A.S.Chapman 
 
 F\rsi BapVis* church 
 Champaign,!^. 
 
LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 
 3Q i > llo1l« i o i flfol K i o i H 
 
 THE COMMEMORATIVE BOOKLET 
 
 OP THE 
 
 Seventy - Fifth Anniversary 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 
 
 Champaign, Illinois 
 
 1864 - 1939 
 
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 Robert N. McDonald, pastor 
 
 Compiled By 
 
 Asa S. Chapman 
 
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 HE PURPOSE of this booklet is to preserve for corft- 
 
 ■^ ing generations an outline of the program com- 
 memorative of the organization of this Church seventy- 
 live years ago, and to set forth our appreciation of 
 the devotion and sacrifices of the generation that has 
 passed. Their faith and works have created a substantial, 
 as well as spiritual, monument which we enjoy. We 
 desire to acknowledge our debt to them. By so doing 
 we also hope to help those who follow us to a better un- 
 derstanding of the continuity of the Church and the ac- 
 cumulation of its power. 
 
 When we observe in the present the spiritual integrity 
 of those who have gone before, and see and enjoy the 
 continuing substance of their faith, we acquire both 
 humility and courage. Their human frailties fade away. 
 Their loyalty and devotion endure, more solid than 
 granite. They have become a foundation strong and sure 
 upon which we may build with confidence. 
 
 This is our heritage. We pray that the present Church 
 and they who follow, may be worthy of it. 
 
 I JOk 
 
CHURCH DIRECTORY 1939 
 
 Moderator J. E. Lair 
 
 Church Clerk Lorraine Schell 
 
 Treasurer Chester Anderson 
 
 Financial Secretary ~ „ Edna Campbell 
 
 Missionary Treasurer ... Edna Campbell 
 
 Sunday School Superintendent Stanley Bateman 
 
 President Women's Society Mrs. Earl VanLaningham 
 
 DEACONS: Asa S. Chapman, C. L. Cooper, W. C. Deem, R. T. 
 Gundlock, J. D. Moses, G. A. Ostrand, Earl Stewart, A. L. 
 Thomasson, Earl VanLaningham. 
 
 DEACONESSES: Mrs. C. E. Anderson, Mrs. Lena Chism, Mrs. 
 W. C. Deem, Mrs. J. Gordon, Mrs. C. H. Irvin, Mrs. Sherdie 
 Jones, Mrs. Fannie Murphy. 
 
 TRUSTEES: Fred Jackson, Mrs. Evelyn Lewis, F. A. Parker, 
 J. F. Rapp, W. B. Riley, Mrs. Wallace N. Stearns, J. M, 
 Tarrant. 
 
 BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE: Mrs. Fred Heimlicher, Mrs. 
 J. D. Moses. 
 
 MUSIC COMMITTEE: Fred Heimlicher, Mrs. Beulah Jackson, 
 Mrs. R. N. McDonald. 
 
 AUDITING COMMITTEE: Stanley Bateman, L. G. Heimlicher, 
 Norton Morehouse. 
 
 COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Mrs. C. E, 
 Anderson, Mrs. W. C. Deem, A. L. Thomasson. 
 
 FLOWER COMMITTEE: Mrs. Harry Potter. 
 
 1939 RESIDENT MEMBERSHIP— 417 
 
HISTORICAL— THE BEGINNING 
 
 NOTE: The following: facts concerning- the first efforts of the Baptists 
 to organize in Champaign were written out many years ago by Rev. W. T. 
 Green. To this early preacher belongs a very great part of the honor and 
 credit for bringing together that earnest group of people who finally estab- 
 lished the present Church. He wrote the notes, here presented, at the request 
 of Clarence A. Lloyde, who preserved them and supplied them for this 
 record. Mr. Green returned to Champaign some forty years after he went 
 to Salem and became a member of the Church his early day preaching had 
 .helped to build. These notes, by him, were written in 1899. 
 
 EARLY HISTORY OF BAPTISTS IN CHAMPAIGN 
 
 (By Rev. W. T. Green) 
 When I arrived in Champaign on the 15th of September, 1862, I knew 
 John P. White and his father, who lived with him in the house now owned 
 and occupied by Frank Harris, southwest corner of Church and Elm streets. I 
 knew them as Baptists and learned the wife of John P. White was also a 
 Baptist and that these persons had lived here since about 1851 not far from 
 the park here in the city. 
 
 In 1853, Mr. Curtis F. Columbia and wife, Mrs. Nancy Columbia, came to 
 live in a house about three hundred feet north of where they now live. They 
 were Baptists at that time, Mr. Columbia having been baptized at Mahomet, 
 but on moving to where they now live, or near to it, they became members in 
 Urbana where Mrs, Columbia had been baptized. The father of Mrs. Columbia, 
 whose name was Cox, lived north of Urbana and at her home Mr. Columbia 
 was married to her. On this farm, their son, Thomas B. Columbia, was born 
 and their other three children, Mary, Emma and Hattie, were born in the old 
 home, just north of Champaign. 
 
 A Baptist church was organized soon after Champaign was laid out, T 
 suppose sometime between 1856 and 1860. John P. W 7 hite and his father and 
 perhaps the wife of John P. White, were members. Mr. Columbia informed 
 me of this and said that he and Mrs. Columbia brought letters from Urbana 
 and were among the constituent members of that first Church. Rev. A. L» 
 Farr was the first pastor and it appears that the Church was for a while 
 prosperous. Discord, however, developed later and Mr. Farr gave up the 
 care of the church, and the membership was dissolved. About the year 
 1860, a Mr. Thomas came along and served as pastor, but it is not certain 
 whether the old organization had dissolved before he came or not. ^ Informa- 
 tion received indicates that he was not a very prudent man, and did not ac- 
 complish anything in uniting the members. As the Rebellion of the Southern 
 States took place about that time and the war for its suppression commenced, 
 Mr. Thomas went into the service of the U. S., either as a chaplain or soldier. 
 On the 15th of September, 1862, Rev. W. T. Green arrived in Champaign, 
 but had his temporary residence on a farm for a few months with his father- 
 in-law, W. F. Morgan. On the first of January, 1863, Mr. Green commenced 
 to preach regularly" every Sunday afternoon in Bailey's hall, on Neil Street. 
 At that time the Methodists occupied the same hall on Sunday mornings and 
 Sunday evenings, so that the Baptists could only have the use of it in the 
 
afternoon of Sundays. In a very short time Mr. Green organized a Baptist 
 group of about twenty members, who had come to live in Champaign in more 
 recent years, and a very few of them had been identified with the difficulties 
 in the former church and congregation. During the year the congregation 
 prospered and there were a good many additions to the new organization. 
 B. C. Bradley, still continuing a member of the Urbana Church, took an active 
 part in raising subscriptions for the support of Mr. Green. Nearly all Bap- 
 tists were friendly to Mr. Green and did something toward his support, but 
 many refused to go into the new organization with him because of their 
 prejudice against each other that had originated during the divisions among 
 them before he came to Champaign. In February, 1864, Mr. Green was 
 called to become pastor of the Baptist Church in Salem, Illinois and accepted. 
 He sold his home to Rev. W. R. Combs, who had for many years been pastor 
 of the Baptist Church in Mahomet. Mr. Combs had promise of support from 
 some of the prominent Baptists of Champaign and commenced preaching in 
 Bailey's hall as successor to Mr. Green. He, however, soon gave up the work 
 and moved to Southern Missouri. Mr. Combs was succeeded by Rev. Alex- 
 ander Cummings who commenced preaching in the summer of 1864. Mr. 
 Cummings owned property in this city and had lived here for several years. 
 He was induced to try to form a new organization of the Baptists in and 
 around Champaign in the hope that in the formation of a new organization 
 the other Baptists that had been opposed to each other might, on equal con- 
 ditions, commence to work in harmony as was the case in the early days of 
 the first organization, for which Rev. A. L. Farr, had preached. It appears 
 from the list of members in this new organization, that they were nearly the 
 same as those who organized in connection with the pastorate of Rev 
 W. T. Green. 
 
 THE FOUNDING OF A CHURCH 
 
 Read as Part of the Anniversary Program 
 
 (By Asa S. Chapman) 
 So far as the writer has found, no attempt has been made to write a 
 history of this church. There is sufficient data to write an acceptable one. 
 yet this effort must be very short, a mere outline. Someone else must en- 
 large upon this beginning. 
 
 Every new venture involves a sufficient element of faith and courage 
 to command the respect of those who later build upon the foundation thus 
 laid; but those who have had faith and courage enough to found a Church 
 of the Baptist faith and order, deserve especial veneration, for we know that 
 their faith and courage had to be supported by a genuine sacrifice and devo- 
 tion which has been rare in any day. That was true of the founding of the 
 church in Champaign. Indeed, exceptionally so, for the first effort to estab- 
 lish the church here had failed before it was well begun. 
 
 For this reason the Charter members of this Church deserve to have 
 their names written into the record. They were 1 the beginning: 
 
 Henry Barber and Betsy Barber, James C. Goltry and Sarah I. Goltry, 
 George Case, Mrs. E. S. Brown, Mary A. Brown, Joseph T. Everett and Emma 
 Everett, Louisa L. Everett (later Mrs. J. R. Gulick), Rufus Whitson, Jane 
 
 6 
 
Smith, Lucy Nutting, James Barber, Priscilla Elum, Candace Pearce, Wil- 
 liam F. Morgan and Anne P. Morgan, Gerrald Morgan and Amelia Morgan, 
 Isabeli B. Whitcomb, Clark Rush and Catherine Rush and David Andrews. 
 
 Between 1856 and 1860 a Baptist Church had been organized in this 
 pioneer city, which was then known as West Urbana. This church was led 
 by a minister named A. L. Farr. For a year or two it prospered, but the 
 times were surcharged with enmities growing out of the moral issue of 
 slavery, which had become a deadly political issue. Bitter discord arose in 
 this young church. Reverend Mr. Farr gave up the pastorate and a Mr. 
 Thomas followed. He did not succeed in uniting the Church. The member- 
 ship fell apart and scattered with the shock of the beginning of the Civil War. 
 On September 15, 1862, Rev. W. T. Green came to Champaign. He was 
 a son-in-law of one Wm. F. Morgan, an enthusiastic Baptist. Very soon 
 Rev. Green began to preach to the Baptist people. Meetings were held in 
 Bailey's Hall on North Neil Street. Services were held in the afternoons, for 
 the Methodists used the Hall mornings and evenings. The people supported 
 him well and he was encouraged to attempt the organization of a new 
 church. He could do nothing with the membership of the former church; 
 the bitterness among them was too strong. He did, however, bring a groun 
 of twenty or more other Baptists to the point of organization. So far as we 
 have informaion Mr. Green was not a pastor of the old Church. He seems 
 to have given voluntary independent service. In February 1864, he was called 
 to be pastor of the church at Salem, Illinois, and left Champaign. Rev. W. 
 R. Combs, who had formerly preached at Mahomet, continued the services 
 at Champaign, and kept the group together. Very soon thereafter, Rev. 
 Alexander Cummings came upon the scene. He took up the work where 
 Rev. Green left it. 
 
 On the eleventh day of September, 1864, ten men and fourteen women, 
 with others, having gathered to hear the word of God preached, remained 
 after the service and indicated a desire to "organize themselves into a 
 Baptist Church of Jesus Christ". The preacher, Rev. Alexander Cummings, 
 acted as moderator of the meeting and Clark Rush was clerk. According to 
 the custom of that day, after declaring their purpose, they adopted "Articles 
 of Faith and Church Covenant". They called Rev. Cummings to be their 
 pastor, and selected a committee, Joseph T. Everett, Wm. Barber and David 
 Andrews, to invite other churches to send representatives to a "Council of 
 Recognition", to consider the newly organized church, its Articles of Faith, 
 its Covenant, as well as the circumstances of its organization, and to recog- 
 nize it as a Baptist Church. 
 
 This Council met as requested on October 28, 1864. Rev. G. S. Bailey, 
 of Morris, Illinois, was chosen moderator. Rev. S. F. Gleason of Bethel 
 Church (Mahomet) was clerk. The Urbana Church was represented by 
 Rev. G. W. Riley, James Myers and Robert Slater; Bethel Church by Rev. D. 
 S. French, Rev. W. R. Combs and Rev. S. F. Gleason; Morris Church by Rev. 
 G. S. Bailey and Little Vermilion Church by Rev. E. Marshall. The Council 
 considered and discussed the situation, especially the former effort to organize, 
 which had failed. It made certain recommendations and adjourned to meet 
 again after its suggestions had been acted upon. The Council reconvened as 
 planned on November 27, 1864. It found that the group had sufficiently 
 complied with its recommendations, and voted to recognize the new orgam- 
 
nation as a Baptist Church. Then, the following- day, the Council inductee? 
 the new church into the Denomination with a formal dedication service. 
 
 The Recognition Sermon was given by Elder D. S. French, the "Charge 
 to the Church" by Elder G. W. Riley, the "Prayer" by Elder W. R. Combs, 
 and the "Hand of Fellowship" by Elder S. F. Gleason. 
 
 Thus, on the 28th day of November, 1864, the new Church, fully organ- 
 ized and recognized, and with a number of additional members, began its 
 work, adopting the name "Champaign Baptist Church." 
 
 The Church began immediately to consider the location of a building- 
 site, and the erection of a church building. A committee was appointed to 
 gather funds for that purpose. By February 11, 1865, $3,000.00 had been 
 subscribed. 
 
 On January 8, 1865, five trustees were elected. Henry Barber, William 
 Morgan, Joseph T. Everett, C. F. Columbia, and David Bailey. Secular records 
 testify that these were five very substantial citizens. Later, on February 11, 
 1865, the church elected its first Deacons, Wm. F. Morgan and Henry Barber. 
 On that date it called Rev. William Remington to be its pastor, Rev. Cum- 
 mings having resigned. 
 
 When first organized, the church held its services in a hall owned by 
 Joseph T. Everett, on University Avenue, "East of the Tracks," but they 
 soon began raising money to build a chapel. They raised $3,000.00. The ladies 
 of the church and city purchased two lots for a building site and gave them 
 to the church. These lots were on the corner of Park and State streets, 
 West of the Virginia Theatre. 
 
 By the time the Church was 18 months old, it had increased to 114 
 members, and had outgrown its new chapel. Plans were immediately begun 
 to rebuild. 
 
 By the summer of 1868, $6,000.00 had been pledged for a new church 
 building. David Bailey was active in this work. He helped the church by 
 taking the Chapel property off its hands. The lots where the Church stands 
 now were purchased with the money. The second Church was built, and 
 finished in 1869, at a cost of $10,000.00. Rev. G. W. Riley was pastor during 
 that building period, and having been called back to the pastorate of the 
 Urbana Church where he had previously been pastor, the Church, by a 
 special action, requested him to remain until the new Church building was 
 completed. [Picture on page 19.] 
 
 That building served the membership until 1899, when a new building 
 program was instituted which resulted in the construction of this building 
 which we now enjoy. Many of our present members remember the old 
 church. It was of peculiar architecture. The siding was of wide boards 
 running up and down instead of horizontally. It will be interesting to some 
 of you to know that the committee appointed to solicit money for building 
 the new church was headed by a young member of the church named Fred 
 Heimlicher. 
 
 The period from 1869 when the old church was built until 1899 when 
 the new one was begun was a period of advancement and growth. There 
 had been many strong and prominent citizens among its membership. 
 
 The new church building cost $25,000.00. The pastor in charge of lead- 
 ing the church in that program was W. H. Stedman, who had one of the 
 most prosperous pastorates in the history of the church. The new building 
 
 8 
 
was dedicated in February, 1900. The dedication sermon was preached hy 
 the late Rev. W. P. Henson of Chicago. 
 
 In the year 1925, the Church had again outgrown its quarters. It did not 
 feel equal to a new building, l>ut undertook to excavate the basement. This 
 improvement was more expensive than anticipated, and was completed just 
 prior to the economic depression. The Church is still struggling to remove 
 the debt incurred in that improvement Money to pay the cost of it was 
 fully pledged at the time of dedication, but when many of the pledges were 
 not paid, a serious controversy over the policy of collection arose. Rather 
 than have a division in the Church over the matter, and notwithstanding 
 many members had paid pledges in full, the Church voted to cancel those 
 not paid. It was five years before any effort to pay this debt was again 
 undertaken. In recent years, the debt has been substantially reduced. 
 
 In February, 1926, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence A. Lloyde gave to the Church 
 the pipe organ which we now enjoy. The gift was in memory of Mr. and 
 Mrs. D. H. Lloyde, the mother and father of Mr. Lloyde. This was the most 
 handsome gift ever received by the Church, and the most appropriate me- 
 morial for Deacon and Mrs. Lloyde, who were both musicians and had been 
 members of the Church almost from the beginning. 
 
 During its history the Church has been served by twenty pastors: 
 Alexander Cummings, Sept. 11, 1864— Dec. 10, 1864; William Remington, 
 
 Feb. 11, 1865— March 2, 1867; Joseph Brown (Interim Pastor—March to 
 
 Dec. 1867)i G. W. Riley, Dec. 8, 1867— May 1, 1870; A. L. Farr, May 1, 1870 
 —Dec 7, 1873; A. Cleghorn, April 12, 1874— Jan. 1, 1878; I. N. Carman, 
 
 Aug. 23,' 1878— Oct. 15, 1881; F, M. Williams, May 1, 1882— July 25, 1883; 
 
 O. B. Read, Aug. 5, 1883— June 12, 1885; Henry H. Bawden, Feb. 1, 1886— 
 
 Jan. 11, 1890: E. H. Stone, Sept. 1, 1890— Sept. 1, 1894. 
 
 W. H. Stedman, Oct. 1, 1894— July 1, 1903; George C. Moor, Oct. 25, 1903 
 
 —Feb. 28, 1909; E. B. Rogers, Aug. 1, 1909— June 1, 1911; David O. Hopkins, 
 
 Sept. 17, 1911— Aug. 1, 1918; F. N. Darling, Jan. 1, 1919— July 1, 1920; W. 
 
 B. Morris, Oct. 3, 1920— July 1, 1924; John H. Cozad, Oct. 1, 1924— Sept. 1, 
 
 1929; J. Scott Ebersole, Jan. 1, 1930— Feb. 1, 1935: Robert N. McDonald, 
 
 Feb. 1, 1935 — now serving. 
 
 THE "CONFESSION OF FAITH" ADOPTED BY THE CHURCH 
 AT THE TIME OF ITS ORGANIZATION 
 
 I. THE SCRIPTURES 
 
 We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and 
 is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, 
 salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; 
 that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, 
 and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, 
 and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions 
 
 should be tried. 
 
 II. THE TRUE GOD 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living 
 and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the 
 Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth; inexpressibly glorious m 
 holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the 
 
unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the 
 Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but 
 harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. 
 III. THE FALL OF MAN 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under 
 the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy 
 and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not 
 by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness re- 
 quired by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under 
 just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse. 
 IV. THE WAY OF SALVATION 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly 
 of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the 
 appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; 
 honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a 
 full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now 
 enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest 
 sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a 
 suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior. 
 
 V. JUSTIFICATION 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which 
 Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification 
 includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of 
 righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of 
 righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeem- 
 er's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely im- 
 puted to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and 
 favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and 
 eternity. 
 
 VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are 
 made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to 
 accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing 
 prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own deter- 
 mined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection 
 involves him m an aggravated condemnation. 
 
 VII. REGENERATION 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must 
 be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy 
 disposition to the mind; that it is effected in a manner above our compre- 
 hension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth 
 so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper 
 evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness 
 oi lite. 
 
 VIII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred 
 duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating 
 Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and 
 helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn' to God with 
 unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy; at the same 
 
 10 
 
time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and 
 king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. 
 IX. GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose 
 of god according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves 
 sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it 
 comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most 
 glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, 
 holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes 
 humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his 
 free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that 
 it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that 
 it .is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with 
 regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence. 
 
 X. SANCTIFICATION 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by 
 which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; 
 that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it 
 is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy 
 Spirit, the Healer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed 
 means— especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchful- 
 ness and prayer. 
 
 XI. PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as 
 endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the 
 grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a 
 special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the 
 power of God through faith unto salvation. 
 
 XII. THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and 
 unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; 
 and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill 
 its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from 
 which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to 
 the holy law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of Grace 
 connected with the establishment of the visible church. 
 XIII. A GOSPEL CHURCH 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a 
 congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and 
 fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by 
 his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them 
 by his word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and 
 Deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles 
 to Timothy and Titus. 
 
 XIV. BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian Baptism is the immersion 
 in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy 
 Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the 
 crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and 
 resurrection to a new life; that it is pre-requisite to the privileges of a 
 
 11 
 
church relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the 
 church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together 
 the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination. 
 XV. THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the 
 Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath; and is to be kept sacred to religious 
 purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the 
 devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; and 
 by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God. 
 XVI. CIVIL GOVERNMENT 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine ap- 
 pointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that 
 magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; ex- 
 cept only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the 
 only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings on the earth. 
 XVII. RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential 
 difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through 
 faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the 
 Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as con- 
 tinue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the 
 curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death. 
 XVIII. THE WORLD TO COME 
 
 We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approach- 
 ing; that at the Last Day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the 
 dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will 
 then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment,, 
 and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the 
 final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness. 
 
 12 
 
GUtitrrtf ©mtettant 
 
 ^v^AVING been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to 
 Am receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the 
 Wf profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name 
 of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we 
 do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most 
 solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as 
 one body in Christ. § We engage, therefore, by the aid of the 
 Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the 
 advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and com- 
 fort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its 
 worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute 
 cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the ex- 
 panses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread ot 
 the gospel through all nations. § We also engage to maintain 
 family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; 
 to s^ek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk 
 circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, laitnlul 
 in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid 
 ail tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain trom the 
 sale and use of intoxicating drink as a beverage, and to be zeal- 
 ous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Sayior. § We 
 further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to 
 remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness 
 and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and 
 ■courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready 
 -for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, to 
 secure it without delay. § We moreover engage that, when we 
 remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with 
 some other church where we can carry Out the spirit oi this 
 covenant and the principles of God's word. 
 
 THE CELEBRATION PROGRAM 
 
 A The program in celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary began 
 With a combined Communion and Covenant Meeting on September 3rd, 1939 
 This meeting was commemorative of the meetings that must have been held 
 and the spiritual attitude of the people that must have existed before the 
 date of the actual organization of the Church. The service was led by Rev. 
 J, Scott Ebersole, our beloved former Pastor, In it we endeavored to re- 
 produce the old time Covenant Meeting, which was a regular monthly feature 
 of the original church program. It was an impressive and inspiring service. 
 
 B. On September 10th, 1939, the last day of the 75th year, the entire 
 morning service was an observation of the anniversary. The sermon was 
 delivered by our Pastor, Rev. Robert N. McDonald. The predominant note was 
 recognition of our debt to the founders, and thanksgiving for them and their 
 example. We acknowledged our debt to the past. We gave remembrance. 
 Text: "Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us." 
 
 C. On the afternoon of this day a meeting was held "In Memory of 
 Founders and Builders." That program outline follows: 
 
 Scriptural Theme, Conquering By Faith. Heb. 11. 
 
 Memorial Prayer, Rev. J. Scott Ebersole. 
 
 Song, Praise Him! Praise Him! 
 
 The Founding of A Church-Historical, Asa S. Chapman. 
 
 13 
 
Good Men and True, Walter B. Riley and Fred Heimlicher. 
 
 Song, Auld Lang Syne. 
 
 Faithful Women of the Past, Mrs. W. N. Stearns; Mrs. Fred Heimlicher. 
 
 Song, The Church in The Wildwood. 
 
 Re-dedication Prayer, Rev. Robert N. McDonald. 
 
 D. Beginning with September 26th and ending with September 29th, 
 a series of "Rally Services" was held. 
 
 Women's Night September 26, Dr. George C. Moor, Speaker. 
 Church School Night, September 27, Rev. L. P. Jensen, Speaker. 
 Men's Night, September 28th, Dr. George C. Moor, Speaker. 
 Young People's Night, September 28th, Pageant by Edith Gundlock. 
 This Pageant, written by Mrs. Edith Gundlock and very ably presented 
 by our Young People, was a beautiful and impressive dramatization of the 
 place the Church fills in the lives of our people, preserving the sweetness 
 of our families. It reminded us of the manner in which the sacred influences 
 of the Church are woven into the most intimate experiences of our lives, from 
 the birth of our children to their marriages, culminating in a most beau- 
 tiful and tender marriage ceremony, in pantomime. It was a fitting climax 
 to a week given over to unification of our Church effort. 
 
 Dr. George C. Moor who spoke at two of these meetings is a former 
 Pastor who served this Church from 1903 to 1909, and who is still an 
 active Pastor in New York City. During his pastorate here the Church ex- 
 perienced some of its most prosperous years. 
 
 E. On the 26th day of November, 1939, at the regular morning service, we 
 re-enacted the original "Recognition Service," by which the Church was ad- 
 mitted to the Baptist Denomination. In the year 1864, after the Church had 
 been organized, on invitation, a committee from other representative 
 Churches came to Champaign to examine the Church and its organization. 
 They examined its membership, its "Articles of Faith" and its Covenant to de- 
 termine its worthiness. This Committee first met on October 28, 1864, but 
 adjourned to a later meeting, which was held on November 27th. At this 
 later meeting the Committee voted recognition. On the following day, 
 November 28th, 1864, a Recognition Service was held to induct the 'Cham- 
 paign Baptist Church' into the Baptist Denomination at large. 
 
 It was that Recognition Service which was brought to the attention 
 of the community in our program on November 26th, 1939. An outline of 
 that program follows: 
 
 The Recognition Prayer, Brother Fred Hiemlicher (member for 47 years). 
 
 The Recognition Sermon, Rev. Robert N. McDonald, Pastor. 
 
 The Charge to the Church, Asa S. Chapman. 
 
 The Hand of Fellowship, by the Pastor. 
 
 The Anthem was sung by our volunteer chorus choir. 
 
 RECOGNITION SERMON 
 
 Lessons Symbolized By the Levitical Consecration 
 Leviticus Chapter 8 
 
 This Sunday, November 26, 1939, which has been set apart as Recogni- 
 tion Sunday, commemorates the day when the Champaign Baptist Church 
 75 years ago, almost to a day, was officially recognized as a worthy unit 
 
 14 
 
of the great Baptist Denomination of believers. The central theme on that 
 day must have been consecration. Likewise today we turn our thoughts to the 
 eighth chapter of Leviticus to consider the lessons symbolized by the Levi- 
 tical Consecration. 
 
 1 Verse 6. "Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with 
 water" impressing the lesson that purity and holiness were required by God 
 in those that serve Him. "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord or who 
 shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart 
 This washing typifies the spiritual cleansing of the believer by the Holy 
 Spirit when he enters the service of his Master. In the New Testament, 
 Baptism is the symbol illustrating this cleansing. It is called "the washing 
 of regeneration." "Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins," Ananias 
 said to the converted Saul. Acts 22:16. "Let us draw near with a true heart 
 in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil con- 
 science, and our bodies washed with pure water." Heb. 10:22. 
 
 2 Verse 7. The cleansed man was then clothed in habiliments fitting 
 to his office- A costly robe imparting dignity, a girdle around about, which 
 might be lifted above his feet as he served at the altar, on his breast a plate 
 upon which burned on twelve precious stones, were the names of the tribes of 
 Israel expressing the sins and burdens that he carried on his head as he offered 
 sacrifices for them: On this breastplate was a curious symbol called Unm and 
 Thummin (Light) which mysteriously interpreted the will of Jehovah, 
 around his brow a mitre and over that a crown of gold-marked him as the 
 representative of God, the real King of Israel. The priest here typifies the 
 believer in public confession clothed in the righteousness of Christ, girt 
 around with truth, having righteousness for a breastplate; his shoes shod 
 with the Gospel of Peace, faith covering him as a shield-a priest unto God. 
 
 Eph. 6:13-17. , . . , . 
 
 3 Verse 12. He was annointed with oil representing the impartation 
 of the Holy Spirit. This oil was poured so profusely that it ran down upon 
 the beard 'of Aaron and on the skirts of his robe. The believer is the 
 recipient of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit leads him into the truth; helps 
 him to pray and maketh intercession for him. The Spirit dwells in him- 
 his body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is his companion, guide 
 
 and strength. . 
 
 4 Verses 14-21. The Covenant of Consecration like all other Covenants 
 between man and God must be sealed with sacrifice— a sacrifice in which 
 blood — i.e. life was a vital element. 
 
 (a) The sacrifices of sin offering and of burnt offering— a bullock and 
 a ram- these were slain, their blood sprinkled on the altar and the whole vic- 
 tim burned on the altar, a sacrifice to God. This was to symbolize the per- 
 fect offering of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, and also for full dedication of 
 himself to God by the offering; for nothing was left unconsumed. 
 
 In these two sacrifices were typified the salvation of the believer by the 
 perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and his own consecration, i.e. full surrender 
 to God. Not a hoof or hair of the victim was left that did not on wings of 
 flame ascend to heaven. I bring myself in full surrender, a living sacrifice, 
 acceptable to God. 
 
 (b) The other offering was called the Ram of Consecration, whose 
 sacrifice completed the consecration of the priest. A part of this sacrifice 
 
 15 
 
only was burned on the altar; but the richest portions of the fat and flesh 
 with some unleavened bread and cake and wafer were placed in the hands of 
 the priest and he waved them before Jehovah as his own free-will offering: 
 to God. 
 
 A significant part of these offerings and sacrifices was that Moses took 
 the blood of the victim and with it touched the ear, the hand, and the toe 
 of the priest. This sealed the covenant between the priest and God showing 
 that his powers of mind and body were consecrated to the service of Jehovah: 
 the ear to hear the command of God, the feet to go on the mission he was 
 sent, and his hands to do the tasks God should give him. Jesus expressed 
 himself without symbols to the same effect when He said, "Thou shalt love 
 the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with thy soul, and with all thy 
 strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Luke 10:27. 
 
 On this anniversary Recognition Day, thinking of the faithful men and 
 women who 75 years ago consecrated themselves to Christ and His Church, 
 I, this day, call you to renewed consecration! 
 
 THE CHARGE TO THE CHURCH 
 
 1. Seventy-five years ago a small group of people met in this city and 
 declared their belief in a spirit God, all powerful, all knowing, infinite in love 
 and wisdom — the Creator of all. 
 
 They declared their belief in Jesus as His divine Son — the Messiah of the 
 Prophets — the Saviour of all mankind through His sacrifice on the cross. They 
 declared their belief in His Holy Spirit, the Comforter. They declared their 
 faith in this Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and salvation for all who 
 believe. 
 
 This is the foundation of the building not made with hands, his Church. 
 It is the only excuse for the existence of this Church, and the only explana- 
 tion of its continued existence for three-fourths of a century. 
 
 I charge you therefore that if you want or expect the continued existence 
 of this church, you must surrender your heart to a like Faith in this same 
 Trinity. 
 
 2. That same group of people, with the definite purpose of helping men 
 and women to a like belief in God and a salvation through Jesus, made that 
 declaration of their beliefs in written "Articles of Faith/' which they signed. 
 They organized by the election of officers. They entered into a solemn Cov~ 
 enant with each other, denning the nature of the organization, stating its 
 purpose to enlarge the Kingdom of God, setting forth the qualifications, 
 duties and orderly conduct of its members. They pledged themselves to un- 
 selfish devotion to this cause. We here and now enjoy the result of their 
 faith and sacrifice. 
 
 I charge you therefore that you read and study this same Covenant 
 which has bound us, and which still binds us together in a common noble 
 purpose. 
 
 3. This church is a corporation organized under the laws of the State 
 of Illinois. It is not a business corporation, although we always want 
 to be diligent and businesslike. 
 
 We cannot operate like a business, for our merchandise is without money 
 and without price. 
 
 16 
 
We cannot act like a business corporation because we must always be 
 foregiving our debtors. 
 
 We cannot be a business corporation because our merchandise is price- 
 less and cannot be sold. 
 
 We can only offer our merchandise. The taker must prepare himself 
 lor reception of it. 
 
 What is this precious merchandise with which we deal, but which we 
 
 cannot sell ? 
 
 It is nothing less than GOD'S OWN SPIRIT, The Power of God unto 
 
 .Salvation. 
 
 I charge you therefore that you be always humble; that you keep con- 
 stantly in mind the sacred things within your keeping. Let no irreverent 
 or impious thought or action mar the sanctity of this place. 
 
 4. Perhaps some of you are even now questioning these statements 
 and asking how it can be possible that such poor, weak, unintelligent and 
 often sinful humanity, such as we are, dare to try to deal with such a pre- 
 cious and sacred thing as the Spirit of God, or His power. We all know we 
 are not worthy, but I will answer by asking you, by what strange means 
 does that cold, uninspired wire bring to these lamps the current from the 
 power house and give us light and power? It is, simply, the nature of elec- 
 tricity to enliven and pass through a metal wire. Likewise, it is the very 
 nature of the Spirit of God to work through weak men and women as con- 
 ductors; and passing through them to cleanse them and make them strong. 
 
 But exactly, as contact is necessary before electricity can vitalize a 
 wire, so too must we make contact with God before we can become conductors 
 of his Spirit or his power. 
 
 No one can become a member of this church without assuming the re- 
 sponsibility of being a conductor of God's Spirit and Power. A very solemn 
 obligation. To do this we must make contact with Him, and this we do 
 through prayer and knowledge of the Scriptures. 
 
 Therefore, I charge you that you read and study the Scriptures dili- 
 gently and faithfully; that you continue instant in prayer; that you watch 
 and pray to avoid temptation; and that you pray without ceasing. 
 
 5. If we are to be God's contact men and women— conductors of his 
 Spirit— we must learn about and understand his Power. We must experience 
 his love. We must have personal knowledge of his truth and righteousness. 
 
 Therefore, I solemnly charge you to study, and work to make thyself 
 approved by rightly dividing the word of Truth. That you seek diligently 
 to know the truth, and let that truth make you free. 
 
 6. The weaknesses that hinder Christian progress are selfishness and 
 
 laziness. 
 
 It is selfish laziness to want the blessings of salvation and not be will- 
 ing to work for them. 
 
 It is miserable selfishness to receive the favor of God's grace without 
 thankfulness— the kind of thankfulness that will result in good works. 
 
 It is wicked selfishness to accept the blessings of salvation without ac- 
 cepting the responsibilities and obligations that go with them. 
 
 Selfishness is the great destroyer; and a false pride is its food and 
 
 drink. i(xr 
 
 Therefore, I charge you to prepare your hearts for salvation. Keep 
 
 17 
 
thine heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Prepare 
 your hearts for the Lord. 
 
 7. Is a Baptist Church worth having? 
 
 Jesus thought so. 
 Is a Baptist Church a good social organization? 
 
 Jesus thought so. 
 Is a Baptist Church an effectual agency to enlarge 
 the Kingdom of God? 
 
 Jesus thought it was. 
 Is a Baptist Church worthy of your time, your 
 thought, your care and your sacrifice ? 
 
 Jesus thought it was, I am sure. 
 If this Baptist Church is not living up to the noble purposes of the 
 Master, is it not worthy of your patient devotion to help it to do so? Is it 
 not your duty to undertake it? 
 
 Are you willing that this Baptist Church should be weak and ineffective, 
 if some one, simple duty you could perform, would make it strong? 
 That One Simple Duty Is Faithful Attendance 
 Do you know that that one simple duty, faithfully performed by 80% of 
 the membership could make this the most famous Church in the state within 
 six months ? It would do it. 
 
 We would be full of enthusiasm. We would never want for Sunday 
 School teachers. We would never want for choir material. We would never 
 have to solicit for money. The membership would be busy and happy. 
 People would be converted at every service. 
 
 This is a true picture. Faithful, constant attendance would bring it to 
 pass. Then the seed of the word could be sown. Then the leaven of the 
 Spirit could do its work. Those members who are physically able and yet 
 slovenly in attendance are literally choking the breath out of the church. 
 
 Therefore I charge you, as solemnly as before, that you be Loyal 
 members, constant and faithful in attendance. Foresake not the assembling 
 of yourselves together." "Why Will Ye Die?" 
 Now to Summarize: 
 
 If we are to continue, we must believe in and have faith in God, the 
 Father, Jesus Christ, his Son, and the Holy Spirit, his Comforter. If 
 we should not do this we would no longer be a Baptist Church. 
 
 If we are to continue, we must subscribe and adhere to that Covenant 
 which binds us into a single body with a single purpose. 
 
 If we are to continue, we must be always humble, keeping in mind the 
 sacred majesty of our God. 
 
 If we are to continue, we must be very earnest in prayer, seeking for 
 ourselves and teaching to our children the Way of God and his Salvation. 
 
 We must know in our hearts that this Church has a truly divine mission, 
 —a cause great and good— worthy to be supported by our time, and by our 
 thought and by our substance. 
 
 We dare not be selfish in this lest we be destroyed, even as old Israel 
 was destroyed. 
 
 I urge upon you a loyalty that forgets self, and that will not shrink 
 from duty or from sacrifice. 
 
 18 
 
EARLY DAYS OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 
 
 (By Clarence A. Lloyde) 
 
 (NOTE— Written for the 67th Anniversary Program, 
 and preserved here) 
 
 As this is to be a personal reminiscence, I am not speaking of events 
 preceding my advent upon the scene. I think, however, that Rev. G. W. 
 Riley, father-in-law of Mrs. Ozias Riley, deserves mention. He was pastor 
 when' the frame church was built, and handled the funds. He served with- 
 out salary, although supposed to receive one. His wife supported the family 
 by taking in boarders. At the dedication he asked his wife whether he should 
 ask for his salary. She said "No, just donate it and resign," which he did. 
 
 OLD CHURCH 1869—1899 
 
 Father came to Champaign when I was about nine years old, in 1876. I 
 wish to first give you a little idea of the old church which stood on this 
 corner and which this building supplanted. It was a long frame rectangular 
 building with the entrance on University Avenue. It was a two story struc- 
 ture with a bell tower on the front. The first floor consisted of a vestibule 
 
 19 
 
in front, then from that opened the Sunday School room, which was practic- 
 ally square; in the Northwest corner was the Primary Department, and in 
 the Northeast corner was a hot air furnace, and a Sunday School Loan 
 Library. Between these two corner rooms was a stairway coming down from 
 the room above, used by candidates for baptism after the ordinance had been 
 administered, the corner rooms on such occasions being used as dressing 
 rooms. 
 
 The second floor or auditorium was reached by two sets of stairways, one 
 on the east and one on the west side of the vestibule. This room occupied 
 the entire floor; the pulpit platform was in the center of the North side, the 
 choir and reed organ were in the Northwest corner. In the Northeast corner 
 the pews were ranged so as to face the platform. This was called the 
 "Amen Corner." 
 
 The other pews faced the North. They were very plain straight backed 
 and flat seated, instead of the more comfortable form-fitting style that we 
 now enjoy. I do remember, however, that those old seats were furnished 
 with cushions of maroon color that helped out the situation considerably. 
 The floor was also carpeted throughout. 
 
 The baptistry was located under the pulpit platform, and in order to 
 use it the carpet and flooring had to be removed and the pulpit set over to one 
 side. The candidates went down into the water and came out in full view of 
 the audience. 
 
 At the rear of the church was a cistern, which received the rain water 
 from the church roof. It was necessary at every baptismal service to pump 
 the water by hand from this cistern into the baptistry. I am assured by an 
 early janitor that it took six hours of solid pumping to fill it. This was be- 
 fore our city had waterworks. The church was lighted by common gas 
 burners; electric light had not been invented, nor telephones, nor automobiles, 
 nor moving pictures, nor radio, nor household electrical devices of any kind. 
 Our streets were just plain mud, our sidewalks boards; each house was sur- 
 rounded by a fence to keep out cows, pigs, etc. from our gardens. And yet 
 we thought we were enjoying life. 
 
 At this time the town boasted of more bells than it has now. The 
 Methodist, the Presbyterian, and our own church had bells and used them 
 at practically every service. On Sundays, about one-half hour before each 
 service the bells rang, and then for about five minutes before the services 
 the bells tolled. They were also tolled for each funeral. There were three 
 school houses also equipped with bells, the West Side, the East Side, and 
 the Little Brick. 
 
 One of the greatest joys of my boyish days was when I was privileged 
 by the janitor to ring the bell occasionally. I not only loved to hear the 
 great bell, but also to ring it myself. I tolled the bell at Grant's death. I can 
 still remember with what a thrill I heard the many bells and chimes of 
 Baltimore on a Sunday morning when I was but a child of four years. Per- 
 sonally, I think that the passing of the church bell is a mistake, for it is a 
 continual reminder every Sabbath to every church member within hearing, 
 of their duty to attend church. If there were more church bells there might 
 not be so many Sunday golfers. 
 
 The bell from the old church was placed in the belfry of this edifice, but 
 was rung only once, on the day of dedication. Its voice after that was for- 
 
 20 
 
ever hushed because one of our wealthy neighbors wanted to lie abed and 
 sleep on Sunday mornings. He made a subscription to our building fund on 
 that condition. I shall always feel that we "sold our birthright for a mess 
 of pottage." (NOTE: This old bell hung in the church until 1929, when the 
 supporting timbers became weakened by age. The bell was removed and 
 sold to the Church of the Nazarene.) 
 
 The first pastor I remember was Rev. A. Cleghorn, who was called in 
 1874 and served till December, 1877. Dr. Cleghorn was a Scotchman with 
 bushy iron gray whiskers and eyebrows beneath which twinkled a kindly eye. 
 1 gave my boyish love and respect to this man of God; I really enjoyed his 
 preaching. During his pastorate here, he made a trip to Scotland and brought 
 back with him some mementoes from his home, one of which was a baton, 
 with engraved ferrules at each end, for my father who had been director 
 of the choir ever since he joined the Church. The wood for this baton was 
 cut from a tree growing at his old home in Scotland. 
 
 A boyhood friend of mine, Harry Turner!, has written me an incident 
 in his early career when Dr. Cleghorn was pastor. Harry was a boy of 
 about eight years, and the pastor was explaining the Mohammedan faith 
 and their holy book, the Koran, and how people were forced to become con- 
 verts. He held a book in one hand and blackboard pointer in the other, one 
 representing the Koran and the other the sword of Islam. Harry said the 
 pastor suddenly stepped up in front of him, brandishing the pointer, and 
 asked him which he would have chosen. Harry states that without any 
 hesitation he chose the Koran. He felt that he might recover from the 
 Koran, but he knew the sword was fatal. 
 
 At this time the Sunday School Superintendent was Dr. Cheever, who 
 lived on the corner where Dr. F. A. Parker now lives, possibly the same 
 house. Dr. Cheever was one of the finest men I ever knew, his chief char- 
 acteristics were his kindly eyes and smile, that is, what you could see of it 
 through his long heavy whiskers. 
 
 And, by the way, I cannot recall these saints of the long ago without- 
 running into all kinds of whiskers. I can not remember a single deacon in 
 those early days who was not so adorned, as were also the ministers. It 
 must have been almost a requirement for these positions. 
 
 There was Deacon Adams, who lived in the house just east of the church, 
 a very worthy man; there was Deacon Davis, who lived in the house now 
 occupied by Walter Riley and whose son, George, served two terms as sheriff 
 of our county, dying just a few years ago. There were also Deacons Bradley 
 and Beidler. Deacon Williamson who gave perhaps more money, time and 
 thought to this church and its erection than any other man. I must not for- 
 get Deacon Bailey, whose portrait appears to the south in our West window, 
 and who gave the ground upon which the city building now stands and also 
 the lot for the present parsonage. 
 
 It is a pleasure to call to mind one of God's noblemen of the past, a dig- 
 nified and commanding figure, Deacon Allan McClain, the father of our own 
 Miss Mayme McClain and Mrs. Addie McClain Stearns. He had rare abil- 
 ity both as a business man and as a lay preacher. Many times he filled the 
 pulpit of not only this church but of many others who were glad to avail 
 themselves of the messages which he brought from God's Word. 
 
 21 
 
He was one of those deacons of the early days, who were ordained for 
 their work similar to the ministers. During the Urbana pastorate of Rev. 
 W. H. Stedman, and with his assistance, Deacon McClain organized and built 
 the old Centennial Baptist Church which was located about three miles North 
 of Urbana toward the Brownfield woods. This church has been abandoned 
 and removed for a number of years. 
 
 I must also honor a man who was one of the organizers of this Church 
 and the first president of our University. Those of us who were responsible 
 for the wonderful windows in this church thought that his portrait should 
 be placed in the North round opening of our West window. Dr. John Milton 
 Gregory was a minister, an educator, an administrator, an extensive traveller, 
 a collector and connoisseur of art., a man of rare vision, undeviating in his 
 standards of right and wrong, and one who loved and honored his Savior, 
 Jesus Christ. As a boy I looked up to him as the fountain of all wisdom, and 
 listened to his words with bated breath. In the last address which I heard 
 him make at the University over forty years ago, he urged his hearers to 
 be loyal to the dear ones gone before, who were looking over the ramparts of 
 Heaven hoping for the success of those left behind. 
 
 I may also be pardoned for mentioning the name of my own father, 
 D. H. Lloyde, as another one of the group, the lower part of whose face I 
 never saw. He was for many years choir, director, deacon and Sunday 
 School Superintendent. I sometimes wonder what this group of bearded men 
 would say if they saw the nine smooth faced deacons of today. They would 
 probably think we were a very undignified looking bunch. 
 
 Following Dr. Cleghorn, Elder I. N. Carmen accepted the call as pastor 
 of the Church. He was a stalwart Christian man absolutely uncompromising 
 with the very appearance of evil, almost, I might say, Puritanical. In these 
 early days of our Church he believed in discipline and that every member 
 should live up to a fixed standard; and in many instances, joining the Church 
 meant a real sacrifice and the abandonment of questionable amusements, 
 such as dancing, card-playing, the theatre, and circus. If members persisted 
 in these so called sinful practices, the disciplinary committee would recom- 
 mend their names be dropped from the Church roll. I remember a number 
 who were dropped, and it always resulted in trouble and dissension between 
 certain groups. 
 
 Elder Carman and his noted family of gifted singers made a great con- 
 tribution to the worship, of music. He used to say that he did not belong 
 to the Carman family (as he seldom sang with them) but that the Carman 
 family belonged to him. There were seven members all told, and as my 
 mother, being a minister's daughter, always considered it her duty to en- 
 tertain the new minister and family until he could get settled in his new 
 home, you can imagine where I, a boy of ten, slept during those few nights. 
 There were five in our own family. 
 
 The new pastor soon relieved the situation by moving into the house 
 which now stands on the South East corner of White and Prairie. A later 
 pastor, O. B. Read, also occupied this house. 
 
 I mention at this point the name of one of the early founders of the 
 Church, Mr. C. F. Columbia, the father of Miss Hattie Columbia. He was a 
 large holder of city property, and laid out several subdivisions. One street 
 and one school house in our city were named after him. 
 
 22 
 
The Carman Family was a well trained musical organization and for 
 several years gave concerts in our church and in the surrounding country. 
 Mrs. Carman had a strong beautiful soprano voice; her daughter, Nellie, 
 sang alto, and gave readings; the oldest son Will, sang tenor, and Gus sang 
 bass. John was a boy of about fourteen whose voice had not yet settled 
 and little six year old Herbert had a fine boy soprano. Many times 
 I heard his wonderfully sweet voice. They had to stand him on a chair on 
 the platform so that the audience could see him. 
 
 The father and mother have passed on to a glorious reward, but all 
 the children are living except John. Three of these sons became ministers, 
 and Augustus also had three sons who became ministers. Ray is at Patter- 
 son, New Jersey, Charles is at Galesburg, 111., and Newton is at Princeton, 
 111. I believe in heredity; it pays for a child to pick out good parents and 
 grandparents. I must also state that Elder Carman himself could sing as 
 well as preach. The song which he was requested to sing more than any 
 other and which he sang with great gusto, was very appealing to me — 
 "Soul of mine, in earthly temple 
 Why not here content abide? 
 Why art thou forever pleading? 
 Why art thou not satisfied?" 
 I shall be satisfied, when I awake in his likeness. 
 John Carman was perhaps the most sincere and devoted Christian boy 
 that I ever knew. He conceived the idea of, and organized, a new Young 
 People's Society in Indianapolis during his father's pastorate there, and 
 when he moved here he started the organization in our city. He called it 
 the Youth's Christian Association, or the Y.C.A. It was open to both boys 
 and girls of all denominations. Each church had its branch meet in their 
 own church on Sunday evenings, and then all united at some member's 
 home some other week night. Under the influence of this association and 
 John Carman's example, I gave my heart to my Savior at this time at the 
 age of 11. 
 
 The next two pastorates of Elder Williams and O. B. Read were quite 
 short and uneventful. 
 
 In 1886, Rev. Bawd en accepted our call and came with his wife and 
 family of five boys. The oldest son, Samuel, was about my age and we were 
 fast friends, but at this time Samuel was not a Christian. I urged him to 
 accept Christ and he finally did so, giving his life to Christian work, study- 
 ing Engineering at our University. Agriculture and training for the Min- 
 istry completed his equipment as a missionary, and many of you know of 
 his great service to the criminal caste at Kaveli in India, and of the recog- 
 nition of this service by the English government in the presentation of a 
 gold medal. He was home last summer and occupied this pulpit one 
 Sunday. (1930) Rev. Bawden and wife were very devout workers in the 
 church. 
 
 Dr. W. T. Green, who had regathered the people and preached for a 
 year or two back in 1862, about this time returned from Mexico where he 
 and Mrs. Green had been establishing a Baptist Mission. I well remember 
 these two courageous Christian missionaries who were persecuted and had 
 faced death many times in Mexico at the hands of intolerant Catholics. 
 
 These two wished to become members of our Church and gave us the 
 
 23 
 
honor of having sent them out as missionaries. They were gladly accepted 
 at a prayer meeting and in a short time returned to their work in Monterey 
 and Mexico City, where they served many years, almost up to the time of 
 Rev. Green's death. Mrs. Green is still living in Los Angeles, Cal. 
 
 Rev. E. A. Stone was pastor from 1890 to 1894 and did some splendid 
 work. The worship of music received a great impetus by the advent of a 
 very talented organist and director, Mr. Frank Oliver, who had charge 
 of the organ and choir of the Congregational Church and directed our 
 choir. Through his inspiration, a pipe organ fund was started and I took 
 the initiative in engaging various kinds of talent in concerts at the church, 
 the proceeds being placed in this fund. The church finally woke up to the 
 fact that we meant business and some one asked the question at some meet- 
 ing. We stated that it would be placed up in front somewhere. Then some 
 one said that it would be too bad to put a new fine organ in such an old 
 church. This idea at first seemed very discouraging to me, for I thought 
 that it would postpone indefinitely the purchase of the coveted pipe organ. 
 Finally I was given a vision of an impossibility, as it seemed to me, and 
 the strength was given me to stand up and say "Brethren, we're going 
 to have both! We'll turn over the pipe organ fund into the building fund." 
 The idea caught fire, a building committee was appointed and during the 
 next administration of Dr. W. H. Stedman, this edifice was dedicated and 
 completed with a new pipe organ. It was one of the greatest pleasures of 
 my life to preside at that instrument for the first five years. Miss McClain 
 also had her turn as organist and served for a number of years very accept- 
 ably. At this time a parsonage was also erected. 
 
 At this point, I will introduce two farmers, Deacon A. R. Pratt and 
 Walter Hall, the former now living at Homestead, Florida, and the other 
 at Miami, Florida. Many of the older members will remember what wonder- 
 ful sociables the church people used to enjoy at these farm homes, usually 
 being taken out by hay rack, automobiles at that time being unheard of. It 
 is very improbable that an auto could have reached these farms except in 
 very dry weather, as pavements were unknown. 
 
 Deacon Greenman about this time came to us from Mansfield with his 
 wife and a family of nine children, all but one of them becoming, in due 
 time, members of the Church. The whole family was active in church affairs. 
 Deacon Jesse R. Gulick was another commanding figure at this time, 
 who often raised his voice in testimony and prayer. Two of his sons, Edward 
 and Clyde, joined the church and also his daughter, Grace. 
 
 Captain James C. Ware, father of our Miss Effie Ware, Mrs. Homer 
 Hamilton of Gifford and Julia W. Robison of Springfield, was also an hon- 
 ored member at this time. 
 
 The following pastorate of Dr. George Caleb Moor was one of un- 
 precedented activity in church attendance among all classes, especially the 
 young people. The debt on the church was also wiped out. Miss McClain 
 has told you already much that was accomplished at this time. 
 
 Before closing, I must mention briefly a few more of the outstanding mem- 
 bers that have since moved away or passed on. Deacon E. A. Robinson, father 
 of Mrs. Inskip, was very devoted to his Church and always in his place. 
 He handled the "poor fund" many years and also administered it wisely. I 
 think that Deacon Robinson was one of the first to break away from the 
 
 24 
 
time-honored custom of wearing a beard. He did, however, compromise by 
 keeping the moustache, as did also Deacon George F. Righter, who did 
 splendid work as Sunday School Superintendent for several years, also as 
 teacher. Brother Righter was always ready to help out in a good cause, not 
 only with time and effort, but with a generous donation. 
 
 Mr. Dryer, the father of Charles Dryer who is visiting us today, was a 
 man of kindly and quiet disposition, a good example of what a Christian 
 should be. Charles and wife were with us many years, rearing a fine Chris- 
 tian family of three boys and two girls. They live at Waveland. Indiana. 
 
 Ozias Riley, whose wife and son, Walter, we have with us, was a promin- 
 ent member not only serving many years as trustee and moderator but also 
 Champaign postmaster for a considerable period. 
 
 Deacon Henry Jones was one of our most devoted members. For many 
 years he was instructor in the forge shops at the University. We have greet 
 ings from two of his daughters living in Redlands, California. 
 
 After the pastorate of Dr. Moor, the church called Dr. E. B. Rogers, 
 who was pastor of the Central Baptist Church of Springfield. He was a very 
 forceful speaker, and after two years of service for us, formed the speaking 
 force of the Anti-Saloon League. Many of you no doubt know that he was 
 also for the last few years a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. 
 He died a few months ago. 
 
 I remember at this time a very devoted man, a great friend and former 
 parishioner of Dr. Rogers, Deacon Hay, who was appointed by the state to 
 become the first Purchasing Agent for the University. Deacon Hay's daugh- 
 ter, Elinor, was a very capable young lady and organized a class of girls 
 into a group called the Band of the Blue Flower which was later absorbed 
 by the World Wide Guild. 
 
 The pastorates of Dr. D. 0. Hopkins, Rev. Floyd N. Darling, Rev. W. B. 
 Moms, and Rev. John H. Cozad are comparatively recent and within the 
 memory of most of my audience, so it will be unnecessary to go into details 
 regarding them. 
 
 I am aware of the fact that I have omitted many names, but will 'have 
 to blame my faulty memory and a lack of time. 
 
 OLD MEMORIES AND OLD MEMBERS 
 
 (Paper written by Miss Mayme McClain for our 67th Anniversary, and re- 
 read at our 75th Celebration by Mrs. Addie Stearns) 
 There is a saying that runs something like this: 
 
 "The man who won the hurdle race never would have won it 
 
 if he hadn't tried to run. 
 The man who did the splendid thing never would have done 
 it had he stopped to say 'I can't.' " 
 Most emphatically I stopped and said "I can't". Without success^ tried 
 to beg off, then decided my case was hopeless, and said to myself, "I'll try", 
 and sat myself down to dream of the friends in the days of long ago. 
 
 Beginning of course at the time of my first acquaintance with this 
 Church when under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Read it kindly took the Mc- 
 Clain family into its fold. There are at least two, I believe, still with this 
 Church whose membership is a longer term than mine. 
 
 25 
 
Before I go further, I warn you not to consider me in a class with Rip 
 Van Winkle nor even of the time of Methuselah as I relate this ancient his- 
 tory; but I am glad and proud of the fact that I belong to the period when 
 we were taught to revere the gray hairs, and counsel with our elders. 
 
 Milton wrote — "Angels, contented with their fame in Heaven, seek not 
 the praise of men." But why shouldn't we, at a time like this, do honor to 
 their consecrated lives? They worshipped God by doing good; by works, 
 not words; kind acts, not creeds. 
 
 I recall some sixty-five or more men and women whose grand and noble 
 lives shine like the stars in heaven. Would that the mantle of these Saints 
 might fall on us, that this Church may experience a little of the good old 
 time religion. We had men and women of strong minds, great hearts, true 
 faith and ready hands. 
 
 I will confine myself principally to the women whose lives made an im- 
 pression on my life, and of more recent years, my associates in Church activ- 
 ities. I may cross Mr. Lloyde's path, but I have first chance. 
 
 First I want to refer to Mr. David Bailey, who was a member before my 
 time. He had moved East and was making his home in Boston when we came 
 into this Church. I refer to him, because he and my father were boyhood 
 friends. There was that bond of friendship that is a pleasure to recall. He 
 gave us the lot on which the parsonage stands. We also have reason to be 
 grateful to his son and later his grandson for coming to our rescue when in 
 great need. No doubt they have given in memory of the beautiful life gone 
 on before. 
 
 I then think of the women who were the outstanding figures of the 
 Church as they appeared to me. I faintly remember Mr. and Mrs. Columbia 
 who were connected with the early history of this Church. They had two 
 daughters who married and have since left town so I never knew them as 
 well as some of you. Mrs. May Columbia Pearman and Mrs. Emma Columbia 
 Mann, wife of the late, Hon. James R. Mann of the House of Representatives 
 in Washington, D. C. were sisters of our Miss Harriet or Hattie, as we 
 familiarly call her. 
 
 Mrs. Sperry was a very consecrated woman. I shall never forget her 
 helpful talks in the mid-week services. 
 
 Mrs. Kimball, Mrs. Crannell, Deacon and Mrs. Jesse Gulick, Deacon and 
 Mrs. E. A. Robinson. 
 
 Miss Libbie Walker — always in her place. How she was appealed to for 
 her sound judgment and advice. We all loved her. She remembered us in 
 her will and every year at our missionary memorial service we think of her 
 when we clip the coupons, and turn them in on White Cross work. Do not 
 tell the trustees for those men will surely be after those precious bonds. 
 
 Mrs. Enos Sperry was always identified with the music of the Church 
 and lent her voice in worship. 
 
 Mrs. Carnahan, wife of a minister who served as pastor of the Urbana 
 Church in its early history, and mother of Dr. D. H. Carnahan of the U. of I. 
 She was a very capable woman who served on the building committee when 
 the present church was erected. Those were the days when women had 
 ability and their judgment was of some consequence. The communion set we 
 are using today was a gift from her two sons, Frank, of Seattle and Hobart, 
 of Urbana, as a memorial to her memory. 
 
 26 
 
Mrs. Cole, whose entire family has been devoted members of this Church. 
 
 Mrs. Eva Ware Mauldener. 
 
 Mrs. Ross and Miss Mary Rush, so loved by every one. 
 
 Miss Alice Painter, faithful to the end, who also remembered the Church 
 
 in her will. 
 
 Deacon and Mrs. Williamson, and their two daughters, Mary W. Elder 
 of Palacios, Texas, a great worker in the Young People's Organization, and 
 Josephine Piper of California. A son, Omar, is with his sister in Texas. The 
 Deacon and his wife were personal friends' of my parents, as were also the 
 Stedman and Carnahan families, and what I say of one family applies to my 
 sainted parents also, as well as my own brother, and my sister who met an 
 untimely death, if you will pardon this personal reference to my own loved 
 
 ones, 
 
 They all dared to look up to God and say, "Make use of me for the future 
 as Thou wilt," and they dared to do their duty any time, any where. They 
 were clothed in the whole armor of God, but never used it as a cloak. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Baker, two sons and daughter. 
 
 Ella Baker Blue of Collinsville, whom most of you remember. Phillip 
 Brooks once said, "It does not take great men to do great things; it only 
 takes consecrated men." Mrs. Baker was one of the most consecrated women 
 in our day. She had an overwhelming passion for souls. She was founder of 
 one of our largest Sunday School classes, and was always in every service, 
 
 rain or shine. 
 
 Mrs. Dryer was one in my memory of earlier days. Mr. and Mrs. Charles 
 Dryer visited us occasionally. They are now living in Indiana. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Lloyde, whom most of you know and well remember. 
 Little can I say that you do not already know. Parents of our present 
 Deacon Lloyde who has followed in the footsteps of his father and brother, 
 F. H. Lloyde, who was also a Deacon when he lived in Champaign. He, too, 
 passed on to' his reward about a year ago. How devoted their dear mother 
 was to the cause of the Church in every department of work. Always ready 
 to help- especially in the missionary cause. I see her in Sunday School; in- 
 terested in music; in prayer and Church service. I think of her as a most 
 beautiful character, so kind and gentle. I cannot better describe her than 
 by reading a little printed prayer she once sent me at Christmas time. 
 
 "My daily Prayer is that I may do to others as I would they 
 should do to me, and constantly guard all my thoughts, my words, 
 and deeds, and learn that Love meets all my needs." 
 That certainly expressed her heart's desire. Who deserve more than 
 Mr. and Mrs. Lloyde the beautiful memorial organ placed to their memory 
 by their son for us to enjoy and use in our worship services. 
 
 Her daughter-in-law, former wife of C. A., was Ida Kellogg Lloyde. She 
 was a leading musician of this town for years. It was a loss not only to this 
 Church but to the whole community when she was taken from among us. 
 Her silvery voice rang out in the Church to the honor and glory of God who 
 gave it. She and Mrs. Alice F. Spaulding, now living in Rockford, were a 
 team in musical circles, beloved by all. 
 
 Deacon Adams, for whom there is a memorial window in the Church, 
 was before my time, but I remember his daughter, Mrs. Anna Conkling. 
 Mrs. Burke, another faithful soul. 
 
 27 
 
Mrs. Rose Geiger, mother of Mrs. Wall of California. 
 
 Mrs. L. D. Buck, faithful to Sunday School work. 
 
 Deacon and Mrs. Turnell and daughter, Mrs. Amy Weber. How we 
 missed them when they moved to a neighboring city. 
 
 Mrs. Ann Hollinsbee. A great worker in the cause of temperance. A 
 member of the W. C. T. U. organization. 
 
 Mrs. Hattie Gillum, on whom we could depend for visiting the sick. 
 
 Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Greenman of Pana, and family. 
 
 Dorothy Scott Taylor, of California, Mayme Long Jacobs, and Enid 
 Moor Williford now of Cleveland, were a trio in Sunday School work, and 
 all church activities, much beloved by all who knew them. 
 
 Mrs. Jed Morse (Frances Todd) and Gertie Beidler were a team in 
 Young People's activities, choir, etc. 
 
 Jeanette and Angie Stedman Allen, now of Peoria, also Alice Riley 
 Healy of Philadelphia, were another popular trio in their day; loyal to the 
 Sunday School and music. Alice was gifted and gave her talents to the 
 Church freely. 
 
 Mrs. Julia Ware Robison of Pekin is another one to be mentioned 
 among the younger set. 
 
 Deacon and Mrs. H. B. Scott — she was one of the pillars of the Mission 
 and Aid Societies. A support to me in all my feeble efforts. 
 
 Deacon and Mrs. Carothers were faithful and loyal to the work of this 
 Church, and their daughter, Cerilla, feeling a call to the missionary field, 
 our society was honored with the privilege of sending her to the training 
 school in Chicago to be prepared to go out as a messenger of Peace, and 
 she is now located in Seattle, working among the Chinese. 
 
 Alice Cheever Bryan, sister to Emily Cheever, neice of Miss Libby 
 Walker, was one of my first acquaintances in this church circle. She lost 
 her sight, some years before she answered the call. 
 
 I cannot pass on until I mention Mrs. E. J. Morse, who is now 92 years 
 of age. Also one of the first women I met in coming to this Church. She is 
 living with her son, Jed, in Gifford. My first recollection of her was when 
 the Church was giving a dinner for a big political rally in the old Walker 
 opera house on the corner where Miller's store now stands, and I'm thereby 
 reminded of a Dr. Merriman who lived in that neighborhood and was con- 
 nected with the early history of the First Baptist Church of Champaign. 
 
 Mrs. Stedman, a very close friend of my mother. Her husband, Dr. W. 
 H. Stedman, was first pastor of the Urbana Church and baptized me, when 
 a little child, in the stream north of town now known as Crystal Lake, where 
 they cut the ice in order to perform the ordinance. He and my father did 
 a great deal of evangelistic work in the country round about, and in one 
 locality it resulted in the building of a church. Pleasant are these memories 
 to me of the years long ago. Mrs. Stedman regrets she could not be with 
 us today, just recovering from a severe cold. She wrote thus: "I send a 
 heartfelt greeting to all those whom I know and well remember, and those 
 among you whom I have not met, but who are of the household of faith. I 
 shall be with you in spirit and am praying that you may receive a blessing." 
 
 I wish you could read some of the beautiful personal letters she writes 
 me. Wonderful faith, and past eighty years of age. Dr. Stedman later was 
 pastor of the Champaign Church, some years after we transferred our mem- 
 
 28 
 
bership. Ozias Riley, the salt of the earth, was instrumental in bringing him 
 back to the Twin Cities. 
 
 To me, no one is missed more than Mr. Riley. To know him was to ad- 
 mire all his sterling qualities. We could depend on him to keep his hand 
 near the steering wheel and guide the destiny of this Church in a safe lane. 
 He was the son of one of the founders of this church, and he inherited all 
 the good qualities of his father, and his mother, who was my father's sister. 
 
 Deacon and Mrs. Jones were a consecrated couple. You cannot speak 
 of one without the other. Their prayers in the "old-fashioned" Wednesday 
 night meeting of the Church would bring us to a realization of the presence 
 of God. 
 
 Time fails to speak adequately of the long list of the noble pastors' 
 wives, but I will at least mention the names of the earlier ones. 
 
 Mrs. Read, Mrs. Carman, Mrs. Stone. Mrs. Bawden, Mrs. Stedman, Mrs. 
 Moor, Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Darling, which brings us down to more recent times 
 I must refer to Mrs. Morris, who organized the Ten O'clock Class in our 
 Sunday School. Others still living are Miss Emily Cheever, now in Cali- 
 fornia; Mrs. Mary Elder, Palacios, Texas; Mrs. J. F. Lewis and daughter, 
 Alta, Chicago, Oak Park; Mrs. F. H. Lloyde, California; Mrs. Maxwell, Port 
 Lavaca, Texas; Mrs. Wall, California; Mrs. Maud Kimball Goldschmidt, New 
 Jersey; Deacon and Mrs. E. W. Wallworth; Mrs. Emma Jones Spence, Red- 
 lands, California. 
 
 With this group we had associated with us a pastor, Dr. George Caleb 
 Moor, now of New York City, his wife and daughter, Mrs. Enid Moor Willi- 
 ford of Cleveland. Mrs. Moor was born in Coventry, England, of English 
 parents and many incidents of a personal nature could I relate but time for- 
 bids. We all loved her devotedly. While here she started her career as 
 president of our local Mission Society. Then she served as the first presi- 
 dent of Mission Society of the old time Bloomfield Association, and is now 
 President of the Home Mission Society of the Northern Baptist Convention. 
 She is a most capable woman. I saw a clipping from a New York paper last 
 Spring which told of her going into the pulpit when her husband (the pastor) 
 who was ill but determined to see the service through, failed at the last mo- 
 ment. She went to his rescue and gave an address to the satisfaction of all. 
 
 It v/as our privilege, (my sisters and myself) to travel one summer in 
 Europe in company with Dr. Moor. We then learned much of his sense of 
 humor, as well as a more serious side of his nature. An incident or two 
 you may be interested in. 
 
 When on a trip to Vesuvius, the beggars would follow trotting along 
 beside the cabs on the roadside. They would run for miles for a few pennies. 
 We would throw one at a time to keep them coming, and the poor beggars 
 had as much fun out of it as we had. 
 
 Another trip to the Isle of Capri, where we went for luncheon after 
 visiting the Blue Grotto. Some Italian singers, (and such wonderful voices 
 most of the peasants have) followed and sang for the tourists, after which 
 one of the men picked up a plate to take up a collection and passed it, to Dr. 
 Moor the first one. He pretended he did not know what the man wanted, just 
 took the plate from him and thanked him as if the man was presenting the 
 plate. He was always up to such stunts and those poor peasants enjoyed the 
 fun as much as we. 
 
 29 
 
With all his sense of humor, he had a very serious and devout side to 
 his nature; he has climbed up and up in the ministry with the aid of his 
 consecrated wife until he is now with the Madison Avenue Baptist Church 
 of New York City, where he has been for the past twelve years, following a 
 pastorate in the Baptist Temple of Brooklyn for several years. 
 
 THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS 
 ON YOUR SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY 
 
 By Grace Howe Paisley (Read by Mrs. Fred Heimlicher) 
 Greetings: 
 
 In lifting the curtain of "Memory's Gallery," I was confronted by a 
 group of splendid Baptist women, who were members of the First Baptist 
 Church of Champaign before and after I became a member — a span of fifty 
 years or more. 
 
 I had attended Sunday School in the Urbana First Baptist Church during 
 the pastorate of Dr. Stedman, so knew Mrs. Stedman only as the pastor's 
 wife. Miss Kittie Booker, who gave her life to the Mission field in India, 
 was even then a zealous worker. She often came into the Ireton and Bur- 
 wash Millinery Store where I worked as a young girl, and her enthusiasm 
 impressed me greatly. I remember Mrs. Wm. Williamson who superintended 
 many "food sales" in the windows of the Walker and Mulliken Furniture 
 Store, the proceeds of which were devoted to the fund for the erection of 
 this present church building. Miss Kate Everett I learned to know in con- 
 nection with the Champaign-Urbana Young People's work, in which she was 
 a capable leader. Mrs. Sperry, Mrs. Riley, Mrs. J. R. Gulick, Mrs. Stedman, 
 and many others, I had known in a business way, before I became a member 
 of this Church, and I was later associated with them in the fine group of 
 women of the Aid and Missionary societies. 
 
 The first Missionary meeting that I remember distinctly was held in the 
 home of Mrs. Sperry. I was sitting beside Miss Mary E. Walker, a sincere 
 Mission worker, who interested me in her talk about a family connection with 
 the third Mrs. Adoniram Judson, Emily Chubbuck. Mrs. Sperry's niece, 
 Emily Chubbuck Cheever, was named for that Mrs. Judson. She told me Miss 
 Chubbuck was a contributor to Arthur's Home Magazine, and it was sug- 
 gested to Mr. Judson that she could write the life of the second Mrs. Judson 
 (Sarah Boardman). Their association ended in marriage. I remember that 
 my grandmother Pocock always enjoyed her articles in the magazine, 
 signed with her pen name, "Pipsy Potts." 
 
 Mrs. George Caleb Moor was such a fine teacher in the Sunday School, 
 and deeply interested in missionary endeavor. She has been an honored and 
 capable worker, leader and president of the Woman's American Baptist 
 Home Mission Society, until recently. My own association with her was 
 slight, but I feel honored to have been a member of a Church of which she 
 had once been a member, as well as the wife of the pastor. 
 
 Mrs. Riley, Mrs. J. R. Gulick, Mrs. D. H. Lloyde, Mrs. Sperry, Miss 
 Walker, Mrs. Stedman, Mrs. E. A. Robinson, Mrs. P. E. Burke, Mrs. G. L. 
 Baker, Miss Rush, Miss Brinton, Miss McClain, Mrs. Stearns, Miss Cheever, 
 Miss Columbia, Miss Hoxie were a few of the women workers when I came 
 into the Church. All brought their individual gifts to the worship periods 
 
 30 
 
and all functions and other Church duties; Miss Mayme McClain as organist; 
 Mrs. C. A. Lloyde brought her message through songs; Mrs. Frank Lloyde, 
 Mrs. G. L. Baker, Mrs. E. L. Lewis, Mrs. Maud North Mrs. Morton, Mrs. 
 Healy and Mrs. Irvin have records as teachers in the Sunday School. 
 
 The work of the Aid Society was always in the hands of capable officers. 
 A few of the presidents whom I recall have been: Mrs. Riley, Mrs. Scott, 
 Mrs. Grace Cook, Mrs. Lillian Gulick, Mrs. Pearl Mulliken, Mrs. Heimlicher, 
 Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Ely, and Mrs. Gore. Mrs. W. W. Anderson was one of 
 the earlier ones. I also remember the names of Mrs. E. A. Robinson, 
 Mrs. P. E. Burke, Mrs. E. W. Walworth, Mrs. John Cole, Mrs. Greenman, 
 Mrs. R. M. Wood, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Wheaton, Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Rose Wall, 
 Mrs. Arthur Burke, Mrs. Howard Ross, Mrs. Nellie Cole Lloyde, Mrs. Inskip, 
 Mrs. Ostrand, Mrs. Buck. Mrs. Swearingen, Mrs. Yancey and so many more— 
 a long list merging with the present body of splendid younger women who 
 are continuing the work of the advancement of the cause of Christ and 
 this Church. 
 
 My prayer and heartfelt wish is for the continued usefulness of this 
 Church, its officers, and its individual members who are associated together 
 to work for His cause. 
 
 LIVELY MEMORIES OF LONG AGO 
 
 By Nellie Cole Lloyde 
 W T hile you are celebrating the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary I would like 
 to be there to hear the letters and see the visitors. I can remember things 
 from quite a while back and I suppose, to many in today's congregation, it 
 would seem like the dark ages. 
 
 My first recollection of the church, or being in the church, is when I 
 was so small I could sit in our old pew in the old church and my feet came 
 just to the edge of the red rep cushion. We sat on the East side a little 
 back from the center. I could look up through the open windows and see the 
 cherry trees in bloom in what is now Atkinson's back yard. I could see into 
 the tree tops. Later when I was old enough to see and notice people coming 
 in I can recall Deacon and Mrs. Jones who sat well down in front on our 
 side, Deacon Robinson across the aisle, the Hollensbes (cousins of mother and 
 father) in front of the Joneses. Cousin Ann and Joseph used to have straw- 
 berry socials at their country home just West of town and the Aid Society 
 met out there in the Summer, too. It was really out in the country then. 
 Deacon and Mrs. Gulick sat on the West side of the middle aisle and mother 
 and father Lloyde sat nearer the front on that side. Clarence played the 
 organ sometimes. I can remember Gertie Beidler and Maud Kimball singing 
 in the choir, when I was a small girl. 
 
 I can't remember Dr. Bawden but I do remember stopping at their 
 house (Northwest corner of Clark and Elm Streets) to let mother tell Mrs. 
 Bawden goodbye when they moved. The house had a basement dining-room 
 and kitchen and mother kissed her goodbye through the dining room win- 
 dow. There were three small boy heads around their mother's at the time. 
 
 I recall Dr. and Mrs. Stone, (the pastor who followed Dr. Bawden), very 
 well indeed, and their daughter, Ethel. I used to go to school at the "Little 
 
 31 
 
Brick," as the school was called which then stood where the old Central 
 School now stands, North of the Post Office. There were no walks in the 
 Park then but there was a board walk on Randolph Street, built high to be 
 out of the water, all the way to the church corner on University, so I came 
 down on that walk and on to Clark Street, and then West to New Street and 
 ho ire. It was a long walk for a small child when it was cold. Dr. Stone al- 
 ways watched for me when it was cold or stormy and would take me in and 
 warm my hands and feet, and dry my mittens by the old baseburner. Some- 
 times we had an apple and always a nice story, before I went the rest of 
 the cold way. 
 
 I always thought Church could begin when the Joneses, Lloydes, Wil- 
 liamsons, Robinsons and Gulicks had come and got seated. Mrs. Williamson was 
 very active in the Aid Society, such a pretty woman, with her white hair and 
 young face. The ladies for years had an annual Martha Washington Din- 
 ner, when a hostess sat at the head of each table dressed in Colonial costume 
 with white hair and kerchief, Martha Washington style. I always thought 
 Mrs. Williamson could have sat for her portrait. 
 
 When I was a girl in my teens, Mrs. H. T. Sperry was very active in 
 the Womans' Society and usually taught a class of boys. About this time 
 Mr. Pratt of near Staley and Walter Hall of Prairie View were active mem- 
 bers. Mr. Pratt was a Deacon and his daughter, Josie, was superintendent 
 of the Primary, for years, before they all moved to Oklahoma and later to 
 Florida. Mr. Hall moved to Florida also, and the Williamsons to Texas. 
 Their younger daughter, Josephine, (Mrs. Eisworth Piper) lives in Los 
 Angeles and visits us often. 
 
 Miss Emily Cheever who was superintendent of the Primary when I 
 was part of it, also lives out here and is a member of the Los Angeles First 
 Church. She taught us the geography of Palestine with a sand box lined 
 with blue and to this day, when those places are mentioned, I can see that 
 sand box and know the location in relation to mountains, sea and lake. 
 
 Mrs. Frank Lloyde always taught a large class of girls. On Children's 
 day they usually gave a cantata. I can remember the Hammers girls, Jeanette 
 Stedman and Mrs. Ostrand (then Fairy Overman) as well as Josephine Wil- 
 liamson in those pageants, such pretty girls. I think the tall blonde girl 
 in the class then was Annie McClain, but I am not sure, for there was an- 
 other blonde girl in the class whose name, I think, was Welles. 
 
 When we came to Church just as Sunday School was dismissed (we 
 had to come in by the front entry way and go upstairs to the auditorium), 
 sometimes the "big boys" would be gathered there tossing their caps up to 
 the tall ceiling and teasing younger folks. I remember Cliff Lloyde, Frank 
 Sperry and a Morgan boy, all in knee pants, as three of those boys. 
 
 As long as I can remember, father Lloyde was Superintendent of the 
 Sunday School. Mr. George F. Righter filled that office a few years about 
 the time Dr. Moor was Pastor, then Clare (Lloyde) was superintendent for 
 some time later. 
 
 My mother and father were members from*away back. Dad (John O. 
 Cole) was baptized by Dr. Carman when he was seventeen and mother joined 
 by letter when she moved from Indiana in 1883. They lived on a farm near 
 Savoy for a while, and carried me to church from there when I was six 
 weeks old. 
 
 32 
 
I believe the churches today that have no members living on farms lose 
 a lot of old time sociability and fellowship which we seem now to get in no 
 other way. A big basket dinner with a whole church family spending 
 a day at the Hall farm or Pratt's, fostered fellowship. We had to go in 
 carriages or on hay-racks. (No paved roads) In winter we would go in 
 bob sleds, and sing songs and play games, visiting round the bright warm 
 stove. Who knows anything about that kind of fun now? 
 
 Well aren't you tired of hearing about 'way back when' ? I hope I have 
 not tired you with my memories. So many of them flood in upon me that I can- 
 not mention them all nor the host of friends that people them. It is impos- 
 sible to tell how large a part of my active life was centered in the old 
 Church and its associations, nor how large a place it now occupies in my 
 happy memories. 
 
 GOOD MEN AND TRUE 
 
 Fred Heimlicher and Waiter B. Riley 
 
 Dr. John Milton Gregory was, perhaps, the most able and the most 
 prominent man in the membership of the early Church. He became a member 
 very soon after the organization of the Church, and during his long member- 
 ship was always active in its counsels and activities. He was the first 
 President of the University of Illinois. He was a great scholar, a great 
 educator and a great administrator. His far sighted wisdom became the 
 foundation of the University's present greatness. He was also a Baptist 
 Minister of national repute. His well known beliefs engendered some jeal- 
 ousy and an unfounded fear that he was trying to make the University a 
 Baptist institution. His services to our church were so great that when the 
 present building was constructed in 1899-1900, his picture (with that of 
 David Bailey) was wrought into a large art glass window in the West 
 wall, where it remains a constant reminder of his humility and his 
 faithfulness. 
 
 David Bailey, one of the earlier pioneers in Champaign became a Baptist 
 about the year 1843. He and his wife, Hannah, were baptized by Elder G. W. 
 Riley at Bloomfield, Illinois, where they spent the first 14 years of their 
 married life. Their contributions to the Church of their affiliation were very 
 liberal. Their devotion to the work of the Kingdom was evidenced by gen- 
 erous responses to appeals for financial aid. One of the more substantial 
 gifts to the Champaign Church was the lot at 607 West Hill Street, where 
 our parsonage now stands, as a memorial to his faithful wife. His picture 
 may be seen in the large stained glass window in the West wall of our 
 church auditorium, beside that of Dr. John Milton Gregory, who was the 
 first President of the University of Illinois. Mr. Bailey was a quiet and 
 unassuming man. His generosity was unheralded. It was the result of his 
 interest in the work of the Lord. 
 
 Dr. W. H. Stedman became pastor of the Champaign Church in 1894. 
 It was during his pastorate that the present church edifice, as well as the 
 first church parsonage was built. The years of his pastorate were very suc- 
 cessful. The Church experienced a steady growth in membership, and it was 
 in splendid financial condition. His life was a living example of the Chris- 
 tian religion which he preached and taught. He and his wife both showed a 
 
 33 
 
parental interest in the younger element of the Church and his advice was 
 eagerly sought and gladly accepted. He firmly believed that true conversion 
 was essential to membership in a Baptist Church, and he was very cautious 
 in accepting candidates for baptism. Previous to his service at Champaign 
 he was pastor at the Twelfth Street Baptist Church in Detroit, Mich. At an 
 earlier period he was pastor of the First Baptist Church at Urbana, 111. Dr. 
 Stedman was a true Baptist and believed in its doctrines. He was uncom- 
 promising in their application in the church activities. The latter years of 
 his life were spent at Peoria, Illinois, where he died. His Christian spirit 
 was evident in his every day conduct which made him beloved in the com- 
 munity. His influence was broad and unchallenged. His life was beautiful. 
 His death was a loss to his many devoted friends. 
 
 E. A. Robinson (Deacon Emeritus) was a much beloved, faithful worker 
 in the Church whose love for Christ's cause never waned and who made the 
 Church first in his obligations. His example of a life inspired by Christian 
 motives and a love for righteousness commanded the respect and devotion 
 of all who came in contact with him in the daily pursuits of business activity. 
 He not only held the office of deacon, but was also a trustee for a number of 
 years and the first treasurer of the fellowship fund. He was for many years 
 the senior member of the firm of Robinson & Burr which operated a machine 
 shop in Champaign. After withdrawing from this firm, he went into the 
 plumbing business which proved a success from its start. He remained in 
 this business until his retirement in late life. He was fondly known as "Dad" 
 by his many friends. His business career reflected a Christian spirit which 
 governed him in the vocations of Hfe. 
 
 D. H. Lloyde was an outstanding pillar in the spiritual structure of the 
 First Baptist Church. He often demonstrated his unabating interest in the 
 welfare of the Church and its development and growth by generous gifts of 
 money. His generosity often proved a stimulus to others when occasion re- 
 quired. Some of his contributions were conditional but were of such liberal 
 proportions that the desired objectives in financial problems were easily 
 reached. His many years as Sunday School Superintendent proved his pre- 
 dominating interest in that branch of church work. When the present 
 structure was built, he was named chairman of the building committee and 
 his manner of functioning in that capacity proved of much financial saving 
 and was instrumental in the carrying out of the building project as per 
 specifications. The well known Lloyde music store on Main Street was es- 
 tablished by him and he was active in its management almost to the time 
 of his death. One of the great desires of his life was that his three sons 
 should continue in the work of the Church which he had himself carried on 
 throughout his long life. He lived to be over 90 years of age and his 
 passing was mourned by the membership, by whom he was greatly beloved 
 and respected. 
 
 Ozias Riley was an influential man in the community whose interest in 
 public affairs did not in any way lessen his devotion to the Church and he 
 was able to make his influential position in the community an asset to the 
 Church. He was a son of the late G. W. Riley, one of the early pastors of 
 the Champaign Church and one of the pioneer circuit preachers. Mr. Riley 
 held public office for a number of years, having been postmaster for several 
 terms under Republican administrations. His activities in the Church won 
 
 34 
 
for him the continued confidence of the brethren and he was repeatedly 
 elected to some of the most important offices in the organization, such as 
 Trustee, Moderator and Deacon. He was one of the ablest moderators which 
 the Church ever had. He was a "dyed in the wool" Baptist and to the day 
 of his death his interest in this Church never waned. 
 
 T. J. Paisley was an unassuming and quiet personality who filled the 
 office of Deacon for many years in a most commendable way. His judgment 
 and advice was always sought because of the soundness of his opinions. His 
 predictions in many actions proved the wisdom and foresight which he pos- 
 sessed and were the means of preventing hasty procedure. He enjoyed to the 
 fullest extent the confidence of his associates in the Church as well as his 
 business associates. He was strictly a spiritual man who could always be 
 depended on. He was for many years in business in Champaign and his 
 honesty and integrity won for him an enviable reputation among his 
 fellow men. 
 
 THE MEMORIAL ORGAN 
 
 The Memorial Organ that we enjoy is the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence 
 A. Llyode, given to the Church in 1926, in memory of Mr. Lloyde's father 
 and mother, Mr. and Mrs. David Hayden Lloyde, who were members of our 
 Church for almost fifty years and who gave tireless and constant service. 
 They were both musicians and used this talent with others in their long ef- 
 fective service. To commemorate these devoted parents, the memorial organ 
 was given. It is by far the most magnificent gift ever received. It is a 
 $10,000 instrument made by Hinners Organ Co., of Pekin, Illinois. 
 
 The organ was dedicated at a special service at which Professor Fred- 
 eric B. Stiven gave a recital of sacred music. A plaque in recognition of the 
 gift hangs on the church wall. Asa S. Chapman, also in recognition of the 
 gift, wrote the following words. These were beautifully printed and illum- 
 inated by Elizabeth Piatt Blake and framed. This also now hangs upon the 
 wall of the auditorium by order of the Board of Trustees, and vote of the 
 Church. 
 
 35 
 
TO THE LLOYDES 
 
 In Appreciation of the Memorial Organ 
 
 By Asa S. Chapman 
 
 In ages past the grief gripped sons of sorrow 
 E're yielding their beloved ones to the clay 
 Embalmed them, using spices, myrrh and aloes — 
 Thus, resisting fate, they kept them from decay. 
 However great their love and their devotion 
 Their dead were dead. Those bodies gave no beauty 
 Nor stirred their souls to worship or to song. 
 
 But this gift you have given in memory 
 Revives, seems to have caught and re-embodied 
 The spirit of the dead. That flute-like tremolo 
 Might be her voice asinging, when eyes were bright, 
 When hope was fresh and noble spirit shining. 
 Those cool tones soothe like father's hand on fever'd 
 Brow, and when the skillful touch of artistry 
 Plays o'er the keys and full toned music wells out 
 Compellingly, the soul leaps forth to worship, 
 Communes with other Spirit of its kind and 
 Rapture holds us in the hollow of its hand. 
 
 Ah this, dear ones, truly is memoriam, 
 
 Not one may hear and not revere the loved ones 
 
 Who once devoutly worshipped in this place — 
 
 Who taught true values — lived them — and departing 
 
 Left their sweet toned, vibrant, spirits here — In Memory. 
 
 36 
 
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 
 
 3 0112 031874081