LIBRARY B. OF I. URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 
 

 "LINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEt 
 
A HISTORY OF 
 
 ®ij£ ifftrat Presbyterian (illjurtb 
 
 OF ANNA, ILLINOIS 
 
 IBBB :-: X046 
 
 EIGHTY YEARS 
 
 MEMBERS COME AND MEMBERS GO 
 BUT THE CHURCH GOES ON FOREVER 
 
 No Doubt, Forever Is a Long Time, 
 But So Is Eighty Years 
 
 We Live Our Lives and Think Our Thoughts, and 
 
 Comes the Time When We May Put Some 
 
 of Those Thoughts Into Words 
 
 WHERE CREDIT IS DUE 
 
 For any quotations used, due credit is hereby given. Also 
 to Mrs. C. H. Wiley and the late Mrs. Abbie Cook for in- 
 formation secured from a churc'h history compiled by them 
 some years ago. 
 
 Compiled and Edited 
 by 
 
 WALTER C. MANGOLD 
 
GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH 
 THE GOSPEL 
 
 Below are the names of the ministers who have 
 served the church over the period of 80 years. 
 
 The Rev. D. Dimond April 1866-April 1867 
 
 The Rev. J. M. Faris April 1867-1870 
 
 The Rev. E. L. Davies Aug. 1872-July 1874 
 
 The Rev. W. B. Minton July 1875-1877 
 
 The Rev. E. L. Davies ...Oct. 1877-1879 
 
 The Rev. J. W. Knott Dec. 1879-1882 
 
 The Rev. W. W. Faris May 1883-1891 
 
 The Rev. W. B. Minton March 1891-1898 
 
 The Rev. A. J. Berger March 1898-1901 
 
 The Rev. W. W. Faris, D. D July 190J-1903 
 
 The Rev. J. R. E. Craighead Dec. 1904-1910 
 
 The Rev. E. W. McClusky Dec. 1910-1914 
 
 The Rev. J. R. Henry April 1914-1920 
 
 The Rev. J. H. Gardner April 1921-1927 
 
 The Rev. J. N. Elliott, D. D Dec. 1927-1931 
 
 The Rev. R. C. Patterson Dec. 1932-1945 
 
 The Rev. Joseph R. Laughlin Sept. 1945 and since 
 

 a. 
 
 MEMBERS COME AND MEMBERS GO 
 
 On the reverse side of this page is an excellent 
 picture of the original church with the entrance as 
 shown on South street. 
 
 The length of the building was about one hundred 
 feet, heated with two large stoves, and the seats near 
 these stoves were much favored on very cold days. 
 
 The light came from at least twelve very large 
 windows with circular tops. 
 
 The pulpit was in the rear about where the pres- 
 ent Church School meets and was three steps above 
 the main floor. The choir was located to the left as 
 you faced the pulpit, and two steps above the floor. 
 
 There were three aisles, one in the center of the 
 room and two next to the outer walls. The Primary 
 Department used the pulpit, while other classes were 
 distributed conveniently through the room. 
 
 The pews were hand made and none too comfort- 
 able, but were like those in most churches of the day 
 for the factory-made, more comfortable pews of to- 
 day were not available at the time. 
 
 Recently, when a . present member of the church 
 
 was shown the photograph from which this printed 
 cut was made, he immediately asked, "What church 
 is that?" 
 
 This would, no doubt, be the question asked by all 
 but a few of the present church members, showing 
 how true is the caption at the top of this page. 
 
OF FIRST CHURCH 
 
 1SG9 1897 
 
THERE IS THE CHURCH AND THERE IS THE 
 
 STEEPLE; OPEN THE DOORS AND THERE 
 
 ARE THE PEOPLE 
 
 , In considering the matter of a church history, 
 events seem to group themselves around the two church 
 buildings that have served the congregations over this 
 period of eighty years. The first building housed the 
 church for a period of about thirty years, and the first 
 part of this history will apply to that time. 
 
 In April, 1866, some 16 or more people came to- 
 gether and at that meeting the First Presbyterian 
 Church of Anna was started. Soon after the Rev. A. 
 T. Norton representing Synod came to Anna and com- 
 pleted the organization, with the following persons as 
 charter members: 
 
 Mr. Virgil Beale, Mrs. Kate Beale, Dr. F. S. Dodds, 
 Mrs. Ellen Willard, Mrs. Mary Dodds, Mr. S. B. Marks, 
 Mrs. Marks, Dr. J. G. Underwood, Mrs. Jennie Shick, 
 Mrs. R. J. Phillis, Mrs. M. Reardon, Mrs. H. L. Foster, 
 Mrs. Mary Slater, Mrs. Sarah Ann Finch, Mrs. Mary 
 Short and Mrs. Almira Davidson. 
 
 On the first Board of Elders were Virgil Beale, 
 J. D. Newbegin, J. H. Ryder and possibly others. No 
 record is found of the appointment of other boards at 
 the time, for the early records are quite meager. 
 
 —5— 
 
. . . FOR YE BECAME FOLLOWERS OF THE 
 CHURCH 
 
 The first services were held in the M. E. Church 
 of this city but later an empty store room was found 
 and used as a meeting place; but it is evident that even 
 at that early date, the congregation was planning for 
 its own church home. Before the year closed a lot 
 was purchased on the corner of Jefferson and South 
 streets, and the building may have been completed by 
 the close of the year 1869. 
 
 The Rev. David Dimond was serving the church 
 as Stated Supply, and was the first minister to occupy 
 the pulpit in the new church that seems to have cost 
 about ^4,000.00. 
 
 THEY . . . FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT 
 
 Any history of this church would not be complete 
 without some mention of Mr. and Mrs. James D. Xew- 
 begin who gave so much of what they had to their 
 church. 
 
 Xo doubt they were of English stock but spent 
 many years in New Zealand and South Africa before 
 coming to Anna. 
 
 Their years here were spent on a small farm a few 
 miles from the city, but nothing seemed to keep them 
 away from their church, and they were the first to ar- 
 rive on the Sabbath day. In winter Mr. Newbegin built 
 the fires (and later rang the bell) while Mrs. Newbegin 
 tidied up the rooms, and then played the organ for 
 Sabbath School. Mr. Xewbegin was superintendent for 
 many years. 
 
 —6— 
 
. . . UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY 
 CHURCH 
 
 Records are none to plentiful concerning this young 
 church, but there is no question but that it progressed, 
 as indicated by the following passage taken from an 
 early music history of the city. 
 
 "The first organized choir in Anna was at the 
 Presbyterian Church about 1869. Mr. Cyrus Sh'ick was 
 chorister, Mrs. Davie organist, and Captain Stinson, J. 
 K. Walton, Mrs. McVain and later, Mrs. Lufkin and 
 Dr. and Mrs. Dodds were members. ,, 
 
 The church had improved in numbers although ex- 
 act ngures are not obtainable, but activities such as 
 Prayer Meeting, Ladies' Aid and Missionary Societies 
 are mentioned. 
 
 The Aid Society seems to date from the late 70's 
 and carried on the many efforts of such an organiza- 
 tion. However, the members must have realized that 
 the day would come when the congregation would out- 
 grow present quarters, for when that day did come, 
 they had accumulated a considerable sum to help in the 
 building of a new church. 
 
 Church Socials were popular in those days for 
 both the old and young, and were well attended. They 
 w T ere evening affairs and were held in the summer 
 months, on the larger law T ns of the church members. 
 
 A small wire was stretched from tree to tree and 
 Chinese Lanterns hung upon it, using a candle for the 
 light, and when a lantern caught fire there was great 
 excitement for the young folks. 
 
 The second period of the occupancy of the first 
 building (1882-1897) found a change in pastors, for 
 The Rev. W. W. Faris was installed in 1883. 
 
 —7— 
 
. . . UPON THIS ROCK 
 
 However, he was not new to the community since 
 his father The Rev. J. M. Faris had served the church 
 at an earlier time. 
 
 The Rev. W. W. Faris evidently came to Anna 
 with a dual purpose in mind, that of serving the church 
 and also the founding of a school of higher standing 
 than could then be found in this part of the state. 
 
 In 1883 a Christian Endeavor Society was put in 
 operation and it was well attended by the young peo- 
 ple of the church, and continued until other activities 
 for the young people replaced it. 
 
 MISSIONARY SOCIETY 
 . . . SOX OF MAX IS COME TO SAVE. 
 
 In 1883 a Missionary Society was organized with 
 some 15 members and was separate from other wom- 
 an's organizations, having its own staff of officers, and 
 keeping minutes of all meetings. Dues of 10 cents per 
 member per month were collected. However, in later 
 years the Ladies' Aid and Missionary Societies were 
 combined in the Women's Club which is very active to 
 this day. 
 
 The last wedding ceremony performed in the 
 church was that of Rev. Wallace Faris and Miss Ellen 
 Asper, and soon after, this young couple embarked for 
 China where they served as missionaries for many 
 years. 
 
 —8— 
 
UNION ACADEMY 
 
 Soon after Dr. Faris became pastor of the church 
 in 1883, he began to interest others in a plan for an 
 institution for higher Christian education, and as a re- 
 sult of his efforts Union Academy was founded that 
 year. There were no accredited high schools in this 
 part of the state at that time, and schools where stu- 
 dents could be fitted for college were not available. 
 
 The institution met with immediate favor and 
 large sized classes were formed that fall in an old 
 building (no doubt the first schoolhouse built in Anna) 
 in the fair grounds. 
 
 The room was so crow 7 ded that students were per- 
 mitted to use the various stands on the grounds for 
 study when the weather permitted, and in cold weather 
 many studied at home and came to the room only for 
 recitations. 
 
 During the next year, however, a more commodi- 
 ous building was erected on South Main street, and 
 later Benton Hall and Willard Hall, situated on sev- 
 eral acres donated by Mr. C. M. Wiliard, became the 
 school plant. 
 
 However, in later years with the advent of high 
 schools with wonderful equipment, this and other such 
 schools had to step aside, but many students went from 
 these schools into the w T orld greatly benefited by the 
 influence of the Christian men and women who were 
 their instructors. 
 
THE NEW CHURCH 
 
 . . . The Rains Descended and the Floods Came. 
 When Mr. C. M. Willard passed away in 1893, it 
 was learned that he had left $5,000.00 to be used for 
 a new church structure and this together with the 
 $2,000.00 accumulated by the Ladies' Aid and other 
 added gifts and donations caused the congregation to 
 look forward and plan for the time when the new 
 building could be a reality. 
 
 Early in 1897 a building committee was appointed 
 and the plan furnished by a firm of architects in Grand 
 Rapids, Mich., was finally adopted. While some de- 
 tails were changed as told later, the outside dimensions 
 and profiles, and the interior arrangements were just 
 as the building shows today. 
 
 HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION . . . 
 
 Other than in large communities, few buildings 
 will be found more massive and strongly built than is 
 this church. The footings are four feet wide and very 
 deep, and from the footings the foundation walls are 
 three feet thick, tapered to two feet at the window 
 sill line on the first floor, and two feet thick to the 
 top of the highest gable. 
 
 All the face stones in the building were first 
 placed on a heavy bench then squared, then with chisel 
 and hammer the stone cutter faced the edge only, leav- 
 ing the center as nature had- made it. Since this line- 
 stone is very hard, the task was a slow one; however, 
 the dark stone has not discolored from age as does 
 the lighter limestones. 
 
 —10— 
 
I GO TO THE HILLS FROM WHENCE COMETH 
 MY STRENGTH 
 
 The original plan called for stone to the first floor, 
 and red brick with stone trim for the super structure, 
 but there was one person in particular on the commit- 
 tee who stood very firmly for an all stone church, and 
 that was Mr. H. P. Tuthill. 
 
 The added cost had to be considered and some in- 
 sisted on brick for economy's sake, but Mr. Tuthill was 
 not discouraged and finally proposed, for a certain 
 sum to build of stone instead of brick, and his pro- 
 posal w r as accepted. So "to the hills" some three miles 
 away went the quarrymen with their heavy sledges, 
 drills and other quarry tools. Later came to the 
 grounds, the horsedrawn wagons loaded with stone, 
 and through the "underground" went the word tEat 
 masons and stone cutters were w r anted at Anna, and 
 they began to arrive until fifteen or twenty w T ere on 
 the job where they worked for about eight months, 
 then faded away. The justification of all this is the 
 beautiful, massive building that so many admire, and 
 the fact that for nearly fifty years congregations have 
 enjoyed its comforts. 
 
 There is one monolithic stone in the building, 10 
 feet long, 12 inches thick with a 14-inch face. 
 
 Some miles east of the city was a peculiar sand 
 stone quarry, where the stone could be split like wood, 
 but smoother, and the steps to the west entrance came 
 from this quarry. 
 
 -11- 
 
THE PATINA OF OLD WOOD 
 
 Another matter for the Building Committee to 
 decide after the walls were up and the roof on, was 
 what material to use for the inside trim. 
 
 Oak was favored by some, but there was a wood 
 just becoming popular for such work and that was 
 the Louisiana cypress of the south. Many such trees, 
 six, seven and eight feet in diameter were then stand- 
 ing there in the swamps, and from such trees came the 
 interior trim for the church. 
 
 Father Time is a wonderful artist but like all ar- 
 tists is temperamental and works slow or fast accord- 
 ing to his whim. 
 
 Every year about October, he paints all the leaves 
 in the forest, and does it in a few weeks, but give Him 
 an acorn and he may take four hundred years to grow 
 a beautiful oak tree. The cypress wood in the church 
 has never been toucned by paint or stain ; only the brush 
 of Time has been used. 
 
 LIFT UP THINE EYES . . . 
 
 Be seated in the Sanctuary, lift your eyes to the 
 six beautiful arches and the dark panels between, and 
 one can imagine if stroked gently, it would have the 
 feel of a piece of very old velvet or satin. 
 
 Like the white pine of the north, Louisiana cypress 
 such as was used in the church can no longer be ob- 
 tained, only the small second growth trees remain. 
 
 —12— 
 
... AS THE RAINBOW IN THE DAY OF RAIN 
 
 The large Art or Cathedral Glass windows besides 
 giving light, add much to the beauty of the Sanctuary, 
 and to the peace of mind of the congregations. 
 
 The large window on the westerly side of the 
 church is a memorial to Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Willard, 
 who did so much to make the present church building 
 possible. 
 
 JESUS HOMNIUM SALVATOR 
 
 (Jesus Savior of Mankind) 
 
 . The upper part or transom of this window is not 
 the original, as, some years ago a windstorm wrecked 
 the transom, and to strengthen it against future storms, 
 heavy wood bars were placed through the center. 
 
 In the center of the original was a cross some 
 three feet in height with the initials, I. H. S., around 
 the cross, but the wood bars eliminated the cross and 
 the accompanying initials. 
 
 The window toward the east bears the insignia 
 C. E. for the Christian Endeavor Society, which gave 
 way later to the present young people's organizations. 
 
 (There are those who consider this window the 
 most beautiful of the three.) 
 
 A figure of the Christ was to have been produced 
 in the window over the choir loft, but was unsatisfac- 
 tory when completed, and w r as finally omitted. 
 
 The present windows there came from the loft of 
 Jacoby and Speis, Saint Louis, Mo. 
 
 —13— 
 
THE ARTIST GOES TO NATURE FOR 
 INSPIRATION 
 
 Since those who collaborated in making the in- 
 terior of the church pleasing were artists, it seems fair 
 that they have, at least, brief mention. 
 
 Such men of 50 years ago were those who used 
 only stained or cathedral glass for their colors and, 
 working in enormous attiliers, created the beautiful 
 tapestry-like designs to be seen in the three large win- 
 dows. 
 
 Each piece of opaque glass, whether large or small, 
 is set in a frame of soft lead, and with such pieces they 
 wove wonderful flowers and patterns, all harmoni- 
 ously blended in the artist's conception of the complete 
 picture. 
 
 Such artists seem to be passing for, while fifty 
 years ago there were three such lofts in St. Louis, it 
 is said there are none today. 
 
 The artistry of Father Time has been mentioned, 
 but another artist, a little man with snow white hair, 
 v earing strong glasses to aid his failing sight, also 
 enters the picture. 
 
 On the detail sheets that were a part of the plans, 
 was shown a considerable amount of carving, and these 
 details were meticulously carried out by the milling 
 company, as was true of everything they furnished, 
 since every item showed clear of any defect, and there 
 was never any shrinkage even in the widest panel. 
 
 -14- 
 
THE ARTIST 
 
 After the mill work was all in place, a letter from 
 the milling company came telling of their rather amus- 
 ing experience in securing a wood carver. 
 
 While they had no such person in their employ- 
 ment while estimating the job, they thought it would 
 not be difficult to secure one. So when ready for this 
 work to be done, they called their New Orleans office, 
 with a later answer that there was none such person 
 in the city. 
 
 They tried other milling centers in the south with 
 no success, but later a letter from an employment 
 agency in Chicago suggested they try New York City. 
 
 Came the day when the little man with white hair 
 carrying a tool roll under his arm entered the office 
 and announced he was from New York and had come 
 to do the wood carving, and his work is shown in the 
 four Capitals from which the arches spring, and on the 
 panels and graceful posts that surround the choir loft, 
 the organ and the chancel. 
 
 Possibly these people have all passed away, but 
 with artistic minds and patient hands they have left 
 their memorials in the church, and through the ages 
 to come, their handiwork will never grow old. 
 
 -15- 
 
. . . FOR WHOM THE BELLS TOLL 
 
 It is said that age improves the quality of a good 
 bell. If this be true then the bell in the present church 
 should be one of the best, for while a bell is not men- 
 tioned in the early records, it is known that this is the 
 original bell, and is evident that it was first hung be- 
 fore the original church was completed late in 1869. 
 
 Estimating conservatively that the bell has rung 
 five times each week for its evident lifetime, then not 
 less than 20,000 times in those years it has called its 
 people to the church. 
 
 When we think about a church bell we must de- 
 cide that it is a remarkable individual, and sets a shin- 
 ing example for those whom it calls to worship; for 
 the bell never misses a service and is always on time. 
 It is very democratic since it not only calls its mem- 
 bers, but tells everyone within sound of its voice that 
 it is "church time". 
 
 The bell never speaks in a fretful or complaining 
 tone, but is always good natured, polite and cheerful. 
 
 However, there are times when the bell speaks 
 slowly and hestitatingiy and its tones are muted; for 
 it knows that someone is passing below for the last 
 time and the bell misses its friends. But on the next 
 Sabbath Day, forgetting its sorrow, it will ring out 
 strong and clear again, telling the community that 
 "this is the Lord's Day". 
 
 —16- 
 
... I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE 
 
 The present church, with a seating capacity of 
 about 500 on the first floor, was completed, except the 
 basement, late in 1898. The present organ was in- 
 stalled then, and at that time was one of the few pipe 
 organs in this part of the state. 
 
 The cost of the new building to that time was 
 about $16,500.00 and soon after was dedicated, "free 
 from debt." This was largely due to the efforts of Rev. 
 A. J. Berger who served the church as stated supply 
 for three years, who saw the building completed, oc- 
 cupied and paid for, then quietly asked the congrega- 
 tion to release him. 
 
 An early event that filled every available seat in 
 the church was an organ recital given by Mr. Alfred 
 G. Robyn, one of the best known organists in Saint 
 Louis, assisted by the following vocalists of Anna : 
 
 Mr. H. E. Lufkin, Mrs. C. H. Wiley, Mrs. Minor 
 McCracken, Mrs. Oliver Alden and Miss Bouton, Mr. 
 E. B. Walton, Mrs. Geo. L. Spire and Mr. John Church. 
 
 The funds derived from the recital were added to 
 the "organ fund" that had been accumulating for some 
 time. 
 
 The Rev. W. W. Faris returned to the church in 
 1901 and the membership then was about 250. 
 
 The first wedding in the present church was that 
 of Dr. Samuel Walton and Miss Sibyl Parks. Dr. Wal- 
 ton practiced dentistry in Chicago for many years. 
 
 —17— 
 
I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH 
 
 At the time the present church was occupied it 
 was heated with two warm air furnaces, and these 
 with the many heavy oak posts used to support 
 the floor above reduced the space in the basement very 
 materially. During the early pastorate of the Rev. J. 
 H. Gardner, 1921 to 1927, the present modern condi- 
 in the basement were made possible at a cost of $3,000.- 
 00 and a steam heating plant was included, and a few 
 years ago, a stoker was added. 
 
 All the funds were not on hand so more than 
 81,000.00 was borrowed, and this debt remained un- 
 paid until after the Rev. R. C. Patterson (1932-1945) 
 was installed. Then this debt was cancelled. 
 
 Dr. J. R. Henry (1914-1920) was pastor during 
 World War I and was granted leave by the congrega- 
 tion to offer his services to Y. M. C. A. but the war 
 ceased before he sailed. 
 
 The present manse, South and High streets, was 
 purchased soon after Dr. Henry's arrival, the purchase 
 price being $4,000.00 and it has been recently recon- 
 ditioned at an expense of more than $1,000.00. 
 
 About the time the present church building was 
 started, the congregation owned a cottage that was 
 used as a manse, but this was sold and the funds 
 used in the erection of the present structure. 
 
 -18— 
 
I WILL SING A NEW SONG 
 
 While it is true that even in the early days of the 
 church the music was outstanding, with the advent of 
 a pipe organ the productions of the choir would have 
 been a credit to any church in the state. 
 
 Oliver Alden, organist for over 40 years, was a 
 musician of ability not only at the organ but vocally 
 as well. 
 
 E. B. Walton's beautiful tenor voice was for many 
 years a joy and comfort to the congregations. 
 
 W. E. Taylor directed the choir for almost as long, 
 and sang many of the bass solos. These and many oth- 
 ers contributed much to the high quality of the music 
 of the church. 
 
 At Christmas and Easter times the congregation 
 could always look forw T ard to unusual musical pro- 
 grams, and with cantatas and other musical features 
 sung by thirty or more matured voices, they were amply 
 rewarded. 
 
 Mr. H. E. Lufkin produced the sacred opera "Da- 
 vid the Shepherd Boy" at one time, and most of the 
 voices came from this choir, but for lack of stage space 
 it was not given in the church. 
 
 In the family of the Rev. P. H. Kroh there were 
 four children, all of whom were blessed with remark- 
 able voices. All at some time were members of the 
 choir. 
 
 -19— 
 
PRESBYTERIAN MEN'S CLUB 
 
 During the early years of the pastorate of Dr. J. 
 R. Henry the Men's Club came into being. The first 
 meetings were held in the homes of its members,, but 
 soon the membership outgrew such meeting places and 
 the church basement has been its home since. 
 
 This organization is very democratic since mem- 
 bership has not been restricted to those who affiliate 
 with the Presbyterian Church, for there are members 
 from most of the other churches of the city, and many 
 who are not closely connected with any church. 
 
 While the club is largely a social group, it has 
 sponsored many commendable things as, Father and 
 Son Banquets, entertaining the A-J High School foot- 
 ball team, and members of the Wau Wau Taug Club. 
 
 It meets once each month when the members pre- 
 pare and serve the meal, always followed by a pro- 
 gram, most often a speaker, and it enjoys group sing- 
 ing, conducted by a member, at every meeting. 
 
 The club seems to have attracted attention through- 
 out the state, as many inquiries have come from other 
 churches concerning its activities. 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN GUILD 
 
 It had its beginning in a Sabbath School class of 
 young matrons, and has a membership of about twenty- 
 five today. 
 
 It meets once each month in the home of a mem- 
 ber where they enjoy a "fetch and carry" dinner fol- 
 lowed by a program built around Bible study, and the 
 formulation of plans whereby it may be of assistance in 
 the programs of the Church School or of the pastor. 
 
 While not a money making group it has sponsored 
 Mother and Daughter Banquets, pays nominal dues, and 
 any accumulated funds are used for some worthwhile 
 purpose. 
 
 — 20 — 
 
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION 
 . . . and Let Her Own Works Praise Her 
 
 Several years ago the women's activities of the 
 church were pooled in the above named organization, 
 maintaining a membership of over one hundred with 
 accomplishments that are most remarkable and a sus- 
 tained interest in their affairs that never seems to 
 lapse. 
 
 Generous amounts are set aside for missions and 
 other benevolent purposes, and should some emergency 
 arise in the affairs of the church calling for funds, their 
 response is remarkable. 
 
 A few years ago when the steam boiler had to be 
 replaced, they not only responded, but added a stoker 
 for good measure. 
 
 A few months ago, when the trustees realized that 
 the Manse needed rehabilitating, they gave of their 
 time and substance toward the completion of a good 
 work. 
 
 They maintain an excellent business organization 
 with several departments and a vice-president at the 
 head of each. A secretary, treasurer and historian 
 keep all records in the best of order. 
 
 The presert officers are: President, Mrs. Dennis 
 Hindman; vice-presidents, Mrs. W. L. Lingle, Mrs. 
 Harry Bizzell, Mrs. Paul Smith; secretary, Mrs. Witt 
 Venerable; treasurer, Miss Beulah Seay; historian, Mrs. 
 C, H. Wiley. 
 
 In the years that have passed, many women of the 
 church have given of their time and efforts to further- 
 ance of the splendid achievements of this organization. 
 
 —21— 
 
SING UNTO HIM WITH AN INSTRUMENT 
 
 During the recent war years, owing to the fact 
 that so many young men of the church were in service, 
 it was difficult to maintain a choir, so very logically 
 attention was turned to younger members of the church 
 and church school for talent with splendid results. 
 However, the condition was not new since it was the 
 same as during World War I, when most of the choir 
 members were students in Union Academy. 
 
 So, as of today, there is a Senior, a Junior, and 
 an Angel choir with results that are remarkably pleas- 
 ing, due to the efforts of Mrs. A. T. Ayers, organist, 
 and Mr. Laurence Shaddrick, choir leader. Mrs. F. 
 G. Anderson, who for several years gave much of her 
 time and talent toward improving the music for the 
 church, is now engaged in other departments. 
 
 The Senior Choir, of high school age, and the Jun- 
 ior Choir, of Junior High students, often appear as 
 separate units. At other times, however, they are com- 
 bined to form a festival choir. 
 
 They sing well, and with the assurance that comes 
 naturally to youth. No doubt, future choirs will con- 
 sist of men and women who today are a part of these 
 youth choirs. 
 
 The Angel Choir, the latest to appear, is composed 
 of those five to eight years of age, and is under the di- 
 rection of Mrs. Ed Curtis. It was heard recently and 
 no doubt will become a part of the musical program 
 of the future together with the other choirs. 
 
 -22- 
 
SENIOR AND JUNIOR CHOIRS 
 —23— 
 
ANGEL CHC 
 
 9/1 
 
DID YOU KNOW . . . ? 
 
 That in the Primary Department of the Church 
 School there are both third and fourth generations of 
 Presbyterians? 
 
 That recently, when an architect well known in 
 the middle west was a guest in the church, he inspect- 
 ed it both inside and out. After the inspection he asked 
 this question of the member who was with him: "What 
 did your church cost?" When told the cost was $20,- 
 000 he replied, "You could not build it today for ten 
 times that." What a wonderful bequest from those of 
 forty-eight years ago, to the present and future con- 
 gregations? 
 
 That the church and its affiliates have seen many 
 go into other fields where they served the church faith- 
 fully and well? 
 
 That the Rev. Wallace S. Faris and Mrs. Faris 
 (Miss Ellen Asper), the Rev. Paul Faris and Mrs. Far- 
 is, Miss Sarah Faris and Miss Margaret Faris were for 
 many years in the Foreign Mission field? 
 
 That Mrs. Emma Bailey and Miss Gertrude White- 
 man as Home Missionaries taught in Indian and Mor- 
 mon schools in the west and in Honolulu? 
 
 That Mr. H. E. Lufkin, church school superintend- 
 ent for some time, was later together with Mrs. Luf- 
 kin, engaged in Sabbath School work in other states, 
 including Maine and Arkansas, and later he was en- 
 gaged in Y. M. C. A. work? 
 
 That Oliver Alden was organist for forty years, 
 and served on the Board of Elders for half as long, and 
 that there are members on the present board who have 
 served more than 25 years? 
 
 -^o- 
 
DID YOU KNOW 
 
 That the Rev. John T. Fans was ordained in the 
 local church, served in other churches as pastor, and 
 later became an editor for the Board of Christian Edu- 
 cation. For the past several years Dr. Faris has trav- 
 eled much, and has given many lecture courses in col- 
 leges and schools? 
 
 That the Rev. Paul Faris and Mrs. Faris were mis- 
 sionaries in China for more than ten years, where Mr. 
 Faris was principal of an academy. After returning 
 to this country he became an editor of church publica- 
 tions? 
 
 That while the Rev. August Reischauer was nev- 
 er a member of this church, he graduated from Union 
 Academy, and later secured his college degree at Han- 
 over College? These influences no doubt, caused him 
 to become identified with Presbyterian Missions. Dr. 
 Reischauer is an international figure in the mission 
 field, and before the recent war he was a lecturer in a 
 Japanese Theological Seminary. 
 
 That the church has been unusually blessed in that 
 so many strong and faithful men have served as pas- 
 tors? 
 
 That Dr. E. V. Hale has served the church as 
 Treasurer for more than forty years 9 
 
 That since service to one's church cannot be meas- 
 ured in years alone, there are many others whose names 
 have been so woven into the church that time will 
 never erase them? 
 
 —26— 
 
I PRESS FORWARD TOWARD THE MARK . . . 
 
 Now in its eighty-first year, the church seems to 
 be in excellent hands, and its several departments (see 
 a succeeding page) are getting results that are most 
 remarkable. 
 
 Since the arrival September 3, 1945, of the Rev. 
 Joseph R. Laughlin and Mrs. Laughlin, and in order that 
 the local church should keep pace with Presbyterian 
 movements, a number of changes have gone into ef- 
 fect with splendid results. 
 
 A Board of Deacons consisting of eight active 
 young men has again been installed. They act as ush- 
 
 handle the offering, see that the congregation is 
 comfortable, are cordial to all, besides the other duties 
 of such a board. 
 
 The Westminster Fellowship plan is in operation 
 :or the young people and their enthusiasm is shown in 
 the marked increase in attendance (one hundred ten 
 on July 7th) in the Church School. 
 
 Other act". ire: Teachers Training Courses, 
 
 held in the fall and spring months, and a Fami 
 once each month with a covered dish meal and inter- 
 ing programs. 
 
 The result of these and other interests is shown in 
 the attendance figures. 
 
 Morning Worship Service has averaged one h 
 clred forty for the past ten months, with a high of two 
 hundred fifty. 
 
 Church School attendance has more than doubled 
 in the same time with a high on Easter Sunday of one 
 J eleven. 
 
 —27— 
 
FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING . . . 
 
 The Church School, in the able hands of Mr. O. 
 K. Loomis and an excellent staff of teachers, has shown 
 interest and quick response to such changes as have 
 been instituted. Worship Service instead of the former 
 "opening exercises," when on succeeding Sundays dif- 
 ferent classes are privileged to conduct this service. 
 This gives individuals the opportunity to learn about 
 themselves and realize that they are entities and not 
 mere cogs in a wheel. 
 
 The Men's Bible Class recently reported an at- 
 tendance of seventeen, and the Woman's Bible Class 
 with ten to twelve present each Sunday, make up an 
 informed and interested group. 
 
 The Primary Department has more than 30 mem- 
 bers, and with a number of young mothers in charge, 
 these little tots are in safe and intelligent hands. 
 
 Early this year the church membership roll was 
 carefully scanned, with the result that fifty-four names 
 were placed on the reserve roll, reducing the former 
 reported memoership from over three hundred to two 
 hundred fifty. However, additions since have increased 
 that number until the present membership is two hun- 
 dred seventy. 
 
 The results of the above, and other changes is 
 shown in the increase in both interest and attendance. 
 There have been many times when the church doors 
 were open and the building used every day of the week. 
 
 All this is well and as should be, and the result 
 is a better and more useful church. 
 
 "PRESSING FORWARD!" IS THE GOAL FOR 
 THE FUTURE 
 
 —28— 
 
YOUR CHURCH INVITES YOU TO PARTICIPATE 
 IN ITS PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES 
 
 Every Sunday: 
 
 Church School, 9:30. 
 Men's Bible Class, 9:30. 
 Worship Service, 10:45. 
 Junior High Group, 3:30. 
 Westminster Fellowship, 6:00. 
 
 Choirs: 
 
 Senior Choir. 
 Junior Choir. 
 Angel Choir. 
 
 Men's Club: 
 
 Second Monday night of each month. 
 
 Women's Groups: 
 
 Women's Association, second Wednesday. 
 Guild, first Tuesday. 
 
 Family Night: 
 
 Third Monday night of each month. 
 
 Official Boards: 
 
 Session (Elders), third Tuesday night. 
 Trustees, first Thursday night. 
 Deacons. 
 
 Church School Council 
 
 Teacher's Training Course: 
 
 Held in the fall and spring. 
 
 Communicant's Class: 
 Held in the spring. 
 
 Vacation School: 
 
 Held in the summer months. Had an attendance 
 recently of more than fifty interested young peo- 
 ple. 
 
 —29— 
 
Completed in 1898 
 
 —30- 
 
JOHN AND HIS' CHURCH AND THE BELL 
 
 Along the side of a country road 
 The village for years has stood, 
 The houses are few and none too new, 
 But the people seem loath to move. 
 
 On the hillside above in a maple grove 
 Where the villagers love to dwell, 
 In its dress of white, and trimmed so bright 
 There stands the church with its bell. 
 
 And further above in another grove 
 
 There are the little green mounds, 
 
 Where the stones stand white in the soft light 
 
 As a guard o'er the burying grounds. 
 
 John came to the village years ago 
 
 And worked for those whom he knew, 
 
 Then high on the hill where 'tis peaceful and still 
 
 He bought his acres few. 
 
 Whenever John had some hours to spare 
 He would always be seen by some, 
 To be working hard in his little yard 
 For John was building a home. 
 
 Many months had gone by ere he could stop 
 And view his house with pride. 
 And then one day John went away 
 And returned with Mary his bride. 
 
 None seem to know just when it occurred 
 
 They began giving their time so well, 
 
 But the members would beam when the church was so clean 
 
 And John always rang the bell. 
 
 Came the close of each year and Christmas time 
 When the story of Christ they would tell, 
 And then the New Year would soon appear 
 And that night he would ring the bell. 
 
 So the hour came that year when John arose 
 Knowing well that the time was near, 
 And out in the night with his lantern alight 
 When to welcome another New Year. 
 
 —31— 
 
When John reached the church the hour was not yet 
 So he sat down in a chair, 
 
 When the hand of death touched him on the chest 
 And he was found sleeping there. 
 
 The hands on the clock had moved far apart 
 And the bell knew something was wrong, 
 For never before in the days of yore 
 Had John ever waited so long. 
 
 Then a shudder ran through the frame and the bell 
 And the clapper swung far and near, 
 And far and wide o'er the country side 
 The bell rang strong and clear. 
 
 Friends carried John to the top of the hill 
 
 And laid him gently away, 
 
 In his little plot in the burial lot 
 
 To awake another day. 
 
 You should stop at the village some day 
 And hear the strange tales they will tell, 
 But the last no doubt will be about 
 John and his church and his bell. 
 
 — W. C. M. 
 
 A TRIBUTE 
 
 The above poem was written, not as a tribute to 
 one or two persons, but rather to those wherever the 
 church is found, who are loyal and faithful to that 
 church, and who give of what they have so that the 
 church will always carry on. 
 
 —32—