287.631 R475 RINGWOOD CENTENNIAL, AU3UST 27-28,1955 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGM • WSTOfWCAJ SURVEY Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/ringwoodcentenniOOring Ringwood Centennial August 27 6- 28, 1955 First Methodist Church Ringwood, Illinois CHARLES W. BRASHARES Bishop > RAY BOND District Superintendent R. JAMES REID Minister 2d 1.631 hi 5 4W. M#. Welcome On behalf of our church and its people I wish to extend a warm welcome . . . to 3^-ou who have come to join us in our prayer of thanks for the ninety-nine years of glorious service by "the little white church on the hill" . . . to you who have come to join us in our prayer that our new church will carry on to even greater adventures in service for her Lord. R. James Reid, Pastor Saturday, August 27, 1955 12:00 Noon Auction 2:30 P.M. Bridal Pageant. "Our Souvenir of Wedding Gowns" Outside Activity for men and children. Spelling contest. 00-7 00-8 00-8 30-9 00 P.M. Buffet Supper. 00 P.M. Hymn Sing. 30 P.M. Whisker Judging. 30 P.M. Pageant "This is Your Life, Ringwood Church" Sunday, August 28, 1955 10:30 A.M. Ringwood and Greenwood Worship Service. 2:00 P.M. Consecration Service. Dr. Bond - Speaker Messages from former Ministers Open house in recreation room. History of Ringwood Methodist Church A history of the first hundred years of the Methodist Church in Ringwocd must be a story of the many men and women who gave their lives and fortunes for their faith and ideals, and whose tradi- tions still influence the lives and morals of those who live within the ever widening circle. The village of Ringwood was settled in 1837 by Dr. Luke Hale and William Beach. Dr. Hale was a physician who practiced here for many years. Both he and Mr. Beach came with families from Vermont as did most of the early settlers in this vicinity. To quote an old history "Respected citizens of Ringwood trace their lineage back to the rugged colonists of Puritan faith, who have made their mental and moral influence felt across the continent." Some of the earliest settlers in and near the village were Samuel Walker. Andrew Harsh, Chas. Harrison, Eli Chase, Peter Francisco. Freeman Whiting, William Mead, John Smith, Soloman Dodge, Samuel Simmons, the Vasey, Carr, Moody and Forth families. Start- ing first with log cabins, fine looking homes were soon built. The oldest still standing, now occupied by George Shepards. was a hotel built by Wm. Stevens in 1848. He later moved to one now occupied by Agnes Jenks, his grand-daughter. The house where Frank Fay lives was built by his grandfather, Samuel Simmons. Ringwood was one of the stations on the circuit of the early circuit riders, and in 1855, a Union church was organized, serving both Methodist and Congregational members. The church building was erected on land given by Solomon Dodge. The charter members of the congregation were Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Simmons, Mr. and Mrs. William Stevens, Jane, John and Richard Vasey, Mathew Carr. William Forth, Mr. and Mrs. William Moody and Mr. and Mrs. William Mead. Mr. Mead is said to have given two-thirds of the money needed to build the church. He and his wife were active workers in the Sunday school. "He was a relentless foe of intemper- ance and was the first man in McHenry county who refused to furn- ish liquor at a barn raising, substituting therefore a bountifully ordered supper." Mrs. Flora Harrison well remembers the improvements wni h were made thru the years. Earliest among them were the she the west and north side of yard, to shelter the horses. New floors and seats were installed and finally a heating system to replace the two big stoves, in which cord wood was burned. Her mother told her of people driving many miles, sitting in chairs in large wagons, sometimes bringing their lunches and stay- ing for three Sunday services. Between rites, they enjoyed visiting and gathering news from their friends and neighbors, as church going was not entirely a matter of worship but a meeting of kindred souls for fellowship. One of the first regular preachers in the church was Wm. Nickles, who also taught school in the village. He was a well known and highly respected educator and people came from some distance to attend his school, where he Jgg| taught a wide variety of subjects. Vincent Lumley, a name well known in McHenry Co., was one of his brightest pupiis. Jonathan Brown, father cf the late S. W. Brown, who built the Ringwood Drug Store, moved to Ringwood in order to educate his children. Many are the tales told of Wm. Nickle. teacher and preacher. In 1868, the Congregationalists withdrew and built the church which later was used as the Woodman Hall. This building was also used by the Universalist congregation for a time but, at present, the Methodist church is Ringwood's only church and is used as a meet- ing place for all gatherings which meet with the sanction of the church board. Many ministers have served the congregation thru the years, sometimes as a charge which include McHenry and Volo and later sharing Greenwood. Pastors of Ringwood-Greenwood charges have been: Charles J. Bready, H. J. Collins, Seth Baker, Harry Culbertson, C. J. Hewitt, David H. Ross, Lloyd F. Hoover, Paul G. Dibble, Job Moore, Ralph Kofoed, R. J. L. McKelvey, John L. Dixon, George Marshall, Charles Stephens, Darrell Sample, James Reid. Thru the years, descendants of the founders of the church and of Ringwood pioneers have faithfully carried on the work and added to their number many fine outstanding christian workers. While the first building stood, they all took great pride in repairing and im- proving it. When the tall steeple was struck by lighting twice, it was replaced, the second time by a somewhat lower structure. In 1949 the members did much of the wcrk of building a basement rec- reation room at considerable expense and indebtedness. This debt was paid and the mortgage burned in April 1954. Trustees who have given lcng and well remembered services are Leroy Peet, his sons Ed and Charles and their families, Chancy Jepson, Florence Smith, Rose Walkington, and those on the present board: John Hogan, Frank Harrison, Kenneth Cristy, George Shepard, Frank Muzzy, Robert Smith, Clinton Martin, Paul Walkington, and Mitchell Kane. On August 1 of 1954, the ninety-nine year old church building was almost completely destroyed by fire. This was a sad day for the Ringwood Community, but a church is not a building' of wood and stone, but a congrega- tion of sincere people with hearts and souls dedicated to faith and service. So a new building will be conse- crated for their use for God's service on Aug- ust 28, 1955. May it have the blessings of peace and fellowship so long enjoyed in the old church. History of the Woman's Society of Christian Service Jennie Bacon, Carry Smith, Frankie Stephenson, Mrs. Rainey. Florence Smith, Mrs. Brown, Cora Flanders, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Taber, Mrs. Hodge, Mrs. Ladd, Mrs. Spaulding, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. G. H. Harrison, Mrs. Coats, Mrs. Bern Harrison. The Ladies Aid Society was established prior to 1900. the exact date could not be found. There are a few who have recollections of suppers or dinners being held in hemes, then in the balcony of the old church, later they were held in the old Woodman Hall until it burned in May 1937. After that dinners were held in the Muzzy build- ing until our church basement was completed late in 1949. Mrs. Flora Harrison recalls having a supper served in her home sometime between 1897 and 1900 when she lived on what is now known as the Biggers farm and she furnished beans, bread, butter and berries. All old timers recall the Ice Cream Socials held in the park where home made ice cream and cake were served. Regular meetings were not held until 1929. Before that meet- ings were heid only if there were comforters to tie, quilts to be quilted or sewing for bazaars to be done. October 29, 1940 the Ladies Aid Society became the Woman's Society of Christian Service a National Organization of Methodist Women. We now have two meetings each month, one for business, wor- ship service, and lesson, the other for sewing or other work. We also have one money raising project each month. The membership of the Woman's Society of Christian Service is thirty with Mrs. Paul Walkington as president. It is not only a group organized for support and service, but for study and spiritual growth. 6 The Ringwood Methodist Choir Music has always been a part of the service of worship in the Methodist church. Ringwood has had some very fine leaders in this field. Old timers remember singing schools conducted by Rev. William Nickles, attended and enjoyed by all the young people of the country side. Singing was accompanied en the reed organ at the church, and sometimes mid-week services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edson Hodge, where ther.e was an organ. Warren Jones, who is well known in this part of the state for his singing, comes from a family of singers and musicians who served this church. His grandmother, Mrs. Rilla Foss, was a very fine con- tralto, and his mother, Dorcas Foss Jones, a popular soprano soloist. Wayne Foss, his uncle, plays a variety of keyboard instruments, from a heir loom rosewood melodeon to the finest pipe-organ. He served as organist at the church for many years. Miss Agnes Bigelow both played and sang there for some time. In about 1932, a Women's Choir was organized, which led the singing and provided soloes and anthems for a few years, and raised money to buy a piano for the church. The members were Lottie Harrison, Gertrude Hitchens, Wilna Schroeder, Clara Cristy, Rose Walkington, Alice Walkington, Rilla Foss, and Viola Low. Later some young men joined the choir and inevitably, some young women then became interested. When poor health forced Wayne Foss to give up his position as organist, Mrs. Oscar Berg served for a time. At present Mrs. Myrtie Harrison is the pianist and Mrs. Bobette Fossum, the choir director. Ferol Martin Tomlinson has been in the choir most of the last ten years. Other members now are Shirley Cristy, Viola Low, Henry Tomlinson, Gordon Fossum, Paul Walkington, Jack Pearson and Jerry Cristy. The Ringwood Sunday School "Little of all we value here Wakes on the morn of its hundredth year Without both feeling and looking queer In fact, there's nothing that keeps it's youth, That I know of, but a tree and truth." Oliver Wendeli Holmes and his poetry notwithstanding, the Ringwood church does keep its youth, thru the Cradle Roll and the Sunday school. From it's very beginning mention is made of those who taught and worked with the children. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mead. Mrs. Fred Wiedrich, Sr., re- members Lucy Hall as one of her teachers. Lucy Hall and her nep* hew, Guy Hall, both devoted their lives to Christian service. Lucy became a Deaconess in the Metho- dist Church and Guy was a minis- ter of the Christian church. He is now retired and liv.es in a Span- ish American War Veteran's Home in Oklahoma. Next to a child's parents, his p*" 1 Sunday school teachers perhaps make the greatest impression en his character and morals. Some of those whose memories are still with our older people are Frank Fay's mother, Mrs. Mary Hodge, Mrs. William Coats, grandmother of Wayne Foss, and Mrs. Emma Brown. In later years, Mrs. Brown's daughter, Mrs. Florence Smith and granddaughter, Mrs. Mary Butler have served as Sunday school teachers and superintendents, and Wayne Foss spent many years as a teacher in the Methodist church school. Mrs. Alice Walkington and Mrs. Flora Harrison are well remembered for their work in this connection. Perfect attendance records have been made by many. Lewis Hawley still treasures a certificate given him for three years of perfect attendance. Of those attending Sunday school now, several have attendance records, of which they are justly proud. S At present, there is an enrollment of 45 with Mrs. Frank Harri- son as superintendent, and a teaching staff consisting- of Marian Peet, Darlene Andreas, Althea Walkington, Mary Butler and Gordon Fossum. Too much praise can not be given them for the many hours spent, not only on Sunday, but in two weeks of vacation Bible School each summer. Little do we realize the time spent in preparing pro- grams for Christmas and other church events for most of us remem- ber the thrill of the "piece" we spoke, or the part we played in a play or pageant. So to these, and many others, we must "rise and call them blessed." Young Adult Fellowship Plans for a young peoples group was started by the Marshall's in the fall of 1946. The first meetings were held in Muzzy's Hall. Because of the small group, thirteen, we soon began to meet in our homes. The name Round-Up Club was suggested by Mrs. Marshall, and accepted by the rest as a good name for the group. The first president was Harold Stanek, secretary and treasurer Helen Winn. When plans for a church basement began to materialize, money was needed, we sponsored a basket social, ice cream social, etc. The March Revue was given in the church basement in 1950, a group of Ringwoods talented young men, directed by Mrs. Leon Grosby. By request a repeated performance was given at Greenwood in April. For our program we have guest speakers, discussion groups, an annual Christmas dinner and a progressive supper. The past two years we've sponsored a "Everybody Birthday Party." Our present membership is twenty, all are very active and e iger to learn and work when there is something to be done at the church. Methodist Youth Fellowship Every organization provides for the young people and the Ring- wood church has sponsored the M. Y. F. groups for their young people for many years. The age groups, the type of programs and even the name cf the organization has been changed throughout the years but the goais nave remained constant, to provide wholesome recreation, to build their spiritual background, and to bring together young people for fellowship. The first modern youth group was started in September 1932 by Rev. Paul Dibble and was called Epworth League. Throughout the past fifteen years many changes have taken place within the Ringwood Youth Fellowship. As it was hard for the minister to give up a great deal of time for the group it was suggested that interested adults be asked to help the group and ad- vise them. Helen Winn was one of the first adults advisors of the group, and she was also one of the finest. One of highlights of the M. Y. F. program was the camping trip at Inspiration Point on Lake Geneva. Carol Harrison Donahue, Ferol Martin Tomlinson, and Muriel Butier Benoy were some of the first campers and they could probably tell of the fun and fellowship at M. Y. F. Camp. But fun and recreation wasn't the only aspect of the M. Y. F. program. At the monthly meetings Bible Study lessons were conducted by their advisor or the minister. The business of the group was conducted by their officers. The membership was composed of boys and girls cf the Ringwood area between the ages of 10-16. iSome of the special events were, the annual trip of Christmas caroling, the party which followed, tours through the David C. Cook Publishing House in Elgin where our printed materials came from, and our annual picnic and swimming party. The M. Y. F. at that time had special projects for which the funds were raised by and ice cream social and a scrap drive. One of the specific projects was raising funds to buy a reproduction of Salsman's painting of the Head of Christ, which was presented to the advisor of the M. Y. F. of that year. Several years ago the M. Y. F. conducted a drive in Ringwood for canned foods which were packed and sent to the Lake Bluff Orphanage. During the last ten years the M. Y. F. was split into two age 10 groups. The Senior group was composed of 8th grade through high school boys and girls. This group was very strong and at one time several years ago its active membership reached a peak of nearly thirty members. Mary Ann Weidrich Wegener was president the year that the group was so active and many good times were had b}' ail in the Senior M. Y. F. that year. The Junior M. Y. F. was small but growing more each year. This younger group like the older one had a well balanced program of Bible Study, business, and fun and fellowship. This group has been fortunate to have a fine adviser who has stayed with the group even longer than the ministers. Alice Peet has done a wonderful job as the advisor for the Jr. M. Y. F. She has given up a lot of time for this group but it has not kept Alice from doing more than her share of the work in many other church activities. With the help of Alice the Jr. M. Y. F. was able to raise funds to buy the stage curtains and the window drapes for the new base- ment two years ago. No doubt the group has a worthy project in mind now. Several years ago the M. Y. F. groups of Ringwood, particularly the older group began meeting with groups from neighboring towns. Exchange fellowships were held with McHenry, Greenwood and Woodstock. Joint Easter Sunrise programs were conducted by the young people from as many as five different churches. Then be- cause of the decline in membership of the Senior group and with the same situation in Greenwood, the two groups were combined. The Senior M. Y. F. today is still made up of boys and girls from both + .he Ringwood and Greenwood areas. About six years ago the local M. Y. F. took another step forward when they became acquainted with the Sub-District and the Con- ference Councils. The first year only four young people represented Ringwood at the Sub-District Mid-Winter Institute, but at that first event Charlotte Hogan was elected as an officer of the Sub-District cabinet. The following year Charlotte was elected as president and her sister Mary Hogan was elected to serve on the cabinet as chairman of community service. By this time the local M. Y. F.'s were quite active in all the Sub-District and Conference events. Mary Hogan was elected presi- 11 dent the following year and now John Hogan Jr. is serving out his second year as a cabinet officer. Ruth Douglas of Greenwood also served one year on the cabinet as the chairman of worship. The Ringwood M. Y. F.'s have been well represented by members at the various workshops and rallys and have had as many as nine attending the weekend institutes at one time. Two years ago the Ringwood and Greenwood combined group was host to the annual Fall Meet of the Sub-District and the inter- est shown was evidence that the local group is a strong link in the chain of M. Y. F.'s throughout this area. As you can see the M. Y. F.'s of Ringwood have progressed through the years along with the other church organizations. The Senior group this year has a fine set of officers, they are John Hogan. Jr., president; Marlene Memler, vice-president; Lois Hunt, secretary-treasurer; Marilyn Rawson, Jerry Hogan, Chuck Sowers, and Ruth Swanson serve as chairmen of the various com- missions. The Jr. M. Y. F.'s officers include, Wesley Bruce, president; Harry Hogan. vice-president; Veronica Davis, secretary; and Jay Walkington, treasurer. Although the M. Y. F. groups can not celebrate their own hun- dred year anniversary, the officers and members are happy to be a part of the anniversary of their church and are looking forward to their hundredth year as the Methodist Youth Fellowship of the Ringwood church. 12 Contractors for the New Church Architect Derald West A.I.A. Genoa City, Wis. General Contractor Howard Lindvig Genoa City, Wis. Electrician Norm's Electric Service Burlington, Wis. Gasoroil Heating Genoa City, Wis. Genoa City, Wis. Painting Richard Cronin Genoa City, Wis. Glazier Kenosha Glass Co. Kenosha, Wis. Floor Tiling Walworth Dept. Store Walworth, Wis. Roofers David Carlson Elgin. 111. Iron Work Osborn's Welding Service Genoa City, Wis. 13 Compliments of the following The Candy Box McHenry Certified Store McHenry Maurice Gladstone McHenry Carey Electric Shop McHenry Buss Motor Sales McHenry McGee's Men Clothing McHenry George R. Justen McHenry Clair Beauty Shop McHenry Ben Franklin Store McHenry Agatha Shop McHenry Nye's Drug Store McHenry State Bank of McHenry Althoff's Hardware McHenry Hester Oil McHenry Peter Justen McHenry A. S. Blake Motors, Inc. McHenry Geis-Shoes McHenry Toddler Shop McHenry Riverside Bakery McHenry Stilling's Town & Country Studio McHenry Betty Nielsen Dresses & Accessories McHenrv Schreiner's Standard Service McHenry Barbian Brothers Groceries McHenrv Huppy & Leo's Grocery Market McHenry Tonyan's Home Furnishings McHenrv 14 Compliments of the following Dale Thomas-- Beverages McHenry Vycital's Hardware McHenry Mark's Sporting & Marine Supply McHenry John R. Freund Shoe Repair McHenry Freund's Dairy McHenry Alexander Lumber Co. McHenry Van's Wonder Lounge & Delicatessen Wonder Lake Kay's Gift Shop Wonder Lake Viola's Midwest Wonder Lake Dean's Grocery & Meat Market Wonder Lake Lake View Ice Cream Parlor Wonder Lake Cottage Garden Shop Wonder Lake Estelle's Lunch Box Wonder Lake Wonder Lake Drug Store Wonder Lake Fox Electric Service Wonder Lake Reuter's General Store Wonder Lake Arthur Hay (Postmaster) Wonder Lake Norma's Center Shop Wonder Lake Paul's Variety Store Wonder Lake Silk's Sporting Goods and Marine Supplies Wonder Lake Hoffman's Beauty Shop Wonder Lake LaGreca's Handy Pantry Wonder Lake Goodrow's Garage Woodstock Fred Ferris - Jewelry Woodstock Thompson Appliance Woodstock Piggly Wiggly Groceries Woodstock 15 Compliments of the following Merwins Furniture - Undertaking Woodstock The State Bank of Woodstock Woodstock C. L, Roush Farm Implements Woodstock Botts Welding Service Woodstock Benoy Motor Sales Woodstock Beard & Stovall Men's Clothing Woodstock First National Bank of Woodstock Woodstock Frank J. Green Woodstock Nolan Television & Appliances Woodstock Woodstock Dry Goods Co. Woodstock Buckley Cleaners Woodstock J. C. Pearson Garage Ringwood Roy Dodd Electrical Contractor Ringwood Paul Eberle Golden Gio Nut Sales Ringwood L. E. Hawley Market & Grocery Ringwood B. T. Butler Feed Store Ringwood Winter's Store Ringwood Weldon C. Andreas Roofing-Siding Insulation Stone Kote Ringwood Ringwood Chemical Corp. Ringwood Gordon Fossum Piano Repair & Tunning Ringwood Kruse Hardware Richmond Leo's Grocery & Market Richmond Grant's Dept. Store Richmond Richmond Hardware Richmond State Bank of Richmond Richmond 16 Scenes of Ringwood, how ye haunt me In my chambers far away, Do you ccme with joy to greet me Or to mock me day by day? Of its scenes the most exquisite Are the visions of my heme. There with one I often visit Tho' I know I'm all all alone, Then I'm in a field Elysian Among those scenes by day or night And my intermittent visions Paint these scenes in her own lig UNIVERSITY OF ILUNOIS-URBANA 287 631R475 C001 RINGWOOD CENTENNIAL, AUGUST 27 & 28, 195 3 0112 025278836