"LI B RAHY OF THE U N IVLRSITY Of ILLINOIS Z£>6 IIUMB BSWWIll fflWH Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/thatyemaytellittOOchan . Tliat Ye Mav Tell It To The Generation Following" B 5 Claire Goodsill Chandler Tlie First Baptist Church Galesburg, Illinois An Historical Sketch 1848 - 1948 OUR PRESENT BUILDING 1894 Foreword The Historical Committee for the One Hundredth Anniversary of the First Baptist Church of Galesburg was instructed to prepare a brief history of the church. In carrying out this commission, the commit- tee has endeavored to select significant items and to present data accurately. Some records were lost in the fire of 1892 and subsequent accounts of a few of the earlier years vary. Time limitations prevented much research in sources other than the available official records of the church. Information as yet unused still remains in church records for future historians. It is the hope of the committee that the material included in this volume may serve as dependable reference in future years. Historical Committee Mrs. Robert A. Chandler George [nness M iss Sylvia Ryin Mrs. E. J. Scott Mrs. C. J. Squires C. E. Van Norman, Chair man PASTORS 1848- 1948 1848-1855— Elders Stickney and Cross JO 1855-1859— Reverend Silas Tucker 1859-1864 — Eastes; Daniels; Johnson; Green; Northrop 1858-1864 — Cherry Street Church: Reverend S. A. Kihgsbery Reverend I. Fargo 1864-1865— Reverend W. \Y. Moore 1865-1868— Reverend W, 1). Clark 1868-1873— Reverend John II. Griffith 1873-1877— Reverend William N. Haigh 1877-1878— Reverend W. H. Templeton 1878-1880— Reverend J. M. T. Boothe 1881-1886— Reverend 0. A. Williams 1888-1889— Reverend J. B. Woodland 1890-1895— Reverend ( ). W. Van Osdel 1896-1899— Reverend W. H. Geistweit 1899- 1902- -Reverend Theodore G. Soares 1902-1909— Reverend J. V. Aitchison 1910-1915— Reverend F. E. R. Miller 1915-1920— Reverend \Y. I. Fowle 1921-1924— Reverend Charles Durden 1925-1932— Reverend Charles A. Carman 1933-1938— Reverend W. Harry Freda 1939-1946— Reverend R. Claibourne Johnson 1947- —Reverend Frederick L. Gilson LIVING PASTORS / d h THEODORE G SOARES CHARLES DURDEI CHARLES A. CARMAN W. HARRY FREDA R CLAIBOURNE JOHNSON FREDERICK L. GILSON Walk about Zion and go round about her; Number the towers thereof; Mark- ye well her bulwarks; Consider her palaces: That ye may tell it to the generation following. For this God is our God for ever and ever." Psalms 48:12-14 TABLE OF CONTENTS An Historical Sketch Chapter I — "Walk about Zion and go round about her" Chapter II — "Number the towers thereof" Chapter III — "Mark ye well her bulwarks'' Chapter IV — "Consider her palaces" Chapter V- — "That ye may tell it to the generation follow- ing. For this Cod is our God for ever and ever." A Calendar of Dates and Events Illustrations f a . 7 ... M /m. I/-/ CluJ) o.plui&A x/u htiij^'frcLd Ol^U/ikoC {/'a/w>c_ FACSIMILE OF ORIGINAL MINUTES PAGE EIGHT AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 Chaptek T ROUND ABOUT ZIOX "Walk about Zion and go round about her" The First Baptist Church of Galesburg, Illinois, "rich with the spoils of time,*' has reached its hundredth year. A birthday is a time for appraisal, for a glance into the year just ended and for a longer look into the years ahead. The hundredth anniversary of a church's existence seems like a proper time to follow the Psalmist's advice to "walk about Zion and go round about her"; to note well her towers, bulwarks and palaces ; to tell her story to the generation following; and especially to observe proofs of the Psalmist's contention, that "this God is our God for ever and ever." And so, once upon a time — In 1847. ten years after the first colony came from the Ea>t to establish a Christian College, a few Baptists started to hold meetings in Knoxville and in Galesburg, alternately. < )ne of the first meetings was held in the home of George \Y. Crandall, on West Main Street. The house, still standing, known as the Roberts' homestead, silently preserve- its own memories of the momentous decisions made within its walls. On January 15, 1848, at a Knoxville meeting, the little band voted to organize the First Baptist Church of Galesburg, Illinois, and to build a meeting house there. Trustees and a Building Committee were appointed, and aid was sought for financing the building. Meeting Houses and Other Church Property For a time meetings were held in a district school house on the north side of Ferris Street, between Broad and Cherry, and in the upper story of a blacksmith shop on the south side of Main Street, between Academy and West. The baptistry was Cedar Fork, a clear running stream, the present site of the Santa Fe passenger depot being the approxi- mate spot most often used. On May 31, 1851, the first meeting was held in the new hut unfinished church building on the corner of Broad and Tompkins streets where the present high school building stands. This was the only Baptist Church edifice in Knox County. In October a motion was passed "that Trustees make a move to have meeting house fixed so as to hold meetings in the winter." It was June S. 1852. when the completed church was dedicated. It was a well-built structure. thirty-two by forty-five feet, with eighteen-foot posts, and cost about $2,500. Accessions came to the church and by 1856, the records show fre- quent discussions about enlarging the building. On September IS. 1858, PAGE NINE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS the enlargement was reported paid for. This enlargement and several other matters became points of difference between members, and on May 1, 1859, forty-one withdrew to form a new church. This group met at the residence of Timothy \Yalker, northeast corner of the Square, perfected an organization, and by fall had erected the so-called "Cherry Street Church," at a cost of $2,500. This meeting house on the corner of Cherry and South streets is now occupied by the Second Baptist Church. The divided congregations were reunited in November, 1864, and the church sold the Broad Street site, acquiring a lot on Cherry and Tompkins in the transaction. The Cherry Street Church was used as a place of worship until it was outgrown, then Caledonia Hall, "the leading Public Hall of the city", was secured. In 1866, when a great union re- vival swept many members of the community into the several churches, plans for a new church home were agreed upon and the building was begun on the corner of Cherry and Tompkins streets. On April 9, 1868, the edifice was dedicated. It was a stately and dignified structure of FIRST CHURCH EDIFICE. PARK, OLD MAIN PAGE TEN AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 CHERRY STREET CHURCH Colonial type, outstanding in its simple beauty. Its cost of some $30,000 was covered by pledges, but since part of the pledges were not paid, the church was left deeply in debt for some years. In November, 1891, a fine pipe organ was purchased. In 1892 the church was repaired, outside and in, and all was ready for a missionary conference to be held in the church, when, says Lillie Clark in her histori- cal sketch written in 1908, "without a moment's warning, the flames burst forth and soon our beautiful church, doubly dear to us because of its memories, lav in ashes at our feet." That evening. December 19, 1892, trustees met "before the embers bad died out," continues Miss Clark, "to plan for this new church, which was to rise from the ashes of the old. Nothing stopped. The Sunday services were held in the circuit court room, and prayer meeting in Miss Strong's kindergarten school building. 'I lie corner stone of the new house was laid June 15th and the first service, a prayer meeting, held December 6th and the formal opening January 21. 1894." Other churches of the city gave up their services and joined ours to make the day more memorable. The dedication of the present building came ten years later, January 17-21, 1904. after the $9,000 indebtedness bad been wiped out through the heroic efforts of pastor and people. Those going "round about Zion" to observe her physical properties must include not only the main church edifices, but also the two mission PAGE ELEVEN »ftfS?l tUX*** FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS chapels, long maintained by the church. Both came into being partly because of the generosity of small neighboring Baptist churches forced to close their doors by reason of the changing conditions brought by time. Cameron Chapel, on West Losey Street, organized originally as Immanuel Chapel, was opened on March 8, 1899. After years of helpful service in the northwest area of the city, remote from churches, it was sold in Sep- tember, 1938. A "Third Ward Sunday School" began meeting in 1912 in a tin shop on Fifer Street. Later Mr. and Mrs. Edgar A. Bancroft gave a lot on the corner of Kellogg and Sanborn Streets. To this lot presently was moved the Ontario church building, and Ontario Chapel became a reality. On February 11, 1925, this building was sold. To the two mission chapels church leaders gave unstinted time, and from these chapels came into the church some of its staunchest members. The church has also owned from time to time several parsonages and lots, which, as the years went on, were diverted to other ownership. Structural Strength of the Spirit Those who in 1948 "walk about Zion" can appraise not only her physical property, but can look also for the structural strength of her inner life. The perspective of time enables one to note the spirit of sacri- SECOND CHURCH BUILDING PAGE TWELVE AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 fice which has prevailed for the hundred years now past, the independent pioneer boldness, the disciplines of life and their softening influences, the spiritual devotion of those who in every generation have made up the membership. Consider, for instance, the modest financial circumstances of our pioneer forefathers, who had to depend upon the Home Mission Society for part of the salary of the first pastor, Elder Stickney. Consider, too, the sacrificial service of Elder Stickney, whose yearly stipend was $200.00. The next pastor's salary of $200.00 was paid "in things for family use." That these things for family use could be generously bestowed and gra- ciously given, is evidenced by the comment of Miss Clark, as she describes the coming of her pastor-father's family to the Galesburg parsonage: "In the dining-room the table was loaded with good things and after seating us around the board, they slipped away one by one. Oh ! I am sorry for you who have never been ministers' children for you have missed much." Think of the sturdy independence of the little church, whose mem- bers, after five years of existence, in need of many physical comforts, declined "a donation of $50.00 from two Baptist Sabbath Schools in Newark, New Jersey . . . being neither destitute nor dependent." There was a vigorous disciplinary background in the early church. The hand of fellowship was withdrawn from a brother "for disregarding the call of the church to take up his walk with them and for communing with Pedo Baptists." A member in good standing was called upon to visit an erring brother "for not coming to meeting." The sins of stealing, lying, swearing, slander and the like, were dealt with openly and sternly. However, spiritual values were constantly a part of the early church meet- ings. Covenant and communion sessions were regularly observed. On July 1, 1848, the clerk recorded: "Covenant meeting. Prayer by Elder Stickney. After reading the covenant all the brothers and sisters spoke, eighteen in all and the blessed Jesus was in our midst." The membership has experienced many testing times and has emerged triumphant. There was the time when the church divided. The members had been working together only about ten years. There were many debatable problems. Some children in the East desired to send a library. Some members favored accepting the gift: others felt that it should be sent to "those who were really poor." Some favored a church enlargement. Others feared a cumbersome debt ; and so the arguments led to a division of membership. However, in 1803, at the darkest time PAGE THIRTEEN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS in the Civil War, Congress set aside a day of fasting and prayer. The Cherry Street Church invited the First Church to unite with them in prayer. ''And as they prayed together in the great common cause, their hearts were drawn closer and the very next day steps toward a union were taken." Testing times came in later days. too. On the night of December 19, 1892, members stood in the bitter cold, watching tearfully the destruc- tion of their beloved church by fire. "The only thing saved," wrote Mr. E. R. Drake on the occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary, "was one of the pulpit chairs, which had been removed to be repaired, and the pluck and energy of its members." That night, at the home of S. H. McOmber, trustees undaunted, laid plans for a new church. Through the years have come the testing times of financial need. The church has experienced the crushing load of debt, the exuberance of obligations met; the discouragement of current expense deficits, the thrill of "a fourth consecutive year without a deficit." There have been unusual demands made upon the churches because of war abnormalities and because of displaced and needy millions. To these the church has responded nobly and consistently with fine missionary zeal. The testing times of the spirit, as wars have repeatedly weakened and saddened the church, have taught their lessons of suffering and of sharing and of rising triumphant to build a better world, through the medium of local church endeavor and through co-operation with broader Christian agencies. Even a casual student of the century of progress in the Galesburg church, must observe for each generation, the emergence of leaders, divinely prepared to meet just such needs as the times demanded. God-led pastors, Sunday School superintendents and teachers, deacons, trustees, young people, women's leaders, Guild and Boy Scout sponsors, musicians, prospective missionaries and ministers trained within the church — all of these have helped to prove that for a hundred years, round about the church, has been the God who; is our God, forever and ever. PAGE FOURTEEN AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 Chapter. II TOWERS "Number the tozvers thereof When in 1892 fire destroyed the church building, those who stood watching remembered always the glowing tower, enveloped in flames, as it stood in its final bright splendor, before it fell. Today it can be seen that the real towers of the church did not fall, for its devoted men and women stood like towers, strong enough to rebuild and rededicate a new structure. Emerson says that there is properly no history, only biography. Certain it is that the church can be best pictured through those towering personalities whose bright splendor can never be dimmed by flames. It is impossible to follow the Psalmist's admonition to "number the towers thereof", for the towers of strength in the church are too many to count. Tt is probable that every faithful member is a tower to some one who depends upon him for leadership and inspiration. As each one observes the Centennial celebration, he will constantly be doing honor to those who to him are towering personalities within the church, and thus in the hearts of the membership will "the towers thereof" be most truly numbered. It seems like presumption to select the names of a few for special mention and yet, among pastors and people, there have been some person- alities so consecrated and some whose leadership was so fruitful, that special recognition seems due them, particularly when time has proved the permanent value of their contributions. The church has been blessed with strong pastors. On the fortieth anniversary of the present church building, Mrs. G. W. Thompson, loved and honored because of her many good works, wrote : "I have seen fifteen pastors come and fourteen go in my sixty years in this church, and I can truthfully say that I think no church anywhere was ever blessed with a more splendid godly group of fine consecrated pastors." Little is known of some of the early leaders of the church, for pastorates were short and records brief. Appraisal has been made, on church anniversaries, of a few of the "elders." The pastors themselves, in annual reports and spe- cial sermons, have sometimes unwittingly laid bare their own aspirations so clearly that they constitute an appraisal. The opinions below are for the most part taken from such sources. Rev. Isaac Fargo, ( 1861-4 ) was the leader through whose "wise efforts the two churches were united." It was his suggestion that the Cherry Street Church invite the First Church to the three-hour service of PAGE FIFTEEN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS prayer during Civil War days. He resigned his pastorate to leave the united churches free to choose a pastor. Mr. E. R. Drake wrote that "Pastor Clark closed his labors here January 12, 1868, and left the church larger and stronger than ever. Many of the most influential members the church has had came in during his pastorate. The congregations were the largest thus far in the history of the church." The leadership of Dr. Wm. M. Haigh (IS73-7) was marked by "his wise leadership and business administration." During his four years as pastor the three hundred and forty members raised $14,000, which almost wiped out debt and interest. Dr. O. A. Williams (1881-6) "won for himself by his kind, friendly Christian spirit the confidence and affection of the whole com- munity." Miss Clark adds, "We would write over this pastorate in large letters : 'Spiritual enlargement.' ' The esteem of the community is evi- denced by Dr. Williams' appointment to the Board of Trustees of Knox College. Dr. (). W. Van Osdel (1890-5) was strongly evangelistic in his aspirations. In 1928, he wrote a letter for the eightieth anniversary cele- bration, in which he said, "In these thirty-three years I have been per- mitted to welcome into the fellowship of the two churches I have served more than three thousand people." More than twenty from his church were serving on mission fields. The pastorate of Dr. W. H. Geistweit (1896-9) was marked by congregations which taxed the seating capacity of the church and by the reception of one hundred new members. In 1908, preaching an anniver- sary sermon, he spoke of "The Marks" of Christianity, defining them not as outward brandings, like peculiar clothes, buttons or badges, or yet as self-inflicted scars, but as a self-surrendered life to God and a self- sacrifice for men. In 1928, when the church was eighty years old, he wrote, "What a gracious pastorate was Galesburg; it is one of the dear, green spots in my life." The Sixtieth Anniversary Sunday evening service had for its climax a sermon by the scholarly new pastor, Dr. Theodore G. Soares (1899-1902). The ringing challenge of his "Follow Ale" message was characteristic of the evangelistic compulsion which was a vital part of his PAGE SIXTEEN AN HISTORICAL SKETCH— 1848- 1948 work here. He spoke of the church as a ''great welcome place for the world, a great glad meeting place of kindred souls where the riches of God can come to the hearts of men. But there is no salvation in a church that keeps its religion inside and does not go outside of itself. Jesus began with the first man He met' and we should not go far away to find our opportunities for service." Dr. Soares and his father, Augustine, labored mightily at Cameron Chapel, finding near at hand a fertile field for service. ( )ne of the longest pastorates was that of Dr. John Y. Aitchison ( 1902-9) who, in a remarkable way proved the truth of Miss Clark's comment, "One man builds and another pays the debt." The mortgages of the church were burned while he was here, and it was his unique approach to the raising of the indebtedness which led to his appointment by the denomination to several administrative posts, climaxed by his direc- torship of the Board of Promotion of the Northern Baptist Convention. After his death, Mrs. Aitchison, in a letter to the church written for the eightieth anniversary, said : "I want you to know that taking him as a young man, at the formative stage of his career, you helped to make him efficient for the larger service into which he entered .... I do not believe he could have measured up to the later responsibilities without hav- ing had the training in the Galesburg Church. I want you to feel that in so far as his influence has gone out to the ends of the earth, so has that of his friends who 'stayed his arms' while he prevailed with God." The coming of Rev. F. E. R. Miller (1910-15) continued the period of great organizational activity within the church and in the com- munity. Tt was during these years that committees on religious educa- tion and on schools and colleges became active; that duplex envelopes were first used; that numerous out-door services were held to reach the unchurched; that a Baptist City Council was formed; that saloons were vigorously fought. In his closing message to the church, lie said: "We have done a good piece of work here, and please God it will remain as a part of the eternal structure of life and character when we shall have passed on into heaven." Dr. Walter I. Fowle (1915-20) was another pastor who was to become active in the administrative circles of the denomination. He be- came Executive Secretary of the Nebraska State Convention and did notable service in that state. He led the church actively in the hive Vear and New World Movement programs of the denomination; a Brotherhood PAGE SEVENTEEN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS of Baptist Men was organized ; a Junior Church was started ; an Advisory Council was appointed. His patience and ability, his sermons backed by splendid example, his intelligent promotion of the missionary cause, are all remembered with gratitude. The church released Dr. Fowle for a year during World War I to enter Y, M. C. A. overseas work, covenant- ing to support services faithfully during the war period. Coming from East St. Louis, Dr. Charles Durden ( 1921-4 ) soon became popular and helpful in church and community. He had a deep interest in state and all • denominational activities, serving on numerous Convention committees and acting as a trustee of Shurtleff College. His services were sought for young people's assemblies. His sermons to Junior boys and girls on Sunday morning were arresting and eagerly heard by children and adults. An eloquent preacher, he made gospel truths and missionary fields vivid through his sermons. His enthusiasm was un- bounded ; his capacity for making friends was marked. Dr. Charles A. Carman (1924-31) lias held the longest pastorate in the church thus far. When, after service extending over a period of seven years and seven months, the church reluctantly accepted his resig- nation, it could look back at years of steady accomplishment and consis- tent spiritual development. From Dr. Carman's official reports one can glean much knowledge of his careful plans and continuous effort. In his report in 1926 he men- tions every bill paid and a balance in the treasury, and missionary giving to the sum of $3,000. He commends the church because of growth in every organized activity, in missionary education interest, in membership, and in the spirit of friendliness. He urges the importance of leadership training. His objectives for his own work are clear cut. During his pas- torate missionary interest was unusually high, young people's work flour- ished, the Men's class in Sunday School outgrew the church and met in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, a class for business and profes- sional young women became city-wide in influence because of the work of the pastor and Mrs. Carman. In days of "serious business and industrial depression the church has functioned with unabated activity," read the Resolutions adopted at the time of Mr. Carman's resignation. "In a very real sense he has shared our sorrows and rejoiced with us in every good fortune," continues the Resolution. The warm personal friendships of members with the Carman family continue and are cherished. PAGE EIGHTEEN AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 On February 19. 1933, Dr. Harry Freda preached his first sermon as pastor in Galesburg. Those who were privileged to attend church dur- ing the five years he served as minister remember best the ringing chal- lenge of his central message. He had but one message — "Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." Perhaps no higher praise could be given to any pastor. He became a friend to all of Galesburg and held many important posts in civic activities, being especially helpful in Community Chest campaigns. Charitable and generous in his judgments, the most nearly critical com- ment he made while here was probably contained in his first report to the church : "Apart from an hour spent in a snow bank twenty-five miles east of the city, the reception given us has been warm and cordial." A few sentences from one of his annual reports show clearly the direction of his ministry and the warmth of his friendly spirit: "It is an unusual privilege to be pastor of a great church. It means that one has come into a rich heritage of many fine leaders who have gone before. Such is the joy which I experience in being your pastor. The love, co-operation and interest the members and friends of the church have shown this year, have been most inspiring. You have given your minister the opportunity of a free pulpit in which he might express truth as he discovered it ... People who have been perplexed and discouraged have been interviewed and guided. Employment has been secured for some, and many personal problems untangled." From the Galesburg Church, in 1938, Dr. Freda went to the pastorate of the Baptist Temple in Rochester. New York. The entire seven-year pastorate of R. Claibourne Johnson ( 1939- 1946) was marked by the harsh abnormalities of war. Steadily, con- sistently, with poise and Christ-like attitudes the pastor pointed his people to the one sure source of strength and stability. Mr. Johnson gave to the church not only excellent administrative leadership in every department of work and warm pastoral guidance and attention, but he also met the critical needs of the hour with remarkable strength. He acted as civilian chaplain for the Army Air Forces Base Unit at Knox College and as General Commissioner of Army and Navy Chaplains in the 9th Naval District of the 6th Service Command. He acted as chairman of the local Community Chest campaign. He was chairman of the Board that estab- lished and operated Galesburg's two service centers and was a member of the Library Board. He was a friend not only to every service man, but PAGE NINETEEN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG. ILLINOIS also to his wife and his parents and was a veritable tower of strength in times of emergency. During his pastorate the church ordained Dr. Nor- man B. Johnson of Knox College to the teaching ministry and also Rev. Paul Saunders. Four young people dedicated their lives to Christian service. The church released him with regret, as he went to the pastorate of the Genesee Baptist Church of Rochester, New York. In accepting the call to the pastorate in November, 1946, Rev. Frederick L. Gilson wrote to the church, in part : "I will try to be a good minister of Jesus Christ. I will try to interpret the unchanging message to the changing times. . . . We will be placed together at a time of crisis in the world's history and in the Christian movement. Christian ideals staunchly supported and sacrificed for can make their mark on the cen- turies to come. May God grant that we may live up to the opportuni- ties that are ours, working together, during these years." In such an atmosphere of devotion the people and their present pastor have been growing into understanding and accomplishment during the hundredth year of the church's existence. One is tempted to dwell long upon the virtues of pastors' wives whose volunteer leadership has been of inestimable and lasting benefit. One lingers over names mentioned by W. A. Robbins in his Sixtieth An- niversary appraisals: Clement E. Leach, Jr., memorialized in the south rose window of the church ; George H. Kingsbery, "in manner tender as a woman, unselfish, thoughtful of others, kind."; Deacon Zepheniah Lewis, who was "a worthy example for all time to come" ; Mrs. W. H. Harrison, who, as pastor's assistant, wrote, "I delight to work for you and with you in promoting the cause of Christ in church and community," was greatly beloved. Beyond this point even though names of many are deserving of a place on any honor roll of the church, appraisals should be made in the individual heart. The perspective of the present is in- complete. Estimates of the worth of individual service made at previous anniversary celebrations seem still to be accurate. For the past several generations only time can determine whose contributions have become most permanent in value. This fact remains, that the church has a great heritage in the personalities which have made it. These God-filled men and women help to prove that this God is our God for ever and ever. PAGE TWENTY AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 Chapter III BULWARKS "Mark ye well her bulwarks" The members of this church have been builders of bulwarks. Any review of the past hundred years must include at least brief mention of those powerful defenses and safeguards that have been built sturdily in every generation, to make foundations stable and superstructure strong. Starting with an organization so simple as to include only trustees and deacons, whose number varied according to the need, and whose functions were financial and evangelistic, the church today has come to have a rather intricate group of boards and committees, whose work is correlated and interdependent to such an extent that success in any en- deavor is the result of cooperative effort all along the line. The functions of the Boards of Deacons and Trustees remain fundamentally the same, heavy responsibilities for the spiritual and financial expressions of church activity being borne by them. Deaconesses assist in the watch care of members, doing a large amount of home visitation and assisting the deacons in many ways. Hie Board of Education works with the educa- tional program of all age groups. Committees appointed by the church or through its boards, direct the work of Music, Missionary Education, Students, Ushers, Decorations, Evangelism and Social life. Men, women, young people and some church school classes are organized and contribute to various phases of the church life as they are able. The limits of space will permit only the briefest mention, in this and in the following chapter, of some organized activities. Membership It was through a brave little group of about thirty that the church was launched. Later in 1857 certain "Sweede" members asked for letters of dismission so that they might "enjoy worship in their native language." These letters were granted with friendly understanding. In 1858, forty- one were dismissed to form a new church, but in 1864, returned with increased membership to help build a strong, united congregation. Mem- bership records, compiled by many people through the years, and with varying bases for tabulations, are notably inaccurate in most churches. In this church several periods indicate unusual or rapid growth. In 1890, when membership rolls were carefully studied, an unusual Roll Call prayer meeting was held of the entire membership. The roll was called. One hundred and ninety-five responded in person, and twenty-seven by letter. PAGE TWENTY. ONE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Response was made by quoting a favorite passage of scripture. In 1909, nine hundred and nineteen names were on the church roll. From 1902 to 1909, five hundred and seventy-one new members had been received. This large number was due in part to the two hundred and forty-four accessions to the church following the Billy Sunday meetings. It was a dramatic and never-to-be-forgotten scene on the evening of December 4. 1907, when these new members were received into the fellowship of the church. The line extended around the sanctuary and was a double line for a part of the distance. In recent years accessions have come not so much because of special meetings as through year-round cultivation and training of young people and adults who come within the circle of the church's influence. In 1947 the membership was reported a> about one thousand, with six hundred and sixty-six resident members. Finance The financial operation.-, of the early church were simple. "Col- lections" are frequently mentioned. Fn 1853 it was "agreed collection should be taken every other Sabbath" . . . to meet "expenses of lighting, cleaning and warming the church." There is a touch of compulsion between the lines in the record later in the year "... subscription for support of Pastor house rent and wood . . . present to each Brother and Sister, if any refuse to sign, make know to church with resons. . . ." It must have been with a leap of faith that in 1866 the group, used to a $2,500 meeting-house, made plans for a new church to cost $30,000. It must have been a crushing disappointment that pledged sums to the amount of $9,209 did not all materialize, especially when interest at ten percent prevailed. It must have been a blow that would have daunted souls less courageous, when the mortgaged structure burned, but the next day pledges began to be made for a new church home. One of the most dramatic occurrences in the financial history of the church, came during the pastorate of Dr. John Y. Aitchison. "For twelve weeks," writes Ruth L. Goodsill, church clerk, "the pastor had been working to secure pledges to wipe out the debt on the church build- ing, amounting to $9,000 and accrued interest, which had been encumber- ing the church since the formal opening which occurred the 21st day of January, 1894. . . . The task of soliciting the sum of money was not undertaken by Dr. Aitchison at the request of the officers of the church or with their knowledge. He spoke to the members personally, pledging each one to secrecy and had his plan well in hand and a considerable PAGE TWENTY-TWO AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 amount already pledged before he presented it to the Boards of the church. "Each pledge was made with the condition that it was to be paid only providing the entire amount was raised, and with the express under- standing that it was to be paid on or before the 15th of January, 1904." In five-day Jubilee services in January, 1904, when the church building was ten years old, the liquidation of all indebtedness was cele- brated. There had been not one cent of shrinkage in the payment of pledges. The clerk's record continues : "Dr. Simonds then introduced Dr. Aitchison who spoke briefly of his efforts and those of Mrs. Aitchison during the preceding weeks. "He announced that $9,715.55 had been paid at the bank on pledges for the payment of the church debt, also the amount necessary to pay the Chapel debt. Furthermore, that he had pledges amounting to $1,313 to be paid before September First to be used in repairing the church building. Thus money enough was received to pay the bonded indebtedness and interest on the same, the debt on the Chapel and the deficit on current expenses." In November, 1904, the building having undergone extensive repairs, services of dedication were held in a debt- free church. In records available, brief mention is made of improved systems of bookkeeping as the years passed, of denominational financial needs met, of more carefully laid plans for every member canvasses and follow-up work afterwards. Deficits find their way at times into the minutes of the church and their absence for several years at a time is duly noted. The pastor at a business meeting in 1913 read a letter to the church stating that it was "vicious, wrong and wicked to make appropriations when sub- scriptions don't provide an adequate sum." At one time the treasurer printed a report each quarter, with the name of the donor and the amount of every pledge, paid and unpaid. In 1923, the clerk reported, "We are one of the best paying churches in the country," referring, it is thought. to the custom of the church to pay its missionary offerings monthly. Probably the largest financial outlays of recent years to meet local needs have been the efTorts which made possible the remodelling of the sanctuary in 1939-40, at a cost of $10,000 with all accounts cleared at the end of the fiscal year, and the rebuilding of the organ in 1946, to- wards which covering costs of over $5,000 were raised. Beyond the local scene, response of the church has come steadily when growing denominational and world needs have suggested larger PAGE TWENTY. THREE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS contributions to the New World Movement and its successors and notably, in 1947, to the World Mission Crusade. Under the enthusiastic, conse- crated, and able leadership of the present pastor, whose work in Galesburg had just begun, the membership pledged approximately $12,000 towards the denominational objective of $14,000,000. Towards this three-year program, $1,551 had been paid by the Galesburg church prior to 1947. During 1947, pledges of over $7,000 on the $12,000 total were paid, constituting the largest contribution ever given in a single year to the cause of Missions. This achievement was indicative of a splendid spirit of cooperation between pastor and people and of a fine sense of missionary responsibility for relief and rehabilitation. Music Another bulwark of the church has been its ministry of music. There is no mention of music in the earliest records, until 1859, when it was decided that the "Church have choir singing and employ some one to play the Melodeon." From that time occasional mention is made of the organizational development of the musical program, — "the choir is to se- lect new singing books" ; a music committee was appointed ; the choir became an organized group, with thirty-five members who were subject to fines for non-attendance. In 1891 the first pipe organ was dedicated. THE CHOIRS IN 1948 (NOTE: AT RIGHT IS THE NEW CONSOLE OF ORGAN REDEDICATED IN 1947.) PAGE TWENTY-FOUR AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 Mrs. Mary Ferris gave $500 toward the total cost. When the church burned in 1892, Mrs. Ferris made a substantial gift towards the $4,000 cost of tli? present organ. The history of the Farand and Votey organ could command a volume, especially if it were to be written by organists who were suddenly confronted by its temperamental departures from expected response, but who loved the instrument because of its usual dependability and its rich tone qualities. From time to time repairs on the organ have been reported and in 1946 the instrument was rebuilt. It is now a modern two manual organ, with electrified action and a new console arrangement. The original pipes are still in use. save where replacements have become necessary. An adequate history of the music of the church would include names of choir leaders, soloists, organists and faithful singers in the chorus and would pay fitting tribute to their services. All of these have rendered real service in making the ministry of music a vital force in the program of the church. The educational values of a full musical program for old and young have long been recognized by church leaders. Steps towards these values have been taken, as youth choirs have been estab- lished and as young people have found there and in the senior choir a place of training, service and expression. Education May 31, 1851, "Resolved that we do something to start a Sabbath School" is an item in the first available record book of the church. One would like to read between the lines to discover the background for the 1857 resolution that "Sabbath School is under control of the Church." Perhaps it was a recognition of the church's responsibility for a program of religious education. At any rate, the adult membership lias continued to regard religious instruction as one of its major functions. Machinery to build this bulwark of the church, an informed constituency, has grown more complex as the years have progressed. Organizations with an edu- cational purpose have multiplied. Most of them have grown up because of denominational organizational developments, from which strength for local groups could be secured. The program of Christian Education is now directed by a Board, whose duty it is to consider and to correlate the educational activities of all age groups, to the end that every individual PAGE TWENTY. FIVL FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS may grow into a good workman for Christ, understanding the faith by which the church lives and ready with intelligence to promote Christ's cause. Church Schools Older members will recall the days when every one in the Church School met for a worship period, children and adults together, singing and probably reading the day's lesson and repeating the Golden Text, before going to separate classes. Now, in conformity to today's educa- tional thinking, meetings of the whole group occur infrequently. The School is now departmentalized, with worship periods and lessons geared to the age level of the members and correlated with other activities of the same age level. Today an extension period of the church school for children of Primary and Junior Departments is maintained during the time of the Sunday morning sermon, the children becoming accustomed to the adult service by attendance there up to that point. In 1919 a Junior Church was started. It was conducted like a church service, with children who were Juniors or younger, ably carrying out every part of the service. Until she left to study in Baptist Missionary Training School, Miss Marian Kimble acted as the sermonizer, usually telling a missionary story in fascinating fashion. The Junior Church was a powerful source of good. From fifty to seventy were in attendance and many boys and girls came into the church through this agency. A Vacation Church School has long been maintained, at first as a Baptist project, but now as part of a cooperative effort emanating from the Galesburg Council of Churches. Leadership Training. It is the aim of the Board of Education to provide leadership training to present and prospective teachers, through standard courses recognized by the Interdenominational Council of Religious Education and taught by those best qualified. Sometimes an Institute directed by the local Council of Churches lias enabled our workers to join those of other churches in such studies. Always chairmen of the various educational phases of the church are searching for qualified leaders. The Young People's Program In the summer of 1868, the young people of this church "desired an extra opportunity for culture and development among their number. . . . . For some time meetings were held at the house of worship, but some of the older members who had not seen the young people tested PAGE TWENTY-SIX AN HISTORICAL SKLTCH — 1848-1948 in these matters, thought there was danger of the young people being formed into a young people's church, to the neglect of the meetings for all." The pastor, understanding their need, invited them to meet in his home. Ten years later, in 1878. a more formal organization came into being, with "both literary and religious aims." In 1891 this organization became officially the Baptist Young People's Union, after conforming to the suggested rules laid down by the denomination. These provided that the president of the Union be nominated by the Young People and elected by the church ; that its rules be referred to the church for its adoption. C. ( >. Lewis became the first president and' for some years his successor^ were elected by the church. In 1899 a Junior Baptist Young People's Union was organized. with Lois Smith (Squires) as president, and a Roys' Brigade, with Leo Spring and Helen Calkins as leaders. By the fall of 1913 the B. Y. P. U. had become a standard society. The president, Virginia Thiele, reported : "Practically every member is engaged in some form of local church work and attendant at church services and Sunday School." Over half of the membership was enrolled in a Daily Bible reading plan ; the Union spon- sored the student reception; nearly every member contributed to the church, to missions and to the B. Y. P. U. Representatives had been sent to all young people's meetings in the Association or State. During the years of Mission Chapel activities. Camp Fire and Boy Scout groups were formed at both Chap-els. At the main Church in 1924 the first chapter of the World Wide Guild was organized and later chap- ters followed. ( See Chapter IV. | Under the present denominational plan for young people's work the B. Y. P. U. became a Baptist Youth Fellowship organization, its first Council coming into being in Galesburg in 1947. This group includes representatives from Junior High, Senior High and Post High organiza- tions. Boy Scouts and Guilds, and every youth group. It seeks to co- ordinate all youth activities, including morning and evening programs. It takes an active part in Associational work, and so has the benefit of con- tact with other churches. As a host Society on several occasions, it has extended hospitality in fine fashion. The nearness of Green Lake and the support of -everal church group- make it possible for young people to go to the Assembly each year for training and fellowship, it is hoped that an increasing number of young people may receive the inspiration o\ Green Lake. Work for and with students has been carried on for many years. PAGE TWENTY. SEVEN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS It includes recognition of high school graduates and encouragement of education beyond high school ; it follows students away from home ; it extends a hand of friendship to the student here in college or university. A Christian College Forum, whose membership is not confined entirely to Baptists, meets on Sunday evenings, usually in some Baptist home. During the pastorate of Dr. Carman, a Junior Board of Deacons was formed and some of our present official board members received their first lessons in future helpfulness in the church, through the activities and conferences of this organization. Woman's Work "Mark ye well" the bulwarks which women have built in the church! Until 1927 annual reports included one from the Ladies' Aid Society, telling of quilts quilted, bazaars held, money earned in various ways, so that the church could be beautified or new equipment purchased. Reports from the Woman's Missionary Society mentioned Mission Study Classes, Reading Contests, subscriptions to Missions, "Love Gifts" to denominational causes, programs based on the study book of the year, mis- sionary objectives along practical lines and gifts to support them. In 1927 all women of the church united to form "The Woman's Society." Four groups met monthly and an assembly meeting for luncheon and a program was held monthly. Night meetings to include husbands and other guests were frequently planned for. White Cross Work was actively done. Fall bazaars and dinners continued to pay part of the salary of the pastor's secretary, or to decorate a room or to buy choir robes, but all woman's work was directed by one organization. The Society has for many years met Standard of Excellence objectives and has actively engaged in all the departments of work suggested by the denomination. In addition, it has been one of the dependable bulwarks of the church structure, always ready to lend a helping hand to a worthy cause in church or community. Sub- stantial pledges to the church have been generously given annually. It would not be possible to enumerate the times when rooms of the church have been decorated, equipment furnished, or aid given to special needs, through the Woman's treasury. Notable has been the recent remodelling of the kitchen. This has been an extensive and carefully planned project made at considerable expense. Modern conveniences now available for serving will be of benefit to every organization in the church. The Societv t>* has been outstanding in its gifts to White Cross needs. Its Love Gift *t> contributions to swell the unified budget of the denomination have been made sacrificiallv and with devotion. PAGE TWENTY-EIGHT AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 Men's Work The church records contain a number of references to a Men's organization. The Aitchison Bible Class of some sixty young men was enthusiastically supported. The C. ( ). Lewis Bible Class held annual banquets in a crowded church dining room with speakers of note on the program. The Men's group lias successfully served a number of banquets for Mothers and Daughters. Some banquets for Fathers and Sons have been very successful. In recent years the flourishing Couples' Class has claimed the loyalty of a number of men and the newly organized "Builders' Cla>>" for younger couples is working vigorously. The Men's group is still organized, arranges for several meetings a year and supports suitable projects. For the past year Men's Work Nights have been frequently held. These nights see men with mops and pails, ladders and paint brushes, cleaning and decorating walls and floors so that the church build- ing may be clean and attractive. In its entire program the church has seen short periods of little progress followed by times of remarkable activity. In the ebb and flow of its life, disciples have been developed and through these bulwarks of Christian living God has been found by others. Thus has the purpose of every activity been fulfilled and the existence of the church has been justified. "A mighty Fortress is our God, A bulwark, never failing. Our helper He, amid tlie' flood Of mortal ills prevailing/ 3 MARIAN ELLEN KIMBLE REV. AND MRS. LEO W. SPRING OUR MISSIONARIES PAGE TWENTY-NINE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Chapter IV PALACES "Consider her palaces" A palace is a magnificent dwelling occupied often by royalty. The palaces of the church have little to do with magnificence of physical setting. Their splendor lies in royalty of life, in generous thought for others, in helpful outreach to bring into the circle of Christian brotherhood "all peoples who on earth do dwell." The palaces of this church are its con- cern for people, local and world-wide; its affiliations that produce strong, united efforts for righteous causes ; its sense of mission to a needy world. Local Evangelism and Civic Activity The church was very young when it authorized "Communion col- lections to go to needy members." The present Fellowship offering is given for the same purpose. Shortly before 1900, the young people, led by Dr. Simonds, started three Mission Sunday Schools, one in East Galesburg, one on East Knox Street, and one in Washington Addition. When the fire of 1892 de- stroyed the church, these three Missions were flourishing and ready to expand still further. Said Rudolph Ahlenius, at the Sixtieth Anniver- sary: "Then came that calamity — the fire. Then the marshalling of our forces to build a new home. This called for heroic effort. Other de- nominations seeing our plight hastened to assist these missions, and as an outgrowth of this there was erected the Methodist Church of East Galesburg, the Knox Street Church, and the East Main Street Church of this city." Cameron and Ontario Chapels must also be remembered with other local missionary accomplishments. In the early nineteen hundreds, evangelistic zeal in the city led to interdenominational neighborhood cottage prayer meetings, which became very popular. They were held as preparatory meetings before the evange- listic meetings of Gypsy Smith, in the spring of 1907, of Billy Sunday, in the fall of 1907, and of Chapman-Alexander, in 1916. All of these meet- ings were sponsored by the ministers of the city and brought large accessions to the church. The church has frequently shown its interest in civic affairs. It helped to raise the funds which built the Free Kindergarten; for years it gave a collection every April to the city hospital, now the Cottage Hos- pital ; it made annual contributions to the Y. M. C. A. In a resolution it expressed itself to be unalterably opposed to the extension of saloon limits in the city of Galesburg. It commended Galesburg's two news- PAGE THIRTY AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 papers for refusing to sell space to those who promoted a wet campaign. It has released its pastors to head civic projects. Its organizations still help to support with money and other gifts the Community Chest and such worthv causes. Because Protestantism in Galesburg has become more nearly a united voice, many civic projects formerly engaged in by individual churches, now express themselves through the Council of Churches, in which group representatives from this church actively work. Denominational Responsibility From the first the outreach of the church went farther than the local community. Its members sponsored the organization of Baptist churches at Cambridge, Knoxville. Avon and Prairie City. It helped to ordain ministers in ten or twelve near-by communities. It sent a delegate in 1850 to the Illinois River Association, but feeling that the geographical area was too large, it requested a division of the Association and was later affiliated with a new group composed of churches "on the line of the Burlington and Quincy Railroad from Kewanee to Prairie City." Association meetings have frequently been held in the church, since Cale>burg is the geographical center of Peoria Association. The church entertained the State Convention in 1909, in 1924, and in 1936 and the Woman's State House Party in 1945. Several of the members have worked actively in the Peoria Association, and on State Convention and National Boards. Its sense of denominational loyalty has been heightened by the activities of its pastors in the Northern Baptist Convention, by frequent visits from state and national leaders, and by attendance at various denominational meetings. It has been this church's privilege to release several pastors for administrative work in the denomination. Every church is a training school for pastor and people and perhaps it is fair to feel that Galesburg has made contributions to denominational strength by relinquishing loved leadership to fields of larger service. Missions It would seem that members of the church would constantly be conscious of their indebtedness to Missions, for this church might never have come into being save for the fact that the denomination's Home Mis- sion Society, with a sense of Mission, was able to provide part of the funds that paid the salary of the first pastor. As the history of Home Missions has developed, it has become known that some churches which were helped for many years by the Home Mission Society, later developed PAGE THIRTY-ONE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS into groups so strong and so zealous in missionary causes that they now- rank as the largest givers to Missions in the denomination. It is natural, therefore, that this church has always had members to whom the missionary enterprise was so urgent a compulsion that they lent their unfailing aid to it. Even before our great Missionary Societies were very well organized, a record of the eight year old church reads ". . . collection tomorrow be for support of Bro. Ingals and Wife, Mis- sionaries in Rangoon, India." In 1888, when "Bro. Lewis" became treasurer of the "Poor Fund," his reports mentioning aid to worthy sisters and relief to the needy, include also contributions to State and Foreign Missionary work, to the North West Baptist Education Society, to the Woman's Training School. At the first meeting after the church burned, it was voted "that Missionary Collection be taken as planned." ( )n January 21, 1894, when pledges were taken toward indebtedness for the new church, a "Collection for Missions was taken." The first year of Dr. Geistweit's pastorate ( 1896) was marked by the largest gifts for home expense and the largest gifts yet made for work abroad. As reported in Chapter III, 1940 has been the peak year for Missionary giving in the history of the church. The greatest single impetus to missionary interest was the dedica- tion of his life by Leo Spring to the work of Missions. Commenting upon Mr. Spring's letter sent to be read at a special prayer meeting for non- resident members, the church clerk wrote, "the consecration of another young man adds one link more to the chain already connecting this church with that of the Mission field." When, on September 6, 1906, the church ordained Mr. Spring, who then baptized Mrs. Spring as the first act of his ministerial life, and when the next morning the Springs left to make ready within a few days to sail for their field in Bhamo, Burma, the entire church was deeply moved and gave expression to its greater interest by increased gifts to Missions. In 1909, $1,602.45 is mentioned as the largest sum ever given. In 1921, the church underwrote the Spring salary of $1,687.50. Mrs. T. M. Cox's Bible Class started to send $70 per year to support a Bible Woman on Mr. Spring's field. When in October, 1922, the missionaries returned, after furlough, to their work, the clerk records: "The church contributed towards a motor for a boat ( Editor's Note : Other churches of Peoria Association were helping buy the motor) and a check to buy the boat to hold the motor." In 1923, a communion set was sent to ''Leo's Church." A World Wide Guild organized in 1924, took the name "Laura- PAGE THIRTY-TWO AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 Lee" as the girls adopted in their hearts Laura and Lee Spring, the first missionaries most of them had known. Three years later, a Junior Guild took the name of Marian Kimble, also a missionary from this church. It is significant that the present Guilds are sponsored by women who grew up in the Laura-Lee Guild. Summer Christmas trees were loaded with gifts for Leo to give his parishioners in Burma. These mid-summer carol-singing, gift-bringing Christmas parties were very popular. The Manger Services in Decemher usually included generous gifts to be sent later to the missionaries, who came to include Lucy Goff, in Newark, Omaha, or Racine, and Marian Kimble in South Chicago or New York, as well as the Springs in Burma. When Leo Spring, on furlough, aided this and other Schools of Missions in Peoria Association, for six weeks, with Burma as the theme, each supper meeting overflowed the dining room and the evenings were all but saturated with missionary enthusiasm. There is rejoicing in the Galesburg Church because Rev. and Mrs. Leo Spring are to participate in the Centenary Celebration. Hie following list of Missionaries and Ministers going out from Galesburg's First Baptist Church will give an idea of the extent of its missionary outreach : In 1854, Baperam, a young Assamese priest, was adopted by the Sunday School and given a five-year's course in the Training School, after which he was sent to his native country. Associated with this church during their college years: Pitt H. and Pom Moore, from Ontario Church — to Assam. Edzvard Payson Scott, who through his violin won the hearts of the wild men of the hill country of Assam. Mrs. Emma Hague Fisher — Japan. Rev. J. Lee Lewis — two terms in Burma. A. P. Stockzvell— Melbourne, Australia. Those whose early training was received in the Galesburg Church : Rev. Leo Spring — Bhamo, Sandoway and Bassein, Burma. 1906-1938.' Miss Lucy E. Goff — Among Italians — first at Newark, N. J.; then in Omaha, Nebraska; Racine-Kenosha, Wis- consin. (After retirement Miss Goff joined her brother Roy who lives in Honolulu, Hawaii, and until the time of her death engaged in many helpful civic activities, following the pattern of her whole generously spent life. ) Miss Marian E. Kimble — first. Italians. Judson Memorial, PAGE THIRTY-THREE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS New York City; then South Chicago Neighborhood House, as Kindergartner ; Missionary to Baptist Czechoslovakian Churches in New York City ; Kinder- gartner at Heath Christian Center, Boston. ( So popular is her work that mothers register their hahies on the waiting list of the kindergarten so that when the chil- dren are four, they may surely be admitted. ) Bemice Scott — Church Secretary, Lansing, Michigan; now secretary in State Convention office, Michigan. Imogene Smith — Two years at Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia, as secretary to the president. (Now living in Galesburg. ) Pastors identified with Missionary service: Dr. (). A. Williams — Home Mission work in Nebraska and the Dakotas. Secretary, Foreign Mission Society. Dr. J. )\ Aitchison — Director, Board of Promotion, North- ern Baptist Convention. Dr. Walter I. Fowle — Executive Secretary, Nebraska State Convention. Dr. Charles A. Carman — Counselor, Missionaries' and Min- isters' Benefit Board, New York City. Rev. Frederick L. Gilson — Missionary in Assam. Through the years, reflections of world events and needs are seen in such items as notations of gifts made to famine sufferers in China, to Near East Relief, to hags of clothing sent to Russia. White Cross dona- tions in recent days have reached tremendous proportions in cost and time involved, as in the wake of the war, suffering millions depend on mis- sionary White Cross boxes. The missionary outreach ni the church extends into the future through the establishment of a Green Lake Trust Fund in memory of men from the church who died in World War II. The income from this* fund is to be used to send to Green Lake promising young people for training courses which will fit them for a high type of leadership. "Consider her palaces/' if properly interpreted, would include every friendly outreach of one heart to another heart, in helpful ministry and love. The church becomes a magnificent palace of the spirit because "this God is our God, forever and ever." He it is, in the infinite outreach of His love, who prompts His church to reach in turn into all areas of life, in all parts of the world, to help His children everywhere to live abundantly. PAGE THIRTY. FOUR AN HISTORICAL SKETCH — 1848 - 1948 Chapter V "TO THE GENERATION FOLLOWING" "That ye may tell it to the generation following. For this Cod is our Cod for ever and ever." Fifty years ago Mr. E. R. Drake was speaking to this church on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary. Said he: "Not one of the original founders is here today, in person, or represented by a direct descendant, as far as \ can learn. It is very likely that fifty years hence not one of you will be here to celebrate our Centennial. . . . 'But after the fathers are the children' and we who have entered into this heritage of heroic achieve- ment and princely ancestry, would record our gratitude to Him who by His spirit has led His people 'through ways they have not known' to this day of Jubilee." Again for fifty years "through ways they have not known" the people of this church have come to a day of commemoration and com- pletion. En 1898 Mr. Drake quoted the Hebrew "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year" and spoke of the feeling with which the ancient Hebrews welcomed their Jubilee year. Again we have entered into the heritage of the years and once more we welcome days of Jubilee as a time to remember those who "were honoured in their generation and were the glory of the times." Hut we turn quickly from the generations past, to the generation following, and our hearts, warm with the tender memories just recalled, become questioning hearts. Even as we think of the good old days, for as Byron said, all times when old are good, time presses us on. Even the moment of appraisal slips into the past and we are face to face with our new century. "To the generation following" we would say, your heritage is great. The little Baptist group of a hundred years ago became a church because of missionary outreach. What obligations of faithful disciple- ship does this lay upon you, in order that others, too, may have the oppor- tunity of fulfillment ? Consecrated men and women and boys and girls created the at- mosphere o\ the church and have set the patterns for each generation. What patterns are being set toda\ by the generation just following for the generation about to come? PAGE THIRTY. FIV£ FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS There is continuity in the progress of a church. Programs come and go, projects are adopted and having served their purpose, are for- gotten. Certain elements remain constant. "Thy soul and God stand sure," wrote Browning. Personalities who shape programs and direct policies and win souls are a continuing force in every church. Mr.. W. A. Robbins said of Clement E. Leach, Jr. : "His manner was kindly, his smile irresistible." He said, 'My dear boy, won't you let me tell you some- thing?' and then he told me the old, old story, and before we separated 1 had surrendered." The picture repeated itself. Presently Mr. Robbins became superintendent of the Sunday School. Unconsciously he was training a little red-headed boy to take his place and for twenty years Mr. E. R. Drake was Superintendent. Following in his steps and influ- enced by him, came "another lad," said Miss Clark forty years ago, "whose hair also reflected the sun, to take up the work as he laid it down. To- night we thank God for our three red-headed boys, Robbins, Drake and Ahlenius." The beautiful continuity of an endless chain of influence is a priceless heritage of the church. Of the generation following we would ask, "Are you a part of such a chain of generous influences?" The second constant element in the church, the past hundred years seem to say, is God. L T nless those who have built their lives into the church in years past can say, "This God is our God for ever and ever," it has no message for the generation following. There is such a message breathing through all the years of the church's past. From what sources of strength save God could have come the faith and courage that rebuilt a sanctuary upon the ashes of the old church, that raised an in- debtedness that had been considered impossible to lift, that exceeded a World Mission Crusade goal of tremendous proportions? "A Mighty Fortress is our God, a bulwark never-failing." Our questioning hearts say to the generation following, "Is this God your God, for ever and ever?" If your heart answers "Yes," then a hundred years from now, when your children's children prepare to tell the story of the church to the generation following, they will have a story to tell of rich heritage, of continuing influence for good through towering personalities, of organi- zational bulwarks, of royal palaces of the spirit, of a God who abides for ever and ever. PAGE THIRTY. SIX PHOTOGRAPHS— 1948 PASTOR'S ADVISORY COUNCIL SECOND ROW — GILSON. BEACOM. MONSON. HINCHMAN. TRYON. FIRST ROW — MORRIS. HARRIS. CHANDLER. STULTS. REED i NOT PRESENT -HERRON. ROBSON BOARD OF TRUSTEES SECOND ROW — SCOTT. BOWLES. ROGERS. HASKINS FIRST ROW — JOHNSON. INNESS. HINCHMAN (NOT PRESENT! — HERRON. CHM.. JOHNSON. SCHWANKE. SWEENEY PAGE THIRTY-SEVEN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS CI iJH ^U I J I ? 1 f. t t BOARDS OF DEACONS AND DEACONESSES SECOND ROW — BEACOM. CHM., K I L L I NG SWORTH , INNESS. MORRIS. SHANNON. TRYON. HlNCH- MAN. DONALDSON. LINGWALL. GRIMES. GARD. INNESS. WICKERSHAM. BENEDICT, READ. ■ NOT PRESENTi — PEARSON. SHARP. STEVENS. FIRST ROW — STULTS, CHM . GLENDENNING. YOUNG. SHANNON. HICKS. OGDEN. SCHWANKE LANDENBERGER, LINGWALL. PAHLOW I NOT PRESENTi — DAMBERG. TRYON. BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SECOND ROW — MONSON. VAN NORM\N. GRIMES. BEACOM FIRST ROW — CHANDLER. CHM RYIN. MILLER (NOT PRESENT ) — ROBSON . PAGE THIRTY. EIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS — 1948 A GROUP OF CHURCH SCHOOL WORKERS THIRD ROW — PAGE. MONSON. SUPT .. SHANNON. DONALDSON. GRIMES. DONALDSON. SHANNON, GRIMES, DUTTON. SECOND ROW — SCOTT. RYIN. PAGE. COOPER ORGIBET. SCUDDER. GILSON. MILLER. SEACOM, MARTIN. FIRST ROW — POWELL. NELSON. MORRIS. MC NEAR. KELLEY. LENKER. YOUTH COUNCIL. GROUP OFFICERS AND SPONSORS THIRD ROW — INNESS. MC COMBS. SHANNON. VAN NORMAN. ROBERTS. MORRIS. SECOND ROW — BEACOM. SMITH. MILLER. RYIN. MONSON. GILSON. RYIN. GILSON FIRST ROW— MORRIS. CHM.. WALLACE. TRYON. VAN NORMAN. TRYON. PAGE THIRTY. NINE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH - GALESBU .LIXOIS IOOth anniversary committees HISTORY COMM . THIRD ROW— VAN NORMAN. CHM . RYIN. SCOTT. SQUIRES. CHANDLER. INNESS. PROGRAM COMM.. SECOND ROW— BRACKER TSYON. MARINER. MILLER. FIRTH. (NOT PRESENT) — HERRON. CHM.. ROESON. SMITH BUILDING COMM., FIRST ROW— INNESS. BOWLE3. SELF. REED. I NOT ^RESE NT I — R03S0 N . CHM., JOHNSON PAGE FORTY A Calendar of Dates and Events 1848 1850 1851 1854 JAN. 15 — Voted to change name from "First Baptist Church of Knoxville" to "First Baptist Church of Galesburg." MAY 6 — Appointed delegates to Association at ( )tta\va. JUNE 3— Delegated Brothers Bartlett and Richard- son to assist in organizing church in Toulon. [ULY 28 — Invited Elder A. Gross as Pastor, alter- nate weeks for one year. ( Early records con- fusing. Elder Stickney apparently was first pastor serving from January, 1848, to July. 1848 according to Miss Lillie Clark.) MAY 4 — Voted delegates to Illinois River Associa- I tion. MAY 31 — Met for first time in meeting house could "call our own" — only Baptist Church in Knox County. "Resolved that we do something to start a Sabbath School." 852 i JUNE — Received during month of June 52 persons for baptism. |UNE 18 — Sent delegates to Knoxville for organiza- tion of church there. JUNE 29 — Considered requests for help in organizing independent Baptist Churches in Toulon and Cambridge. 1855 AUG. 4 — Considered request for organizing indepen- dent Baptist Church in Galva. Authorized sale to highest bidder fifty feet of Society's lot — proceeds to be used to purchase parsonage. 856 J AX. 5 — Voted "to use tomorrow's collection for sup- port of Brother Lovel Ingals and wife, mis- sionaries in Rangoon, India." PAGE FORTY-ONE A Calendar of Dates and Events 1856 NOV. 1 — Reported by pastor for past year: reeeipts $1,362.95; expenditures $1,342.06. "Members highly gratified by labors of beloved pastor." 1857 ' fULY 18 — Resolved to purchase library for school. DEC. 6 — Granted by unanimous vote, letters to seven- teen members who desired to organize an in- dependent Swedish Baptist Church in order to hear the Gospel in Swedish. 1858 1859 1863 1864 1865 MAY 1 — Dismissed by letter forty-one members to form new church in city. ( Reverend S. A. Kingsbery and Reverend I. Fargo only pastors of Cherry Street Church.) FEB. 5 — Proposed plan to buy new melodeon. JUNE — Adopted Rules and Articles of Faith during pastorate of Reverend H. H. Northrop. First Baptist Church — 136 members. Cherry Street Church— 99 members. FEBRUARY— -Efforts to reunite the two churches fostered by Reverend W. \Y. Moore, pastor at ! this time. NOVEMBER — After a year's friendly negotiations the two churches united under the influence of Rev. Isaac Fargo, pastor of the Cherry Street Church. JULY — During the pastorate of \Y. D. Clark the Broad Street church property was exchanged for the present location. SEPTEMBER— Met in Caledonia Hall during time Building Committee was considering plans for new edifice. PAGE FORTY-TWO A Calendar of Dates and Events ]g57 DECEMBER— Sold Cherry Street Church to Colored Baptists. 1868 APRIL 9— The new church, completed at a cost of $30,026.26, was dedicated. 1890 SEPT. 23 — Peoria Association met in Galesburg Church. 1891 JANUARY — Church joined city churches in con- tributing to the Free Kindergarten. Church purchased new organ. 1892 DEC. 19 — Church building completely destroyed by fire. 1893 JAN. 18 — Voted special services with Eirst Church. JUNE 15 — Ceremonies held for laying corner stone of new building. AUGUST 5 — Voted to purchase organ for new ' church. 1894 JAN. 21— New church was opened. 1898 JAN. 18 — Celebration of Fiftieth Anniversary of Church. 1 1904 JAN. 17-21 — Jubilee Celebration of 10th year of opening of new church, and liquidation of church debt. 1906 SEPT. 7-^Leo Spring ordained (Missionary 1906- 1907 1938 ) JAN. 2 — New electric motor purchased for organ. JUNE — Church cooperated with other Protestant churches in Gypsy Smith meetings. SEPT. 27 — Opening night of five weeks' series of union meetings by Reverend Win. A. (Billy) Sunday. PAGE FORTY. THREE A Calendar of Dates and Events 1907 DEC. 11 — One hundred and eighty-five persons re- ceived the Hand of Fellowship at impressive service. 1908 JAN. 29 — Marked the opening of a week's celebra- tion of the 60th anniversary of the church. MARCH 15- -Sunday School attendance, 519 — largest number in history of church. 1909 JAN. 5— B. Y. P. U. membership 126. SEPT. 29— Church contributed $1,602.45 to Mis- sions : largest contribution in history of church. ( )CT. 18 — State Convention held in Galesburg — 422 delegates. N( )V. 17 — Voted to hold revival meetings in our church with Methodists whose church had been destroyed by fire. 1910 APRIL 6 — Two new committees created, (1) on Schools and Colleges, ( 2 ) on religious edu- cation. JULY 12 — Duplex system of finance was adopted and instituted. 1911 APRIL 30 — Mission Sunday School organized in the Third Ward. MAY 17— Galesburg Baptist Advisory Committee or- ganized with representatives from Swedish African, and First Baptist Churches. 1912 APRIL 12 — First meeting of Fifer Street Sunday School was held in tin shop. AUG. 4 — Deed for lot for Third Ward Sunday School was received from Mr. Edgar A. Bancroft of Chicago. 1 1913 FEB. 4 — One hundred women organized the Woman's Society. . ' 1 PAGE FORTY-FOUR A Calendar of Dates and Events 1913 MARCH 31 — Formal opening of Third Ward Chapel. 1915 APRIL 7 — Adopted centralized and uniform book- keeping system. 1917 DEC. 23 — War Service Flag, already containing twenty-three stars, was dedicated. 1918 MAY 19 — Church granted pastor leave of absence for one or more years to do war work in France, England and Occupied Germany. (Pastor in service one year.) 1919 I MAY 4 — Junior Church organized. 1920 SEPT. 22 — Church voted to assume salaries of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Spring. 1922 1923 1925 JUNE 21 — New constitution adopted; all offices de- clared vacant. NOV. 27 — Church sent four bags of clothing for. ship to Russia. DEC. 18 — Church celebrated 75th Anniversary. FEB. 19 — Pastor acted as chaplain of the House of Representatives at Springfield for four days. DEC. — Between forty and fifty junior boys and girls were baptized at Christmas time. MAY 16 — Church voted to have seven deacons instead of four. FEB. 11 — Church voted to sell Ontario Chapel. 1926 MAY 5 — P. T. A. organized for Children's division of Church School. Woman's Mission Society voted to sent Mis- sions to every newly married couple in the church. PAGE FORTY- FIVE A Calendar of Dates and Events i 1927 NOV. 30 — A permanent board of twelve junior dea- j cons was created. 1929 APRIL 27 — Constitution was amended to equalize terms of service for officers. 1930 MAY — Trustees reported new roof practically completed. 1931 JULY 28 — Thirty eight delegates went to Peoria for the Centennial celebration of Home Mission Society. 1935 i JUNE — Vacation Church School resumed. 1936 OCT. 19-22 — Church entertained State Convention. 1937 JAN. — For fourteenth consecutive year the church had had a School of Missions. 1938 APRIL 12 — Mr. and Mrs. Leo Spring landed in America after thirty-two years of service in Burma. SEPT. 24 — Church voted to sell Cameron Chapel. 1940 Sanctuary was remodelled ; extensive repairs were made and equipment purchased. Expenditure, approximately $10,000. 1942 N( )V. 14 — Area Conference on Christian Education was held in Galesburg with four national lead- ers present. 1943 MARCH 9 — Dr. Norman B. Johnson was ordained to the teaching ministry. PAGE FORTY-SIX A Calendar of Dates and Events 1943 MAY 12 — Mr. M. E. Sweeney was elected trustee for life. MAY — Pastor read to the church the Memorial Day message that he sent to all men and women of the church who were in service. 1944 SEPT. 15— Mr. Paul Saunders was ordained. OCT. 17 — Men's Brotherhood sponsored a dinner for patients of Mayo General Hospital. NOV. 1 — Young husiness and professional women published hrst cop} of The Baptist Beacon, a news-sheet for and about our boys and girls in service. 1945 JAN. 31 — Green Lake Assembly Fund established as memorial to service men who died in World War 11. Income from funds to promote at- tendance of young people at Green Lake. FEB. 4 — Voted to rebuild organ at a cost of $5200. ]946 JUNE — Woman's State House Party was entertained for three-dav session. 947 i JAN. 1 — Reverend Frederick L. Gilson began his pastorate. FEB. — Almost the entire membership of the church was covered by a friendly visitation program organized by the deacons and deaconesses. FEB. 23 — MARCH 2 — Leadership training course on The Life of Christ was taught by the pastor. MARCH 16 -World Mission Crusade campaign — approximately $12,000 pledged. APRIL 27 — Church voted to purchase parsonage at 1190 Florence Avenue. During the year extensive remodelling of the kitchen was sponsored by the Woman's Society. PAGE FORTY- SEVEN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — GALESBURG, ILLINOIS A Page For History In The Making PAGE FORTY-EIGHT