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 in 2012 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/firstpresbyteriaOOilfirs 
 
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THE HURCH 
 
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THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
 OF SPRINGFIELD 
 
First 
 presbptcrian (Qhurch 
 
 of Springfield 
 
 Seucnth at Capitol 
 ^pringficld,3llinois 
 
Photography, Herbert georc Design and typography, bi n whin 
 
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 Jo those who built well, for ourselves 
 so we may grow in Qod's grace, and 
 as a heritage for those who will follow 
 — this booklet is humbly dedicated. 
 
This is our ancestry. Over a century ago a 
 handful of stout-hearted men and women 
 braved snow and cold and miles to attend, 
 as the original record has it, ff A meeting held 
 in the town of Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, on 
 the 30th day of January, 1828, for the purpose of form- 
 ing a Presbyterian Church . . ." The first worship services 
 appear to have alternated between Springfield and Indian 
 Creek, now known as Indian Point. The Springfield serv- 
 ices were held in a log school house which must have 
 been built about 1827. 
 
 The Reverend John G. Bergen, D. D. was the first pas- 
 tor. Again the record reads, C( Springfield, December 1 5th, 
 1828. The Reverend John G. Bergen, a minister of the 
 Presbytery of Elizabeth Town, State of New Jersey, sent 
 by the American Home Missionary Society, at our earnest 
 call on them for a minister, being present, was moderator 
 of the meeting. Mr. Bergen proposed that the citizens of 
 this place be invited to meet in the school house this 
 evening at 6 o'clock to take into consideration the enter- 
 prise of building a Vresbyierian 'Meeting House in this 
 Town/' The minutes continue, "Monday morning. The 
 sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered yes- 
 terday. The assembly was large. The communicants 
 appeared to be revived. The audience was solemn. We 
 thank God for the past; we praise Him for the present; 
 and we trust Him for days to come." 
 
 Their trust was well founded; the "meeting house" 
 was built and the new Church grew rapidly. The beau- 
 tiful Marble Tablet gives evidence of devoted service and 
 guidance, and it is dedicated to those who have been 
 "called," and to all who will follow. 
 
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 One of our proudest possessions is the pew occupied by 
 Abraham Lincoln and his family from 1852 to 1861. It 
 was pew Number 20 in our Church when it stood at 
 Third and Washington Streets, Springfield. Not a mem- 
 ber, but regular in worship he was CC A Prince among the 
 rulers of the world, and a servant of a free people." 
 
"yot forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" — Hebrews 10:25 
 
 This is the house of god and He is here. Pray 
 then to Him who loves you and bids you wel- 
 come and awaits your greeting. Here friends 
 meet, human folk, bound together in the greatest 
 fellowship on earth. Here we come to find God's purpose 
 for us. Here is a living monument to memorialize the in- 
 comparable word of Christ. 
 
 To come to church is to find spiritual anchorage, wisdom 
 for faith, and strength for courage. Among fellowseekers, 
 we find the values of life and are led to choose the highest. 
 In a common quest we gain a fuller understanding of God, 
 Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. 
 
 Church worship is an instrument of culture second to no 
 other. Here the Word and the Truth speak to us in the lov- 
 liness of Christian art, music, architecture, and painting. To 
 those who believe that the Church is the eternal (C Body of 
 Christ" and that the dignity of human personality is a heri- 
 tage from Him, worship is an essential part of living. 
 
 Through these portals we come seeking an impulse toward 
 God. We come to give witness to Christ and to encourage 
 one another in building a stronger and richer community 
 for all. This is our Christian Home ! 
 
 "There is a little plant called Reverence in the corner of 
 my soul's garden which I love to have watered about once 
 a week." — Oliver wentdell holmes. 
 
"lor where two or three are gathered together in 7Ay name, there 
 am 1 in the midst of them." — matthew IS .20. 
 
 In the present century and more definitely in 
 recent years there has been a significant change in 
 the form of religious worship. There was formerly 
 the plain meeting-house, with its seats often ar- 
 ranged in a half-circle, its pulpit, and its organ. The hymns 
 and the sermon were the main features of worship. But in 
 the sanctuary of the Gothic type, such as we have inherited 
 from the classic Cathedrals, the entire congregation joins 
 in an attitude of reverent silence and meditation. The fine 
 music which we sing and to which we listen, deepens in us 
 
 10 
 
11 
 
the experience of God; the eye is constantly appealed to by 
 the windows, the communion table, the reredos, the pulpit, 
 and the lectern, all filled with the symbols that have come 
 down to us from the loyal witnesses of the early Church. 
 
 The most important feature of the church is the sanctuary 
 and its central object is the Cross and theCommunionTable. 
 A wide aisle leads from the entrance vestibule, or narthex, 
 directly to the Cross. This aisle is without obstruction in 
 its entire length to represent the direct approach of man to 
 his Creator. The Communion Table has a dual purpose. It 
 serves as the table in the celebration of Holy Communion, 
 and it receives our gifts as they are presented and conse- 
 crated. Its symbols likewise have a two-fold meaning. The 
 Lamb of God reclining on the Book of Seven Seals and 
 carrying the Banner of Victory, in the center, represents 
 the supreme gift of God to man, and symbolizes the single, 
 complete sacrifice of Christ for our sins. The sheaf of wheat 
 on one side, and the cluster of grapes on the other, sym- 
 bolize the bread and wine of Holy Communion. They are 
 also symbolic of our gifts to the Church. 
 
 Behind the CommunionTable is the reredos and canopy 
 of finely carved wood. The monogram at the apex shows 
 the first two letters of the Greek name, Christos. Below is 
 another more elaborate monogram, IHS which symbolizes 
 the Latin words meaning/' Jesus, the Savior of Mankind/' 
 At the left and right are Alpha and Omega, the first and 
 last letters of the Greek alphabet. These refer to Revelation 
 Tl : 1 3, " I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, 
 the first and the last/' The rose of Sharon (Song of Solo- 
 mon 2:1), further to the left,is a symbol seen in many other 
 places in the chancel and the nave. The Fleur-de-Lys 
 (French: flower of the lily), on the right, has a double 
 meaning. It represents the purity of the lily, <f he is the lily 
 of the valley" (Song of Solomon 2:1) and its three parts, 
 bound together, refer to the Trinity. 
 
 Below the reredos, really a part of it, is the gradine, a 
 table or shelf containing the Cross, the candles, and the 
 flower vases. The Cross is the central figure, also bearing 
 the monogram IHS. The two candles, lighted, show Jesus 
 
 12 
 
as the Light of the World, and symbolizes His two natures, 
 Human and Divine. On either side of these are the flowers, 
 gifts of love, to remind us of our relation to the great Chris- 
 tians of the past and of our own dear ones who have gone 
 before. 
 
 The second most important part of the sanctuary is the 
 pulpit. From it we hear the minister interpret the Scriptures, 
 instruct us how to apply the Word and the Truth in our 
 daily living, and give us the challenge for a more Christ- 
 like citizenship. There are five symbols on the pulpit. Four 
 of them are figures representing the four Evangelists: St. 
 Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John. The central fig- 
 ure, a bursting pomegranate, is a symbol of the resurrection 
 of our Lord and also the resurrection of His followers, the 
 promise of new life. This symbol is seen on many of the 
 pews along the center aisle. On the parament adorning the 
 pulpit the Cross Fleurie (French: flowery) is embroidered. 
 The three petals on each arm suggest the effect of a flower, 
 hence the name. 
 
 The basis of instruction in our Christian faith is derived 
 from the Bible, particularly the New Testament. The lec- 
 tern, on the right side of the chancel, is the reading desk 
 from which we hear read the Word of God. Two paraments 
 adorn the lectern ; on one we again see the monogram IHS, 
 and on the other, the Cross Fleurie. 
 
 The William Shephard Waring (1880-1916) Baptismal 
 Font occupies an honored place in front and to the right of 
 the lectern. Here our children are dedicated to Christ and 
 Christian living. Here, too, we reaffirm our vows and re- 
 dedicate ourselves to the building of God's Kingdom. The 
 Font is octagonal in shape; the origin of this symbolic usage 
 has been lost in the mists of antiquity. Again we see the 
 Cross Fleurie rising above the Font. 
 
 Carved on the end of the pews along the center aisle, we 
 see many different symbols all relating to, or derived from, 
 those found in the chancel. They are symbolic of the com- 
 munion of spirit reaching out and toward the central symbol 
 of Christianity, The Cross. 
 
 15 
 
m 
 
 mong the greatest glories of the Gothic Cathe- 
 drals are their stained and painted windows, rich in 
 religious significance and superlatively decorative in 
 effect. Their color harmonies, changing subtly from 
 hour to hour with the passing of the shadows, contributes im- 
 measurably to the inspiring effect of their interiors. 
 
 As art in the middle ages was a means of instruction, so in the 
 beautiful windows of our church can we read the great Biblical 
 stories, the life and parables of the Saviour, the occupations of peas- 
 ant and artisan, and the thoughts of the scholar. In these scenes, 
 there is more symbolism than realism, the work never losing its true 
 decorative quality, but always remaining a great composition in col- 
 ored light, full of meaning. 
 
 H 
 
It is the hope that these windows, through their ministry of color, 
 will inspire in the beholderthe knowledge that this is truly theHouse 
 of the Lord, and that they will lead all those who enter to a closer 
 communion with God. May these storied medallions ever sing forth 
 the great truths that make our religion Christian ! 
 
 Jhe Chancel Window, because of its position in the chancel facing 
 the congregation, is a medallion type with small subjects enclosed 
 in geometric forms against a rich and jewel-like background. It not 
 only adds depth to the chancel, but produces a truly reverent effect 
 through its mystical and restful coloring. 
 
 We can rightfully call this the Window of Love and Brotherhood. 
 The top central medallion shows Christ preaching His great social 
 gospel. To the left shows Christ calling Zacchaeus to come down 
 from the tree; St. Luke, 19. It is in keeping with Christ's ministry; 
 He came to seek and to save those who were lost. To the upper right 
 we see Christ washing the feet of His disciples, symbolizing the fact 
 that he who would really understand the meaning of Brotherhood 
 must be humble, in no way considering himself superior to or the 
 master of any man. 
 
 In the middle medallion of the central lancet is the Apostle Paul 
 writing that great epistle to the Corinthians on Faith,Hope and Love. 
 To the left is St. Francis of Assisi who loved all that God created, 
 things both great and small and whose greatest joy in life was to 
 help the poor and needy. To the right is Dorcas, who from earliest 
 times has been an example to those who would really practice Broth- 
 erhood, and was always zealous in her care for the widows and 
 fatherless. 
 
 The central bottom medallion shows Lincoln, not only freeing the 
 slaves, but leading them to the place of equality guaranteed by our 
 Christian motivated Constitution. At the left is Florence Nightin- 
 gale working among the wounded and dying in the Crimea, while 
 to the right is the founder of our American Red Cross, Clara Barton. 
 
 In the traceries above the three lancets are the symbols of the 
 Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The predominating color of the win- 
 dow is blue, symbolizing Reverence and Truth. 
 
 7he Stuve window. A group of windows was installed between 
 1904 and 1908, one being the Stuve window on the south. It rep- 
 resents the Angels of Revelation. 
 
 7be Homes window — The first window to be installed was the 
 one representing the Angel of the Resurrection,surrounded by Easter 
 Lilies. It was prepared for the World's Fair of 1893 by the Tiffany 
 Company as their main exhibit and purchased by the pupils of 
 Bettie Stuart Institute in memory of their principal, Mrs. Homes. 
 
 15 
 
To the glory of God and in loving remembrance of 
 BERNARD SI LIVE MARY L. WILSON STUVE 
 \\ [LSON STUV1 ELEANOR ILLINOIS STUVE 
 .WARY ( . STUVE CLEMENTINE STUV1 KNUDSON 
 ALICE STUVE IARRETT 
 
 To the glory of God and in loving remembrance of 
 
 MRS. MARY MCKEE HOMES 
 
 For eighteen years principal of the 
 Bettie Stuart Institute 
 By her devoted pupils 
 
 Jbe idward* window — The Angel of Victory window is a com- 
 panion for the Angel of the Resurrection on the opposite side of the 
 nave. The Angel shown stands in a bower of palms, the symbol of 
 
 16 
 
victory, and is surrounded by the Passion flower, a recent symbol 
 of the death and resurrection of Christ. In ancient times a palm leaf 
 was given as a prize or mark of distinction to those of great strength 
 and skill. The Latin saying, ff Palmam qui meruit ferat" (let him 
 bear the palm who merits it), originated from this custom. How 
 significant the memorial ! 
 
 7be Christopher C. Brown window — The St. Barnabas window 
 commemorates the close friendship of Dr. T. D. Logan, pastor at 
 the time the window was dedicated, and Christopher C. Brown, for 
 many years an elder in the church and intimate co-worker with Dr. 
 Logan. The intimacy of their religious work often prompted the 
 reference to Dr. Logan and Mr. Brown as Paul and Barnabas. 
 
 The medallion at the top of the window depicts the shield of St. 
 Barnabas, who was stoned to death for the preaching of the gospel. 
 This is symbolized by the open Bible and three stones. 
 
 7he Bunn window — This window represents the Angel of the 
 Communion, holding the chalice, and standing in a bower of grapes. 
 It is dedicated to the memory of three prominent members of that 
 period who gave themselves wholeheartedly to work in the church. 
 
 Ihe Brown window — This window is dedicated to the memory 
 of Stuart Brown and his wife, Kate Hay Brown. It is also dedicated 
 in honor of the women's work of the church, and is a pictorial rep- 
 resentation of the ideal woman described in Proverbs 31. The 
 inscription under Mr. Brown's name refers to the death of a great 
 captain of Israel, as given in II Samuel 3 :38 ;that under Mrs. Brown's 
 name is the last verse of the thirty-first chapter of Proverbs. 
 
 Jhe 2iackie window — The main figure in this window represents 
 St. Elizabeth of Hungary who died at the age of twenty-four and 
 was pronounced a saint by the church for her extensive work among 
 the poor in Hungary and southern Germany and is still a patron 
 saint of youth.The background of the central figure shows the castle 
 and garden, evidence of St. Elizabeth's wealth which she shared con- 
 stantly and generously with the needy. The rose is the Christian 
 symbol of Messianic promise as the prophet Isaiah foretold in Isaiah 
 35:1 /The wilderness, and the solitary place, shall be glad for them ; 
 and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." 
 
 The top medallion depicts the promise made by Jesus : ff I go to 
 prepare a place for you." The lower medallion reminds us of Christ's 
 respect for children: "And a little child shall lead them." 
 
 n- 
 
In memory of a beloved father 
 
 BENJAMIN STEPHENSON EDWARDS 
 
 Born ISIS - - Died 1886 
 
 Kept by the power of God 
 
 through faith unto salvation. 
 
 CHRISTOPHER C. BROW \ 
 
 October 21, 1834 - - May 6, 1904 
 
 The Mill cv window — This window portrays the Ministry of 
 Christ. At the bottom is the Call of the Disciples. The center me- 
 dallion shows Christ's love for children, and the upper figure shows 
 
 18 
 
Christ the Teacher. In smaller medallions, beginning at the top and 
 reading down, we see the figures depicting Christ the Good Shep- 
 herd; to the left below, the Forgiving Father; to the right, the good 
 Samaritan story. To the left and below is the story of Christ and 
 Nicodemus, the appeal not only to the humble but to the most 
 learned of men; and to the right, the Woman at the Well, teaching 
 the lesson that even in a strange country among strange people we 
 must proclaim the Gospel. 
 
 At the bottom left is St. Matthew with his symbol the Man, the 
 human aspect of his gospel. To the right is St. Mark with his sym- 
 bol the Lion, symbolizing the Royal lineage of Jesus. The back- 
 ground color is blue, symbolic of Truth. 
 
 JbeUarryV. Jones window — This depicts the Plan of Salvation. 
 The large lower medallion shows the birth of the Christ Child, the 
 beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to mankind. The cen- 
 tral medallion shows Christ's sacrifice on the cross. At the foot of 
 the cross, we see the pagan Centurion who, when he saw Christ 
 crucified, said, "Truly this man was the Son of God/' (St. Mark 
 15:39). On either side are the crucified thieves, the one who scorned 
 Christ, and the other who in his last breath confessed Christ as his 
 Saviour. The upper large medallion shows the glory of the Resur- 
 rection of Our Lord. On either side are angels with their trumpets 
 proclaiming to all ages that Christ is truly risen from the dead. 
 "And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain." (I Corinthians 
 
 15:17.) 
 
 In a small medallion at the top is "Spiritus Gladius," the sword 
 piercing the Bible, symbolic of the Apostle Paul who started the 
 spirit of the message of Salvation throughout the world. On the left 
 is shown the first Christian martyr, the young Deacon Stephen. On 
 the right is shown Paul's call to Macedonia. The two middle side 
 medallions show, to the left, the story depicted in St. John 8 :7; to 
 the right, Jesus is forgiving Peter in the scene when He told Peter 
 to feed His sheep if he loved Him. The bottom medallions show 
 St. Luke with his symbol, the Ox, showing the sacrificial aspect of 
 his gospel; and St. John with his symbol, the Eagle, the transcend- 
 ent glory of his gospel. The background color is ruby, symbolic of 
 sacrifice. 
 
 The five panels in the gallery issue the challenge to all who wor- 
 ship here to take out with them the great teachings of the Master 
 and to spread them throughout the world. In our modern world we 
 might well name these the Missionary Group. 
 
 >9 • 
 
SARAH IRWIN 1-T:RGLIS0N 
 1806- 1886 
 
 ELIZABETH FERGUSON* BUNN 
 1832 - 1886 
 
 SARAH BUNN JONES 
 
 1856- 1892 
 
 S [*UART BROWN" 
 
 1860- l l 04 
 
 "There is a prince and a great man fallen this day." 
 
 K \ I I- HAY BROWN 
 
 1864 - 1925 
 
 'Give her the fruit of her hands and let her own works 
 
 praise her in the gates." 
 
 In the center, dominating all, is the figure of Christ instructing 
 His Disciples: ff Go ye into all the world." Below is a most decora- 
 tive and original treatment showing the Disciples going out in all 
 
 20 
 
In loving memory 
 NANCY JANE MACKIE 
 
 directions in their ships. In the panel to the left is shown Spaulding 
 and Whitman, struggling over the Rockies and opening the Oregon 
 Trail. Below is the great Circuit Rider John Joyce, who carried the 
 Word over the Alleghenys. The panel immediately right of center 
 
 21 • 
 
To the Glory of God and in loving memory of 
 JOHN GLENN MILLER 
 
 and his wife 
 \l I.I.I GRANT MILLER 
 
 To the glory of God and in loving memory of 
 
 MARRY P. JONES 
 
 1871-1937 
 
 "Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee." 
 
 portrays John Lowrie boarding ship to take the Gospel to India; 
 below is Stanley discovering the great David Livingstone in the 
 heart of Africa winning the natives to Christ. 
 
 The extreme left lancet shows Sheldon Jackson distributing Gos- 
 
 *n . 
 
pels among the natives of Alaska. In the background is shown the 
 reindeer which he introduced to this country, changing the whole 
 economy, showing that a true missionary not only helps the spir- 
 itual needs of a people but their economic ones as well. At the 
 bottom is David Brainerd at his work among the Indians. The ex- 
 treme right panel shows Sam Higginbottom among the natives of 
 India. Like Sheldon Jackson, he, too, brought economic betterment 
 to India through improved agricultural methods. Below is Sir Wil- 
 fred Grenf ell, who took the Gospel to the natives of Labrador and 
 founded a hospital there, taking with him the ministry of healing as 
 taught by the Master. The windows are shot through with sparkling 
 gold, a color symbolic of Hope. 
 
 "Jo the glory of Qod and in grateful recognition of the members 
 of this Church who have served Qod and Country" 
 
 23 
 
'Praise ye the £ord: for it is good to sing praises unto 
 our Qod ; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely." 
 
 PSALMS 147:1. 
 
 M 
 
 T everv contac 
 
 usic is a miracle of joy never quite understood, 
 a solace and comfort never forgotten, and a more 
 nearly perfect expression of honor paid to God than 
 any other form of worship. There is enjoyment in 
 every contact with beautiful song. It brings to the listener a sense 
 of discovery of God and the creation of a mood. By virtue of its 
 unique power, it is the only language that requires no translation — 
 it is a universal possession. 
 
 We are fortunate indeed to have our Ministry of Music. From 
 prelude to postlude the tones of the organ lead us to a stimulating 
 and religious consciousness. Blending with the voices of the choir 
 we sing the beloved hymns, and we hear the responses and anthems 
 that give expression to what is in our hearts. Corporate worship, 
 through great music and beautiful song, is capable of lifting us to 
 heights which we could not otherwise attain. 
 
 21 
 
The choirs afford opportunity for all to become acquainted with 
 sublime sacred music, either through active participation or through 
 listening. We, and our community friends, have come to look for- 
 ward to the annual series of Evensongs. All of the following oratorios 
 have been given, some of them several times : 
 
 Bach . . . 
 
 . "The Passion According to St. Matthew 
 
 
 "B Minor Mass" 
 
 
 "Christmas Oratorio" 
 
 Brahms . 
 
 . "Requiem" 
 
 
 "Song of Destiny" 
 
 Handel . 
 
 . "The Messiah" 
 
 Haydn 
 
 . "The Creation" 
 
 Mendelssohn . 
 
 . "Elijah" 
 
 
 "Hymn of Praise" 
 
 Mozart . 
 
 . "Requiem" 
 
 Valestrina. 
 
 . "Missa Papae Marcelli" 
 
 "Parker 
 
 . "Hora Novissima" 
 
 25 
 
The worth of the church is measured not only by 
 its worship program but by its ever-increasing ministra- 
 tions to the social, economic, and spiritual needs of the 
 individual, the community, the nation, and the world. In 
 our Assembly Hall a varied program, designed to meet these needs, 
 is carried on for all ages and all interests. Fellowship and service 
 are the two key words to these activities. 
 
 The government of our church is administered by three groups 
 of elected officers : the Session, the Board of Deacons, and the Board 
 of Trustees. The Board of Christian Education is directly interested 
 in the work of the Church School and reports to the Session. 
 
 The Women's Assembly engages itself in many useful and neces- 
 sary activities. They sponsor nine circles, or groups, each with its 
 own program of information, education, and Christian service.There 
 are special interest groups such as the Business and Professional 
 Women's Circle; the highly important Missionary Circle; a Red 
 Cross and Welfare group; and an overall cooperation which makes 
 possible the excellent Wednesday Night Suppers during the winter 
 months. Their total effort and contribution adds much to the well- 
 being of our "Church Family." 
 
 To strengthen the bonds of friendship through working and play- 
 ing together, the church serves as meeting place for two Boy Scout 
 troops sponsored by the Board of Deacons and the Rotary Club of 
 Springfield. A Girl Scout troop and a Cub Scout pack find their cen- 
 ter of activity with us. 
 
 The Church Library provides for all ages a stimulating selection 
 of better reading. Rarely a week passes without the addition of a 
 new book. 
 
 Highlights of our Christian fellowship during the year are the 
 Wednesday Night Suppers. During the time these are held we hear 
 many inspired talks from church leaders from far and near; we par- 
 ticipate in evenings of hymn-singing and hymn-learning; we enjoy 
 social evenings of fellowship together; we decide questions of 
 church business and policy. We have a yearly series of Wednesday 
 night lectures on various aspects of Christian thinking and living, 
 such as religious music, prayer,beliefs,religious literature,and action. 
 
 26 
 
In addition to these activities within the church, there has been 
 an ever present attempt to fulfill certain needs of the community — 
 certainly a rightful task of any church. Many activities of the Spring- 
 field Council of Churches are held within the halls of our church; 
 a Vacation Institute, to instruct teachers and leaders in Christian edu- 
 cation, holds some of its classes here; various musical and cultural 
 groups use our facilities to enhance their programs; regional meet- 
 ings of the Council of Girl Scouts have been welcomed to use our 
 halls; meetings to improve race relations are welcome, as are those 
 to improve local government and community affairs. Our church is 
 conscious of its role in bringing Christians closer together, regard- 
 less of race or sect, and is willing to play an active, vital part in 
 helping to realize the Kingdom in our community. 
 
 •27- 
 
that ye may tell it to the generation following." — psalms 4S-.13 
 
 This has been god's behest to all people throughout the 
 history of enlightened human thought. No less impera- 
 tive is today's demand upon us than was the command of 
 the Old Testament spokesman that the children be in- 
 structed in the Divine law, and their children after them. How 
 fortunate we are to have a Church School, progressive in organiza- 
 tion and leadership, yet always worshipful in theme, that is an 
 integral part of our church. It is our representative at work in the 
 teaching and training of boys and girls, young people, and adults. 
 It is committed to the task of helping provide for our children and 
 for ourselves, all those vital Christian experiences which enrich and 
 ennoble; to help guard from everything cheap and unworthy, and 
 to point the way that they may make their lives count in the build- 
 ing of a Christ-like world. The Church School provides the ministry 
 that interprets to youth the rich Christian heritage which is their 
 birthright, it directs youth's thoughts and activities God-ward, and 
 it helps develop their own first-hand Christian experiences. 
 
 28 
 
With the aid of a consecrated staff of teachers every effort is made 
 
 to Teach youth the facts of their Christian heritage from the Bible 
 and Christian history 
 
 to Help youth understand their Christian heritage and to develop 
 through that understanding a Christian philosophy of life 
 
 to Guide youth in applying their Christian heritage to the practical 
 problems of their lives and their world 
 
 to Lead youth into a personal relationship with God, Who is re- 
 vealed in their Christian heritage in Christ 
 
 to Inspire youth to a personal commitment of their lives to the 
 Master of Life, from Whom their Christian heritage has come. 
 
 So that these goals may be accomplished the Church School or- 
 ganization includes : the enrollment of the babies of the parish in 
 the Cradle Roll; the regular Sunday class and department sessions; 
 the weekly services of worship in the lovely, colonial chapel; the 
 work of the youth choirs in the chapel services and occasionally in 
 our regular morning worship service; the extended session of Pri- 
 
 2g 
 
mary and Kindergarten departments during the morning worship 
 hour; the program of the best religious films available for grade 
 school age children; the Westminster Fellowship groups meeting 
 on Sunday evenings for study, fellowship, and inspiration ; the Daily 
 Vacation Church School each summer; the Sunday sessions of the 
 Adult Class comprised largely of parents studying selected courses; 
 and appropriate programs and activities to observe Christian holi- 
 days. 
 
 The folks behind the scenes at work unceasingly are the Church 
 School staff of officers, the Session, The Director of Music, and the 
 Adult Counselors of the youth groups. The associate minister work- 
 ing in close cooperation with the minister, is the director of the 
 Church School program. 
 
 This is our church building for tomorrow! 
 
 lO 
 
'Somewhere, some way, some time each 
 day Til turn aside and stop to pray that 
 Qod will make this Church and me the 
 way of righteousness to men." 
 
 51 
 
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 
 
 m 
 
 ^M.i^35bF519F C001 
 
 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SPRINGFIELD 
 
 3 0112 025277531