Matthew i, 23. 
 Rev. Thomas C. Teasdale was appointed Moderator. 
 
 Tlie Ehn Grove Baptist Church, in Morgan county, was 
 received as a member of the Association. 
 
 There were one hundred and sixty-six baptisms reported, 
 and the aggregate number of twenty churches, with a 
 total membership of eleven hundred and seventy-live, and 
 six ordained ministers. 
 
 The meeting was a harmonious one, with cheering signs 
 of God's presence. Stirring resolutions expressive of 
 unabated interest in Foreign Missions, the worli of the 
 American Baptist Publication Society, the American and 
 Foreign Bible Society, Shurtleff College, and Education, 
 were adopted. 
 
 Rev. N. x\lvord, from the Committee on Home and 
 Domestic Missions, presented the following report, which 
 was adopted : 
 
 "The Committee on Home and Domestic Missions, beg leave to 
 report : 
 
 That in their opinion, the American Baptist Home Mission Society 
 is doing- a great and good work for onr country, and deserves the 
 hearty support of every patriot, philanthropist, and Christian. The 
 constantly increasing demands for aid from the Society to the feeble 
 churches in this great Central Valley, and above all, the imperious 
 demands for assistance in the new settlements of the far West, call 
 loudly on its friends for a continual remembrance in their prayers, and 
 an enlargement of their contributions to its Treasury. 
 
 Your Committee regret that no more is being done in the cause of 
 Domestic Missions throughout our great and growing State ; and they 
 can but hope that some efficient plan will be devised at the approach- 
 ing anniversary of the General Association by which this cause of 
 lamentation may be removed. It is the firm conviction of the Com- 
 mittee, that the vital interests of our cause in this commonwealth 
 demand such attention as an effective State organization alone can 
 afford. What we need is, not that we should prize the operations of 
 the Home Mission Society less, or diminish in any respect our contri- 
 butions to its treasury, but that we should prosecute with all our 
 might the cause of Domestic Missions at the same time. The Com- 
 mittee would therefore present for the consideration of the Associa- 
 tion, the following resokitions :
 
 46 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 Resolved, That our confidence in the Home Mission Society, and 
 our interest in its operations are unabated, and it is earnestly recom- 
 mended to the churches comprising this body, that they make annual 
 contributions to its treasury. 
 
 Resolved, That we shall hail with pleasure the adoption of some 
 efficient plan by the General Association of Illinois, to co-operate with 
 the Home Mission Society in supplying the feeble churches and desti- 
 tute districts in our commonwealth with an able and evangelical 
 ministry. " 
 
 From this report will be seen how the churches at that 
 day realized the importance of cultivating the fields which 
 stretched out before them, already whitening for the 
 harvest. 
 
 1852 
 
 The fifteenth annual meeting of the Association, was 
 held with the Jacksonville Church, on the 3d, 4th and 5th 
 days of September, 1851. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Rev. Burton Carpenter, from 1st Cor. iii, 9. 
 Eev. C. B. Phillips was chosen Moderator, and A. J. 
 Bingham, Clerk. 
 
 The total membership reported, was twelve hundred 
 and twenty, there having been one hundred and sixteen 
 additions by baptism, seventy-five of which were into the 
 fellowship of the Jacksonville Church. This was a larger 
 number than had been thus added to any one church in 
 a year, since the organization of the Association. The 
 Martin's Prairie Church, at its own request, was dismissed 
 from the Association, to unite with the North District 
 Association. The Hopewell Church was also, at its own 
 request, dismissed, to unite with the Clary's Grove 
 Association. 
 
 The Committee on Ministerial Destitution reported that, 
 "Notwithstanding previous resolves and endeavors, we 
 still find a fearful destitution of gospel laborers in the 
 field embraced within the bounds of our Association. 
 With twenty churches, a membership of upwards of 
 twelve hundred, we have but four or five settled pastors,
 
 Baptist Association. 47 
 
 and have little or no itinerant labor. The Committee 
 feel deeply the obligation and necessity of immediate and 
 efficient action, and offered the following, which was 
 adopted : 
 
 Mesolved, That a Committee, consisting- of the acting pastor of the 
 Spring-field Church, with Bros. W. W. Watson, Grover Ayers, I. D. 
 Rawlings, and E. R. Roe, be appointed by this Association, to raise 
 funds for the support of one or more itinerant missionaries ; also to 
 employ such missionaries, and take the general superintendence of 
 the mission. " 
 
 1853 
 
 The Association met with the Stonington Church, Sep- 
 tember 3d, 1853. The introductory sermon was preached 
 by Rev. John Teasdale, from the 85th Psalm, 6th verse. 
 Rev. William Sym, pastor of the Springfield Church, was 
 chosen Moderator, and W. W. Watson, Clerk. 
 
 Fifteen churches reported by letter and delegates. The 
 statistics this year show eighty-nine additions by baptism, 
 and a total membership of ten hundred and thirty-three. 
 Only three ordained ministers laboring within the bounds 
 of the Association the past year. The South Fork Bap- 
 tist Church, in Christian county, a new church organized 
 in 1852, was received as a member of the Association. 
 The Winchester Church, at its own request, was dis- 
 missed, to unite with tke North District Association. 
 
 The Committee on Domestic Missions, appointed at the 
 last session, reported as follows : 
 
 "Our esteemed brother, A. B. Harris, was employed six months ago 
 to labor with feeble churches in destitute parts of our general field of 
 labor, at a salary of $400 per annum. During that period his work 
 has been faithfully performed, and attended with a good degree of 
 success. He has been engaged in several seasons of revival work, and 
 reports about eighty-three cases of conversion in connection with his 
 ministry, and that he has baptized fifty-one persons. " 
 
 In view of the success attending the labors of the mis- 
 sionary, the Committee urged the necessity and importance
 
 48 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 of continuing Mr. Harris in the field, and of the churches 
 providing means for increasing the missionary work of 
 the Association. 
 
 1854 
 
 The Association met with the Berhn Church, on Friday, 
 September 1st, 1854. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Rev. William Sym, from James i, 27, after 
 which Rev. William Sym was chosen Moderator, and 
 William Stockdale, Clerk. 
 
 Sixteen churches were represented, the letters showing 
 an aggregate membership of eight hundred and seventy- 
 seven, with ninety-five additions by baptism during the 
 last year. The force of ordained ministers was increased 
 to nine. Letters of dismission were, at their request, 
 granted to the Manchester, and Big Spring Churches, to 
 unite with the North District Association. 
 
 The following report from the Board of Domestic Mis- 
 sions, was adopted, viz : 
 
 "The Committee on Domestic Missions within the 
 bounds of the Springfield Association, beg leave to present 
 to the Association a summary view of the labors and 
 receipt of funds by Brother A. B. Harris, who has been 
 laboring in their service as Missionary fourteen months, 
 up to the close of April last. Brother Harris has labored 
 with commendable zeal and assiduity, and the blessing 
 of God has crowned his labors with encouraging success. 
 His reports show that he has, during the past Associa- 
 tional year, travelled 3,650 miles — made 1,058 religious 
 family visits — delivered 422 sermons and addresses — bap- 
 tized, in connection with labors put forth at protracted 
 meetings, 129 converts — and held 158 prayer meetings. 
 
 These labors were performed principally with the Sugar 
 Creek, Lebanon, Berlin, Winchester, Diamond Grove, 
 Apple Creek, Sangamon Bottom, Centerville, Decatur, and 
 Taylorville Churches — the Missionary assisting the pastors
 
 Baptist Association. 49 
 
 during their extra labors, and otherwise aiding the 
 general cause. Our Missionary collected in funds from 
 the different churches, $294, and received from Brother 
 Watson, Treasurer, $75, making in all $344, and leaving 
 a balance now due Brother Harris of $98. 
 
 Your Board are impressed with a sense of the impor- 
 tance and urgent call for intelligent and well-directed 
 Missionary labor within the bounds of this Association, 
 and would respectfully suggest that this body give the 
 subject the attention which its sacred character demands." 
 
 The Association then directed the Board to employ 
 Brother Harris as Missionary within the bounds of this 
 Association for the ensuing year. 
 
 On motion, Eev. Wm. Sym, W. W. Watson, and Gro- 
 ver Ayers, were continued as the Board of Domestic 
 Missions for the ensuing year. 
 
 1855 
 
 The Springfield Baptist Association met according to 
 appointment, with the Baptist Church, in Eichland, on 
 Friday, August 31st, 1855, at 10 o'clock, a. m. After sing- 
 ing, and prayer by Eev. A. B. Harris, the opening sermon 
 was preached by Eev. G. W. Pendleton, from Psalms 
 xlvi, 4: "There is a river, the streams whereof shall 
 make glad the city of God." Eev. J. N. Tolman, of 
 Decatur, was chosen Moderator ; Eev. G. W. Pendleton, 
 of Jacksonville, Clerk, and W. W. Watson, of Springfield, 
 Treasurer. 
 
 Eleven ordained ministers are embraced in the list of 
 pastors within the bounds of the Association this year. 
 The Lord heard the cry of His people, and answered it. 
 The fathers who first cultivated the opening fields of 
 gospel service in Central Illinois, have now given place to 
 others ; some of them having finished their earthly mis- 
 sion and work, have fallen asleep in Jesus ; others bowed
 
 50 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 by the infirmities of years, have given up active service, 
 and await their change with joyful trust in Him whom 
 they so faithfully served in their day and generation. 
 
 The Waverly, and Mount Pleasant Churches, were 
 received as members of the Association. 
 
 The Executive Committee made the following report on 
 Domestic Missions : 
 
 "In the early part of the Associational year, we entered 
 into an arrangement with Rev. A. B. Harris, to labor as 
 a Missionary for a period of ten months, fixing his salary 
 at $400 per annum. He commenced his labors the 1st of 
 November, and from that period up to the present time, 
 has prosecuted his work with diligence and success. Dur- 
 ing ten months service, he has traveled 3,402 miles ; made 
 634 family visits; delivered 202 sermons and public 
 addresses ; attended 60 prayer meetings ; baptized 7 con- 
 verts ; sold 216 volumes for the American Baptist Publica- 
 tion Society; distributed 1,300 pages of tracts, and aided 
 in the ordination of two ministers. The labors of Brother 
 Harris have been performed with the Lebanon, Sugar 
 Creek, Apple Creek, Diamond Grove, Centerville, and 
 Sangamon Bottom Churches. One-fourth of his time h9,s 
 been spent with the Centerville Church. He has received 
 the following amounts of money during his ten months' 
 service : 
 
 From the Centerville Church $82 50 
 
 Sangamon Bottom Church 19 00 
 
 Jacksonville Church 12 50 
 
 Diamond Grove Church 1 00 
 
 Apple Creek Church 8 00 
 
 Lebanon Church 8 00 
 
 Sugar Creek Church 8 00 
 
 American Baptist Publication Society 17 00 
 
 Springfield Church 40 00 
 
 Total $196 00 
 
 Piev. N. W. Miner offered the following resolution, 
 which was adopted : 
 
 ''Resolved, That in view of the low state of religion 
 among us, the churches of this Association observe the
 
 Baptist Association. 51 
 
 first Monday in January, 1856, as a day of humiliati9n, 
 fasting and prayer to Almighty God, for the outpouring 
 of the Holy Spirit, and a revival of his work." 
 
 1856 
 
 The Association met with the Centerville Church, on 
 the 5th of September, 1856. The introductory sermon 
 was preached by Eev. J. N. Tolman, from Matt, v, 14: 
 "Ye are the Light of the World." Rev. J. N. Tolman was 
 chosen Moderator. 
 
 Eighteen churches, with a membership of ten hundred 
 and forty, were reported. Received by baptism, one hun- 
 dred and eighty-one. 
 
 Eev. Cyrus Miner, Pastor of the Berlin Church, died 
 during the last year, highly esteemed by his people and 
 brethren in the ministry, as a faithful minister of the 
 Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 The Union Baptist Church, in Shelby county, was 
 received as a member of the Association. 
 
 The Executive Committee of the Association, reported, 
 "That they had entered into an arrangement with the 
 General Association of the State, in which they had trans- 
 ferred their Missionary, Rev. A. B. Harris, to the direction 
 of that Board for the last year. " The report was approved. 
 
 Rev. B. F. Chapman offered the following resolution, 
 which was adopted : 
 
 ''Resolved, That the churches of this Association be 
 requested to send by their delegates to the next session, a 
 full report of the condition of their respective Sabbath 
 Schools ; and that the evening of the first day of the Asso- 
 ciation be set apart for a conference touching the best 
 means to be employed for the advancement of the Sab- 
 bath School enterprise." 

 
 52 Spkingfield, Illinois, 
 
 1857 
 
 The ^Association met at Taylorville, Christian county, 
 Friday, September 4th, 1857, at 10 o'clock a. m. _ The 
 introductory sermon was preached from Matthew vi, 10 : 
 "Thy Kingdom come." Eev. J. N. Tolman was chosen 
 Moderator. 
 
 The Clear Creek Baptist Church was received as a 
 member of the Association. The Apple Creek, and the 
 Sugar Creek Churches were, by their own request, dis- 
 missed from the Association, to unite with the Carrolton 
 Association. 
 
 Sixteen churches reported this year, with an aggregate 
 membership of nine hundred and twenty-seven. Only 
 eight were received by baptism during the year, the small- 
 est number of any year since 1846. How true it is that 
 "The wind bloweth where it listeth. * * * * So is 
 every one that is born of the Spirit." This law of the 
 Divine working upon the hearts and consciences of men, 
 is illustrated here, as everywhere in the history of the 
 Christian Church. 
 
 The Executive Committee of the Association reported, 
 that in the early part of the year they engaged Rev. A. B. 
 Harris to labor within the bounds of the Association as 
 an itinerant Missionary, at the salary of !t>400 per annum. 
 The following is an abstract of his annual report : 
 
 During the year ending September Ist, 1857, I have 
 performed fifty-two v/eeks' labor for the Springfield, and 
 General Associations, as their Missionary. I have trav- 
 eled, in the discharge of my duty, 4,580 miles ; made 914 
 family visits ; preached 101 sermons ; delivered 64 piiblic 
 addresses ; attended 34 prayer meetings ; number of per- 
 sons converted, 8; number joined the church, 8; bap- 
 tized 5 ; sold 720 volumes, including 120 of 'Theodosia 
 Ernest;' 80 of 'Spurgeon's Sermons;' besides other vol- 
 umes of Baptist and religious publications.
 
 Baptist Association. 35 
 
 AMOUNT OF MONEY RECEIVED. 
 
 From Centerville Church $43 50 
 
 From Sugar Creek Church 30 00 
 
 Collections on the field 4 00 
 
 From General Association 50 00 
 
 From sale of books 80 00 
 
 Total $20(5 50 
 
 The above labor has been performed in Morgan, San- 
 gamon, Menard, Cass, Christian, and Macoupin counties. 
 For nine months past I have supphed the Centerville 
 Church, one Sabbath in a month. For six months past, 
 the Sugar Creek Church, once a month. I have also 
 preached at Lebanon, on Lick Creek, once a month for 
 live months past. The balance of the time I have been 
 itinerating over the field, sowing broadcast the good seed. 
 
 A. B. Hakris, Missionary." 
 
 The Committee on Benevolent Operations reported the 
 following resolutions, which were adopted : 
 
 ''Resolved, That the efforts of the Missionary Union, in 
 endeavoring to spread the gospel among the heathen, are 
 worthy of our serious consideration and earnest prayers ; 
 and that the widening field of their operations demands 
 from the churches of this Association a more liberal 
 support. 
 
 "Resolved, That we recommend a Domestic Board, to 
 superintend the Missionary work within the limits of this 
 Association, to co-operate with the Board of the General 
 Association. 
 
 ''Resolved, That the Illinois Baptist General Association, 
 in its efforts to preach the gospel to feeble churches, and 
 in destitute settlements and towns of this State, is doing 
 a work which we fully endorse. The efficiency with which 
 they prosecute the work, and the blessing of God which 
 attends their labors, give us the highest satisfaction. In 
 view of the pressing demands for this service, we pledge 
 to this organization our earnest sympathy and prayers, 
 and an increase of funds for the year to come. 
 
 "Resolved, That we recommend to the churches of this 
 Association that they co-operate with the Illinois Baptist
 
 54 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 Education Society, in aiding young men in prosecuting 
 their studies preparatory to the work of the ministry, and 
 that they take up annual collections for its treasury." 
 
 A collection and subscription were taken for the Illinois 
 Baptist Education Society, amounting to $162.50. 
 
 The Decatur Church reported its new house of worship 
 nearly completed ; two weekly prayer meetings, and a 
 monthly missionary meeting; a Sunday School, with 
 forty scholars and six teachers, and a Bible Class, con- 
 ducted by the pastor. 
 
 The Circular Letter for this year closes as follows : 
 
 "We love the 'old paths' better than new ones, and pre- 
 fer the simplicity of faith to any improvements of the 
 'wise.' And we rejoice that there is a growing attach- 
 ment to the fundamental doctrines of grace ; and a deeper 
 sense of the truth and glory of the cross of Christ in the 
 ministry. It is the doctrine of Baptists that we are justi- 
 fied by faith, that Jesus Christ is eternal and almighty, 
 and that we worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 
 three persons and one God. The Bible, and the Bible 
 only, is our safe and sure du'ectory on all points of reli- 
 gious faith and practice." 
 
 1858 
 
 The twenty-first Annual Meeting of the Association, 
 was held with the Church in Springfield, commencing on 
 Friday, September 10th, 1858. The introductory sermon 
 was preached by Kev. G. W. Pendleton, from Isaiah xxx, 
 7. Rev. J. B. Olcutt was chosen Moderator. 
 
 The total membership was, this year, ten hundred and 
 sixty-five, with one hundred and fifty-one additions dur- 
 ing the year, by baptism. Berlin, Stonington, and Spring- 
 field Churches shared most largely in the revival influences 
 of the year. The Baptist Church of Pana, Christian
 
 Baptist Association. 55 
 
 county, constituted July 21, 1858, with eleven members, 
 was received as a member of the Association. 
 
 The Executive Committee made the following report : 
 
 That we have employed Rev. A. B. Harris as our Mis- 
 sionary within the bounds of this Association during the 
 past year. He has traveled 4,087 miles ; made 832 family 
 visits ; preached 140 sermons ; delivered 72 public 
 addresses ; held and attended 65 prayer and conference 
 meetings ; 50 have been converted ; 25 baptized ; 35 
 united with our churches, and sold 300 volumes. 
 
 AMOUNT OP MONEY RECEIVED. 
 
 From Diamond Grove Church $100 00 
 
 From Lebanon Church 30 00 
 
 From Berlin Church 76 50 
 
 Collected on the field 3 .30 
 
 From W. W. Watson, Treasurer 62 90 
 
 From Springfield Church 10 00 
 
 From Centerville Church 11 50 
 
 From General Association 91 00 
 
 Total $385 20 
 
 On Friday evening reports were submitted, and 
 addresses made on the subject of Sunday Schools. The 
 reports showed that there were five hundred and twenty- 
 five scholars, and sixty-four teachers connected with the 
 several schools in the Association, and twenty-one hun- 
 dred volumes in the libraries. It was — 
 
 "Resolved, That the churches of this Association be 
 requested to send by their messengers to the next session, 
 a full report of the condition of their respective Sunday 
 Schools ; and that the evening of the first day of the 
 Association be set apart for conference, touching the best 
 means to be employed for the advancement of the Sunday 
 School enterprise."
 
 56 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 1859 
 
 The Association met September 2d, 1859, with the 
 Church in Stonington. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Rev. N. W. Miner, from Job xix, 25, after 
 which Eev. B. Thomas, of Decatur, was chosen Modera- 
 tor, and E. L. Gross, of Springfield, Clerk. 
 
 The aggregate membership reported, was ten hundred 
 and seventy-five. There were fifty-seven additions to the 
 churches by baptism, the Church at Decatur sharing most 
 largely in the outpouring of the Spirit during the year, 
 thirty-three having been added to that church on pro- 
 fession. The Baptist Church in Friendship, Macon 
 county, constituted March 23, 1859, with twelve members, 
 and the Baptist Church in Beardstown, Cass county, con- 
 stituted June 9th, 1859, with twelve members, were 
 received as members of the Association. 
 
 EVENING SESSION. 
 
 According to a resolution of last session, the evening 
 was devoted to the subject of Sunday Schools. Interest- 
 ing reports were received from most of the churches, 
 giving some account of the peculiar characteristics and 
 excellencies of each school. An hour and a half was 
 devoted to addresses upon the topic. Among the speak- 
 ers were G. S. Bailey, B. Thomas, W. C. Pratt, and J. 
 B. Olcott. 
 
 The reports showed an aggregate of seventy-nine teach- 
 ers ; six hundred and ten scholars, and twenty -four hun- 
 dred and forty volumes in the school libraries connected 
 with the several churches. 
 
 Piev. G. S. Bailey, from the Committee on Benevolent 
 Operations, recommended that each church fix some 
 specific time in the year for taking collections to sustain 
 the various benevolent societies of the denomination, all 
 of which they commend to the cordial support of the 
 churches. 
 
 It was moved and carried, that a Historian be appointed 
 to collect material for a History of this Association ; that 
 he prepare such a History, and submit the same to this
 
 Baptist Association. 57 
 
 body at its next session. That he introduce the History 
 with some account of the causes which led to the forma- 
 tion of this Association, making his sketch as complete 
 and accurate as possible. Eev. W. S. Goodno was 
 appointed Historian. 
 
 Kev. A. B. Harris, as Missionary of the Association, 
 made a report of his labors during the year, moneys 
 received, and from whom. He gave a graphic sketch of 
 the situation of the churches in the western part of the 
 territory where he spent most of his time : 
 
 Traveled during the year in discharge of duty, 4,497 
 miles ; made 810 family visits ; preached 75 sermons ; 
 delivered 40 public addresses ; attended 20 prayer meet- 
 ings ; number of conversions reported, 4 ; baptized and 
 witnessed baptism of 7. 
 
 Amount of salary $400 00 
 
 Received from Centerville Chiirch, cash $135 00 
 
 " Princeton Church cash and pledges. . , 30 00 
 
 " Diamond Grove Church, cash 20 00 
 
 " Berlin Church, cash and pledges 64 00 
 
 " Jacksonville Church, cash and pledges. 25 00 
 
 . 274 00 
 
 Balance $126 00 
 
 —5
 
 58 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 I860 
 
 THE Association met with the Berlin Baptist Church, 
 August 29th, 1860. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Rev. W. S. Goodno, from Matthew xiii, 38 : 
 "The field is the World." Eev. B. Thomas was chosen 
 Moderator. 
 
 The total membership reported, was twelve hundred 
 and forty ; baptisms, one hundred and seven. The North 
 Baptist Church of Springfield, constituted May 29th, 1860, 
 was received as a member of the Association. 
 
 The Committee on reception of new churches, recom- 
 mended that the Sangamon Bottom Church be received 
 again into this Association, it having recently effected 
 a new organization. 
 
 The time for holding the Annual Meeting of the Asso- 
 ciation, was changed to the Friday preceding the first 
 Sunday in September. 
 
 Piev. W. S. Goodno, who was appointed at the last ses- 
 sion to prepare a History of this Association, reported 
 that he had done nothing toward such History, and asked 
 to be excused from further duty as Historian. 
 
 On motion, M. Brayman was appointed to write the 
 History of the Association, as by resolution adopted last 
 session. 
 
 The Committee on Eesolutions reported as follows : 
 
 ''Resolved, That all the religious societies sustained by 
 our denomination, are benevolent in their tendencies and 
 object, and calculated, by the blessing of God, to relieve
 
 Baptist Association. 59 
 
 and elevate our common humanity, and advance the inter- 
 ests of the Redeemer's Kingdom."- 
 
 ''Resolved, That Sabbath Schools, and Missionary organi- 
 zations, with the Bible Society, are entitled to the most 
 cordial support from all the churches within our bounds." 
 
 Eev. Ichabod Clark, M. Brayman, and W. W. Watson, 
 were appointed a Committee on Domestic Missions. 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL WOEK. 
 
 The evening session of Thursday was devoted to the 
 interests of Sunday Schools, 
 After an interesting discussion, it was — 
 
 "Resolved, That Superintendents connected with the 
 several churches in the Association, be requested to fur- 
 nish this body, at its next regular session, with a full and 
 complete report of the Sunday Schools under their charge, 
 including the whole number of scholars ; the whole num- 
 ber of teachers ; the whole number of books in library ; 
 how many and what papers and periodicals taken, and 
 the number of conversions, if any, that have occurred 
 among the members of Sunday School or Bible Classes 
 during the year." 
 
 The Clerk of the Association was instructed to send a 
 copy of this resolution to each Sunday School in the 
 Association.
 
 60 
 
 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 The following Table gives the statistics for the year : 
 
 Chueches. 
 
 MiNISTEES AND 
 
 Delegates. 
 
 Increase. 
 
 Loss 
 
 • 
 
 cd 
 
 M 
 
 w 
 
 « 
 
 w 
 
 b 
 
 eO 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 
 X 
 
 
 5' 
 
 (Tt- 
 
 CD 
 
 w 
 
 o 
 
 B 
 
 en' 
 
 o 
 »— ■ 
 
 P- 
 
 cc 
 
 
 
 CB 
 
 CD 
 
 
 p- 
 
 
 & 
 
 CD 
 
 p. 
 
 
 Springfield 
 
 Beelin 
 
 Jacksonville.. . . 
 
 Diamond Geove. 
 
 Centekville 
 
 Sangamon Bot- 
 tom 
 
 Richland .... 
 
 Beaedstown 
 Decatur 
 
 N. W. MiNEE, M. Brayman, 
 Josiah Francis, J. C. 
 Hall, H. L. Field 
 
 R. R. Coon. T. Foiitch. M. 
 Mowrey, J. Rhea. J. 
 Fouch, L. G. Montague. 
 
 W. S. GooDNO, R, Hock- 
 ing, J. W. Goltra. F. M. 
 Coard 
 
 David Lewis, S. W. 
 Holmes 
 
 A. B. Hareis, p. Cowdin, 
 O. Foster 
 
 63 
 
 David Lewis, J. C. Hart.. 
 
 N. J. CoPFEY, J. "W. Beek- 
 man, T. Carter, Wm, 
 Carter 
 
 David Lewis. 
 
 Tatloeville 
 
 Mt. Pleasant . . . 
 
 Stonington 
 
 Feiendship 
 
 North Baptist, 
 Springfield... 
 
 Pana 
 
 Speingfield 
 Geeman 
 
 Cleae Creek . 
 
 Waveelt 
 
 B. Thomas. D. Morgan. D. 
 L.Allen 
 
 No report. 
 No letter.. 
 
 B. 
 
 C. T. Chapman, M, 
 Webster 
 
 J. Z. Zimmerman, J. R 
 Bower 
 
 12 
 
 20 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 2 
 3 
 6 
 
 4 
 4 
 
 ICHABOD CLAEK, F. W, 
 
 Ingmiee, W. W. Watson, 
 J. G. Stewart 
 
 No report. 
 
 No letter. 
 
 Letter 
 
 No letter. 
 Total. 
 
 4.... 
 
 107 
 
 66 
 
 81 
 3 
 5 
 
 101 
 
 o 
 
 B 
 
 CD 
 1-1 
 
 400 
 
 129 
 
 82 
 30 
 30 
 26 
 
 60 
 16 
 
 128 
 31 
 39 
 
 100 
 28 
 
 80 
 11 
 
 36 
 
 24 
 
 81240
 
 Baptist Association. 61 
 
 1861 
 
 The Association met with the Eichland Baptist Church, 
 August 30th, 1861. The introductory sermon was preached 
 by Rev. Ichabod Clark, Pastor of the North Baptist 
 Church in Springfield. Piev. S. G. Mixer, of Decatur, 
 was chosen Moderator. 
 
 A new church having been formed at Alrginia, Cass 
 county, where a former one had become extinct, upon 
 request of the new organization presented by Eev. Geo. 
 P. Guild, it was received as a member of the Association. 
 
 A letter from the Lebanon Church at Loami, which 
 had not been represented for several years, was read, and 
 on motion, the church was restored to full standing in the 
 Association. 
 
 The membership of the Association this year, was 
 twelve hundred and sixteen ; baptisms, eighty-seven, of 
 which eighty-one were into the fellowship of the Berlin 
 Church, and six into the fellowship of the Virginia Church. 
 
 The following was offered by Rev. R. R. Coon, which 
 was adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That according to the Proclamation of the 
 President of the United States, we recommend the last 
 Thursday m September, as a day of fasting, humiliation 
 and prayer ; and that the Pastors of churches in theii- 
 respective charges urge it upon their people, in view of 
 the calamities of civil war, to spend the day in earnest 
 and humble supplication to Almighty God to avert the 
 impending ruin which seems to threaten our beloved 
 country." 
 
 As illustrating the spirit of the denomination in rela- 
 tion to the civil war then just begun, the following Circu- 
 lar Letter, written by Rev. Ichabod Clark, and printed in 
 the minutes, will speak for itself : 
 
 CIRCULAR LETTER. 
 
 "Beloved Brethren: — Permit us, in oiir annual epistle, to invite 
 your attention to some of the ftigiift of the jwesent times, and the 
 appropriate duties of Christians in xiQW of them. For the want of 
 such attention, the Savior reproved the men of his time, saying unto
 
 62 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 them, 'Ye can discern the face of the sky, and can ye not discern the 
 signs of the times.' 
 
 Each period of life, and every phase of society, has its peculiar trials 
 and duties shadowed forth by the signs of the times. These indica- 
 tions should be carefully considered by all who desire to glorify God, 
 bless the world, and secure the salvation of their own souls. The his- 
 tory of the past shows that great good has been lost, and fearful evil 
 incurred by a heedless disregard of providential indications. Thus, 
 Jerusalem lost her day, and the things which belonged to her peace 
 were forever hidden from her eyes. As Christian patriots, we have 
 fallen upon times, the foreshadowings of which should, by no means, 
 be dif?regarded. As a nation, we are isolated from the old world, and 
 therefore not exposed to be greatly affected by its political commo- 
 tions. We have so long enjoyed peace in our borders, with freedom to 
 worship God without fear, that we have come to regard our moun- 
 tains as standing so strong that we should never be moved — that cloud- 
 less splendor would attend our onward course, until we reached the 
 undimmed glories of millenial day. But how is the gold changed, and 
 the most fine gold become dim! At this /tow we stand face to face 
 vitli grim-visaged war — a war of life oi' death to our most valued insti- 
 tutions and most cherished h^pes. To passing events none can be 
 indifferent ; but of the signs of these many may be regardless. We do 
 not pretend to divine all that these signs indicate. This, we think, 
 no human wisdom can determine. Whether we are to come out of 
 this furnace politicallj* purified, and religiously elevated, jirepared to 
 move on in a brighter career of national glory and more interesting 
 course of religious triumph ; or, as a punishment of our great national 
 sins, to sink in deeper gloom, is known to God. We may, however, 
 be permitted to say that the history of the past appears to us like a 
 prediction of the future. 
 
 Here in this wilderness. God planted His church as a choice vine. 
 He also watered it, and caused it to grow, until its fragrance has 
 begun to perfume and purify the contamiuated atmosphere that has 
 long rested on heathen lands. May we not, then, hope that the vine, 
 thus planted and nurtured, will still be protected — wiU stUl be blessed 
 and made a blessing"? 
 
 But we desire to call your attention, particularly, to the duties of 
 Christians at the present time. A moment's reflection will show that 
 there are things against which they need to be especially guarded : 
 
 First — An absorption of thouglat, interest and affection, in passing 
 scenes. Important as they are admitted to be, there are other inter- 
 ests vastly more momentous. All governments, save one, will soon 
 have passed away ; and all worldly events are chiefly interesting and 
 important, in their relation to that everlasting government 
 
 Second — There is danger of forgetting our entire dependence on 
 the great Ruler who is over aU — who can, and will, order all things 
 according to his own pleasure. As a result of such forgetfulness. 
 prayer — humble, earnest prayer, may be neglected, and the needed 
 blessing lost. 
 
 Third — There is also danger of cherishing an improper spirit 
 towards those whom we regard as the authors of all our present
 
 Baptist Association. 63 
 
 national troubles. Contemplating the vast expense of money, time 
 and life, caused by this painful struggle to pei-petuate our excellent 
 government, and noble institutions, and the barbarity of our domes- 
 tic foes, even Christians may indulge such feelings as the Savior can- 
 not approve, and such as are inconsistent with the personal enjoyment 
 of religion. 
 
 These hints in regard to dangers, naturally suggest the path that 
 should be followed by Christians. That everg Christian should be a 
 lirm patriot, standing manfully by his country^ s cause, is too obvious 
 to need the support of argument. He should be more — he should be 
 emphatically a praying patriot, keeping his heart with all diligence. 
 The hope of our country requires it. The welfare of his own soul 
 demands it. The prosperity of the church, and the salvation of souls 
 are connected with it. More than all, the glory of God, and the honor 
 of religion, are concerned. Let us then remember that God will be 
 sought unto by his people, to do for them the good he has purposed 
 and promised. While war is exerting its distracting and demoralizing 
 influence throughout our country, let our constant prayer be, 'Oh for 
 a closer walk with God.' Let us not forget that Christ has not relin- 
 quished his claims — that immortal souls have not ceased to be of 
 inconceivable worth — that, out of Christ, danger is still imminent and 
 fearful — that the voice is yet sounding in every ear, 'Prepare to meet 
 thy God.' " 
 
 1862 
 
 The Association met with the Waverly Baptist Church, 
 September 5th, 1862. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Eev. W. F. Nelson, of Jacksonville, from 
 Rev. xix, 12, 13, 14, after which Eev, W. F. Nelson was 
 chosen Moderator, and S. W. Holmes, Clerk. 
 
 The letters from the churches reported a total member- 
 ship of twelve hundred and fifty-three, and thirty bap- 
 tisms during the year. 
 
 Upon the reading of the letter from Centerville Church, 
 announcing the death of Eev. A. B. Harris, the Associa- 
 tion suspended business, and united in prayer with Eev. 
 N. W. Miner, of Springfield. 
 
 The Baptist Church at Shelbyville, was, on its applica- 
 tion, received as a member of the Association. •
 
 64 Spkingfield, Illinois, 
 
 M. Brayman, who had been appointed in 18G0, to write 
 the History of the Association, having in 1861, enhsted in 
 the service of his country as an officer in the army, was 
 discharged from this service, and Eev. Ichabod Clark, 
 Noah Divelbiss, and Josiah Francis, were appointed a 
 Committee to collect the historical records of the Associa- 
 tion, and from them compile a history of the same, and 
 report to the next annual meeting. 
 
 In view of the present state of our country, and our 
 entire dependence upon God, the following resolution was 
 adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That cherishing undiminished interest in the 
 present struggles of our country with her enemies, we will 
 not cease to pray that the God of nations would grant 
 wisdom to our rulers and success to our arms, that tliis 
 wicked rebellion may be brought to a speedy issue, and 
 the authority of the government established." 
 
 The letters from several of the churches speak of num- 
 bers of their members having responded to the call of 
 their country, and enrolled themselves among the armies 
 for the national defence. Among these was Eev. S. G. 
 Miner, Pastor of the Decatur Church, who went forth to 
 serve as a Chaplain in the army. 
 
 The North Church in Springfield, reported the comple- 
 tion of its new house of worship, free from debt, under 
 the efficient labors of Rev. Ichabod Clark, Pastor. 
 
 Piev, N. W. Miner, and Eev. Ichabod Clark, were 
 appointed a Committee to revise the Constitution and 
 By-Laws of the Association, and report to the next annual 
 meeting. 
 
 1863 
 
 The Association met with the North Baptist Church in 
 Springfield, Friday, September 4th, 1863. The intro- 
 ductory sermon was preached by Eev. Perry Bennett, of
 
 Baptist Association. 65 
 
 Berlin, from Eoms. xv, 13, after which Eev. N. W. Miner 
 was chosen Moderator; Eev. F. M. ElHs, Clerk, and W. 
 W. Watson, Treasurer. 
 
 This Anniversary, being the first year of the second 
 quarter century of the Association's existence, marks one 
 of the most interesting periods through which it has 
 passed. It was held at a time when the great civil war 
 waged, on the one side for the destruction, and on the 
 other for the defence of the union of the States, and the 
 existence of the Nation, was at its height. Every energy 
 of the loyal people was put forth to preserve and perpetuate 
 the free institutions handed down to us by the fathers of 
 the Eepublic. 
 
 The churches reporting this year, numbered a member- 
 ship of eighteen hundred and thirty, with one hundred 
 and thirty-seven additions by baptism during the year. 
 
 Eev. Nathaniel Colver, D.D., of Chicago, Gen. Mason 
 Brayman, Eev. F. M. Ellis, and Eev. Geo. P. Guild, the 
 Committee on the State of the Country, submitted through 
 their chairman, the following series of resolutions : 
 
 "The Committee on the State of the Country, consider- 
 ing it the duty of religious as well as political bodies, to 
 give expression to the sentiments of their members on 
 public affairs, report for consideration as follows : 
 
 "Besolved. That the rebellion now existing is a crime 
 against God and good government, and destructive of 
 human liberty and civilization ; and that it is the duty of 
 all christian men to aid in its suppression. 
 
 ''Resolved, That while we earnestly pray for the restora- 
 tion of peace, and a speedy termination of a conflict which 
 has brought unutterable calamities upon the'country, we 
 ask for no cessation of war involving the destruction of 
 the national life, or the surrender of the great principle of 
 human liberty which wicked men in arms would destroy. 
 
 "Resolved, That the rebellion was begun and is carried 
 on to secure the indefinite expansion and perpetual recog- 
 nition of slavery. That slavery is sought to be made the 
 corner stone of a new government in defiance of the spirit
 
 66 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 of civilization and christian progress which characterize 
 the age. That the institution is now made an element of 
 strength against us, and that therefore, not only the 
 instinct of national preservation, but the teachings of 
 God's Providence indicate that the time has come for its 
 utter extinction. 
 
 "Resolved, That as christian citizens we solemnly record 
 our gratitude to Almighty God for the victories which have 
 crowned our arms, giving promise of an early restoration 
 of peace and a preserved Union ; and that "to the integ- 
 rity, patience and enlightene'd patriotism of Abrahaih 
 Lincoln, the Nation is, under divine guidance, indebted 
 for the national preservation. 
 
 "Resolved, That an expression of gratitude is equally 
 due for the patriotism, courage and noble fortitude dis- 
 played by our brethren in the field, who, in the midst of 
 hardships, toils, wounds and death, have so nobly vindi- 
 cated the cause of constitutional liberty. 
 
 "Resolved, That as a religious body and as religious 
 men, laboring and praying for the salvation of men, it is 
 our duty to give our influence and support to all measures 
 proper for securing success on the side of humanity, 
 liberty and good government ; and that we should seek an 
 end of this unrighteous and barbarous rebellion by remov- 
 ing, as fast as possible, the guilty cause of it. 
 
 "Resolved, That we implore christian men everywhere, 
 to remember that it is 'God alone who giveth us the vic- 
 tory,' and that no efforts ought to be made, or can succeed 
 without his blessing." 
 
 _ Interesting remarks were made upon the above resolu- 
 tions by Chaplains S. G. Miner and J. H. Hazen, and on 
 motion of Eev. A. C. Hubbard, of Springfield, they were 
 unanimously adopted— first by the Association, and then 
 by the congregation. 
 
 The Committee appointed at the last session to revise 
 the Constitution and By-Laws, made their report through 
 Eev. A. C. Hubbard, which was received. The Articles 
 of the Constitution were taken up one by one, and adopted.
 
 Baptist Association. 67 
 
 The By-Laws were also adopted, after which both Con- 
 stitution and By-Laws were adopted as a whole : 
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE SPRINGFIELD BAPTIST 
 
 ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Article I. — This Association shall be called the "Springfield Bap- 
 tist Association, " and shall be composed of messengers, who shall be 
 members of, and appointed by the churches which they represent. 
 
 Article II. — Every church composed of a less number than 
 twenty, shall be entitled to two messengers, and an additional messen- 
 ger for every twenty menibers. 
 
 Article III. — This Association shall meet annually on the last 
 Friday preceding the first Sabbath in September, at 10 o'clock A. M., 
 at the place previously appointed, and commence its session with pub- 
 lic worship. 
 
 Article IV. — A Moderator and Clerk .shall be chosen by ballot at 
 each session of the Association, who shall continue in office until 
 others are elected to supply their place. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the Moderator to preside and lead in all the 
 transactions of the meeting, and to see that due order and decorum 
 are observed by all the members. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the Clerk to make a fair and impartial record 
 of all the doings of the meeting during their session, and to furnish a 
 correct copy of the same for publication. 
 
 Article V.— A Treasurer shall also be chosen every year, whose 
 duty it shall be to receive and safely keep all moneys belonging to this 
 body, and pay them out only as directed by this body, unless speci- 
 fied" by the donor, and transmit to his successor in office, the books, 
 together with the moneys that may remain in his hands at the expira- 
 tion of his tei-m of office. 
 
 Article VI. — The churches represented, shall send with their mes- 
 sengers, letters, giving an account of their progress during the past 
 year; tlieir additions, diminution, and whole number; what they are 
 doing for the cause of Christ at home and abroad, and in short, what- 
 ever relates to their prosperity and peace as churches of Jesus Christ. 
 Each church is expected to forward money for the printing of the 
 minutes, etc. 
 
 Article VII. — Any church wishing to unite with this Association, 
 applying by letter and delegates, may be received by giving satisfac- 
 toryinformation that they are sound in doctrine and correct in prac- 
 tice, on which reception the Moderator shall give to one of their 
 delegates the right hand of fellowship, on behalf of the body. 
 
 Article VIII. — When a church shall neglect to make any com- 
 munication with the Association for three years in succession, thej 
 may be dropped from the minutes, unless their continuance is 
 requested by at least two members, who shall engage to inquire into 
 their condition, and report at the next meeting of the Association.
 
 68 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 Article IX.- — The Association can exercise no authority or juris- 
 diction over the churches, each one of which is an independent body ; 
 nevertheless, the Association shall have power to refuse any church a 
 Beat in this body that shall prove unworthy of its fellowship. 
 
 Article X. — The Association shall have power to hold corres- 
 pondence with other Associations as may be deemed expedient. 
 
 Article XI. — This Constitution may be amended at any regular 
 meeting by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, provided 
 notice shall have been given of the proposed amendments at a previ- 
 ous meeting. 
 
 BY-LAWS. 
 
 1 . Every meeting of the Association shall be opened and closed 
 with prayer. 
 
 2. No question shall be discussed till it is regularly moved and 
 seconded. 
 
 3. No member oJ the Association shall speak on any question more 
 than twice, nor over ten minutes without special leave of the 
 Moderator. 
 
 4. Every member speaking, shall address himself to the Modera- 
 tor; shall avoid all improper personalities, and shall confine himself 
 to the subject before the Association. 
 
 5. While a member is speaking all unnecessary noise and whisper- 
 ing shall be avoided. 
 
 6. Ministers and others invited to take a seat with us, may take 
 part in discussing all questions, but vote on none. 
 
 7. No member shall leave the Association without leave of the 
 Moderator. 
 
 8. It shall be the duty of the Moderator to appoint all Committees 
 unless it be otherwise determined at the time. 
 
 9. A motion to adjourn shall always be in order, but it shall be put 
 without debate. 
 
 10. These rules shall be read at the opening of every sesfsion of the 
 Association. 
 
 Of the bi'ethren present at this meetmg, were the vener- 
 able pastor Jacob Bower, one of the earliest Missionaries 
 in Illinois ; Eev. Nathaniel Colver, D.D., of Chicago ; both 
 of whom have since gone to their reward on high ; Eev. 
 N. W. Miner, D.D., now of Trenton, New Jersev; Eev. 
 F. M. Elhs, D.D., Pastor of Tremont Temple Baptist 
 Church. Boston, Massachusetts ; Eev. A. C. Hubbard, of 
 Danbury, Connecticut ; Eev. Melvin Jameson, Missionary 
 of the A. B. M. Union, at Bassein, Burmah, and General 
 Mason Brayman, of the U. S. Army.
 
 Baptist Association. 69 
 
 1864 
 
 The Association met this year with the Decatur Church, 
 on the 2d of September, 18(34. The introductory sermon 
 was preached by Eev. A. C. Hubbard, from Micah iv, 2, 
 after which Rev. N. W. Miner was chosen Moderator, and 
 Eev. F. M. Ellis, Clerk. 
 
 There were twenty-two churches represented, with a 
 membership of ten hundred and eighty-seven,_ there hav- 
 ing been an increase of thirty-seven by baptism during 
 the year. 
 
 The Baptist Church at Mowequa was received as a 
 member of the Association. 
 
 •The following resolutions were adopted : 
 
 ''Resolved, That the command of our Lord, 'Go ye into 
 all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,' 
 calls for renewed and earnest effort on the pai-t of the 
 churches in this Association, and the success which has 
 already attended the enterprise of foreign missions affords 
 encouragement for this work. 
 
 ''Resolved, That we are under renewed obligations to 
 the Great Head of the Church, for the special tokens of 
 Divine favor seen in the success attending the Missionary 
 Union, as a great auxiliary in sending abroad the gospel 
 among the nations of the earth, and that we recommend 
 to the churches of this Association, the observance of one 
 evening in each month as a Missionary Concert for Foreign 
 Missions." 
 
 The resolutions on the state of the country in 1863, 
 • were re-adopted this year, as the great contest for freedom 
 and union was still waging. 
 
 The session was devoted, as usual, to the ordinary busi- 
 ness of the Association, the only noticeable further action 
 taken, was the adoption of the following relating to Sun- 
 day School work, and organization : 
 
 "Dear Brethren: — Your Committee appointed at the 
 meeting at Springfield, to 'make a report at this session 
 in regard to a permanent organization of the Sabbath
 
 70 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 School enterprise in connection with this body,' beg leave 
 to submit the following suggestions, viz : 
 
 1. That the Sabbath School exercises be embraced as 
 a part of the business of the Association, and not held 
 separately. 
 
 2. That the Moderator appoint a Committee at each 
 Anniversary of the Association, who shall arrange for the 
 Sabbath School Exercises, at the following Anniversary, 
 and that this Committee be a regular Standing Committee 
 of this Association. 
 
 3. The Committee recommend that the report of the 
 above Committee embrace at least the following provisions : 
 
 I. — A Sabbath School Address, and the speaker. 
 
 II. — Hearing of reports in full of the several schools 
 within the bounds of the Association, embracing full 
 statistics of members, books, average attendance, benevo- 
 lence, mode of conducting school, results, etc., preceded 
 by addresses or Sabbath School exercises, as provided 
 for by the Committee. 
 
 III. — Also, that a provision be made for one evening for 
 Sabbath School exercises, during the meeting of the 
 Association. 
 
 IV. — And in addition, that the report of the Committee 
 provide for a meeting during the sessions of the Associa- 
 tion, for resolutions and general conference, and discus- 
 sion upon the Sabbath School work. 
 
 The Committee further suggest, that the third Article 
 of the Constitution be so amended that the meeting of the 
 Association be on Thursday, to give time for these exer- 
 cises. Finally, we recommend that the minutes of these 
 exercises be incorporated in the minutes as a part of the 
 proceedings of the Association, rather than have the 
 Anniversary of the Association preceded by a Sabbath 
 School Convention. 
 
 F. M. Ellis, / ^ -4+ " 
 A. C. Hubbard, [ C'^"^^'^^^^^^-
 
 Baptist Association. 71 
 
 1865 
 
 The Association met with the Berlin Baptist Church, 
 September 1st, 1864. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Eev. Alba Gross, from 1st Tim. iii, 13, 14, 
 after which Eev. N. W. Miner was chosen Moderator, 
 and Eev. Fred. G. Thearle, Clerk. 
 
 Total membership of the churches was fourteen hun- 
 dred and twenty-two, of which eighty-seven were added 
 by baptism. 
 
 The Beardstown Church having failed to report for 
 three years, was dropped from the minutes of the 
 Association. 
 
 Eev. S. A. Kingsbury addressed the Association on 
 "The dangers to be avoided in connection with the work 
 of Sabbath Schools." 
 
 Brief reports from the several Sabbath Schools were 
 then submitted, after which the following topics were 
 discussed : 
 
 1. "What shall be the character of our Sabbath School 
 literature ?" 
 
 2. "What should be the immediate results aimed at by 
 Sabbath School teaching, and how most surely attained ?" 
 
 The following resolution was offered, and Eev. G. J. 
 Johnson presented the claims of the Publication Society : 
 
 "Resolved, That in view of the great need that exists for 
 the wider dissemination of our denominational literature, 
 and the services of missionary colportage in our country ; 
 of the special wants of people of the South, both whites 
 and freedmen, and for the multiplication and strengthen- 
 ing of Baptist Sunday Schools in all our land, and in view 
 of the pressing demands for enlargement of our operations 
 in Sweden, we will more liberally sustain our American 
 Baptist Publication Society, and make at least annual 
 contributions for this cause in our churches." 
 
 The w^ar waged for four years, having at last been 
 brought to a close, in the overthrow of slavery, and the 
 preservation of our National Union.
 
 72 Speixgfield, Illinois, 
 
 The Committee on the State of the Country, submitted 
 the following resolutions, which were adopted : 
 
 "That whilst with gratitude to the Great Euler of Nations 
 we record the fact that the war wdth the so-called Con- 
 federate States has closed, yet we cannot consider the 
 rebellion at an end.- The conflict of arms is over, but not 
 the conflict of feeling and of ideas. Passion reigns where 
 force has been subdued. It is still necessary for those 
 who love Christ and believe in his gospel of humanity, to 
 continue their attention to the state of the country ; this 
 Association does, therefore, 
 
 "Resolve, That for the continuance of peace, and for 
 the ultimate salvation of the Union, it is needful that the 
 freedmen become freemen, and that every possible effort 
 be made to educate and fit them for their new position. 
 
 "Resolved, That it is the duty of every Christian to do 
 all in his power to send to the freedmen and whites, mis- 
 sionaries, teachers, colporteurs and books. 
 
 "Resolved, That upon the Baptist denomination especi- 
 ally is there a loud call to engage in this work ; and that 
 the Baptist Home Mission Society, and the Baptist Pub- 
 lication Society, are the only proper organizations through 
 which our churches should act in this direction. 
 
 "Resolved, That loyalty to the Union, and the support 
 of all proper measures for sustaining and perpetuating it, 
 are clearly demanded by the religion we profess." 
 
 1866 
 
 The Association met with the Church in Jacksonville, 
 August 31st, 1866. The introductory sermon was preached 
 by Rev. R. E. Pattison, D.D., from Collossians i, 27: 
 "Christ in you the hope of Glory." Rev. Alba Gross 
 w-as chosen Moderator; L. R. Brown, Clerk, and John W. 
 Goltra, Treasurer.
 
 Baptist Association. 73 
 
 The total membership of the churches was, this year, 
 sixteen hundred and twenty-seven, of which number two 
 hundred and sixty-eight were baptized into their fellow- 
 ship, as the fruits of a gracious revival. 
 
 The Baptist Church at New Berlin, and the Baptist 
 Church at Chatham, were received as members of the 
 Association. 
 
 Kev. G. S. Bailey presented the claims of the General 
 Association, after which a collection was taken for its 
 treasury, amounting to $64.75. 
 
 Eev. C. F. Tolman addressed the Association in behalf 
 of Foreign Missions, and a collection was taken for that 
 object, amounting to i?59.15. 
 
 Eev. Geo. P. Guild delivered an address in behalf of 
 the Publication Society, and took a collection, amounting 
 to $41.85. 
 
 The Committee on Sunday Schools reported as follows, 
 and after remarks by several brethren, the report was 
 accepted and the resolutions adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, We have heard with great satisfaction the 
 favorable reports respecting Sabbath Schools connected 
 with the churches of this Association ; therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That we recommend to all our churches 
 more earnest efforts put forth to increase the interest, 
 enlarge the influence, and make even more effective the 
 Sunday Schools in this Association. 
 
 ''Resolved, That we recommend the purchase of the 
 publications and approved books of the American Baptist 
 Publication Society, for Sunday School purposes. 
 
 "Resolved, That we further recommend the setting 
 apart of thirty minutes, to be occupied in discussing ques- 
 tions relating to the Sunday School." 
 
 The following resolutions, offered by Bro. M. Brayman, 
 were adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That the preservation of the History of the 
 Baptist Denomination in America, is regarded as indis- 
 pensable to our security and success, and a proper means 
 —6
 
 74 Spkingfield, Illinois, 
 
 of commemorating the goodness of God in blessing the 
 labors of His people. 
 
 ''Resolved, That we recognize the American Baptist 
 Historical Society, located 530 Arch Street, Philadelphia, 
 of which Dr. Howard Malcom is President, as a most 
 efficient laborer in this work, and recommend to all 
 organizations and members of our churches, to forward 
 to that Society all books, pamphlets and written docu- 
 ments calculated to illustrate our Church History, encour- 
 age denominational unity, and promote the progress of 
 truth and enlightened piety among us." 
 
 The Berlin Church reported the completion of a new 
 and commodious house of worship, in February last. 
 
 The Jacksonville Church, Eev. S. A. Kingsbury, Pastor, 
 reports this year a good degree of spiritual life, and well 
 sustained meetings. They report the church as free from 
 debt, the first time in ten years. 
 
 Springfield First, and North Churches, report large 
 accessions, and rich spiritual blessings during the year. 
 
 Waverly Church dedicatod a new house of worship on 
 the 17th of June, which they were assisted to erect with a 
 loan of $800 from the American Baptist Home Mission 
 Society. 
 
 1867 
 
 The Association met with the Loami Church, formerly 
 known as the Lebanon Church, August 30th, 1867. The 
 introductory sermon was preached byPtev. F. G. Thearle, 
 of Decatur, after which Piev. F. G. Theakle was chosen 
 Moderator ; P. J. Wardner, Clerk, and John 0. Rames, 
 
 Rev. E.'S. Walker, W. S. Frink, and John W. Goltra, 
 were appointed a Committee on Resolutions. 
 
 The letters from the churches reported a membership 
 of fifteen hundred and eighty-seven, ninety-eight having 
 been baptized during the year.
 
 Baptist Association. 75 
 
 The Forsythe Baptist Church was received as a mem- 
 ber of the Association. 
 
 Eev. J. H. Griffith, Agent of the Central Baptist Educa- 
 tion Society; C. K. Blackall, Agent of the American 
 Baptist PubHcation Society; Eev. S. M. Osgood, Agent 
 of the Missionary Union, and Eev. G. S. Bailey, of the 
 Illinois Baptist General Association, were present, to rep- 
 resent the several Societies. 
 
 Collections were taken up during the session for these 
 several objects, amounting to over ^200. 
 
 The Church at Pana, dedicated a new house of worship 
 in February, which is a credit to the denommation and to 
 that thriving city, 
 
 Eevivals were enjoyed in several of the churches. 
 
 The Committee on Eesolutions reported the following, 
 which were adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That in obedience to the great commission 
 of our Lord Jesus to preach the gospel to every creature, 
 w;e recognize it as the duty of the churches of this Asso- 
 ciation, to give to the Baptist General Association of 
 Blinois, their cordial and increased support, both in con- 
 tributions and prayers. 
 
 "Resolved, That whilst we labor and pray for the 
 upbuilding of Zion's walls in our own State, we at the 
 same time acknowledge it to be our duty to help in giving 
 the gospefto the whole world. The American Baptist 
 Home Mission Society, and the American Baptist Mis- 
 sionary Union— twin sisters in the glorious work, are 
 entitled to our enlarged contributions and most fervent 
 prayers. 
 
 "Resolved, That the work of the Central Baptist Educa- 
 tional Society, in searching out and aiding indigent, 
 worthy young men, who are cahed of God to preach the 
 gospel, is deserving of our sympathies, prayers and sup- 
 port, and we heartily commend the Society and its work 
 to our churches. 
 
 _ "Resolved, That we hereby express a hearty apprecia- 
 tion of our own Sunday School Society, the American 
 Baptist PubHcation Society— the record of which, during
 
 76 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 the past year, shows a gratifying progress in contributions 
 received, and practical work done in the direction of Mis- 
 sionary Colportage and Sunday School improvement and 
 extension. 
 
 "Resolved, That the Christian Times and Witness, our 
 denominational organ for the Northwest, has, during its 
 brief history, been largely promotive of our denomina- 
 tional growth and prosperity, and as a faithful exponent 
 of Baptist doctrine, and a true Christian faith, we com- 
 mend it as worthy of introduction into every Baptist 
 family." 
 
 The Committee on Sunday Schools made the following 
 report, to-wit : 
 
 "That we feel as if the Sabbath School interests of the 
 denomination need to be strengthened by more combined 
 efforts. 
 
 That there is a crying demand coming up from the 
 central portion of this, our noble State, for such a combi- 
 nation, which can only be met by a thorough and well 
 organized Baptist Sunday School Convention. 
 
 That we recommend to this body, as the surest and best 
 way to attain this end, the appointment of three delegates 
 to the General Association, whose business it shall be to 
 work for such a convention in Central Illinois. 
 
 Further, that the delegates to surrounding associations, 
 be instructed to request the appointment of three dele- 
 gates from each body, to confer with ours in this matter." 
 
 The following resolution was adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That having heard with sorrow and regret 
 of the resignation of Bro. G. S. Bailey, D.D., of the 
 Superintendency of Domestic Missions, we desire, in view 
 of the closing of this relation, to express, as an Asso- 
 ciation, our high sense of the faithful and efficient manner 
 in which, for the past three years, Bro. Bailey has dis- 
 charged the laborious and responsible duties of that office, 
 which, under God, have been so greatly blessed in further- 
 ing the interests of our denomination in this State."
 
 Baptist Association. 77 
 
 1868 
 
 The Association met with the Eichland Church, Sep- 
 tember 4th, 1868. The introductory sermon was preached 
 byliev. N. G. Collins, from 2d Cor. iv, 5, after which Eev. 
 Alba Gross was chosen Moderator ; P. J. Wardner, Clerk, 
 and L. S. Harvey, Treasurer. 
 
 The total membership of the churches represented this 
 year in the Association, was nineteen hundred and forty- 
 nine ; the total number of baptisms was three hundred 
 and four, a larger number than during any former year 
 of its history. 
 
 The venerable Father Jacob Bower, who, for thirty-six 
 years had preached the gospel within the bounds of the 
 Association, was present, and preached with much vigor, 
 from Psalm 126th, 6th verse. The promise was fulfilled 
 in his day. He saw it, and was glad. The precious seed 
 which he helped to sow in this mission field in 1832, was 
 now matured with the sheaves of a glorious harvest. 
 
 The Mount Zion Church, with a membership of forty- . 
 six, was received as a member of the Association. 
 
 Strong resolutions, setting forth the importance of Sun- 
 day School work, were adopted, showing a good degree of 
 interest in that branch of Christian service. 
 
 The following resolutions were also adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, There are several feeble churches within 
 our borders, unable to sustain Pastors, and large sections 
 of the country unoccupied by us as a denomination, 
 including several flourishing towns and villages ; therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That it is the duty of the Springfield Baptist 
 Association, to appoint and sustain a Colporteur Mis- 
 sionary, in connection with the American Baptist Publi- 
 cation Society, to labor within our bounds. 
 
 ''Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed by 
 this body, whose duty it shall be to select a proper man 
 for the field, determine the particular field for him to 
 occupy, and decide on the best means of raising his salary 
 and carrying out the intention of this Association."
 
 78 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 On invitation of the Pachland Church, the Ministers 
 and Messengers composing the Association, met on Satur- 
 day afternoon as a Council, to consider the propriety of 
 ordaining Bro. Benjamin Goldsby to the work of the 
 gospel ministry. He was, after due examination as to his 
 Christian experience, call to the ministry, and views of 
 Christian doctrine, ordained with appropriate services, on 
 Sunday afternoon. The ordination sermon was preached 
 by Kev. N. W. Miner, of Springfield. 
 
 Several of the churches enjoyed gracious manifestations 
 of the Spirit's presence, during the past year. 
 
 Never since the organization of the Association, have 
 the churches been so fully supplied with pastoral labor. 
 
 Springfield, Pana, Berlin, and Kichland Churches, were 
 among those sharing most richly in the spiritual harvest. 
 
 The following from the summary of letters, is note- 
 worthy : 
 
 "Springfield First. — We desire to express our gratitude 
 to God for His preserving care, and hope you will be 
 greatly blessed in your meeting. Last fall our service 
 was suspended so as to repair our house of worship, which 
 was thoroughly done, and also wholly re-furnished, at an 
 expense of about $2,400. We commenced a series of 
 meetings by holding a week of fasting and prayer, begin- 
 ning with the new year. At the close of January, Rev. 
 L. Raymond came to aid our Pastor, and tlie ^vork of 
 saving souls by preaching Jesus to carnal hearts, was 
 blessed by the Great Head of the Church in the salvation 
 of over seventy persons." 
 
 "Pana. — We have been made to rejoice in the purifying 
 streams of salvation which have made glad the city of 
 our God. Nearly one hundred have troubled the waters 
 of the baptismal font, and many more caused to weep 
 with joy for grace so freely given. We are thaidd'ul for a 
 prosperous, peaceful, and spiritual condition. Our house 
 is crowded, and especially is it so at night. Our congre- 
 gations are attentive, and often deeply affected. Prayer 
 meetings and Sunday School are well attended. Rev. H. 
 H. Northrup is our Pastor. "
 
 Baptist Association. 79 
 
 1869 
 
 The Association met with the Baptist Church in Stoning- 
 ton, September 3d, 1869. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Eev. Alba Gross, from 1st Cor. ii, 5. P. J. 
 Wardner, was chosen Clerk, and Deacon George Wood, 
 Treasurer. 
 
 The Good Hope Baptist Church, in Christian county, 
 constituted February 15th, 1868, and recognized by a 
 Council, June, 1868, was received as a member of the 
 Association. 
 
 The total membership of the churches this year, was 
 nineteen hundred and nineteen ; baptisms reported, fifty- 
 one ; ordained Ministers and Pastors present, twelve, 
 besides the representatives of missionary organizations. 
 
 The Chatham Church dedicated its new house of wor- 
 ship, February 14th, 1869. 
 
 The following resolution, introduced by Eev. F. G. 
 Thearle, was adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, The most prominent duty of this body is to supply the 
 preached word to the destitute towns and villages within its bounds ; 
 therefore, 
 
 '■^Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to devise and submit a 
 plan for Missionary labor, and report after the reading of the church 
 letters. " 
 
 The letters from the several churches were then read, 
 and on presenting the one from the North Springfield 
 Church, containing an item with reference to the death 
 of Piev. Dr. Ichabod Clark, the Moderator asked for a 
 suspension of business, and Rev. Dr. Eead offered prayer 
 appropriate to the occasion. 
 
 The Committee on Associational Missionary Work, 
 made the following report : 
 
 -"1st. The appointment of an Executive Committee of five, whose 
 duty it shall be to confer with the feeble churches of the Association, 
 and aid them in securing and sustaining the stated preaching of the 
 gospel ; also to secure such preaching at important points where no 
 church is now organized.
 
 80 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 "2d. That, so far as practicable, the Committee avaU themselves of 
 the services of Pastors of adjacent churches; and that they also 
 endeavor to secure the appointment, by the General Association, of 
 such Missionaries as may be necessary to supply other destitute fields, 
 on condition that the means for the support of such Missionaries be 
 raised by the churches of this' Association. 
 
 "3d. That the churches make earnest effort to raise the requisite 
 funds for the above object, and that the Committee be requested to 
 apportion such amovmts, as equitably as may be, among the several 
 churches, and that the churches pledge their best efforts to raise the 
 amounts. " 
 
 The Committee on Eesolutions made the following 
 report, which was adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, The work of Ministerial and Christian Education is one 
 radical in its nature, and of vital and pressing importance to our 
 churches and our country ; therefore, 
 
 "Hesolved, That we recommend to our churches, and brethren, that 
 they give freely of their funds to build and endow denominational 
 institutions at Chicago, and Alton, and that as far as possible, they 
 educate their children in these institutions. 
 
 "Mesolved, That we earnestly recommend to all our churches the 
 observance of the last Thursday in February, as a day of fasting and 
 prayer for Colleges and Seminaries of learning. 
 
 ^'Resolved, That in obedience to the great commission of our Lord 
 Jesus to preach the gospel to every creature, we recognize it as the 
 duty of the churches of this Association, to give to the Baptist General 
 Association of Illinois, their cordial and increased support, both in 
 contributions and prayers. 
 
 "Resolced, That whilst we labor and pray for the upbuilding of 
 Zion's walls in our own State, we at the same time acknowledge it to 
 be our duty to help in giving the gospel to the whole world. The 
 American Baptist Home Mission Society, and the American Baptist 
 Missionary Union — twin sisters in the glorious work — are entitled to 
 our enlarged contributions, and most fervent prayers. 
 
 '■'■Resolved., That the Standard, our denominational paper in the 
 Northwest, is a faithful exponent of Baptist principles, calculated to 
 jjromote our denominational strength, and should receive the liberal 
 support of Baptists. We also recommend to our brethren the Bap- 
 tist Quarterly, and Macedonian and Record, the organs of our 
 Missionary Societies, as worthy of our attention, and necessary to our 
 intelligent and effectual acUon in extending the Redeemer's Kingdom. 
 
 "Resolved, That we regard the American Baptist Publication 
 Society upholding and disseminating, through its tracts, books, and 
 other publications, the truth which as a denomination we support, and 
 denouncing the unscriptural character of the errors which we oppose,
 
 Baptist Association. 81 
 
 as an agency invaluable to us in our efforts to uphold the piire gospel, 
 and doing that for us which no other Society does, or wUl do, it is 
 entitled to our prayers, our sympathies, and pecuniary aid. " 
 
 Rev, Dr. Read, President of Shurtleff College, then 
 presented the claims of Ministerial Education, and 
 took contrihutions and life memberships, amounting to 
 $281.40. 
 
 The Committee on Sabbath Schools made the following 
 report, which, after considerable discussion, was adopted : 
 
 "1st. That the Sabbath School, as a nursery of the Christian 
 Church, is, in its elements and principles, based on the word of God. 
 Both in the Old Testament and in the New, the obligation is abund- 
 antly inculcated and enjoined, to teach our children the truths of 
 inspiration, and the principles of our holy religion should be taught, 
 line upon line, in the family circle. 
 
 "2d. That the Sabbath School should not be allowed to supercede 
 the Christian ministry, neither should any other institution or service 
 in the Church of Christ. It should rather be regarded as an outgrowth 
 of a well developed and well regulated Church, and encouraged and 
 sustained in its legitimate functions, as both in harmony with all the 
 essential institutions of the Church, and highly conducive to her best 
 interests. We, therefore, recommend the following resolution : 
 
 '■'■Resolved, That it is the duty of all our churches, as far as possible, 
 to organize and sustain Baptist Sabbath Schools, in which the whole 
 Church, with its Pastor, should put forth their efforts in harmony 
 with the Superintendent and Teachers, to inculcate lessons of divine 
 wisdom in the minds of our youth, and lead them to the Saviour. "
 
 82 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 1870 
 
 THE Association met with the Baptist Church at 
 Pana, Friday, September 2d, 1870. The introductory 
 sermon was preached by Rev. Edward Jones, of Taylor- 
 ville, from 2d Cor. ii, 16. Eev. S. F. Holt, of Decatur, 
 was chosen Moderator; Rev. D. F. Carnahan, Clerk, and 
 Deacon George Wood, Treasurer. 
 
 The Baptist Church at Assumption, Christian county, 
 constituted February 27th, 1870, and recognized by a 
 Council, August 27th, 1870, was received as a member of 
 the Association. 
 
 There were one hundred and fifty-five baptisms reported 
 this year, and the total membership of the churches of 
 the Association was nineteen hundred and ninety-five. 
 
 The evening was given to the subject of Sunday Schools. 
 The following topics were discussed, the discussion being 
 opened by the foUowmg brethren : 
 
 I. Scripture Authority for Sunday Schools — Rev. S. 
 Washington. 
 
 II. The Primary Object of Sunday Schools — Rev. E. 
 Jones. 
 
 III. Sunday School Literature — Rev. G. J. Johnson. 
 
 IV. Duties of Members of the Church to Sunday 
 Schools — Rev. James M. Stiffler. 
 
 V. Preparation of Teachers for their work — Bro. Geo. 
 W. Ingalls.
 
 Baptist Association. 83 
 
 VI. How Children can be detained for Church ser- 
 vices — Kev. W. H. Stedman. 
 
 The Church at Mowequa, having completed its house 
 of worship, at a cost of $5,500, dedicated it, free from 
 debt, on the 17th of April, 1870. 
 
 1871 
 
 The Association met with the Berlin Baptist Church, 
 Friday, September 1st, 1871. After devotional services, 
 conducted by Rev. S. Washington, the introductory sermon 
 was preached by Rev. D. D. Holmes, from the 3d verse of 
 Jude. Rev. S. Washington was chosen Moderator ; Rev. 
 D. F. Carnahan, Clerk, and Deacon George Wood, 
 Treasurer. 
 
 The letters from the churches reported an aggregate 
 membership of twenty-one hundred and thirty-three, and 
 one hundred and fifty-three additions by baptism. 
 
 Special thanksgiving was made for the blessings enjoyed 
 by the churches the past year, and special supplication 
 for blessings the coming year. 
 
 The following brethren were received as Representatives 
 of the various benevolent objects named : 
 
 Rev. W. H. Stiffler, American Baptist Publication 
 Society. 
 
 Rev.' C. F. Tolman, American Baptist Missionary Union. 
 
 Rev. I. N. Hobart, American Baptist Horne Mission 
 Society, and Illinois Baptist General Association. 
 
 Rev.' J. Bulldey, D.D., Shurtleff College. 
 
 The Providence Baptist Church, in Sangamon county, 
 constituted April 9th, 1870, with ten members, was 
 received as a member of the Association. 
 
 The various objects of Christian benevolence, were pre- 
 sented';' and contributions taken in their behalf.
 
 84 
 
 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 The Committee on Conference, with the Committee 
 from the Sunday School Convention, reported, recom- 
 mending that hereafter, Saturday afternoon and evening, 
 be devoted to the consideration of the Sunday School 
 work, and that a Children's Meeting be held Lord's Day 
 afternoon. 
 
 The Committee on Eesolutions reported, as follows : 
 
 "Resolved, That we commend to the confidence and sup- 
 port of the churches — 
 
 "1st. The American Baptist Missionary Union, for the 
 promulgation of Christianity in foreign lands. 
 
 "2d. The American Baptist Home Mission Society, 
 arid the General Association of Illinois, in their co-opera- 
 tive work for the Evangelization of our own State and 
 Country." Adopted. 
 
 _ After the lapse of thirty-five years since the organiza- 
 tion of the Association, of the twenty-four churches which 
 constitute its membership, only six have had preaching 
 regularly every Sabbath during the past year. Six have 
 had services twice, and others only once a month. With 
 most of the churches these years have been years of 
 struggle for a larger growth, and a better life, and still 
 there is much to be attained in perfecting them into the 
 fullness of the divine pattern. In several of them the 
 gracious influences of the Holy Spirit were enjoyed the 
 past year, and revivals encouraged the hearts of the 
 faithful. 
 
 ASSOCIATION MINISTERIAL LIST, 1871. 
 
 Bower, Jacob, Decatur. 
 Bennett, Perry, Springfield. 
 Brown, E. M., Forsythe. 
 Carnahan, D. F., Springfield. 
 Coon, R. R., Pana. 
 Davenport, M., Jacksonville. 
 Gross, Alba. Chatham. 
 Holt, S. F., Decatur. 
 Hoi-MES, D. D., Jacksonville. 
 INGMIRE, F. W., Springfield. 
 Kennedy, J. C, Berlin, 
 
 Klein, Peter, Springfield. 
 Kino, David, New Berlin. 
 Kitzmiller, M. v., Girard. 
 Pease, Geo. A., Stonington. 
 Pierce, Nehemiah, Springfield. 
 Pray, Paris, Taylorville. 
 Stephens, Geo. W., Loami. 
 Stifpler, Wm. H., Paua. 
 Washington, S., Jacksonville. 
 Walker, Edwin S., Springfield.
 
 Tv^"^ 
 
 Baptist Association. 85 
 
 1872 
 
 The Springfield Baptist Association commenced its 
 Thirty-fifth Annual Session with the Taylorville Baptist 
 Church, August 30th, 1872, at 10 o'clock a. m. 
 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Eev. J. C. 
 Kennedy, from Isaiah xhx, 8; after which Eev, S. Wash- 
 ington 'was chosen Moderator ; Eev. F. W. Ingmire, 
 Clerk, and Deacon George Wood, Treasurer. The First 
 Bethel Baptist Church was received as a member of the 
 Association. The past year was characterized by no 
 special manifestation of vigor or growth in any of the 
 churches, the total number of members reported being 
 eigtheen hundred and fifty-nine, and the baptisms, forty- 
 one. The Diamond Grove Church reported the erection 
 of a new house of w^orship, at a cost of |2,000, and the 
 ShelbyviUe Church, the completion of its church edifice 
 and parsonage, at a cost of over $10,000. The latter 
 church, however, was left with an embarrassing debt to 
 relieve itself of, which it asked assistance. The reports 
 from Sunday Schools this year, showed a growing interest 
 in that important branch in Christian instruction. Here- 
 tofore but partial statistics have been given, butthe tables 
 show nine hundred and thirty-two scholar and eighty-nine 
 teachers, as the aggregate number connected with the 
 schools of the Association. 
 
 The Committee on Eesolutions reported, recommend- 
 ing to the Churches and Pastors — the plan of making a 
 contribution each year to Home and Foreign Missions, 
 the Bible and Publication Society and Ministerial Educa- 
 tion, and that a committee be appointed in each church 
 to aid in securing funds, each of the objects named to 
 have accorded to it one quarter of the year — the collec- 
 tions to be made in the following order : First Quarter — 
 Foreign Missions. Second Quarter— Baptist Publication 
 Society. Third Quarter— Ministerial Education. Fourth 
 Quarter — ^Home Missions. 
 
 "Eesolved, That we are in deep sympathy with the ShelbyviUe Bap- 
 tist Church in it- effort-! to pay off the indebtedness now pressing so 
 heavily upon it, and that we commend to oixr churches the Pastor, Rev. 
 J H. Phillips, who is duly appointed to solicit funds for the church." 
 
 The Eeport and Eesolution were unanimously adopted.
 
 86 Spkingfield, Illinois, 
 
 1873 
 
 The Association met September 5th, 1873, with the 
 Mowequa Baptist Church. The introductory sermon 
 was preached by Rev. S. Washington, from Psahns Ixxii, 
 15, after which Rev. S. Washington was chosen Mode- 
 rator; Rev. F, W. Ingmire, Clerk, and Deacon George 
 Wood, Treasurer. There were nineteen hundred and fifty- 
 three members reported by the churches, and one hundred 
 and thirty-nine additions by baptism the past year. 
 
 The committee on a Missionary Committee for the 
 Association reported, and report accepted : 
 
 "Whereas, There are a number of feeble churches in this Associ- 
 ation without pastors, and also other places of interest, which ought 
 to be occupied by us ; therefore, 
 
 "We recommend the appointment of a Missionary Committee, 
 consisting of three, whose duty it shall be to look after the feeble 
 churches and seek to have new fields occupied, and if possible, to 
 obtain a missionary to labor in the bounds of this Association. " 
 
 The folloAving from the letters from the churches are 
 the only matters of special note : 
 
 "Springfield, First. — Regrets that it can not report more favor- 
 ably, but records with devout gratitude the mercies of God. Speaks 
 of more unity of feeling, and increased desire for the prosperity of 
 the church. The church mourns, for the first time in its history, the 
 loss of a beloved pastor by death. Rev. Nehemiah Pierce, who died 
 in March last. 
 
 "Springfield, North. — During the last nine months the church 
 has been acceptably supplied with preaching by Rev. Perry Bennett, 
 whose death occurred on the night of September 5, 1878, while the 
 Association was in session. 
 
 "Jacksonville. — The year has been crowned with the goodness 
 and mercy of God. Rev. S. Washington labors in word and doctrine, 
 and the labors of pastor and people have been blessed by a number 
 being added to the church, principally young persons from the Sab- 
 bath School."
 
 Baptist Association. 87 
 
 1874 
 
 The Springfield Baptist Association began its Thirty- 
 Seventh Annual Session with the Waverly Church, Sep- 
 tember 4th, 1874, at 10 o'clock a. m. The introductory 
 sermon was preached by Eev. M. H. Worrall, from Isaiah 
 lii, 1 ; after which Eev. S. Washington was chosen Mode- 
 rator; Eev. F. W. Ingmire, Clerk, and Grover Ayers, 
 Treasurer. 
 
 The letters from the churches show a good degree of 
 progress this year, several of them having enjoyed gra- 
 cious revivals, resulting in the addition of one hundred 
 and seventy-four members by baptism, making a total 
 membership of nineteen hundred and ninety-four : 
 
 "The Centerville Church in Morgan county, disbanded May 9th, 1874. 
 On April 11th the church voted to give Walker Thorndike a quit-claim 
 deed to the meeting-house and the ground, except four rods square 
 now occupied by graves. In consideration for the same, said Walker 
 Thorndike agrees to keep said four rods perpetually fenced with a 
 good and substantial fence ; the friends of those buried there to oc- 
 cupy the grounds as long as desired. Voted, also, to deposit the rec- 
 ords with the Jacksonville Church, with which most of the members 
 united. 
 
 "Decatxir — Reports steady progress and much encouragement. 
 The Sabbath School is well regulated and prosperous, and the prayer 
 meetings interesting and largely attended. The church building is 
 too small, and the church has purchased a more eligible lot, and ob- 
 tained plans and specifications for a new house of worship. 
 
 "Friendship — Rejoices in the continued care of the great head of 
 the church, is making progress in the erection of a meeting-house 
 thirty-two by forty-six feet. It is the stated purpose of the church 
 to complete and dedicate this fall. It mourns the loss of that vener- 
 able Father in Israel, Rev. Jacob Bower, who departed this life April 
 26, 1874, aged eighty-seven years."
 
 88 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 The Committee on Eesolutions reported the following, 
 which was adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, Co-operation between the General Associa- 
 tion, and the American Baptist Home Mission Society, 
 will cease October 1st, and thenceforward all of the 
 responsibility of cultivating the fields in the State and 
 paying the small allowance of the Missionaries, will fall 
 upon the General Association — 
 
 "Resolved, That we recommend to oiu' churches an 
 earnest endeavor during the coming year, to increase the 
 amount of then contributions to the treasury of the Gen- 
 eral Association. 
 
 "Resolved, That we have heard, with satisfaction, of the 
 organization of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, 
 in co-operation with the Missionary Union, and rejoice in 
 the increasing interest thereby created in the Foreigii 
 Mission work, and we urge the organization of a Woman's 
 Missionary Circle in each one of our churches. 
 
 "Resolved, That we express our hearifelt gratitiide to 
 Almighty God for the evident guidance of His spirit in 
 the Woman's Temperance Movement in our country, and 
 while praying for its success, we believe it is time for 
 every member of every church, to teach and practice 
 Temperance in the family, in the Sunday School, in the 
 church, and in society everywhere. 
 
 "Resolved, That we heartily approve of the effort of the 
 Baptist Educational Commission of the United States, to 
 make the occasion of the National Centennial, the oppor- 
 tunity for an organized effort on the part of the Baptist 
 denomination to raise a fund which shall be honorable to 
 our great denominational strength, and which shall estab- 
 lish the higher schools of our denomhiation in the United 
 States upon a sure and firm basis. We bid them God 
 speed in their work, and urge upon the churches the duty 
 ot contributing largely to this grand enterprise."
 
 Baptist Association. 89 
 
 1875 - 
 
 The Association met with the Mount Zion Church Sep- 
 tember 3d, 1875. The introductory sermon was preached 
 by Eev. C. W. Clark, from Dent, xxx, 11-13, after which 
 Eev. C. W. Clark was chosen Moderator, and Eev. F. W. 
 'Ingmire, Clerk. The letters from the churches show 
 steady progress and growth, one hundred and seventy-six 
 members ha^dng been received by baptism during the 
 year. The membership reported was the same as the 
 previous year, viz. : nineteen hundi'ed and nmety-four. 
 The foUowing, relating to several of the churches, is of 
 special interest : 
 
 "Taylorville. — Reports herself sorry to say the Church has made 
 little progress. Have now the pastoral labors of D. W. Morgan, and 
 endeavoring to build a house in which to worship God, at an approxi- 
 mate cost of §7,000, a good portion of which has been pledged. 
 
 "Waverly. — Reports a year of God's goodness to the church. A 
 series of meetings were held, and a large number were added to the 
 church. The church feels the importance of occupying higher ground, 
 that their views of christian work and mission of Christ's church may 
 be enlarged, in order to be abreast of the times. The church school 
 is now more prosperous than formerly. 
 
 "Providence. — This church has consolidated with the Waveriy 
 church. 
 
 " Shelby viLLE. — Speaks of general prosperity and gaining strength ; 
 was ovem-helmed at tiie beginning of the year with a 'neavy debt, but 
 found 'in union there was strength,' and the brethren went to work, 
 made personal sacrifices, and thereby the church is practically free 
 and clear of debt. Speaks highly of Pastor Seward, and also of the 
 officers and members of the church school. 
 
 "Oreana. — The Friendship Church has changed its name, and built 
 a house of worship at a cost of $3,100, at Oreana, on the Champaign, 
 Monticello & Decatur R. R. , eight miles from the latter point, and 
 invites the Association to hold its next session with their church. 
 Rev. R. R. Coon preaches for the church one-half the time. Sustains 
 church school, and looks and hopes for continued prosperity. The 
 church needs strengthening, in gifts and graces. " 
 
 The Committee on Eesolutions presented the follo^\ing : 
 
 "Whereas, The Centenary of this gi-eat nation occurs 
 before our next anniversary; and whereas, our denom- 
 ination has been blessed with unexampled prosperity 
 
 —7
 
 90 SPKmGFiELD, Illinois, 
 
 during this centennial period, moving along gloriously in 
 harmony with those great principles of freedom on which 
 the Eepublic is based ; therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That all our people, both churches and indi- 
 viduals, be earnestly requested to bring j^t'incely gifts, and 
 lay them on the altar of God, for the purpose of remov- 
 ing all those obligations and liabilities which retard the 
 progress of our institutions of learning, and place those 
 institutions in conditions favorable to their greatest effi- 
 ciency and usefulness." Adopted. 
 
 1876 
 
 The Association met with the Oreana Baptist Church 
 on the first day of September, 1876. The introductory 
 sermon was preached by Eev. C. W. Clark, from Psalm 
 118, 25, after which Eev. C. W. Clark was chosen Mode- 
 rator, and Eev. F. W Ingmire, Clerk. 
 
 On motion, time was granted to Bro. G. J. Johnson for 
 an address on the Centennial Work of the Denomination. 
 
 The Committee on Eesolutions reported : 
 
 "Whereas, The labors of the General Agents, Eev. G. 
 J. Johnson, D.D., and Eev. T. W. Goodspeed, are being 
 efficiently and successfully performed ; 
 
 "Resolved, That Shurtleff College, in aU its depart- 
 ments ; the Baptist Union Theological Seminary, at Chi- 
 cago, and Almira Female College, at Greenville, are 
 pre-eminently worthy of our unwavering confidence and 
 continued support. 
 
 "Resolved, That the wonderful ministerial destitution 
 in our State, the large number of feeble churches, the
 
 Baptist Association. 91 
 
 smallness of the number of young men entering the gos- 
 pel ministry, imperatively demand that we heed the 
 Savior's injunction to pray the Lord of the Harvest to 
 'send more laborers into the harvest,' and that we pledge 
 our ministerial students our support, our cordial sympa- 
 thies, and our earnest prayers." 
 
 There was a good degree of spiritual life in several of 
 the churches this year, the aggregate of baptisms being 
 one hundred and thnty-five ; the total membership of the 
 churches was seventeen hundred and sixty-two. 
 
 The following items show the progress of the churches 
 named : 
 
 "Springfield, North. — Has enjoyed some measure of refreshing 
 and success. The Baptismal Waters have been visited, and backslid- 
 ers have been reclaimed. Sister Elma Hay, one of the bright and 
 shining lights of the church has deceased, and the church feels the 
 loss of one of its most consistent and useful members. The church 
 school has been prosperous, and the prayer meeting well sastained. 
 Speaks approvingly of the faithful labors of Pastor C. W. Clark. 
 
 "Stontngton. — Reports itself as now destitute of a pastor, and 
 sustaining the benevolent enterprises of the denomination. Have 
 built a parsonage costing $1,000 during the year. 
 
 "Taylorville. — Speak of having a varied experience in connec- 
 tion with building a new house of worship, which is not wholly com- 
 pleted. Rev. D. W. Morgan was pastor during the past year, under 
 whose labors new converts were added. But owing to circumstances 
 which usually arise in connection with building and locating new 
 houses of worship, he has thought it to be his duty to resign. School 
 is prosperous. 
 
 "Decatur. — The great decrease in the membership was caused by 
 the removal of the Rolling Mill to Kansas City. Has finished and 
 furnished a Chapel commenced April, 1875, and dedicated April 23, 
 1876, costing about $12,000; Bro. G. J. Johnson preaching the sermon. 
 Out of debt, sustains good Church Schools, and Pastor W. G. Inman 
 labors in harmony and peace. "
 
 92 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 1877 
 
 The Fortieth Annual Meetmg of the Association was 
 held with the Shelbyville Baptist Church, commencing 
 August 31, 1877. The introductory sermon was preached 
 by Eev. Alba Gross, from John ii, 25-26. Eev. C. W. 
 Clark was chosen Moderator, and Eev. G. W. Inman, 
 Clerk. The Calvary Baptist Church of Mattoon was re- 
 ceived as a member of the Association. Total number of 
 baptisms for the year, one hundred and six. The mem- 
 bership of the Association was two thousand and forty- 
 four. Liberal contributions were made durmg the session 
 as follows: For Home Missions, $100; for Shurtleff 
 College, $260. 
 
 The Committee on Eesolutions presented the followmg, 
 which were adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That the American Baptist Missionary 
 Union, the American Baptist Publication Society, the 
 work of Home Missions, — as carried on by the Ameri- 
 can Baptist Home Mission Society,— and the Baptist 
 General Association of the State, and the cause of Min- 
 isterial Education, merit our cordial sympathy, and 
 earnest, hberal support. 
 
 "Resolved, That we recommend to the churches of this 
 Association, the adoption of a system of benevolence, by 
 which, in each three months, they shall contribute to 
 some one of the above objects. 
 
 "Resolved, That the work of Christian women in the 
 cause of Home Missions among the freed people of the 
 South, the Indians, Chinese and other nationalities, is of 
 vital importance, and that we therefore cordially approve 
 the organization of the Women's Baptist Home Mission 
 Society, as pecuharly adapted to this work, and commend 
 it to the sympathy and co-operation of the churches." 
 
 The Committee on History of the Springfield Baptist 
 Association, made the following report : 
 
 Your Committee to whom was referred the subject of the History 
 of the Springfield Baptist Association, k eg leave to report that the
 
 Baptist Association. 93 
 
 committee appointed last year to write the history of this Association, 
 failed to do so. We therefore recommend that Rev. C. W. Clark and 
 Josiah Francis be appointed a Committee to secure a complete file of 
 the minutes of this body from its constitution, and any other facts 
 relating to the history of this Association, and to preserve the same, 
 to be collected into a history, at as early a day as practicable. 
 
 J. H. Phillips, Chairman. 
 
 1878 
 
 The Association met with the Church in Jacksonville, 
 August 30, 1878. The introductory sermon was preached 
 by Eev. Simeon Hussey, of Paua, from Hebrews iv, 15- 
 16; after which Rev. C. W. Claek was chosen Mode- 
 rator; Eev. G. W. Inman, Clerk, and J. 0. Eames, 
 Treasurer, The Zion colored. Baptist Church, and the 
 Second Bethel, Baptist Church, were received as mem- 
 bers of the Association. There were one hundred and 
 seventeen baptisms reported by the different churches of 
 the Association, and the total memberships was twenty- 
 two hundred and twenty. 
 
 The Committee on Resolutions presented the following, 
 which was adopted : 
 
 ''Resolved, That we sympathize with the work of the 
 Woman's Baptist Missionary Society of the West, and 
 recommend the formation of Woman's Missions for this 
 Association. 
 
 "Resolved, That the American Baptist Publication So- 
 ciety, both in the importance of its relation to our 
 denominational integrity and the grand results of its 
 missionary work for the past fifty-six years, demands of 
 us increased contributions, and more earnest efforts to 
 enlarge the circulation of its publications. 
 
 ''Resolved, That in view of the urgent need of funds 
 to meet the requirements of our State Mission work, 
 under control of the General Association, we recommend
 
 94 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 that each church take a collection for this cause, which 
 especially commends itself to the churches of our State. 
 
 "Resolved, That we rejoice in the prosperity which 
 has attended the work of the American Baptist Home 
 Mission Society in the West and among our Foreign 
 population, Freedmen and Chinese, and gratefully re- 
 membering the generous aid extended by the Society to 
 this region for forty years, we recommend it to the 
 prayers and liberality of our churches, urging that each 
 pastor preach a sermon, and each chmxh make a contri- 
 bution, annually, for its support." 
 
 Eev._ J. H. Phillips read the report of the Executive 
 Committee, and after discussion the report was adopted. 
 
 "Your Committee respectfully report that in accordance 
 with instructions given at the last session of Springfield 
 Association, we engaged Eev. W. J. Chapin as mission- 
 ary to labor in the north-western part of the Association. 
 For the nine months of service to September 7th, our 
 missionary reports : Sermons preached, 107 ; Temperance 
 Lectures, 8; Pastoral Visits, 250; Prayer and other 
 religious meetings held, 34 ; miles travelled, 525 ; amount 
 received on Salary from churches not on the field of 
 labor, $33.81. 
 
 "Brother Chapin has labored under great disadvantage 
 arising from rain, bad roads, and the slowness of the 
 churches to respond to the call for salary ; and yet the 
 attendance on religious services has been good. 
 
 "The Church at Chatham has been greatly blessed in 
 the payment of $225.89 of its debt of $290.89, and the 
 repairing of the house of worship at a cost of $257.82, all 
 of which has been paid except $30.18. 
 
 "We have great occasion to thank God for the success 
 attending our brother, and the churches under his care, 
 and believe we should continue our aid to him and his field. 
 
 John H. Phillips, Secretary."
 
 Baptist Association. 95 
 
 1879 
 
 The Springfield Baptist Association convened with the 
 Central Baptist Church in Springfield, September 5th, 
 1879, at 10 o'clock, a. m. In the absence of the former 
 Moderator, Kev. J. H. Phillips, of Shelbyville, called the 
 meeting to order, and Eev. E. S. Walker, of Springfield, 
 was chosen temporary Chairman, and Rev, J. H. Phillips, 
 Clerk, jJ'To tern. The introductory sermon was preached 
 by Rev. J. H. Philhps, from Rom. xiv, 5, 6. 
 
 The letters from the churches report a total member- 
 ship of twenty-two hundred and eighty, of which number, 
 ninety. eight were added by baptism during the year. 
 
 The letter of the Central Baptist Church of Springfield, 
 was then read, giving a full history of the consolidation of 
 the First, and the North Baptist Churches, and welcom- 
 ing the delegates and visitors to the hospitality of the 
 city during the sessions of the body. 
 
 Following the reading of this letter, Rev. J. H. Phillips 
 offered the following resolutions, which were adopted : 
 
 ''Resolved, That this Association, with pleasure, recog- 
 nize the Central Baptist Church of Springfield, as the 
 embodiment and acknowledged successor of the First 
 Baptist Church, and the North Baptist Church of said city. 
 
 ''Resolved, That this Association congratulates the Bap- 
 tists of Springfield, upon the occasion of a movement, 
 which, by the unifying and consolidation of denomi- 
 national strength in this city, gives promise of renewed 
 vigor and increased power to upbuild the Redeemer's 
 Kingdom." 
 
 At the afternoon session. Rev. Alba Gross asked per- 
 mission to read a letter purporting to be from the North 
 Baptist Church of Springfield. The Moderator decided 
 the request could not be granted, inasmuch as it appeared 
 of record that the North Baptist Church, and the First 
 Baptist Church of Springfield, had been consolidated 
 under the name of the Central Baptist Church, and hence 
 the North Baptist Church was no longer known to the 
 Association.
 
 96 SpeIngfield, Illinois, 
 
 Kev. Mr. Gross appealed from the decision of the Mod- 
 erator, and pending this appeal, a motion was made and 
 carried, to reconsider the resolutions previously passed 
 relating to the consolidation of the First and North Bap- 
 tist Churches, 
 
 After a brief debate the whole matter was laid upon the 
 table until after the permanent organization of the Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 Rev. J. H. Phillips was chosen Moderator; Eev. M. 
 T. Lamb, Clerk, and J. 0. Rames, Treasurer. 
 
 The resolutions previously laid upon the table, were 
 then, upon motion, taken up, and the question pending, 
 being a reference to a Special Committee, was, after dis- 
 cussion, lost by a rising vote. 
 
 On motion of Eev. E. S. Walker, the resolutions were 
 then taken up, one by one, and the first and second 
 adopted without opposition. The third was amended by 
 striking out the word "discountenances," and then adopted, 
 after a somewhat lengthy debate, participated in by 
 Bros. Young, Paine, Gross, Walker, Lamb, Hobart, and 
 others. 
 
 evening session. 
 
 The Executive Committee reported, through their Sec- 
 retary, as follows : 
 
 "Your Committee respectfully report their work, and 
 the work of your Missionary, for the year ending 
 September 7th, 1879. Soon after the meeting of the 
 Association, at Jacksonville, September, 1878, your Com- 
 mittee met in Springfield, Hon. John Foutch in the chair. 
 After due consideration, Rev. W. J. Chapin was appointed 
 Missionary at Chatham, at a salary of $200 per year, and 
 Rev. T. S. Dodge was appointed Missionary, for ten 
 months, at Mattoon, at a salary of $400 per year. Rev. 
 W. J. Chapin reports sermons preached, sixty-eight; 
 visits made, one hundred and eighty-four; prayer and 
 other religious meetings held, sixty ; money received on 
 salary, from the field and otherwise, $76. A new Sunday 
 School has been organized; the church services well
 
 Baptist Association. 97 
 
 attended, and improvement has marked the progress of 
 the cause on his field of labor. No report of the labors of 
 Eev. T. S. Dodge, at Mattoon, has been received." 
 
 Eev. W. J. Chapin was continued in service as Mis- 
 sionary of the Association for the ensuing year, preaching 
 at Chatham one-half the time. 
 
 The Committee on Eesolutions presented the following : 
 
 "Resolved, That in view of the urgent need of funds to 
 meet the requirements of our State Mission work, under 
 the control of the General Association, we recommend 
 that each church take up a collection for this cause, which 
 especially commends itself to the churches of our State." 
 
 The following from the letter of the Central Church, 
 Springfield, speaks for itself : 
 
 "Preliminary steps looking to the union of the First and 
 North Baptist Churches, were been taken April last ; and 
 after full and mature consultation and consideration, by 
 both churches, and with substantial unanimity, the pro- 
 posed union was perfected, and all necessary legal meas- 
 ures preliminary to the new organization carried out on 
 the 13th day of June last, thus constituting the Central 
 Baptist Church of Springfield. Extend a hearty welcome 
 to the Association, under circumstances that promise 
 more vigorous life, more successful work and more blessed 
 results than have hitherto marked our history." 
 
 1880 
 
 The Springfield Baptist Association convened in its 
 forty-third session with the Baptist Church in Old Stoning- 
 ton. Christian county, on Friday, September 3d, at ten 
 o'clock, A. M. After One-half hour of pleasant devotional 
 exercises, the opening sermon was preached by Eev. W. 
 H. Batson, of Decatur. Text — Acts 17,6: "These that
 
 98 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 have turned the world upside down have come hither 
 also." Eev. C. W. Clark was chosen Moderator; Kev. 
 M. T. Lamb, Clerk, and J. 0. Rames, Treasurer. 
 
 The letters from the churches were read, showing an 
 aggregate membership of two thousand and eighty-eight, 
 of which number, sixty were received by baptism during 
 the year. Of the twenty-two churches which now consti- 
 tute the Association, nineteen reported by letter and mes- 
 sengers, and of these sixteen were supplied with Pastors. 
 Eiglit churches had preaching every Sabbath ; seven were 
 supplied twice a month, and one once a month. With 
 the growth and development of the country, and our 
 general denominational progress, the old idea of preach- 
 ing "once a month" has happily passed away. Through 
 all these forty-three years of upward striving, it is not 
 difficult to mark the progress, from year to year, towards 
 better methods of Christian work, and a higher type of 
 enlarged Christian benevolence. 
 
 Bro. Josiah Francis reported for the Committee on the 
 History of the Association, that he had secured a com- 
 plete file of the minutes of the first five years of the Asso- 
 ciation's existence, and with the exception of four or five, 
 a complete file to the present time, whereupon Eev. E. S. 
 Walker, of Springfield, was appointed Historian of the 
 Association, with authority to prepare a full History of 
 the Association from its origin to the present time, and 
 publish five hundred copies of the same, at the expense 
 of the Association. 
 
 The Executive Board, by its Secretary, Rev. J. H. Phil- 
 lips, reported as follows : 
 
 "Your Committee would respectfully report, that Eev. 
 W. J. Chapin, our Missionary, has, according to appoint- 
 ment of this Committee, and of the State Mission Board, 
 continued his regular labors at Chatham, and also at 
 Auburn, on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, and the sur- 
 rounding country. An abstract of his report is herewith 
 presented: Sermons preached, 79; prayer meetings 
 attended, 36 ; pastoral and missionary visits, 187 ; 
 received on salary, $120. Has baptized 16 at Auburn, 
 one-half his time having been spent on that field."
 
 Baptist Association. 99 
 
 Rev. E. S. Walker offered the following preamble and 
 resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, Thomas Strawbridge, late of Sangamon county, 
 deceased, by his last will and testament, dated June 30th, 1875, 
 among other liberal bequests, made the following, to- wit : 
 
 'I hereby give and bequeath to the Baptist Association, with which 
 the First (now Central) Baptist Church of Springfield, Illinois, is con- 
 nected, the sum of one thousand dollars, on the express condition that 
 this sum is to be held in trust by said church (Association) for the 
 purpose named hereafter.' 
 
 '■^Resolved, That this Association hereby gratefully accepts said 
 bequest, and in order to conform to the conditions thereof, authorizes 
 the following members, viz: Edwin S. Walker, Josiah Francis, John 
 O. Rames, Edward S. Graham, and Lafayette Smith, representing the 
 Association, to take the necessary steps to incorporate the same, and 
 to procure from the Secretary of State the proper certificate of organi- 
 zation, under the name of the 'Spiingfield Baptist Association.' 
 
 '■'■Resolved, That the Pastor of the Central Baptist Church of SprLag- 
 field, be and is hereby appointed, to preach the Annual Sermon, pro- 
 vided for in the Strawbridge bequest, for the year 1881, or the first 
 year after said bequest shall become available to the Association." 
 
 Eev. E. S. Walker gave notice that he would, at the 
 next annual meeting of the Association, propose the fol- 
 lowing amendments to the Constitution, viz : 
 
 "Amend Article I, by adding as follows: 'The object of this Asso- 
 ciation is to promote the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ at home and 
 abroad, and by correspondence and co-operation with other Associa- 
 tions and missionary organizations connected wath the Baptist denomi- 
 nation, strive to upbuild the Redeemer's Kingdom among men.' 
 
 "Amend Article IV, by adding as foUows: 'Three Trustees shall 
 be chosen annually, by ballot, who shall manage, control, and hold in 
 trust, all such funds as may have been, or may hereafter be, 
 bequeathed to the 'Springfield Baptist Association,' according to the 
 provisions of such bequests. 
 
 "Amend Article V, by inserting after the words this body,' the 
 words "or the Trustees thereof.' " 
 
 The Committee on Eesolutions repoi'ted as follows : 
 
 "Whereas, So many of those added to our churches 
 come through the Sunday School ; and we are now giving 
 so little prominence to the Sunday School work in our 
 annual gatherings —
 
 100 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 "Resohed, That we hold, m connection with our next 
 Anniversary Meeting, a Sunday School Convention, to 
 commence at 2 o'clock on the day preceding the opening 
 of the Association. 
 
 "Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed by 
 this body, to prepare a programme for said Sunday School 
 Convention." 
 
 After a brief discussion, the resolutions were adopted, 
 and the Sunday School Committee, with Eev. W. H. Bat- 
 son, Chairman, were designated, to carry out the provis- 
 ions of the second resolution. 
 
 The Executive Committee of the Association was 
 reduced to three persons, instead of six, and Bros, John 
 Foutch, J. 0. Eames, and W. T. Harris, were selected. 
 
 The time for holding the Annual Meeting of the Asso- 
 ciation was, by Constitutional amendment, changed to 
 the Friday before the second Sabbath in September. 
 
 NEXT ANNUAL MEETING. 
 
 The Forty-fourth Anniversary of the Association will 
 be held with the Waverly Baptist Church, commencing 
 on Friday before the second Lord's Day in September, 
 1881, at 10 o'clock a. m., preceded by a Sunday School 
 Convention, beginning Thursday, at 2 o'clock p. m. 
 
 i
 
 Baptist Association. 101 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 The Work of the American Baptist Home Mission 
 
 Society, within the Bounds of the Springfield 
 
 Baptist Association. 
 
 THE American Baptist Home Mission Society was organized, and 
 commenced its work, in 1832. During that year, thirty-six ilis- 
 sionaries were employed in nine States, as follows : Maine, 1 ; New 
 York, 5; Pennsylvania, 1; Ohio, 9; jMichigan, 3; Indiana, 3; lUiaois, 
 9; jMissouri, 4; Mississippi, 1. One-fourth of the whole number 
 employed, were located in Illinois. Four of these, or one-ninth of the 
 whole number, had their field of labor within the bounds of what 
 afterwards was embraced in the Springfield Association. Their aggre- 
 gate labors during that first year of the Society's history, amounted to 
 two and one-half years time of one man, which was more than one- 
 eighth of all the labor expended by the Home iVIission Society in the 
 whole field of its operations. Central Illinois was, at that time, 
 regarded as one of the most important and promising fields for Mis- 
 sionary enterprise in the great Valley of the ISIississippi. This section 
 of country was rapidly fiUiag up vnth emigrants, more especially from 
 Kentucky, but among the names of those who early became connected 
 with the Springfield Church, were some from Tennessee, North Caro- 
 lina. New Jersey, Virginia. Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, 
 Massachusetts, Vermont, Coimecticut, and Canada. This recent peo- 
 ple to whom the Society sent its earliest IMissionaries, were thus of 
 nearly the same mixed character as were those to whom the Apostle
 
 102 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 preached the gospel in Judea on the day of Pentecost. With the 
 exception of Saint Louis, Central Illinois was at once the western 
 boundary of civilization, and of the iield of Home Missionary labor. 
 The population of the State was only 157,455, and there were only 
 110 members of Missionary Baptist Churches in the whole State. 
 From 1832 to 1840, was a period of most rapid development— a filling 
 up time, in which these broad prairies attracted emigrants from other 
 States, with unparallelled rapidity. It was therefore at once a 
 natural and a wise forecast, on the part of the Home Mission Society, 
 to enter this field at that formative period of its history, and plant 
 the institutions of the gospel, by aiding in the organization of new 
 churches upon "Gospel principles. " This service the Missionaries of 
 that Society performed at the time most needed, and nearly forty 
 years thereafter some of the new and struggling churches were 
 fostered by the same noble charity, until with the growth of the 
 country, they at length no longer needed assistance. Our Association 
 owes to the Home Mission Society, a debt of gratitude, which it is 
 fitting should be acknowledged here. 
 
 The appended Missionary table gives in detail the names of the 
 Missionaries employed, with their respective fields of labor. They are 
 deserving of this permanent record, as the founders of our churches, 
 the faithful servants of Him who called them into His ministry.
 
 Baptist Association. 103 
 
 MISSIOMEY TABLE FEOM 1832 TO 1872. 
 
 Giving the Name of each Missionary employed by the American 
 Baptist Home Mission Society, the time when he labored, the place 
 where he labored, and the number of weeks labor for which he was 
 compensated by the Society. 
 
 Names. Fields of Labor, Weeks. 
 
 1833. 
 
 Wm. Spencer Morgan county 26 
 
 Jacob Bower Morgan county 26 
 
 Wm. Kenner Morgan county 35 
 
 1833. 
 
 Wm. Spencer Morgan county 52 
 
 Jacob Bower Morgan county 55 
 
 Wm. Kenner Morgan county 52 
 
 1834. 
 
 Wm. Spencer Morgan county 52 
 
 Jacob Bower Morgan county 52 
 
 Wm. Kenner Morgan county 52 
 
 1837. 
 
 Wm. Spencer Morgan county 52 
 
 Jonathan Merriam Springfield • 52 
 
 1838. 
 
 Wm.'Spencer Morgan county 26 
 
 Jacob Bower Morgan county 52 
 
 Jonathan Merriam Springfield 26 
 
 1839. 
 
 Thos. H. Ford Morgan county 52 
 
 Joel Sweet Scott county 52 
 
 Jacob Bower Scott county 52
 
 104 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 MISSIONARY TABLE-Continued. 
 
 Names, Field of Labor. Weeks. 
 
 1840. 
 
 Joel Sweet Springfield Association Ai 
 
 Jacob Bower Scott county 44 
 
 • 1843. 
 
 Alvin Bailey Jacksonville 2b 
 
 1844. 
 
 Alvin Bailey Jacksonville 52 
 
 Ambler Edson Springfield 39 
 
 1845. 
 
 Alvin Bailey Jacksonville 52 
 
 1846. 
 
 Alvin Bailey Jacksonville 52 
 
 Gilbert S. Bailey Springfield 26 
 
 Burton Carpenter Decatur 13 
 
 1847. 
 
 Alvin Bailey Jacksonville 15 
 
 Gilbert S. Bailey Springfield 26 
 
 Burton Carpenter Decatur 52 
 
 1848. 
 Gilbert S. Bailey Springfield 52 
 
 1849. 
 
 Gilbert S. Bailey Springfield 52 
 
 1850. 
 
 C. H. Gates Decatur 39 
 
 1851. 
 
 Nelson Alvord Decatur 26 
 
 1852. 
 
 Nelson Alvord Decatur 37 
 
 1853. 
 
 J. N. Tolman Decatur 13 
 
 1854. 
 
 J. N. Tolman Decatur 52 
 
 > 1855. 
 J. N. Tolman Decatur 52
 
 Baptist Association. 105 
 
 MISSIONARY TABLE— Continued. 
 
 Names. . Field of Labor. ' Weeks. 
 
 1856. 
 
 J. N. Tolman Decatur 52 
 
 1857. 
 
 J, N. Tolman Decatur 39 
 
 1863. 
 
 E. R. Coon Pana and Macon 13 
 
 1864. 
 
 R. R. Coon Pana 39 
 
 1866. 
 
 J.M.Maxwell Taylorville 52 
 
 G. D. Blesene Springfield, German 52 
 
 1867. 
 
 J. M. Cochran Christian county 2(5 
 
 H. H. Northrup Pana 52 
 
 1868. 
 
 H. H. Northrup Pana , 52 
 
 1869. 
 
 R. R. Coon Mowequa 13 
 
 A. W. Jackson Jacksonville 26 
 
 1870. 
 
 R. R. Coon Mowequa, and Assumption 52 
 
 A. W. Jackson — Jacksonville 39 
 
 Peter Klein Springfield, German 13 
 
 D. McArthur Oreana, and Bethel 13 
 
 1871. 
 
 A. W. Jackson Jacksonville 52 
 
 Peter Klein Springfield 39 
 
 M. V. Kitzmiller Chatham 6 
 
 R. R. Coon Assumption 52 
 
 D. McArthur Oreana 52 
 
 Total 2,251 
 
 Note.— Twenty-two different Missionaries have been employed within 
 the bounds of the Springfield Baptist Association, whose aggregate 
 terms of service equals forty-four years.
 
 106 
 
 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
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 Baptist Association. 
 
 107 
 
 Table of Churches connected with the Spriugileld Baptist Asso- 
 ciation, from its Organization October 7, 1837 to 1880. 
 
 o'cf 
 
 1837 
 1837 
 1837 
 1837 
 1837 
 1^37 
 1838 
 1838 
 1839 
 1839 
 1839 
 1841 
 1841 
 1-41 
 1841 
 1841 
 1842 
 1843 
 1843 
 1844 
 1S4S 
 1849 
 1851 
 1852 
 1853 
 1855 
 1855 
 185G 
 1857 
 1858 
 1859 
 1859 
 1860 
 1861 
 1»62 
 1863 
 1864 
 1866 
 1866 
 1867 
 1868 
 1869 
 1870 
 1871 
 1-572 
 1877 
 1878 
 1878 
 
 Names of Churches. 
 
 
 
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 03 
 
 
 Counties. 
 
 United, Sprinsfleld 
 
 Diamond Grove..,^.j.../.)... 
 Island Grove. . . . .0!V.«! . /if. : . 
 
 Salt Creek 
 
 Mount Tabor 
 
 Indian Creek 
 
 Sangamon Bottom A — 
 
 Lebanon ., . . > l .. ■■ ■ .-rrgiL 
 
 fcTV 
 
 Clary's Grove, and Rock Creek. 
 
 Stonington 
 
 Manchester .'. 
 
 Apple Creek 
 
 Virgini a 
 
 Big Spring 
 
 Jacksonville 
 
 Winchester 
 
 Hoppwel I 
 
 Martin's Prairie 
 
 Sugar Creek 
 
 Decatur 
 
 German, Springfield 
 
 Taylor vill e 
 
 Elm Grove 
 
 Centerville 
 
 South Fork 
 
 Mount Pleasant 
 
 Waverly 
 
 Union 
 
 Clear Creek 
 
 Pana 
 
 Friendship 
 
 Beardsto wn 
 
 Virginia 
 
 North. Springfield 
 
 S helby ville 
 
 Harrist own 
 
 Mowequa 
 
 Chatham 1 
 
 New Berlin.. 
 
 Forsy the 
 
 Mount Zion , 
 
 Good Hope 
 
 Assumpt on 
 
 Providence 
 
 Bethel, First 
 
 Mattoon 
 
 Bethel. Second 
 
 Zion, Springfield , 
 
 86 
 27 
 33 
 14 
 10 
 40 
 7 
 29 
 10 
 
 83 
 
 9 
 
 62 
 
 26 
 
 117 
 25 
 24 
 27 
 60 
 13 
 13 
 23 
 23 
 84 
 14 
 22 
 25 
 9 
 11 
 17 
 12 
 26 
 85 
 25 
 12 
 17 
 27 
 20 
 19 
 46 
 16 
 17 
 11 
 30 
 30 
 58 
 
 118 
 
 1839 
 1837 
 1852 
 1864 
 
 1854 
 1856 
 1S45 
 1854 
 
 1853 
 18 2 
 1 52 
 1852 
 
 1866 
 
 1852 
 1874 
 1854 
 1860 
 
 1857 
 1869 
 
 1860 
 1862 
 1579 
 
 1866 
 
 1871 
 1870 
 1-77 
 
 1874 
 
 1878 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Morgan. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Logan. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Morgan. 
 
 Cass. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Sangamon." 
 
 Ch list] an. 
 
 Scott. 
 
 Morgan. 
 
 Ca^s. 
 
 Scott. 
 
 Morgan. 
 
 S ott. 
 
 Mason. 
 
 Scott. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Macon. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Christian. 
 
 Morgan. 
 
 Morgan. 
 
 Chris ian. 
 
 McLean, 
 
 Morgan. 
 
 Shelby. 
 
 Christian. 
 
 Christian. 
 
 Macon. 
 
 Cass. 
 
 Cass. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Shelby. 
 
 Macon. 
 
 Shelby. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Macon, 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
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 Christian. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Coles. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
 Sangamon. 
 
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 108 
 
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 I 
 
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 110 
 
 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 Ministers wlio have served as Pastors in tlie Sprinsfleld Baptist 
 Association from 1837 to 1.S80, with tlie date of their 
 
 First Service. 
 
 1837, Jonathan Sweet. 
 
 1849, T. C. Teasdale. 
 
 1837, Jonathan Merriam. 
 
 1849, Charles Thompson. 
 
 1837, Joel Sweet. 
 
 1849, C, H. Gates. 
 
 1837, Wm. Spencer. 
 
 1849, W. F. Boyakin. 
 
 1837, John H. Daniels. 
 
 1851, Paris Pray. 
 
 1838, Wm. Kinner. 
 
 1851, B. F. Chapman. 
 
 1838, Richard Rhea. 
 
 1851, A. J. Bingham. 
 
 1838, Wm. Randolph. 
 
 1851,.Nelson Alvord. 
 
 1839, Jacob Bower. 
 
 1852, J. M. Chapman. 
 
 1839, 0. G. Comstock. 
 
 1852, J. M. Taggart. 
 
 1841, H. W. Dodge. 
 
 1852, B. B. Carpenter. 
 
 1841, Thomas Taylor. 
 
 1852, C. B. Phillips. 
 
 1841. Alvin Bailey. 
 
 1852, J. N. Tolman. 
 
 1842, A. L. Brown. 
 
 1853, Wm. Sym. 
 
 1842, Porter Clay. 
 
 1853, L. Schofield. 
 
 1843, Amos Dodge. 
 
 1854, G. W. Pendleton. 
 
 1844, Ambler Edson. 
 
 1855, N. W. Miner. 
 
 1844, Elijah Dodson. 
 
 1855. N. J. Coffey. 
 
 1844, Moses Lemen. 
 
 1855, J. Wrightman. 
 
 1845, W. H. D. Johnson. 
 
 1855, A. B. Harris. 
 
 1845, Moores Bailey. 
 
 1855, Cyrus Miner. 
 
 1845, Thomas Powell. 
 
 1855. D. S. Miller. 
 
 1847, G. S. Bailey. 
 
 1857, G. A. Pease. 
 
 1847, Burton Carpenter. 
 
 1857, F. Wiley. 
 
 1848, John White. 
 
 1859, W. S. Goodno. 
 
 1848, W. W. Happy. 
 
 1859, B. Thomas. 
 
 1848, R. S. Cole. 
 
 1859, D. Lewis. 
 
 1848, J. B. Abraham. 
 
 1860, R. R. Coon. ^-^^ 
 
 1855. a. W. S. Bell. 
 
 1860, Ichabod Clark.
 
 Baptist Association. 
 
 Ill 
 
 MINISTEEIAL TABLE-Continued. 
 
 1860, F. W. Ingmire. 
 
 1861, Perry Bennett. 
 ISGl. Geo. P. Guild. 
 
 1862, W. F. Nelson. 
 
 1863, J. M. Cochran. 
 1863, A. C. Hubbard. 
 1863, F. M. Ellis. 
 
 1863, D. D. Holmes. 
 1864 J. C. Cochran. 
 1861, J. C. Hart. 
 1865, C. Garrison. 
 1865, F. C. Thearle. 
 
 1865, S. A. Kingsbury, 
 
 1866. C. J. DeWitt. 
 1866, Alba Gross. 
 1866, H. P. Curry. 
 
 1866, N. G. Collins, 
 
 1867, H. H. Northrup. 
 1867, H. M. Carr. 
 1867, J. C. Kennedy. 
 
 1864. Wm. Green. 
 1864, Edward Jones. 
 1869, S. F. Holt. 
 
 1869, W. H. Stiffler. .„,,^ 
 
 1869, S. Washington, 
 
 1870, W. H. Stedman, 
 
 1870, D. F. Carnahan. 
 
 1871, David King, 
 
 1871, M. V. Kitzmiller. 
 1870, Nehemiah Pierce. 
 
 1872, D. McArthur. 
 
 1872, M. Davenport. 
 1872, J. H. Phillips. 
 
 1872, L. G. Carr. 
 
 1873, S. Kobinson. 
 1873, A. H. Scott. 
 1873, J. C. Bonham. 
 1873, W. A. Jarrell. 
 1873, J. M. Bennett. 
 
 1873, E. W. Daniels. 
 
 1874, A. J. Delano. 
 1874, M. C. Clark. „ 
 1874, M. H. Worrall. 
 1874, J. T. Green. 
 1874. D. W. Morgan. 
 1874, A. L. Seward. 
 1874, C. W. Clark. 
 1874, W. C. Eoach. 
 1877, W. G. Inman. 
 1877, Simeon Hussey. 
 1877, L. M. Goff. 
 
 1877, M. T. Lamb. 
 1877, D. King. 
 
 1877. S. D. Badger. ' 
 187r, D. L. McBride. 
 
 1878, George Brents. 
 
 1878, W. J. Chapin. 
 
 1879, W. H. Batson. 
 1879, Oswald Snell. 
 
 1879. T. S. Dodge. 
 
 1880, C. C. Pierce. 
 1880, F. D. Rickerson.
 
 112 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 BRIEF HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 GhuFches in the Sppingfield Baptist Association. 
 
 SPEINGFIELD BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The First Baptist Church of Springfield, IlHnois, was 
 constituted July 17th, 1830, with the following named 
 eight members : John Crowder, John Durham, Samuel 
 C. Neal, Sarah Neal, Temperance Watson, Polly Miller, 
 Betsey Gillock, Nancy Gillock. Two other persons having 
 united with the church in July, Eev. Aaron Vandeveer 
 was called, on the 21st of August, to take the pastoral 
 care of the church, "and to attend her whenever he can," 
 and further, "this church agrees to join the Sangamon 
 Association." He continued to serve the church under 
 that caU until June 21st, 1835, during which time the 
 membership of the church had increased to eighty. In 
 June, 1834, the lot now occupied by the Central Baptist 
 Church, on the southwest corner of Adams and Seventh 
 streets, was purchased for a site for a meeting house. 
 
 October 26th, 1836, Eev. Jonathan Merriam, of Pas- 
 sumpsic Village, Vermont, became Pastor of the church.
 
 Baptist Association. 113 
 
 and continued until November 1st, 1838. During his 
 ministry, seventy members were received by baptism, and 
 twenty by letter. 
 
 October 1st, 1839, Eev. 0. C. Comstock, D.D., of 
 Detroit, Michigan, was engaged to serve as pastor for one 
 year, at a salary of $400. During the year, four were 
 added to the church by baptism, and eleven by letter. 
 
 November 22d, 1840, Eev. H. W. Dodge became pastor 
 of the church, and continued to serve until September 
 1st, 1843. During his pastorate in 1841, Eev. Thomas 
 Powell, and Eev. I. D. Newell, assisted in a protracted 
 meeting, which resulted in largely increasing the church 
 in members and efficiency. Among the members added 
 by baptism at that time, was a young lad, whose father, 
 Hon. Jesse B. Thomas, had been baptized into the fellow- 
 ship of the church, February 21st, 1841, himself now one 
 of the foremost preachers in the Baptist denomination, 
 Eev. Jesse B. Thomas, D.D., of Brooklyn, New York, who 
 was baptized and became a member of the church, Decem- 
 ber 6th, 1841, in fellowship of which he continued until 
 February, 1844. 
 
 On the 24th of April, 1844, Eev. Ambler Edson became 
 Pastor of the church, and served one year. 
 
 On the 1st of October, 1846, Eev. GHbert S. Bailey, of 
 Honesdale, Pennsylvania, became pastor of the church, 
 and continued as such until October 1st, 1849. During 
 his term of service the church erected the house of wor- 
 ship, dedicated April 7th, 1850, which it has since that 
 time occupied. 
 
 On the 7th of April, 1850, Eev. Thomas C. Teasdale, of 
 Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, became pastor, and served 
 until 1852. 
 
 In July, 1853, Eev. William Sym took pastoral charge 
 of the church, and continued two years, until 1855.
 
 114 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 In April, 1855, Eev. N. W. Miner commenced Ms labors 
 as pastor, and served for the term of fourteen years, 
 until October, 1869. 
 
 Eev. H. M. Gallagher, of Brooklj^i, New York, was 
 baptized into the fellowship of this church, March 2d, 1856. 
 
 November 1st, 1870, Eev. N. Pierce became pastor, and 
 continued with the church until his death, in March, 1873. 
 
 In November, 1874, Eev. M. H. Worrall became pastor 
 of the church, and remained until 1878. 
 
 In November, 1878, Eev. J. L. M. Young took pastoral 
 charge of the church, and continued to serve until June, 
 1879, at which time the church became consolidated with 
 the Noi-th Baptist Church, forming the Central Baptist 
 Church.* 
 
 On the 1st of November, 1879, Eev. F. D. Eickerson 
 accepted the unanimous call of the Central Baptist 
 Church, since which time he has served as its Pastor. 
 
 DIAMOND GEOVE BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Diamond Grove Baptist Church was constituted 
 April 26, 1823, v/ith twelve members. It is the oldest 
 church connected with the Springfield Baptist Associa- 
 tion, and was one of the constituent churches of that 
 organization. Among its earHest pastors were Eev. 
 Jonathan Sweet, and Eev. Joel Sweet, the former having 
 been the first Moderator of the Association, and the latter 
 one of its earhest Missionaries, as early as 1839. 
 
 ■ *NoTE.— The followint? i^ resolution "third," referred to on page 96, 
 middle paragraph, omitted in printing page 95: 
 
 . "Resolved, That this Association deplores and discountenances any 
 ""™j?'^i'at« movement to sustain more than one white, English-speaking 
 Baptist Church m the city of Springfleld." ^ ^ &
 
 Baptist Association. 115 
 
 Eev. Thomas Taylor was pastor in 1846, and the two 
 years following. 
 
 From 1848 to 1856, the church was supplied with preach- 
 ing irregularly. 
 
 In 1856 it completed the erection of a house of worship. 
 
 In 1859, Eev. D. Lewis was engaged to preach one-half 
 the time, and served two years. These were years of 
 more than usual progress in the church. 
 
 In 1862, Daniel D. Holmes was licensed by the church 
 to preach, and was not long afterwards, ordained to the 
 work of the ministry. He has served the church as 
 pastor with great acceptance, and without interruption, 
 from 1865 to the present time, 1880, at which time the 
 membership has reached the number of fifty. 
 
 BERLIN BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 The Berlin Baptist Church was constituted October 
 6th, 1833, by name of the "Island Grove Church, Friends 
 of Humanity." The term "Friends of Humanity," meant 
 opposition to slavery. 
 
 During the first year. Rev. John McRae served as 
 pastor. 
 
 The successive pastors were : Rev. — . Perigo, Rev. — . 
 Barber, and Rev, — . Kinney, until January, 1838, when 
 Rev, William Spencer became pastor, serving until the 
 time of his death, late in that year. 
 
 Rev. Richard Rhea served as pastor from January, 
 1839, until the time of his death, in November of that 
 year.
 
 116 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 Eev. Thomas Taylor was chosen pastor in 1841, and 
 continued to serve the church, preaching once a month 
 until 1847. 
 
 In January, 1847, the church having up to that time 
 met in a log school house in the western part of Island^ 
 Grove, changed its place of worship to a school house in 
 the town of Berlin, and soon after took steps towards 
 building a meeting house, which was completed in 1849. 
 
 For the first fourteen years its membership numbered 
 only about twenty. With the change of location, the 
 name was changed to the "Berlin Baptist Church." 
 
 In June, 1853, Eev. L Schofield became pastor, and 
 served until 1855. 
 
 In August, 1855, Eev. Cyrus Miner commenced his 
 labors as pastor, and continued his work until the time of 
 his death, in August, 1856. 
 
 Eev. G. A. Pease became pastor in 1856, and after three 
 years service, closed his labors on account of the failure 
 of his voice. 
 
 Eev. E. E. Coon served as pastor one year, in 1860, 
 when he was succeeded by Eev. Perry Bennett, who con- 
 tinued to serve the church four years. 
 
 Eev. C. Garrison was pastor one year, in 1865. 
 
 In February, 1866, the church dedicated its new and 
 commodious meeting house. 
 
 In April, 1867, Eev. N. G. Collins became pastor, and 
 continued with the church about two years. 
 
 Eev. A. Gross served as pastor one year, in 1870. Eev. J. 
 C. Kennedy became pastor in 1871, and served three years. 
 
 Eev. W. I. Price was pastor in 1876. 
 
 In May, 1878, Eev. Lee M. Goff was ordained as pastor 
 of the church, and continued until January 1st, 1879. 
 
 In September, 1879, Eev. C. W. Clark accepted a call 
 to the care of the church, and still serves as pastor.
 
 Baptist Association. 117 
 
 STONINGTON BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 This church was organized October 24th, 1837, with 
 eleven members. Most of the original members were 
 from the First Baptist Church, Noi-th Stonington, Connec- 
 ticut. The meetings were held at first, at the house of A. 
 B. Peabody, and then changed to that of Deacon Samuel 
 Peabody. 
 
 Up to 1843, the church was destitute of stated preach- 
 ing. In May of this year, Eev. Amos Dodge accepted the 
 invitation of the church, and preached until March 10th, 
 1844, when he died, much beloved as a discreet and de- 
 voted minister. 
 
 Four were added by baptism, and the number of per- 
 sons reported in 1844, was forty-nine. 
 
 In 1846 the church commenced a Sabbath School, and 
 on the 17th of January the same year, Paris Pray was 
 licensed to preach the gospel, and employed by the church 
 as their preacher for the ensuing year. 
 
 The church was supplied alternately by Eev. Paris 
 Pray and Eev. B. F. Chapman, most of the time until 
 1857, when Eev. F. Wiley became pastor, who continued 
 with the church until 1860, when he was succeed by Eev. 
 E. P. Barker, who resigned in 1862. Eev. J. M. Cochran 
 became pastor in 1863, and continued thi-ee years. In 
 January, 1869, Eev. E. J. Lock became pastor and served 
 one year, when in 1871 he was succeeded by Eev. George 
 A. Pease, who served one year. Eev. L. G. Carr was 
 ordained and became pastor of the church in June, 1872, 
 and served two years, when he was succed by Eev. W. A, 
 Jarrell, who served two years. Eev. D. L. McBride 
 settled as pastor in 1877, and stiU remains pastor of the 
 church.
 
 118 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 LOAMI BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Loami Baptist Church was constituted June 25th, 
 1838, with twenty-six members, who were previously con- 
 nected with the Springfield Church, twenty of them 
 halving been baptized into its fellowship by Eev. Jonathan 
 Merriam, in the month of May, preceeding. The name, 
 Lebanon Baptist Church was at first given to the organi- 
 zation. Previous to 1843, Eev. W. L. Meacham and 
 Eev. Thomas Taylor preached for the church once a 
 month. In 1844, Eev. Calvin Goodell, and in 1845, Eev. 
 Moores Bailey supplied the church. From 1846 to 1850, 
 there was no regular pastoral service. In 1850, Eev. 
 George W. Foster, and in 1853, Eev. A. B. Harris sup- 
 plied the church. In 18G1 Eev. Geo. P. Guild preached 
 once a month. In 1862 the name was changed from Leb- 
 anon, to Loami Baptist Church. From that time to 1880, 
 it had seven different preachers, and for several years of 
 the time was without stated preaching. Those who 
 served the church successively were Eev. A. Stott, Eev. 
 A. Gross, Eev. J. W. Place, Eev. G. W. Stephens, Eev. 
 A. H. Scott, Eev. D. Collins, and Eev. W. J. Chapin. 
 In 1879 the church lost its house of worship, by fire, and 
 since that time it has made no report to the Association 
 
 EICHLAND BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Eichland Baptist Church was constituted by Eev. 
 Jonathan Merriam, under the name of "Clary's Grove, 
 and Eock Creek Church," June 29th, 1839, with ten 
 members.
 
 Baptist Association. 119 
 
 The first pastor was Kev. John H. Daniels, who con- 
 tinued to serve as such until 1842. He was succeeded by 
 Kev. John White, who served tAvo years. From August, 
 1£44, the church was served for five years by Eevs. Tay- 
 lor, Daniels, and White. In 1845 the church erected its 
 house of worship. In August, 1850, Eev. N. J. Coffey 
 was called to the pastoral care of the church, and con- 
 tinued to serve fourteen years, until 1864. In 1865 Eev. 
 J. C. Kennedy, and in 1866, Eev. H. P. Curry served as 
 pastor, one year each, respectively. Eev. J. C. Kennedy 
 served again as pastor from 1867 to 1871. Eev. G. W. 
 Stephens was pastor three years, from 1873 to 1876. 
 Eev. H. P. Curry Avas pastor from 1876 to 1879, when he 
 was succeeded by the present pastor, Eev. J. E. Coen- 
 hour. 
 
 JACKSONVILLE BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Jacksonville Baptist Church was constituted June 
 1, 1841, at the house of M. C. Goltra, lately deceased, 
 who was one of its constituent members. Eev. Alvin 
 Bailey served as pastor for six years from its organiza- 
 tion ; the first two and a-half years of which he preached 
 two Sabbaths each month, and after that, every Sabbath. 
 Its first house of worship was dedicated in 1845. 
 
 Eev. W. F. Boyakin assumed pastoral care of the 
 church January 1, 1849, remaining with the church for 
 one year. In June, 1851, Eev. A. J. Bingham took 
 charge of the church and continued a year and a half. 
 During his ministry, Eev. Jacob Knapp held a protracted 
 meeting of six weeks, as the result of which, nearly one
 
 120 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 hundred persons united with the church, few of whom 
 proved to he permanent members. 
 
 On the first of April, 1854, Eev. G. W. Pendleton 
 entered upon his labors as pastor of the church, and 
 continued until 1858, when Eev. W. S. Goodno became 
 pastor, serving two years. Dedicated new house of 
 worship at a cost of $15,000, April 7, 1858. 
 
 In 1862, Eev. W. F. Nelson, and in 1863, Eev. Wm. G. 
 Pratt, served as pastor, one year each. 
 
 In 1865, Eev. S. A. Kingsbury settled as pastor and 
 continued to serve the church for three years. In May, 
 1868, Eev. Wm. Green entered upon the pastorate of the 
 church and remained two years. Eev. S. Washington 
 became pastor of the church, November, 1869, and served 
 five years, until 1874. Eev. Hugh S. Marshall served as 
 pastor from October, 1875, to October 1876. Eev. M. T. 
 Lamb served as pastor from 1877, to July 10, 1879. 
 Eev. C. C. Pierce supplied the church from October 1, 
 1879, until July 4, 1880, when he was ordained as pastor, 
 and stiU continues to serve in that office. 
 
 DECATUE BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Decatur Baptist Church was constituted Septem- 
 ber 14, 1843, with twelve members, previously connected 
 with the Springfield Baptist Church. Eev. Moses Lemen 
 was the first pastor, serving about one year from June, 
 1844. Eev. E. Maddock succeeded him, preaching for 
 a short time. Early in 1847, Eev. Burton Carpenter 
 settled as pastor, and for the first time the church en- 
 joyed the preaching of the word every Sabbath for one
 
 Baptist Association. 121 
 
 year. During this year a convenient meeting house was 
 erected. Eev. C. H. Gates served as pastor in 1850. 
 Eev. Nelson Alvord became pastor in 1851, and served 
 two years. Early in 1853, Eev. J. N. Tolman settled as 
 pastor, and continued his service with the church for 
 live years. In 1857 the church completed a new house 
 of worship. In 1859, Eev. B. Thomas became pastor 
 and served the church two years. In 1860, Eev. S, G. 
 Miner having served as pastor one year resigned the care 
 of the church to accept the position of Chaplain in the 
 army. On May 1st, 1863, Eev. Frank M. Ellis accepted 
 the call of the church, and served as pastor two years. 
 In the spring of 1865, Eev. F. G. Thearle became pastor 
 and served for three years, until 1868, when he was suc- 
 ceeded by Eev. S. F. Holt, who served three years. Eev. 
 J. C. Bonham became pastor, in 1863, and continued two 
 years. Eev. G. W. Inman served as pastor two years, 
 1876 and 1877, to August 1st, 1878. In May, 1879, Eev. 
 W. H. Batson accepted the call of the church and served 
 as pastor two years. 
 
 SECOND BETHEL BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Second Bethel Baptist Church was constituted in 
 1849. For many years it was in a depressed condition, 
 but during the winter of 1878, it enjoyed a gracious 
 revival resulting in the addition of twenty-seven to its 
 membership, making the aggregate number fifty-eight. 
 It united with the Springfield Association in 1879. Eev. 
 H. P. Curry preached for the church once a month during 
 the Associational year, 1880. 
 —9
 
 122 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 WAVEELY BAPTIST CHUKCH. 
 
 The Waverly Baptist Church was constituted August 
 21st, 1855, with twenty-two members. It had no stated 
 preaching for the first three years. 
 
 In November, 1858, Eev. D. Lewis became pastor, 
 preaching one-half the time for one year. 
 
 In 1861, Eev. George P. Guild became pastor, and 
 served four years, when he was succeeded by Eev. J. C. 
 Hart. 
 
 In 1863 a commencement was made towards a house 
 of worship, and some progress made. It was completed 
 and dedicated June 17, 1866, with a debt of $175.00 in 
 addition to §800.00 borrowed of the American Baptist 
 Home Mission Society. Eev. Perry Bennett preached 
 for the church in 1868 and 1869. 
 
 In 1871 Eev. M. C. Davenport was pastor, and con- 
 tmued his services until 1875 as a Missionary of the 
 American Baptist Home Mission Society. The Spring- 
 field Association met with this church, the second time 
 in 1874, and it being still burdened with debt, provision 
 was made during the session to pay off the same. 
 
 In 1875, Eev. M. C. Clark became pastor, and a series 
 of meetings held that year resulted in the addition of 
 fifty members, — by letter and by baptism, — making the 
 total number, one hundred and ten. He closed his labors 
 with the church June 2d, 1877. 
 
 In 1878, Eev. M. C. Davenport again took charge of 
 the church, serving until January 1, 1879. 
 
 In February, 1880, Eev. J. M. Bennett became pastor, 
 and continues to serve the church until the present time.
 
 Baptist Association. 123 
 
 TAYLOKVILLE BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Taylorville Baptist Cliurcli was constituted Novem- 
 ber 23, 1848, with tAvelve members, who had previously 
 been members of the Stonington Baptist Church. Eev. 
 Paris Pray was the first pastor. 
 
 In 1851 a commencement was made towards building 
 a meeting house, which was completed in 1854. The 
 church had not a settled pastor until 1857, when Eev. T. 
 Eeese settled with them and remained two years, preach- 
 ing twice a month. 
 
 In 1864 Eev. J. M. Maxwell became pastor and contin- 
 ued until October, 1867. He was succeeded in February, 
 1868, by Eev. Edward Jones, who continued two years. 
 
 Eev. E. W. Daniels served as pastor in 1873, and Eev. 
 M. C. Clark in 1874, and Eev. D. W. Morgan, in 1875. 
 
 Eev. S. J). Badger accepted the call of the church in 
 1877, and served as pastor two years. 
 
 In 1879, Eev. Oswald Snell became pastor, and still 
 continues to serve the church. 
 
 CALYAEY BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Calvary Baptist Church of Mattoon, was consti- 
 tuted in April, 1877, with thirty members. Eev. Hamil- 
 ton Eobb, its first pastor, served one year, when he was 
 succeeded by Eev. T. S. Dodge, in 1879, who still serves 
 the church, supported in part by the lUinois Baptist 
 General Association. In 1879 a convenient house of 
 worship was purchased, for $1,000. It has a membership 
 of thirty-seven, in 1880.
 
 124 
 
 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 PANA BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Pana Baptist Church was constituted July 21st, 
 1858, with eleven members. In 1862 the church reported 
 to the Association, with Eev. Pi. E. Coon as pastor, and 
 was received into its fellowship. Eev. Mr. Coon con- 
 tinued to preach for the church during 1863 and 1864, 
 on every alternate Sabbath. During the next two years 
 there was no report made to the Association. February 
 3d, 1866, the church dedicated its new house of worship. 
 
 Eev. H. H. Northrup accepted the call of the church 
 March 1st, 1867, and continued to serve as pastor for two 
 years, during which time a large number were added to 
 the membership. 
 
 In 1869, Eev. W. H. Stiffler was called to the pastorate, 
 and on the 13th of June, was ordained to the work of the 
 gospel ministry by a Council, duly called by the church. 
 
 The Association met with this church for the first time 
 in 1870. 
 
 Eev. Mr. Stiffler continued to serve the church as pastor 
 during the years 1870 and 1871, and his labors were 
 attended with a good degree of success. 
 
 In 1873, Eev. J. M. Bennett became Pastor, and served 
 acceptably for two years, closing his labors July 1st, 1874. 
 
 During the year 1875, Eev. H. A. Guild supplied the 
 pulpit. 
 
 In 1876, Eev. Simeon Hussey accepted the call of the 
 church, and continued his faithful service for the term of 
 three years, closing his labors November 1st, 1879. The 
 membership of the church in 1880, was one hundred and 
 
 fifty-two.
 
 Baptist Association. 125 
 
 SHELBYVILLE BAPTIST CHUKCH. 
 
 The Shelbyville Baptist Church was constituted, and 
 united with the Springfield Association in 1862. 
 
 Eev. E. K. Coon was pastor from 1862 to 1864. In 
 1865, Rev. Wilham Stillwell was pastor. This was the 
 first year that the church reported its membership to the 
 Association, the number being twenty-five. In 1870 the 
 church reported the commencement of a house of worship, 
 and greater prosperity than at any previous period of its 
 history. Rev. W. H. Stedman was pastor. In 1872, Rev. 
 J. H. Philhps began his labors as pastor, continuing for 
 three years, during which time the church edifice, and a 
 parsonage were completed, at a cost of $11,000. 
 ^ In 1875, Rev. A. L. Seward succeeded to the charge of 
 the church, and served one year, when Rev. J. H. Phil- 
 lips resumed his work, and served as pastor for a second 
 term of three years, until 1879, 
 
 MOWEQUA BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 The Mowequa Baptist Church was constituted in 1864, 
 with seventeen members, gathered under the labors of 
 Rev. R. R. Coon, who served as pastor for four years, 
 preaching once a month. In 1869, the church having 
 previously occupied a house belonging to another denomi- 
 nation, erected a comfortable one of its o^vn, which was 
 dedicated, free from debt, April 17th, 1870, at a cost of 
 $5,500. From 1871 to 1876, Rev. G. A. Pease, and Rev. 
 D. Robinson, served as pastors a part of the time. In 
 1877, Rev. C. W. Roach became pastor, and served three 
 years, until April 1st, 1880.
 
 126 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 CHATHAM BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 The Chatham Baptist Church was constituted April 
 28th, 1866, with twenty-seven members. Rev. C. J. 
 DeWitt, hcentiate, preached one-half the time for two 
 years. During this time the church having no house of 
 worship, met in private houses. In 1868 a revival resulted 
 in the addition of twenty members, and a commencement 
 was made on a house of worship, which was completed, 
 and dedicated, February 14th, 1869, 
 
 Rev. A. Gross served as pastor until October following. 
 The next two years the church had no regular j^reaching. 
 
 In October, 1870, Rev. M. V. Kitzmiller commenced his 
 labors, serving two years. Rev. M. C. Clark preached to 
 the church for a few months in 1876. 
 
 In 1878, Rev. W. J. Chapin, Missionary of the Spring- 
 field Association, took charge of the church, and con- 
 tinues to occupy the field to the present time, 1880. 
 
 GOOD-HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 The Good-Hope Baptist Church was constituted Feb- 
 ruary 15th, 1868, and recognized by a Council in June of 
 that year. Rev. J. M. Maxwell, who had been instru- 
 mental in the organization of the church, was its first pas- 
 tor. Rev. Paris Pray supplied the church during the years 
 1872 and 1873. Subsequent to the latter date it had no 
 stated preaching for several years. On the 1st day of 
 May, 1880, Rev. W. C. Roach became pastor, and during 
 the next six months the church built a commodious house 
 of worship, at a cost of $2,200. The post-office address 
 of this church is Grove City, Christian county.
 
 Baptist Association. 127 
 
 ASSUMPTION BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Assumption Baptist Church was constituted Feb- 
 ruary 27th, 1870, and immediately commenced to build a 
 house of worship. It was duly recognized by a Council, 
 August 27th, 1870, and on the next day its new and com- 
 pleted sanctuary was dedicated, — free from debt. Eev. 
 E. E. Coon labored on this field from the organization of 
 the church, serving as pastor two years, when he was 
 succeeded by Eev. Geo. A. Pease, who preached two Sab- 
 baths a month for one year. In 1873, Eev. S. Eobinson 
 served as pastor, preaching twice a month. In March, 
 1874, Eev. E. E. Coon resumed the pastoral care of the 
 church and served two years. He was succeeded in 1877 
 by Eev. C. W. Eoach, who served one year. In 1879, the 
 letter to the Association reported the church without a 
 pastor, and but two Baptist families in the place — the 
 balance being scattered. On the first of May, 1880, Eev. 
 D. L. McBride engaged to preach twice a month. The 
 membership numbered twenty-six. 
 
 OEEANA BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Oreana Baptist Church was constituted with 
 twelve members, March 23d, 1858, under the name of 
 the "Friendship Baptist Church." 
 
 Eev. Jacob Bower was its first pastor, and remained a 
 member until the time of his decease, in 1874. 
 
 Eev. J. Z. Zimmerman was the second pastor, serving 
 one year, in 18G0. He was succeeded by Eev. D. B.
 
 128 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 Wiiislow, who in turn, after one years' service, gave place 
 to Eev. W. P. Combs, in 1862. 
 
 Eev. W. H. Walters served as pastor three years, from 
 1863 to 1866. 
 
 In 1867, Eev. E. M. Brown was pastor, and Eev. D. 
 McArthur, in 1871. 
 
 Eev. F. W. Ingmire served two years as pastor, from 
 1872 to 1874. 
 
 During the year 1875, the church erected a commodi- 
 ous house of worship at Oreana, costing $2,100, and its 
 name was changed to Oreana Baptist Church. 
 
 In 1876 and 1877, Eev. E. E. Coon served as pastor. 
 
 In 1879 and 1880, Eev. W. C. Eoach preached for the 
 church one-half the time. Its membership is fifty-six. 
 
 MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHUECH. 
 
 The Mount Zion Baptist Church was constituted March 
 Ist, 1868, with forty-seven members. Eev. Perry Ben- 
 nett was pastor from its organization until Nov. 1st, 1868, 
 when Eev. G. W. Stephens was engaged to preach once 
 a month. In 1871, Eev. Perry Bennett was again em- 
 ployed and continued to serve the church once a month 
 until 1873, when he was succeeded by Eev. D. D. Holmes, 
 who preached once a month for one year. In 1874, Eev. 
 W. C. Eoach served as pastor. The xissociation met 
 with this church in 1875. Eev. A. H. Scott and Eev. D. 
 King, preached once a month in 1876, and 1877. Since 
 that time no report has been made to the Association. 
 
 i 
 
 i
 
 Baptist Association. 129 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 OP 
 
 Fopmep Pastors in the Sppingfield Baptist Association. 
 
 REV. JONATHAN MERRIAM. 
 
 Rev. Jonathan Merriam Was bom in Ashbumham, Worcester county, 
 Massachusetts, in the year 1791. He removed to Vermont at an early 
 day, and having enjoyed such educational advantages only as were 
 afforded by the common schools, was ordained as a Baptist preacher, 
 and began his ministry in Brandon, Rutland county, Vermont, in the 
 year 1815. He was naarried to Miss Achsah Olin, daughter of Gov- 
 ernor Henry Olin, of Leicester, Vermont, on the 19th of May, 1824. 
 Realizing the need of a more thorough course of education, he gave 
 vip the active duties of the ministry for a time, and spent some time 
 with Dr. Wm. Staughton, a distinguished minister and teacher, in 
 Philadelphia, and subsequently, after Dr. Staughton became President 
 of Columbian College, in Washington, D. C, he spent two years at 
 that institution, studying English branches, and Theology. In the 
 summer of 1836, he emigrated from Passumpsic Village, Vermont, at 
 which place he had served as pastor of the Baptist Church, and came 
 to Illinois, making the long journey, with his family, in a two 
 horse wagon, the only means of through conveyance known in those 
 days. They were eight weeks on the way, and arrived in Springfield 
 on the 31st day of October. He immediately engaged as pastor of 
 the First Baptist Church in Springfield, and served for the term of 
 two years. The imperative call for missionary labor within the 
 bounds of the Association, induced his resignation of the pastoral care 
 of the Springfield Church, and on the 1st of November, 1838, he
 
 130 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 engaged as Missionary of the Association, continuing in that service 
 for one year, as already noted in our First Chapter. In 1839 he 
 removed to Alton, Illinois, where he served as pastor for one year, 
 when he removed, in 1840, to Tazewell county, Illinois, where he 
 spent the remaining six years of his life. He died in October, 1846. 
 
 REV. ALVIN BAILEY. 
 
 Rev. Alvin Bailey was bom in Westminster, Vermont, December 
 9th, 1802. His father was a deacon in the Baptist Church — a man of 
 limited means, and large family. It thus became necessary that 
 Alvin, in early life should, under God, depend upon his own resources, 
 thus developing: self-reliance, and laying the foundation for his sub- 
 sequent success. At the age of fourteen years he united with the 
 Baptist Church. He pursued a course of study in Hamilton Literary 
 and Theological Institution, and graduated in 1831, at the age of 
 twenty-nine years. The west was selected as the field of his future 
 labors. June 29th, 1831, he was ordained in Coventry, Vermont. In 
 September of the same year he was married to Miss Emily Ide, sister 
 of Rev. George B. Ide, and soon after removed to Alton, Illinois. In 
 Upper Alton he opened a school, which many regard as the germ of 
 Shurtleff College. He was the first pastor of the Baptist Church in 
 the city of Alton. From Alton he removed to Carrolton, Green 
 county, and became pastor there. He became successively pastor of 
 the Baptist churches of Winchester, and Jacksonville. He remained 
 at the latter place till 1847. At Jacksonville he published the "West- 
 ern Star," which subsequently developed into the "Watchman of the 
 Prairies. " With a constitution enfeebled by disease, he returned to 
 New York to visit his aged parents in 1847, arrange his earthly affairs 
 and end his pilgrimage among his early friends. His health, how- 
 ever, improved, and he soon resumed his ministerial labors. In 1853, 
 in answer to repeated calls, he returned to Illinois, and again became 
 pastor of the church at Carrolton. He remained about one year. In 
 the autumn of 1855 he left the west, never to return. A pastorate of 
 six years at McGrawville, New York, was followed by a pastorate at 
 Dryden, which he held until the day of his death. He died at Etna, 
 Tompkins county, of typhoid pneumonia. May IGth, 1867, aged sixty- 
 five J ears.
 
 Baptist Association. 131 
 
 REV. ICHABOD CLARK, D.D., 
 
 Was born in Franklin county, Massachusetts, October 30th, 1803. 
 He was converted Avhen about fourteen years of age. He removed 
 with his father's family to Truxton, New York, at sixteen years of 
 age, -xnd was, two years afterwards, licensed to preach by that church. 
 At the age of nineteen he was called to the pastoral charge of the 
 church at Scipio, New York, and continued in that relation for nine 
 years. Subsequently he held pastorates in the State of New York, 
 at Lockport, LaG-range, Batavia, LeRoy, Brockport and Nunda. In 
 1848 he came west, under the patronage of the New York State Con- 
 vention, and settled in Galena, Illinois, and afterwards at Rockford. 
 At this point he labored with great earnestness and success for eleven 
 years, during which time seven hundred and fifty were added to the 
 church ; nearly one-half of them by baptism. During an interim of 
 pastoral labor he was Superintendent of Missions one year, and sub- 
 sequently, held the pastorate of the North Baptist Church of Spring- 
 field, two years. He then returned to LeRoy, New York, the scene 
 of one of his earliest pastorates, intending to spend the evening of 
 his life among the friends of his earlier days. He remained there 
 five years. In October, 1807, he again accepted the Superintendency 
 of Missions in Illinois. His labors, for one of his years, were almost 
 incredible. His success was unsurpassed by any one who has filled 
 that position. Excessive anxiety, unwearied plannings. fatiguing 
 journeys and unavoidable exposures undermined his constitution, and 
 before the close of the year it became evident that his work was well 
 nigh done. This fact was more evident in his heavenly-mindedness, 
 in his joyous anticipations of the future glorious inheritance of the 
 Saints. Desiring to wear his armor until the close of the conflict, he 
 accepted a pastorate at Lockport, Illinois. He preached only a few 
 sermons to his new charge, when he was prostrated by disease. He 
 lingered in severe suffering until the Master called. He died peace- 
 fully and in strong faith, at Lockport. Illinois, April 14th, 1869, after 
 having labored actively and constantly in the ministry for more than 
 forty-eight years. Few men have performed the amount of labor 
 that he accomplished in that eventful life. He spent aU that time in 
 the pastoral office, except two years. During that time he preached 
 thousands of sermons in protracted meetings, in which he labored 
 extensively for more than twenty-five years. Thousands of precious 
 souls were gathered under those labors into the fold of Christ. His
 
 132 Springfield, Illinois, 
 
 native preaching power was scarcely equalled by one among a thou- 
 sand. His power to bring all his varied acquirements into the pulpit 
 was rare and admirable, and his all-controlltag and all-pervading 
 piety carried his brethren captive in the strongest bonds of brotherly 
 love, as well as giving him untold power over the hearts and consci- 
 ences of the impenitent. 
 
 REV. BURTON CARPENTER. 
 
 Rev. Burton Carpenter was bom in Norwich, Vermont, March 5th, 
 1785. In 1816 he was ordained as a Baptist minister in Schoharie 
 county. New York, where he commenced his long and faithful service 
 as a preacher of the gospel. For nearly a third of a century he 
 devoted himself unreservedly to the work of the ministry. Little is 
 knowTi of his early educational advantages, but living at that early 
 day they must have been very limited. By his earnestness and 
 studious devotion, he overcame the lack of the discipline of the 
 schools, and was a successful winner of souls. He came to Illinois in 
 1838, but on account of impaired health was, after that time, often 
 hindered in the work dear to his heart. He was pastor of the Baptist 
 Church in Decatur, from April, 1847 to April, 1848, serving with 
 acceptance and success. He died in Ogle county, Illinois, on the 3d 
 day of July, 1849, of Asiatic cholera, in the sixty-fifth year of his age
 
 Baptist Association. 133 
 
 REV. ABRAHAM B. HARRIS. 
 
 Rev. Abraham B. Harris was born in Connecticut, in the year 1808. 
 In early life he emigrated to Illinois, and having become a member of 
 the Fountain Creek Baptist Church, was licensed to preach on the 
 13th of July, 1839. On the 13th of June, 1842, he was ordained to 
 the work of the gospel ministry, and immediately engaged as a col- 
 porteur and missionary of the American Baptist Publication Society. 
 He continued in this service for the term of seven years, until 1849. 
 Subsequent to that time he was employed as a Missionary of the 
 Springfield Baptist Association for several years, as shown in the 
 History thereof, devoting his time to the cause of Christ, within its 
 bounds, by preaching, and the distribution of religious books. During 
 his ministry he baptized five hundred and sixteen persons, on profes- 
 sion of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He died, January 24th, 
 1862; aged, fifty-four years. At the next Annual Meeting of the 
 Association, in September, 1862, a Committee was appointed, of which 
 Rev. Geo. P. Guild was Chairman, to solicit funds to erect a suitable 
 monument at his grave. At the Annual Meeting of the Association, 
 in September, 1863, the Committee reported as follows: "Your Com- 
 mittee have erected a monument at the grave of our beloved Brother 
 Harris. It bears this simple inscription : 'He was a faithful Minister 
 of the Gospel.' The entire cost was |50."
 
 134 Speixgfield, Illinois, 
 
 REV. NEHEMIAn PIERCE. 
 
 Eev. Nehemiah Pierce was bom November 5th, 1837, in London- 
 deny, Vermont, where for twenty-five years his father was pastor of 
 the Baptist Church. Converted and uniting with the church at 
 twenty-one years of age, he very soon afterwards devoted himself to 
 the gospel ministry. Realizing the importance of thorough mental 
 training, he pursued his studies at the University of Vermont, gradu- 
 ating therefrom in 1865. After a brief term of study at the Union 
 Theological Seminary, in New York, he was ordained in the spring of 
 186G, as pastor of the Baptist Church at Bellows Falls, Vermont. In 
 1868, after two years service, he closed his labors with that church, 
 and settled as pastor of the Baptist Church in Coldwater, Michigan. 
 He served that church two years, and in November, 1870, he became 
 pastor of the First Baptist Church in Springfield, Illinois. Never of 
 a strong constitution, and with inherited tendencies to consumption, 
 the disease which had for years been lurking within him before his 
 removal to Illinois, very soon thereafter became more pronounced, 
 and aggravated in some degree by the duties of a laborious pastorate, 
 he was compelled, after a year and a half, to relinquish his work for 
 a season of needed rest. A four months trip to Europe gave but little 
 relief. After his return, unwilling to give up the service to which his 
 life was devoted, he entered again upon the duties of his pastorate, 
 but it soon became evident that his earthly mission was accomplished. 
 He preached his last sermon early in February, and overtaxed with 
 the effort, went home to await for a few weeks, the coming of his 
 Lord, and finally fell asleep, March 25th, 1873, to await the resurrec- 
 tion mom. The blessing of God attended him in each of his fields of 
 labor, and the churches prospered under his ministry. An appropriate 
 monument, erected by his devoted wife, marks his last earthly resting 
 place in Oak Ridge Cemetery, near Springfield, Illinois.
 
 Baptist Association. 135 
 
 REV. F. W. INGMIRE. 
 
 Rev. F. W. Ingmire was bom September 11th, 1822. He was con- 
 verted February 16th, 1843, under the ministry of Rev. Z. Raymond, 
 and by him baptized into the fellowship of the Pearl Street Baptist 
 Church, Albany, New York. In May of the following year he en- 
 tered Madison University, New York, and commenced a course of 
 study preparatory to the Gospel ministry. He was ordained October 
 8th, 1848, in the Pearl Street Church, Albany, New York. Rev. B. 
 T. Welch preached the sermon at his ordination. Immediately after 
 his ordination he came west, and October 12th, 1848, he preached his 
 first sermon in this State in the First Baptist Church in Chicago. 
 Thence he went to Joliet, under the appointment of the American 
 Bapti^st Home Mission Society. He divided his time between Joliet, 
 and Lockport Baptist Churches. On the 12th of March, 1849, he began 
 a protracted meeting which continued twenty-two days. He was 
 aided in the meeting by Rev. Jacob Knapp. During the meeting 
 thirty-seven professed faith in Christ. He remained on the field 
 until October, 1850, when he removed to Quincy, Illinois, and sup- 
 plied the pulpit of the church in Quincy until the spring of 1851, and 
 then became pastor of the Baptist Church in Pittsfield, Illinois. He 
 continued his labors in Pittsfield until December, 1855, and then took 
 charge of the Baptist Church in Havana, Mason county, Illinois. He 
 remained in Havana until the fall of 1859, and then removed to 
 Springfield, Illinois. While in Springfield, he at one time supplied 
 the church at Oreana, and during his pastorate the church erected a 
 \ good meeting house. He united with the First Baptist Church at 
 Springfield, and when the North Baptist Church was organized he 
 united with that body, and continued a member until his death, Sep- 
 tember 22d, 1876.
 
 136 Spkingfield, Illinois, 
 
 REV. JACOB BOWEK. 
 
 Rev. Jacob Bower was bom in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, 
 September 26th, 1786. His jiarents were devout and pious Dunkers; 
 a sect of Christians that took its rise in Pennsylvania about the year 
 1724. At the age of twenty-six years he became the subject of deep 
 religious convictions, and on profession of his faith in the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, was baptized on the first Sabbath in March, 1812. In October 
 of the year 1816, he was licensed to preach, and was ordained to the 
 work of the ministry, in Logan county Kentucky, February 27th, 1819. 
 With a very limited education his progress in the ministry was slow, 
 as he labored through the week, and preached on the Sabbath. The 
 only books he possessed were the English Bible, the German Testa- 
 ment, and a Hymn book. These, together with Bunyan's Pilgrim's 
 Progress, and Holy War, which he borrowed, were his only sources of 
 theological instruction. He served several churches in Kentucky 
 with acceptance during a period of ten years. Large accessions to 
 the churches which he served attended his ministry. In 1828 he 
 removed to, and made his home in Scott countj', lUtaois, uniting with 
 what is now the Winchester Baptist Church, of which he very soon 
 after became the pastor. After preaching for that church four years, 
 so strong was the anti-mission spirit, that he was dismissed from his 
 pastorate by vote of the church, which at the same time declared 
 that neither he, nor any one who was in favor of missions, should be 
 allowed to commune with the church. With a persistent and kindly 
 spirit he continued, however, to prosecute his labors in the ministry 
 as opportunity was offered, until the opposition gradually gave way, * 
 and the current of public sympathy in that region was turned to 
 favor missions. He was, in 1832, connected with the Pleasant Grove, 
 now known as the Manchester Baptist Church, in Scott county, and 
 through the agency of Rev. John M. Peck, he received a commis- 
 sion, November 19th, 1832, as a missionary of the American Baptist 
 Home Mission Society, with an appropriation of $100 per annum. 
 The church regarded the commission as an impertinence, and required 
 its immediate return to the Society. Yielding to the behest of the 
 church for the time, though it was difficult for him to continue to 
 preach and pro%dde for his family without the proffered assistance of 
 the Society, he returned his commission. Within a few weeks, it 
 having been again returned to him, he resolved to retain it, and act
 
 Baptist Associa-tion. 137 
 
 under it without further knowledge of the church. But it soon be- 
 came known, and he was placed on trial before the church for his 
 unscriptural missionarj' intentions and spirit. The anti-mission spirit 
 aroused was bitter and relentless, but he finally succeeded in convinc- 
 ing the church that missions were not unscriptural. So general was 
 the anti mission spirit at that time among the Baptists of Illinois, 
 that the Morgan Association, in 1832, passed resolutions strongly con- 
 demning Missions, Sunday Schools, Bible Societies and Temperance 
 Societies. From 1832 to 1840, Mr. Bower continued almost without 
 interruption, as shown by the Missionary Table in this volume, to 
 serve as a Missionary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society 
 in Morgan. Green, and Scott counties, making missionary journeys 
 into Adams, Pike, Sangamon and Madison counties, as the call of 
 Providence led him in the way. Since 1856 he resided with his chil- 
 dren in Macon county, where, in 1858, he was instrumental in the 
 organization of the Friendship, now Oreana Baptist Church, of which 
 he was the first pastor. He died April 2Gth, 1874, and "like a shock 
 of corn fully ripe." was gathered to the Eternal Harvest, in the 88th 
 year of his age. Worthy compeer of John M. Peck, Alvin Bailey, 
 Wm. Spencer, and Jonathan Merriam, his memory will, with that 
 of those other pioneer preachers of Central Illinois, be cherished as 
 one of the founders of the churches which now constitute our Baptist 
 Zion. 
 
 REV. CYRUS MINER. 
 
 Rev. Cyrus Miner was ^orn in Stonington, Connecticut, Septembei*, 
 liSl2. At the age of twenty-seven years he was ordained as pastor of 
 the Baptist Church at North Stonington, where he served two years. 
 Resigning his pastorate there, he accepted a call to the pastoral care 
 of the Baptist Church at Wakefield. Rhode Island, where he remained 
 four years, during which time there were large accessions to the 
 church. His next place of settlement was at Martha's Vineyard, 
 Massachusetts, from which place he removed after a short pastorate, 
 to Mystic Conn, where he served as pastor for two years. His next 
 place of settlement was Attica, New York, from which place, after 
 about two years service, he removed to Illinois, in 1855, and soon 
 after became pastor of the Berlin Baptist Church, in the Springfield 
 —10
 
 138 Speingfield, Illinois, 
 
 Association. He ministered to that church one year, during which 
 brief time he endeared himself to his people, and brethren in the 
 ministry, as a faithful minister of Christ. He died at Berlin, after 
 a short illness, August, 185(5, aged forty-four years. A monument 
 erected to his memory by his church, marks his last resting place, at 
 Berlin. 
 
 REV. PERRY BENNETT. 
 
 Eev. Perry Bennett was born in North Stonington, Connecticut, in 
 1824. His early life was spent with his father on a farm. He pur- 
 sued his studies mostly under private instruction of ministers, who, 
 as was the custom of that day, taught young men who desired far- 
 ther edu-cation than that offered by the common schools bu.t were not 
 able to attend the Academy or College. At twenty-five years of age 
 he was converted and baptized at Wickford, Rhode Island, where he 
 was engaged as Principal of the Academy. In 1 852 he was ordained 
 as pastor of the Baptist Church at Lebanon, Connecticut, where he 
 served two years, after which he removed to Cold Springs, New York, 
 where he preached one year. In 1856 he removed to Winchester, 
 Scott county, Illinois, where he labored successfully as pastor of the 
 Baptist Church for five years. In 18G1 he removed to Berlin, Sanga- 
 mon county, where he was pastor of the Baptist Church four years. 
 During the next few years he preached successively at Waverly, New 
 Berlin, Mount Zion, and other churches as stated supply, and during 
 the week engaged in the work of teaching, »f or which he had special 
 natural adaptation. In 1871 he removed to Springfield and became 
 Principal of one of its public schools, and for several months acted 
 as stated supply for the pulpit of the North Baptist Church, then 
 without a pastor. He filled both these positions at the time of his 
 death, which occurred September 5th, 1873. His age was forty-six 
 years. A beautiful monument marks his grave at Oak Ridge Ceme- 
 tery, near Springfield.
 
 Baptist Association. 139 
 
 CONCLUSION 
 
 HAVING traversed the period of half a century from the 
 organization of the Baptist Church in Springfield, out 
 of which the Springfield x\ssociation grew, it is fitting 
 that note be made in conclusion, of the progress which 
 has marked the planting and training of our denomina- 
 tional vine in this Central Valley of the great West. 
 Forty-eight churches have been connected with the Asso- 
 ciation, and twenty now constitute its membership. A part 
 of those once numbered in its membership have become 
 connected with other Associations, whilst others "are 
 not." Like the early churches once planted in Asia- 
 Minor, they have become extinct, and will henceforth be 
 known only in history. The progress and development 
 of this new country have, by the formation of new centers 
 of business, so changed the centers of population that 
 many of the locations of churches at first chosen were in 
 a few years, of necessity, abandoned. Now, at the com- 
 mencement of the second half century of our denomina- 
 tional work, society has become, to a good degree, homo- 
 geneous, and the era of planting has given place to that 
 of perfecting the institutions of the gospel. The fathers 
 have, many of them, fallen asleep. They labored, and
 
 140 Springfield, Illinois, Baptist Association. 
 
 we have entered into their labors. Denominational self- 
 respect, as well as loyalty to Christ, demands of the Bap- 
 tists of this Association, renewed consecration, and a 
 vigorous prosecution of denominational work. Some of 
 our churches occupy houses of worship which although 
 adequate to the needs of society thirty years ago, are no 
 longer equal to the demands of the present age. The call 
 for an intelligent and educated ministry was one of the 
 early demands of the churches, and its supply at that 
 time was met chiefly as ministers came from the older 
 states. Now, as the tide of emigration has rolled on to 
 the shores of the Pacific, new communities demand such 
 assistance as was given to this region forty years ago, 
 and our churches owe it to themselves to provide the 
 means for the education of the rising ministry within 
 their own borders. The fact that three of the most promi- 
 nent pulpits in our denomination in the Atlantic States 
 are filled by men of western birth and education, viz : 
 Eev. Frank M. Elhs, D.D., of Boston ; Eev. H. M. Galla- 
 gher, D.D., and Eev. Jesse B. Thomas, D.D., of Brooklyn, 
 New York, all of whom were former members of churches 
 in the Springfield Association, two of them having been 
 baptized into the fellowship of the Springfield Baptist 
 Church, is a just source of gratitude to God for His bless- 
 ing upon the work of the fathers, in the earlier days of 
 our history. May the successes of the past be a stimulus 
 to renewed consecration in the upbuilding of the Kingdom 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
 45^t-