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 CeMiewual Jltii&uj, 
 
 OF THE 
 
 First 
 
 Presbuterian Church 
 
 of Belleville, Illinois 
 
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 liiiiiiiiiii 
 
 f?39 DECEMBER 14th 1939 
 
 • 'iiiii'iiaiiiuiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiijiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuMiUiHiiiiiiiiiiiiuiMUMiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiHUiinjiiiiiiiiiiaiiiiiiaifi 
 
of the 
 
 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
 
 BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS 
 
 Issued by the 
 
 CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE 
 
 as appointed by and with the consent of the Session 
 
 18 3 9 DECEMBER 14th 19 3 9 
 
 l OUR FIRST CHURCH" 
 
 CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE 
 
 BERT R. STIFF MRS. E. W. TWENHOEFEL 
 
 Co-Chairmen 
 
 MRS. BELL W. MERKER, Secretary 
 WILLIAM H. CAMPBELL JAMES J. McMILLAN, Sr. 
 
 IOHN T. HUECKEL BEN W. TILLMAN 
 
 ROGERS D. JONES D. ARTHUR TODD 
 
 IRVIN J. LEOPOLD MISS MARGARET GUNN 
 
 REV. D. C. BOYD, Ex-Officio 
 
OUR PRESENT CHURCH AT DEDICATION IN 1876 
 
 Pa&toM pun* f?39 to /939 
 
 Name of Minister Installation Relation Dissolved 
 
 Thomas Lippencott Dec. 14, 1839 Dec. 14, 1840 
 
 Wm. Chamberlain 1840 Aug. 1, 1842 
 
 H. B. Whitaker Oct. 1,1842 Apr. 1,1843 
 
 Wm. E. Chittenden Apr. 21, 1844 Sept. 15, 1846 
 
 James R. Dunn, Assistant and pulpit supply June 1, 1847 
 
 for Chittenden 1846 
 
 Benoni J. Messinger June 17, 1847 Nov. 1, 1847 
 
 Jos. A. Ranney Nov. 1, 1847 Sept. 3, 1854 
 
 John Gibson Jan. 4, 1855 Nov. 1, 1855 
 
 W. W. Warner Nov. 1,1855 Nov. 1,1856 
 
 Benjamin F. Cole I Each preached at Noy llg56 July 10 1857 
 
 W. F. P. Noble ) different intervals 
 
 Andrew J. Luce Nov. 1,1857 Nov. 1,1864 
 
 Orid Minor, Assistant to Rev. Luce Nov. 1,1863 May 1,1869 
 
 John H. Dillingham May 15, 1869 May 1,1871 
 
 James Brownlee May 1,1871 May 1,1872 
 
 Garret Heysor ) Each preached at May ug72 Feb ug73 
 
 Henry W. Woods ) different intervals 
 
 Services held in the First M. E. Church 1873 to 1875 — New church under construction 
 
 Oscar S. Thompson May 2,1875 Sept. 22, 1882 
 
 Charles T. Phillips Dec. 1,1882 Apr. 1,1892 
 
 John B. Pomeroy Apr. 1,1892 July 1,1896 
 
 J. G. Klene Oct. 12, 1896 July 1, 1898 
 
 J. A. Gallaher Nov. 10, 1898 Nov. 1,1903 
 
 Wm. N. Gardner Jan. 13, 1904 Dec. 9,1908 
 
 Charles A. Highfield Apr. 9,1909 Nov. 21,1917 
 
 W. N. Elliot Apr. 3,1918 Sept. 10, 1919 
 
 E. W. McCluskey Jan. 7,1920 Sept. 18, 1922 
 
 Wm. C. Meeker Sept. 29, 1922 May 1,1929 
 
 D. C. Boyd Nov. 10, 1929 
 

 <1 
 
 / HE loyalty and devotion of Presbyterians in this 
 first century of our life has made this church great. 
 We can never overestimate it; we can never over- 
 praise it. 
 
 The loyalty and devotion of you — our members 
 today — ■ and your children's children will keep this 
 inheritance intact for a century to come. 
 
 May God continue to bless this church and its 
 people! 
 
 D. C. BOYD, Minister 
 
QjJjiceAA, oi tke GkuAclt 
 
 ELDERS 
 
 REV. D. C. BOYD, Moderator 
 
 JOHN GIBSON, (Emeritus) 
 ROBERT SEIBERT, Clerk 
 R. A. ALEXANDER 
 WM. H. CAMPBELL 
 NORMAN N. GOULD 
 EDW. G. HEXTER 
 
 JOHN T. HUECKEL 
 
 I. D. MARSH 
 
 HARRY W. MATHEWS 
 
 james j. McMillan, Sr. 
 
 GEO. B. M. ROGERS 
 B. W. TILLMAN 
 
 ROGERS D. JONES 
 GEO. A. REIFEL 
 D. ARTHUR TODD 
 
 DEACONS 
 
 JAMES E. TRABUE 
 EUGENE WITTLICH 
 S. D. VALE 
 
 TRUSTEES 
 
 JAMES S. LOVELL, Chairman 
 C. C. DREMAN, Vice-Chairman 
 RAYMOND A. EHRET, Secretary 
 A. O. HICKCOX, Treasurer 
 DR. EDMOND BECHTOLD 
 DR. C. E. BALDREE, Jr. 
 WALDO GEISSLER 
 ROGERS D. JONES 
 
 AL. H. L. KLEMME 
 IRVIN J. LEOPOLD 
 HUGH H. MACE 
 BERT R. STIFF 
 WM. SCHMIDT, Jr. 
 KENNETH S. WAGNER 
 FRED H. ZWETSCHKE 
 B. W. TILLMAN 
 
 BUILDING COMMITTEE 
 
 AL. H. L. KLEMME, Chairman 
 
 ROGERS D. JONES 
 
 C. C. DREMAN 
 
 Womewb Mooieti&L 
 
 WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY 
 
 Mrs. Emmett R. Keim Pres. 
 
 Mrs. Jesse F. Schrei Vice-Pres. 
 
 Mrs. Ed. G. Hexter Secy.-Treas. 
 
 THE UTOPIAN SOCIETY 
 
 Mrs. John T. Hueckel Pres. 
 
 Mrs. Henry A. Lengfelder Vice-Pres. 
 
 Mrs. Adolph Fehr Secy.-Treas. 
 
 THE PARTHENIAN SOCIETY 
 
 Mrs. John C. Gunn Pres. 
 
 Miss Effie Maxie Vice-Pres. 
 
 Mrs. Henry Kolb Secy.-Treas. 
 
 THE MARY-MARTHA SOCIETY 
 
 Mrs. Loren E. Lewis Pres. 
 
 Mrs. William G. Dixon Vice-Pres. 
 
 Mrs. J. E. Bennett Secy. 
 
 Mrs. Edw. B. Taff Treas. 
 
PHOTOGRAPH BY ADVOCATE 
 
 PRESENT CHURCH AT OUR CENTENNIAL, DECEMBER 14, 1939 
 
 OUR VESTED CHOIR— EASTER. 1939 
 
 PHOTOGRAPH BY MERKER 
 
of the First Presbyterian Church of Belleville, 111., from its 
 organization to the present time, December 14, 1939. 
 
 1839 — 1889 
 In compliance with the request of the session, made December 
 3rd, 1894, "that Elders C. T. Elles and Edward Wm. West should pre- 
 pare a history of the First Presbyterian Church and Sabbath School 
 from their organization to the present time," your committee would beg 
 leave to present the following paper on the Church History as the re- 
 sult of their labors: 
 
 In the preparation of this history we have been furnished valuable 
 aid from the records of the church, The History of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Illinois, by the Rev. Augustus Theodore Norton, D. D., and 
 the semi-centennial sermon preached by Rev. C. T. Phillips at the pub- 
 lic celebration, December 14, 1889. 
 
 As the most important items have been obtained from these most 
 reliable sources, this paper may be regarded as a compilation of 
 facts made ready by the hands of others, in which the very language 
 used is herein employed. 
 
 Of the general accuracy of dates and statements made in regard 
 to events and persons, in this brief history, we feel assured that it 
 may be confidently relied on as worthy of belief. 
 
 In its hasty preparation your committee realizes the incomplete- 
 ness of this sketch, so far below the merits of the subject; but indulge 
 the hope that, with all its imperfections, it may stimulate the members 
 of this church to hold in more profound veneration those who labored 
 in the years that are past, and the fruits of whose devotion we now 
 enjoy. In accepting this noble heritage from our fathers, let us re- 
 solve with divine help, to emulate their fidelity, so that those who 
 succeed us may also cherish our memories. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 C. T. ELLES, 
 EDWARD WM. WEST, 
 
 Committee 
 
The first regular Presbyterian Church positively known to have 
 been organized in the United States was at Snow Hill, Md., es- 
 tablished in 1684 by Francis Makemie, who was born near Rathmel- 
 ton, Donegal County, Ireland, and who studied at one of the Scotch 
 Universities. He was a most self-denying, laborious itinerant Pres- 
 byterian minister traveling - - preaching and visiting in Maryland, 
 Virginia and New York. 
 
 The first Presbytery in this country was called the Presbytery of 
 Philadelphia, and was formed in 1705 or 1706. It consisted of seven 
 ministers — Francis Makemie, John Hampton, George McNish, Samuel 
 Davis, John Wilson, Jedidiah Andrews and Nathaniel Taylor. 
 
 The first Assembly met in 1790, and was opened by Dr. John 
 Witherspoon, who was a lineal descendant from John Knox, President 
 of New Jersey College, and a signer of the Declaration of Independ- 
 ence; and Dr. John Rodgers of New York was Moderator. 
 
 Illinois Territory was organized into a County by the Legislature 
 of Virginia on the 12th of December, 1778, Patrick Henry then being 
 the Governor of the State. It constituted a part of the great North- 
 west Territory until the year A. D. 1784, when it was ceded to the 
 United States by Virginia, and Governor Ninian Edwards was ap- 
 pointed Governor in 1809 by President Madison. 
 
 In the year 1814 Samuel J. Mills made a missionary tour with 
 Daniel Smith, as his associate, passing through the Territories of 
 Indiana and Illinois to St. Louis, that village not containing more 
 than two thousand inhabitants at that time, and Illinois Territory not 
 more than fifteen thousand souls, with not one Presbyterian minister 
 stationed or laboring within its bounds. 
 
 The next year was to witness a change. The Church of Sharon 
 in what is now White County, is the oldest Presbyterian Church in 
 Illinois. It was organized by the Rev. James McGready of Hender- 
 son, Ky., in 1816, probably in the month of September. 
 
 Turkey Hill Church, organized by the Rev. Salmon Giddings, 
 April 20, 1820, was the first Presbyterian Church in St. Clair County, 
 Illinois. 
 
 Turkey Hill proper was four miles southeast of Belleville and was 
 the first American settlement outside of the American Bottom in the 
 County, which was commenced by Wm. Scott, Samuel Shook and 
 Franklin Jarvis in the year 1798. At the house of Deacon Josiah 
 Crocker, who was supposed to be one of the Elders, meetings of Tur- 
 key Hill Church were often held, although he lived several miles north. 
 They never had a house of worship or regular preaching. 
 
 Belleville Church, the first one formed, was organized by the Rev. 
 John F. Brooks, Sabbath, January 9th, 1833, with Alfred Cowles, Char- 
 lotte Cowles, Thomas Scott, Jane E. Brooks, Samuel Van Arsdale and 
 Harrich C. Alexander as members. 
 
Alfred Cowles and Thomas Scott were made Elders. 
 
 After the organization there were admitted to the Church, Dr. 
 Joseph Green, Thomas H. Kimber, David Swyer, Louisa Swyer and 
 Sarah Patterson. 
 
 Rev. John F. Brooks also taught school here. He was a ripe 
 scholar, a devoted Christian, and ministered to the Church during 
 its existence, as he removed in the spring of 1837 to the capital of 
 the State. This church was organized and worshipped in a brick 
 building on the corner of Second South, and High Streets, that had 
 been erected as a Town Hall by several enterprising citizens in the 
 year 1819. Among them were Major Ringold, William Glasgow, Mr. 
 Cohen, Daniel Murry and Wilkinson. 
 
 This house was used for public services by the members of the 
 different denominations of Christianity and for school purposes until 
 the year 1851, when it was removed, and its site occupied as the resi- 
 dence of William Buchanan. The congregation also worshipped in 
 a small room on the east side of High Street, two doors south of Main, 
 that was owned by Mr. Brooks. Until the year 1829 there was not one 
 church building in the county outside of Cahokia, and ministers of the 
 gospel would have to preach either in private houses, sometimes in 
 the groves, and in the Court House. This latter place was occupied 
 in Belleville about the year 1832 by two distinguished Presbyterian 
 ministers, Rev. Theon Baldwin and Albert Hale, and through their 
 ministration David Swyer received his first religious impressions that 
 guided his future life. 
 
 In the year 1839 the Rev. Thomas Lippencott began preaching 
 in the Court House, situated in the Public Sguare, near the corner 
 north of the intersection of Main street and east Illinois street, and in 
 December the 14th, 1839, the Rev. A. J. Norton, D. D., since then the 
 Synodical Missionary of the Old Synod of Illinois, South, and Rev. 
 Thomas Lippencott organized this present Church, now legally known 
 as the First Presbyterian Church of Belleville. The original members 
 were: Wm. E. Chittenden, Thomas H. Kimber, Alonzo Dewey, Mrs. 
 Sarah Dewey, Miss Seripta Elder, and Miss Ester Corinth Dewey, who 
 were received by letters, and David Miley, Mrs. Phoeba Miley and 
 Charles T. Elles, on profession of their faith. Having adopted the 
 Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church, they proceeded to 
 choose two ruling Elders, and Wm. E. Chittenden and Thomas H. 
 Kimber were elected by ballot. The sermon was preached by Rev. 
 A. J. Norton when the organization of the church was completed, and 
 the Elders-elect were ordained. A resolution that is worthy of special 
 mention was adopted by that church, of which Rev. C. T. Phillips says 
 that "It spoke volumes for the little circle thus cemented in gospel 
 bonds." If this were the resolution and practice of all our Churches, 
 there would be few feeble and no dead ones: "Resolved, That we will 
 see that the regular worship of God shall be kept up in this house on 
 every Sabbath, whether our minister be with us or not." 
 
The first Church home of this congregation was built by Elder 
 Thomas H. Kimber, on the corner of Second North and Jackson 
 Streets. For many years it stood there, and was only removed to 
 make room for the new Baptist parsonage and church. 
 
 After the organization of the Church, Rev. Thomas Lippencott re- 
 mained and preached for about one year, receiving for his services 
 about $200 from the congregation. The balance, $200, from the Board 
 of Home Missions. His mental abilities were of a fair order; he was 
 an earnest speaker; his moral character was complete; his Christian 
 character without fault. Without being brilliant, he was rather like 
 a star — steadily shining, clear and fixed. 
 
 In October, 1841, a protracted meeting was held by Rev. William 
 Chamberlain, assisted by the Rev. James Gallaher, a very dis- 
 tinguished evangelist, at which time twenty-four were added to the 
 Church by profession. Amongst the number was Russel Hinkley. 
 And the pastoral care of the church was exercised by the Rev. Wm. 
 Chamberlain until the 1st of August, 1842, when Rev. H. Whitaker 
 was invited to preach for one year. 
 
 In August, 1843, the Church rented a house on the east side of 
 High street, two doors south of Main, where prayer meetings, preach- 
 ing, Sabbath school and singing school, conducted by Brother Elles, 
 and day school, taught by Miss Chamberlain, daughter of Rev. Wm. 
 Chamberlain, were held while the first brick church was being built, 
 and where the Rev. Wm. Chamberlain preached from time to time. 
 Few men have overcome greater obstacles than he in gaining an 
 education and in his preparation for the ministry, to which he devoted 
 his life with a zeal that was blessed to the building up of many 
 churches and the saving of many precious souls. 
 
 In this year Henry Batz and David Swyer were elected Ruling 
 Elders, and ordained by Rev. Wm. Chamberlain, David Swyer and 
 his wife having joined the Church August 21, 1842. 
 
 A meeting was also held in August, 1842, at which the Rev. H. B. 
 Whitaker assisted. The meeting was abundantly blessed, and ten 
 persons were added to the roll of the church — six by profession and 
 four by certificate. Rev. Henry B. Whitaker labored from August 1, 
 1842, to April, 1843. 
 
 April 21, 1844, Rev. Wm. E. Chittenden was installed as pastor 
 and the little flock, that had worshipped in a rented house, resolved 
 to rise up and build, with the blessing of God and by great self- 
 sacrifice, a permanent Church home. 
 
 On the 28th of March, 1844, the Church became a corporate body, 
 in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, under the name of 
 the First New School Presbyterian Church of Belleville. 
 
 E. B. Lockwood, C. T. Elles and Sam Hinckley were elected 
 Trustees. 
 
 —10— 
 
That Church was built on the southeast corner of Illinois street 
 and First North. The lot fronted thirty feet on Illinois street and 
 running east on First North sixty feet; was donated by Mr. James 
 Mitchell, to which ten more feet on Illinois street were added, at the 
 cost of $150.00. 
 
 Elder C. T. Elles was treasurer of the Church at that time, and a 
 most faithful record is preserved of the length, breadth, depth and 
 height of the stone wall for the foundation, the number of perches of 
 rock, the number of thousand of brick for the superstructure. Indeed, 
 no item for its construction in stone, brick, wood or iron is omitted, 
 every day's labor paid for is mentioned, and a more faithful account 
 of the cost of each and every item was never kept, from the digging of 
 the foundation to the completion of the edifice. And it would be equally 
 as pleasant to give in detail every dollar expended and the names 
 of the noble-hearted and generous contributors who furnished material, 
 labor or money for the contruction of this house, so endeared to them 
 all. This precious record shows the industry exercised, and economy 
 practiced, for it was finished at the cost of two thousand five hundred 
 and thirty-two dollars and sixty-nine cents, and dedicated on Satur- 
 day, November 9th, 1844. The Rev. Luke Lyons preached the dedica- 
 tory sermon. 
 
 Mr. Chittenden came to Belleville as cashier of the bank, a branch 
 of the State Bank of Illinois. He was a very efficient officer, and 
 studied for the ministry by advice of the Presbytery of Alton, which 
 licensed him April 5, 1844, and ordained him April 21, 1844. His 
 services were very acceptable to this Church, with which he labored 
 faithfully until he was dismissed September 15, 1846. He received 
 for his service each year two hundred dollars from the church. The 
 Home Missionary Society furnished the other two hundred. In 1845 
 he engaged Rev. James R. Dunn for six months to preach in his stead, 
 while he went to New York where he collected one hundred and 
 twenty-five dollars for the church. Rev. Benoni Y. Messinger was 
 called June 17, 1847, and was paid one hundred dollars for supplying 
 the pulpit six months. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Addison Ranney began his work in November, 1847, 
 and was installed May 19, 1848. Rev. Thos. Lippencott, the founder 
 of the Church, presided and delivered the charge to the pastor. Rev. 
 L. Grosvenor preached the sermon, and Rev. H. Blodgett charged the 
 people. Mr. Ranney was a good preacher, and a firm believer in 
 discipline. Under his ministry card playing, dancing and liquor drink- 
 ing were vigorously discouraged, and the Christian sentiment of the 
 Church upheld and sustained his firmness. 
 
 June 11, 1848, Wm. H. Underwood was ordained an Elder of this 
 Church after the usual manner. 
 
 March 31, 1850, C. T. Elles and Russell Hinckley were chosen 
 Elders, and on April 7, 1850, the Church celebrated the Lord's Supper, 
 
 —11 — 
 
and the Elders-elect were regularly ordained. There was a steady 
 increase of the Church during the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Ranney, which 
 terminated September 3, 1854. He was an able minister, his watch- 
 fulness over his flock was tender and faithful. Exemplary in his life 
 almost to a fault, he raised a high standard and drew his people to 
 it. It was the privilege of the Church to give him a cordial greeting 
 on two subsequent visits here, and hear his voice, full of admonition 
 and encouragement, and see again his face, that revived the tender- 
 est emotions. Rev. John Gibson succeeded him, as he presided over 
 the session meeting, January 4, 1855, leaving the following November. 
 Rev. John Gibson was a gifted minister, never using a note in preach- 
 ing, but his sermons were rich in matter, and highly instructive. He 
 was social in disposition and affable in manner; his smile was 
 sunny; his wit sparkling, and was an authority on all constitutional 
 and doctrinal questions. 
 
 In 1855 and 1856, Rev. W. W. Warner was called, and preached 
 one year, and in the meeting of the session on January 31, 1856, 
 Edward Wm. West was examined and admitted to church member- 
 ship. Six hundred dollars were paid Rev. W. W. Warner for his ser- 
 vices. Rev. Benjamin F. Cole was engaged for a short period, fol- 
 lowed by Rev. W. F. P. Noble, who was employed two months until 
 July 10, 1857. 
 
 Rev. Andrew J. Luce was called in November, 1857, and in- 
 stalled as pastor November, 1858, laboring until 1863, when he went 
 into the army as a chaplain, and was mustered out of service in 
 October, 1864, and in November following the pastoral relations were 
 mutually dissolved. Rev. A. J. Luce was a safe counselor; he visited 
 his flocks diligently; he was a peacemaker, and under his care the 
 Church was blessed, although the sad and terrible war tried all 
 hearts. 
 
 During a portion of the years 1864 and 1865, in the absence of 
 Pastor Luce, Rev. Orid Minor was called as stated supply. He pos- 
 sessed rare qualifications as a preacher, he endeared himself to all 
 classes, he was eloquent, and his discourses were marked by unusual 
 fervor. He was an untiring worker, and made lasting friends as a 
 temperance advocate — amongst that class whose sins he most 
 pointedly reproved, for they felt assured that, while he hated their 
 sins, he still loved the sinner. 
 
 Rev. John H. Dillingham served for three years, from May 15, 1869. 
 He and his sister, Miss Sarah, possessed fine voices, and the service 
 of song was greatly encouraged. 
 
 Rev. James Brownlee followed for one year, and he was succeeded 
 by the Rev. Garret Heysor in 1871, when Rev. Henry W. Woods was 
 called, and ministered to the church from November, 1871, to Febru- 
 ary, 1873, one year and three months. 
 
 —12— 
 
At this time the city had increased in size, and the extension of 
 the market house, with the usual noise and traffic, rendered it neces- 
 sary to sell the church, that had become unsuitable for religious pur- 
 poses, dear as it was by very many reminiscenses — where deeds of 
 love had been done, harvests of precious souls had been gathered in 
 for the Master, eloquent sermons had been preached, and many 
 children brought into the Sabbath school. 
 
 April 19, 1873, the old Church was sold to the city for $4,500.00, 
 $500.00 being paid down, and the balance, $4,000.00, on September 
 8th, Dr. A. J. Norton preaching a historical farewell sermon in July, 
 before the Church was given up to the city. 
 
 In the fall of 1871 a committee was appointed to select a location 
 for a new church, and on the 4th of February, 1872, it was unanimous- 
 ly agreed to purchase the lot on which this building now stands. 
 
 As an evidence of our gratitude and joy for the reunion of the 
 Old and New School branches of the Presbyterian Church, a sub- 
 scription was started to buy a lot for a new church and parsonage, 
 and on the 3rd of February, 1872, the lot was bought of Louis P. 
 Krafft for the sum of $2800.00, situated on the west side of High 
 street, its dimensions being 77V2 feet on High, running back 165 
 feet. Numerous plans for the new structure were submitted, but a 
 selection was made March 28, 1874, and David Swyer, Joseph Small 
 and Russell Hinckley were appointed a Building Committee. The 
 corner-stone of this building, viz.: the southeast corner, was laid 
 July 15, 1874, by the Elders and Trustees. The formal ceremonies were 
 by Rev. A. T. Norton, D. D.; Rev. C. H. Foote, D. D., and J. W. Allen, 
 D. D., of St. Louis In the corner-stone were deposited, a copper box, 
 containing a Bible, Catechism, Historical Sketch of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Belleville, the membership roll, list of subscribers to the 
 membership fund, a copy of the New York Evangelist, sketch of the 
 General Assembly of 1874, a picture of the now dismantled First 
 Presbyterian Church of St. Louis, in which the General Assembly met 
 that year; local papers, containing the account of the formal opening 
 of the great Eads Bridge at St. Louis; roll of the General Assembly of 
 1874, local statistics of St. Clair County, coins, fractional currency of 
 the United States; notices of the comet visible in the northern heavens. 
 During the services rain began to fall, and the final services were 
 held in the First M. E. Church. 
 
 In the construction of this building the closest vigilance was 
 exercised in the procuring and use of the best and soundest material, 
 and most perfect workmanship, and in 1874 the basement was com- 
 pleted and occupied. In 1876 it was resolved by the congregation 
 to finish the audience room, and carry up the steeple, and when 
 Elder David Swyer, chairman of the Building Committee, handed the 
 keys to Brother Elles, whose statement was submitted as treasurer, 
 showing that the entire cost of lot and house was $21,476.90. 
 
 —13— 
 
This beautiful building was completed and the dedicatory ser- 
 mon was preached by the Rev. James H. Brooks, D. D., on the 
 9th day of July, 1876. As this sum exceeded the subscription largely, 
 and the purchase of an organ, for $1800.00 had been made, the 
 church was confronted with a debt of $6000.00, and the Trustees were 
 instructed to insure the property and execute a mortgage for that 
 sum, which was executed July 30, 1879, and on the 4th day of April, 
 1881, was finally transferred to the Belleville Savings Bank, that de- 
 manded only six per cent interest per annum. It is but simple justice 
 to acknowledge the uniform courtesy and leniency of that institution 
 for about ten years, bringing no pressure upon us, but using the 
 greatest patience and forbearance. The mortgage was finally can- 
 celled in 1889. 
 
 To the liberality of the citizens of Belleville who helped us most 
 royally, our gratitude must be ever due. The unexampled devotion of 
 the Ladies' Society, of the Sunday school, and individual members 
 of the church will ever remain a vivid illustration of the power of 
 self-sacrificing love. 
 
 As Brother E. W. West was chairman of the meeting which 
 authorized the giving of the mortgage in 1879, so he was chairman of 
 the meeting in 1889, which was called to receive official notice of its 
 cancellation — a joyful and gratifying event it was, indeed. 
 
 In resuming our history of the laborers in this church, we find 
 that Rev. Oscar Silas Thompson began here May 2, 1875, and was 
 installed pastor October 21, 1877, and continued as pastor and supply 
 until September 22, 1882. In this pastorate of seven years and four 
 months, one of the longest in the history of the church, many important 
 events transpired. The death of Judge W. H. Underwood, which 
 occurred on the 23rd of September, 1875, cast a shadow over the 
 church, for a strong and polished pillar had been removed. Yet ad- 
 ditions were made to the church and congregation, when the audi- 
 ence chamber was occupied, and the sound of the organ, united with 
 the full volume of human voices, filled the house with thanksgiving 
 and praise to God. Edward Wm. West was elected to the eldership, 
 to take the place of Judge W. H. Underwood, on the 5th of December, 
 1875, and ordained to that office January 2, 1876. At the congregational 
 meeting held April 30, 1878, of which proper notice had been given, 
 Joseph Small and James McQuilkin were unanimously elected ruling 
 Elders and installed. July 28, 1879, Elder C. T. Elles tendered his 
 resignation as treasurer, an office he had held since 1843, before the 
 first church had been built, more than thirty-six consecutive years, 
 enjoying all that time the unbounded confidence of the church, to be 
 succeeded in Office by Elder McQuilkin, whose record during the 
 last sixteen years reflects the highest credit upon himself and an 
 honor to any church. It is to be regretted that a ministry begun under 
 so favorable auspices should be marred, and that any mistakes 
 should have been made by word or deed, but the best men have 
 
 —14— 
 
erred, and the wisest counselors have been at fault, for it is written 
 of Moses, the man of God, that "he spake unadvisedly with his lips," 
 and "The counsel of Ahithofel was turned into foolishness." An im- 
 perative demand upon the energies and resources of the membership, 
 after praiseworthy efforts had been conscientiously made in complet- 
 ing the church, and building the parsonage exasperated some of the 
 most influential; and the enforcement of discipline on others alienated 
 the feeling of several so that the unity of the church was imperiled and 
 its strength impaired. The Lord in mercy guided the church, the faith- 
 ful clung to the ark, dissensions ceased, and peace and quiet were 
 restored. September 26, 1882, the resignation of Rev. O. S. Thompson 
 was accepted, and Rev. Dr. Hurd was appointed by the Alton Pres- 
 bytery to pronounce the pulpit vacant. 
 
 December 1, 1882, Rev. Charles T. Phillips accepted the call from 
 this church, and entered upon the duties of the pastorate at a salary 
 of $1000 per year and the use of the parsonage. The church was not 
 slow to recognize the ability of our leader to fill the pulpit, and to 
 meet the expectations demanded of a devoted and able pastor. The 
 members became united and inspired with a deeper devotion to the 
 interest of the church. The congregation increased in size, and the 
 prayer-meetings in numbers, our harps were taken down from the 
 willows and the church was revived. Our Sabbath schools flourished 
 and the societies auxiliary to the church were instituted, encouraging 
 the labors and activities of the youth. Until 1884 every pecuniary 
 obligation of the church had been faithfully met by the congregation, 
 or individual members. About that time several of our faithful con- 
 tributors died or moved away, universal depression in business pre- 
 vailed, many of our number sustained serious reverses of fortune, and 
 our heavy debt had become due. The long strain upon our pastor, 
 whose labors in the pulpit were almost without intermission, with 
 health enfeebled by service in the army, having endured its sufferings 
 and privations and shared all its dangers, began to tell upon his 
 health, and that he lived through it, weighed down with the burden 
 of the debt beside, is to those who knew his keenly sensitive nature 
 simply wonderful. 
 
 Different resolutions were passed looking to its extinguishment 
 and several devices proposed, but all expedients were only partially 
 successful, until the members rose to the emergency and pledged them- 
 selves for the payment of such an amount that an appeal could honor- 
 ably be made to the generous citizens of our country and city. He 
 threw the energies of his soul into this movement, and labored as no 
 other man would have done, and succeeded, with the blessing of 
 God, although he knew it was impoverishing himself and family by 
 exhausting the resources of the church. Wondrous magnanimity and 
 self-sacrifice. We can never cancel the debt of gratitude we owe 
 him. One recompense we had — he enjoyed the celebration, with us 
 all, of the fiftieth anniversary jubilee, December 14, 1889, and witnessed 
 the cancellation of the mortgage amidst the rejoicing of the Church. 
 
 —15— 
 
Our prayers have followed him and his family to his field of labor 
 in a sister presbytery, and we receive him with gladness of heart 
 when he comes again in our midst to renew by his social visits and 
 live over again the experiences of the past delightful intercourse 
 amongst a people he loved and who delighted to honor him. The 
 pastoral relations that had subsisted so long between him and this 
 church having been sundered at his request, with our reluctant con- 
 sent, by order of the Presbytery, Rev. James Lafferty preached the 
 sermon pronouncing the pulpit vacant. 
 
 At a meeting of the congregation April 4, 1892, a resolution to 
 call John B. Pomeroy, at a salary of $1000 per annum, from August 1, 
 1892, was unanimously adopted, which call was accepted and Brother 
 E. W. West was appointed commissioner to convey the action of the 
 church to the Alton Presbytery, and installation services were held. 
 During this year and the years 1893 and 1894 large accessions were 
 made to the membership, and it was thought advisable to increase 
 the Board of Elders. The session having nominated as candidates for 
 that office William H. Powell, C. C. Johnson, C. C. Hall and Samuel 
 P. Hyde, they, being unanimously elected by the church at a con- 
 gregational meeting duly called, were solemnly ordained as Ruling 
 Elders on Sabbath, November 5, 1893. At this time all the effective 
 agencies of the church were in good working order. The Sabbath 
 school was in a flourishing condition, new trustees had been elected, 
 Deacons selected and large visiting committees to canvass the city, 
 besides the Junior and Senior Endeavor Societies. It might be truly 
 said that the church was harmonious and in a healthy state, but 
 still a cloud overshadowed us. It was a debt, long due Brother Elles, 
 for about $475.00. The payment of this amount was effected last fall 
 by the strenuous efforts (1894) of the Ladies Auxiliary Society of the 
 Presbyterian Church. And it may be appropriate just at this crisis to 
 recall the resolutions that stand recorded as unanimously approved 
 April 11, 1889, and reaffirm them as ours, to-wit: "Believing that God 
 Blesses us in the use of proper means, we hereby order that no lien 
 shall ever again be placed upon this house, dedicated to God. That 
 no debt shall be contracted for any purpose whatever, or allowed to 
 be made, except it may be for the absolutely indispensible expenses 
 of maintaining stated worship. 
 
 "It shall be the settled policy of this congregation to undertake 
 no work involving an outlay of money until the needed amount shall 
 have been secured by cash, or equivalent subscriptions." 
 
 Again, copying from Brother Phillips' semi-centennial sermon, 
 he says, that this church has never been strong in membership; in 
 the first thirty years it had, altogether, 244 members — 105 received 
 by letters and 139 by professions of faith. Additions to the present 
 time increase the number enrolled to 606. Of this total amount many 
 have passed over to their reward, many dismissed to other church 
 fellowship, some dropped, so that at this time there are not more than 
 
 —16— 
 
118 active and working members. The exact amount of money raised 
 and expended for all legitimate purposes cannot be given, but that 
 it is in excess of $100,000 is certain, and it speaks volumes for the 
 liberality and devotion of a church comparatively weak. It would 
 be gratifying to mention the names of many members whose gen- 
 erosity, active services and zeal in the church's growth and welfare, 
 both amongst the women and the men, have made them conspicuous 
 and entitled to the grateful remembrance of this generation, but as it 
 might be regarded invidious, we will simply refer them to the records, 
 which speak so eloquently of their deeds. 
 
 Among the noble band of brethren who have won the especial 
 regards of their co-laborers and the church through its whole history, 
 whose deserved praise excites no envy, whose name is peerless 
 amongst the most illustrious, the only one still spared us of the first 
 organization, we dare not omit mention of our venerable Elder 
 Charles T. Elles. His life's history is that of the church, and this is 
 the record Rev. C. T. Phillips gives: "All are gone except him, who has 
 weathered the storms of adversity and trial, has held the wheel with 
 a firm hand when it seemed that he would be swept away, has 
 labored as no other man has labored, has struggled as no other man 
 has struggled, has sacrificed as few men have sacrificed; has never 
 spared himself labor or expense. Father never loved a child with 
 more unselfish devotion than he has loved this church. Lover was 
 never more jealous of aught that could mar the peace of his loved 
 one than he has been of anything that could affect its welfare. He 
 has ever been one who could sing: 
 
 11 'I love thy church, O God. Her walls before thee stand, 
 
 Dear as the apple of thine eye, and graven on thy hand. 
 
 For her my tears shall fall, for her my prayers ascend, 
 
 To her my toils and cares be given, till toils and cares shall end. 
 
 Beyond my highest joys I prize her heavenly ways, 
 
 Her sweet communion solemn vows; her hymns of love and praise.' " 
 
 "Without disparagement to any who have labored and entered 
 into rest, while Brother Elles is here, I prefer to clear my conscience 
 and lovingly lay this chaplet of flowers on his living head. May 
 a merciful God long permit him to remain in the shade of the trees 
 his faithful hands helped to plant more than fifty years ago." 
 
 Of the twenty ministers and pastors who have labored in this 
 church not a death has occurred in the whole number while they 
 occupied this pulpit. The longest terms of service were enjoyed by 
 Rev. Joseph A. Ranney, A. J. Luce, O. S. Thompson and C. T. Phillips, 
 and each one witnessed a gracious revival and rejoiced in the in- 
 crease of a precious harvest, that has been participated in by the 
 present incumbent, Rev. J. B. Pomeroy, whose privilege it was to 
 welcome at one time fifty-two members into the fold of this church. 
 As it is intended to add an especial chapter in regard to the Sabbath 
 school, a school of which we may be justly proud, and whose in- 
 
 —17— 
 
fluence for good has been widely felt in this community, it is not 
 necessary for us, in this connection, to speak. This church has met 
 its responsibility fully in inviting the Presbyteries, Synods, Sabbath 
 School Conventions, Temperance and Missionary Societies to hold 
 their sessions here, and the families of the church have given a hearty 
 welcome and generous hospitality to the delegates of these several 
 organizations. 
 
 The happiness and welfare of the children of the church and 
 Sabbath school have ever enlisted our sympathies, and entertain- 
 ments have been liberally provided on all usual festival days, and our 
 social meetings have kept alive the spirit of brotherly love among 
 the members. 
 
 As many facts worthy of mention and matters of deep im- 
 portance in regard to the past have been necessarily omitted in 
 this history, but may be of interest to those who come after us, we 
 would impress upon this congregation their duty to immediately make 
 provisions for the safety and jealous care of the old records of this 
 church. 
 
 A narrative of the history of the church would be incomplete 
 without mention of the service of song, that has formed such an 
 essential part of divine worship. Fourteen hundred years before the 
 advent of the Messiah, when Moses and the children of Israel sang 
 unto the Lord the song of Triumph for their deliverance at the Red 
 Sea; when Miriam, the Prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel 
 in her hands, and ail the women went out with timbrels and dances; 
 yea from the time when the morning stars sang together, and all the 
 sons of God shouted for joy, until David spake and said, serve the 
 Lord with gladness, come before his presence with singing, and 
 Isaiah took up the lofty strain — the ransomed of the Lord shall return 
 and come unto Zion with songs; and everlasting joy upon their 
 heads, they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing 
 shall flee away, while heartfelt praise be acceptable to God, and the 
 notes will be prolonged in heaven, where the new song of Moses and 
 the Lamb will be sung by ten thousand times ten thousand and 
 thousands of thousands. 
 
 The experience of other churches has been that of this; for the 
 first few years, with the exception of a small harmonicon, played 
 by Mr. Wm. H. Ryder, there were no instruments employed; the sing- 
 ing was congregational, Brother C. T. Elles acting as precentor. About 
 the year 1851 the first organ was procured, and Mrs. Ranney, who 
 was an accomplished musician, first began to play. That organ was 
 brought to the new church when the basement was used for worship, 
 but was supplanted, in the year 1876, when our present pipe organ 
 was built. Amongst those organists who have exercised their gift 
 in the skilled use of this grand instrument may be mentioned Mrs. 
 Thompson, Mr. Green, Mrs. Laturno, Mrs. Candel, Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. 
 Rogers and Miss Bessie Rogers. 
 
 —18— 
 
An excellent piano has also been purchased and now in use 
 for the Sabbath school and the usual social meetings of the church. 
 Mr. George D. Tufts and his sons have contributed their share in fur- 
 nishing sacred music with voice, violin and cornet. While we have 
 appropriated much of the later church music, such as is used by- 
 Messrs. Moody, Sankey, Phillips, Bliss and Ray Balmer, we are still 
 endeared to those sterling old hymns of the fathers of church poetry, 
 especially those of Watts, Wesley, Doddridge, Cowper, Newton and 
 others, so full of gospel truth, and to which we are endeared by very 
 many tender associations. Through a period of more than fifty-five 
 years, many choirs have been formed, some composed of adults with 
 cultivated voices, and at other times with the younger members, but 
 all striving to sing with grace in their hearts. Quartets have touched 
 the heavenly strings, and in strains almost divine have not only 
 calmed the soul, but inspired the most devotional frame for worship. 
 Solos have at times awakened feelings of rapture akin to those of 
 heavenly birth, and we could almost fancy a prolongation of the song 
 by the choir above. 
 
 We have had music artistic, sentimental, and occasionally not 
 much of any, but, take it altogether, the requirements of the church 
 have been met, and that part of divine service will compare favorably 
 with the other parts of worship. Some voices, so full of harmony 
 and sweetness to us, have been hushed on earth, that are now join- 
 ing in the harmonies of heaven, and when we all pass over Jordan, 
 may the glad refrain not only reach our ears, but may we be 
 welcomed to their glorious company and companionship. 
 
 With profound thankfulness to the Captain of our salvation for the 
 past, let us address ourselves to the future with united and loving 
 hearts, praying God that He may revive us. His presence ever be 
 with us and His mercy ever shadow us. May the future of this 
 Church be more glorious than the past. Now unto Him who is able 
 to keep you from falling and present you faultless before the presence 
 of His Glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, 
 be glory and majesty, dominion and power both now and ever, so 
 pray. 
 
 CHARLES T. ELLES 
 
 EDWARD WM. WEST 
 
 Committee 
 
 "3? 
 
 —19- 
 
1889 — 1897 
 
 In complying with a resolution adopted at the congregational 
 meeting held November 10th, 1897, requesting Elders Elles and West 
 to continue the history of this Church to the present date, we would 
 state that, in reviewing the record already submitted, we find that an 
 omission of the name and services of Brother Charles F. Noetling 
 occurred, under the belief that they would be fully presented when the 
 history of our Sabbath school was written up, and believing that his 
 memory should be preserved, we add the following: 
 
 Mr. C. F. Noetling became a member of the Church by letter, 
 July 19th, 1857. That upon the resignation of Elder Elles, after 
 service of twenty-five years, he was elected Superintendent of our 
 Sabbath school in 1868; and to that office he was elected annually 
 until 1877, when he was succeeded by Gen. W. H. Powell. Through 
 his influence the children of many German families were brought in, 
 and by the liberal use of his own means, genial disposition and 
 peculiar fitness for the work, kept up the school to a high standard of 
 usefulness. By his own devotion he inspired fidelity in the teachers, 
 and in the hearts of the scholars, a love for the Bible, respect for the 
 Sabbath and the house of worship. His acts were without selfishness 
 and with zeal for the cause of sowing good seed amongst the 
 children of our city. When he retired from his labors he was followed 
 by the best wishes of the parents, teachers and the whole school. 
 
 Resuming our narrative, we find that after a pastorate of about 
 five years, Rev. J. B. Pomeroy tendered his resignation, July 1896, 
 which was accepted by the congregation, and Rev. J. M. Beall 
 preached the sermon by order of the Presbytery September 27, 1896, 
 declaring the pulpit vacant. Rev. J. B. Pomeroy was a sound theolo- 
 gian. The preparation of his sermons, which were generally read, 
 gave evidence of deep study and thought. While they were argu- 
 mentative and finished in style, they breathed the true missionary 
 spirit, he having spent a part of his ministerial life in South Dakota, 
 where he witnessed the great need of the gospel amongst the 
 settlers of the new country, and of the Indians who sought the bles- 
 sings of civilization and religion. 
 
 On October 12th, 1896, a congregational meeting was held, when 
 it was determined to give a call to Rev. J. G. Klene to become stated 
 supply for one year. This invitation not being acceptable to him, 
 another congregational meeting was held November 5th, 1896, in- 
 viting him to become pastor, which was accepted, and Elder West 
 was appointed to represent the church at a called session of the 
 Presbytery at East St. Louis, where it was ordered that as soon as 
 his letter of dismissal from the Presbytery of Montana was received, 
 and his name enrolled on the books of the Alton Presbytery, arrange- 
 ments be made to consummate the prayer of the Belleville Church, 
 Rev. J. G. Klene having expressed his willingness to accept the unani- 
 mous call. All impediments having been removed, in accordance 
 with directions, the installation took place the third Thursday of 
 
 —20— 
 
December, A. D. 1896, the Moderator, Rev. A. S. Leonard, presiding, 
 Rev. C. N. Cate giving the charge to the people and Rev. D. R. 
 Temple to the pastor. 
 
 Having thus brought down the history of the Church to this, the 
 fifty-eighth anniversary of its organization, we are under an increased 
 debt of gratitude to our God for His great mercy to us in its preser- 
 vation, unity and peace through the many and discouraging trials 
 through which it has passed; that our venerable and esteemed 
 Brother C. T. Elles is still with us, with memory unimpaired by age, 
 although he is in his eighty-ninth year, with unabated zeal for the 
 church's welfare and prosperity, with a life unsullied by a stain, af- 
 fording an example of Christian integrity worthy of imitation. And 
 that after the experience of a year or more under the pastoral labors 
 of brother J. G. Klene, the church has enjoyed temporal and spiritual 
 prosperity; that peace, contentment and happiness have continually 
 prevailed, and the spirit of unity binds us together this day. We men- 
 tion with admiration the achievements of the members of the Utopian 
 Society, an organization of ladies who meet once a month for social 
 intercourse and mutual improvement. By the assessment of a sum 
 from every member and invited friends, each month, and by fairs 
 made popular by their pleasant address, they have succeeded in 
 raising large amounts of money which they have expended most 
 liberally in the purchase of carpets, chairs, hymn books, and seats 
 for the comfort of the church and beautifying and embellishing its 
 walls. Under the superintendency of Rev. H. A. Loring, with the aid 
 of most efficient officers and competent teachers, the Sabbath school 
 has experienced a gratifying enlargement and efficiency in all its 
 departments, in the service of song led by Professor G. D. Tufts, in 
 the commitment to memory of the sacred Scriptures, the good order 
 and faithful attendance of the scholars, ours might be called a model 
 school. Its treasury has also been filled, and besides provision made 
 for a full supply of books, quarterlies, teachers and papers, donations 
 have been made to the starving of India, and for other missionary 
 purposes. The members of the Sewing Circle are still distinguished 
 for their devotion to their laborious duties, and deserve the thanks of 
 the entire church. The Senior and Junior Endeavor Societies are also 
 in a wholesome condition. And a juvenile missionary society has 
 been organized. 
 
 Walking in the spirit of meekness, with gratitude for the past 
 and an unfaltering trust in the Captain of our Salvation, with charity 
 toward all, this church today stands the advocate for good morals, 
 the defender of law and order, the recognized opponent of vice and 
 immorality. With kind feelings, and fraternal intercourse with the 
 members of the other Christian denominations, we place ourselves 
 under the protecting care of our Almighty Parent. Bound together 
 with one heart, we trust that the First Presbyterian Church, of Belle- 
 ville, may still be a light to the wandering, an asylum for many 
 
 —21— 
 
devout believers who may be gathered within her folds, a spiritual 
 home for its present members and an inheritance for our children's 
 children. Holding up the standard for purity and sound doctrine, with 
 abiding faith in the Word and promises of our God, may our church 
 in the future be more glorious than in the past. 
 
 "And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and 
 establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea the work of our 
 hands establish thou it." 
 
 C. T. ELLES, 
 
 EDWARD WM. WEST, 
 
 Committee. 
 
 The above report was adopted by the congregation. 
 
 H 
 
 1897 — 1902 
 
 At a meeting of the session, held October 26th, 1902, Elders 
 Edward Wm. West and James McQuilkin were appointed a committee 
 to bring down the record of the Church from the 10th of November, 
 1897, to the present time, with the intent to have the whole history 
 of the Church published in pamphlet form, furnishing a number 
 sufficient for every member. 
 
 In obedience to the request of the session, your committee would 
 respectfully submit the following report: 
 
 That upon examination of the records and unwritten history of 
 the Church we find that during the pastorate of Rev. J. G. Klene the 
 affairs of the Church were well and prosperously administered, and 
 the tender of his resignation, in July, 1898, was a great surprise to 
 the session and membership. There were those in the Church who 
 thought him impulsive, yet acceded to his request, while others deeply 
 lamented the severance of those tender relations that they had 
 hopes never would be dissolved during life. In recalling some of his 
 prominent characteristics mention should be made of his firm and 
 aggressive spirit of opposition to all forms of immorality in public and 
 private life, and bold and fearless assaults against them. He was a 
 brave man — true to his convictions. He did not consider his popu- 
 larity or consequences to himself, but duty to God, and the cause of 
 right inspired his high moral courage. He was a growing man, 
 possessed of strong intellectual power. His sermons were of superior 
 quality, practical, instructive and inspiring. His delivery was deeply 
 earnest and attractive, speaking, generally, without notes. He sought 
 the inspired Word for his theme, and, invoking the aid of the divine 
 Spirit, presented the gospel in terms to reach the consciences of his 
 hearers. He aimed to deepen the spirituality of the members of the 
 Church, qualifying them for greater usefulness. He was too much of 
 a student to fill all the duties of a pastor, and may have been lack- 
 
 —22— 
 
ing in the exhibition of that sympathy that binds the hearts of one to 
 another. As a reformer he was fearless and claimed the co-operation 
 of his people. The congregation joined with him in the request to 
 Presbytery, that the bonds be dissolved, which was granted, and 
 Rev. J. N. Beall was appointed to declare the pulpit vacant, July 15, 
 1898. 
 
 In the following November 10th, 1898, the Rev. J. A. Gallaher was 
 chosen to supply the pulpit as pastor, and Rev. Henry K. Sanborne 
 presided over the installation services. Rev. Thomas Gallaher, D. D., 
 his father, gave the charge to the people, and Rev. H. K. Sanborne 
 to the pastor, who has still charge of the interest of the Church. 
 Honored by Presbytery, he has filled the Moderator's chair, and as 
 chairman and member of important committees he has inspired the 
 Church to meet liberally the claims of the several boards to a grati- 
 fying extent. He has also served as commissioner from this (the 
 Alton) Presbytery to the 114th General Assembly, that met in New 
 York City in May, 1902, and as delegate to the State Synod that 
 assembled in Joliet, 1899, and in Jacksonville in 1901. During his in- 
 cumbency all the stated services of the Church have been faithfully 
 observed, and no communion ordinance has passed without an ad- 
 dition to the roll of members. 
 
 A very satisfactory session of the Alton Presbytery was held here 
 last spring, and an extensive revival, under the effective preaching 
 of the distinguished and eloquent evangelist, Rev. Dr. Wharton, with 
 the aid of Rev. C. D. Shumard of the M. E. Church, Rev. E. J. Brownson 
 of the Baptist, and J. A. Gallaher of this Church. 
 
 At a meeting of the session a resolution was adopted that at 
 Easter and Thanksgiving each year voluntary offerings shall be 
 asked to cancel all claims against the church, and that on the 23rd 
 day of November, 1902, the heart of the pastor and people was made 
 glad by the liberal contributions from the members and congrega- 
 tion that were sufficient to pay off every debt to that date. 
 
 At present all the societies identified with the interest of the 
 Church are in effective working order, namely, the Utopian, the 
 Parthenian, Ladies' Aid, Young Ladies' Missionary, and Christian 
 Endeavor Society. The Sabbath school is well conducted, with an 
 enrollment of 300 scholars, a full corps of efficient officers and de- 
 voted teachers, including infant department and Bible class. 
 
 A deep interest has been taken and effective labor has been 
 performed by this Church, with others, in the organization and de- 
 velopment of the Young Men's Christian Association of Belleville. 
 
 The total enrollment of the Church since its organization we find 
 to be 711, with 134 active members at the present time. The Church 
 has now five active Elders: Elder Edward William West, ordained and 
 installed January 2nd, 1876; James McQuilkin, April 30th, 1878; and 
 
 —23— 
 
Elders William H. Powell, C. C. Johnson and Samuel P. Hyde, Novem- 
 ber 5th, 1893. 
 
 James Affleck was the Last Deacon, and we would recommend 
 the election of others, recognizing the duties appertaining to the 
 office, in taking care of the poor of the church, and the management 
 of its temporal affairs. 
 
 The Board of Trustees is composed of Messrs. C. C. Johnson, J. D. 
 Rentchler and James McQuilkin. 
 
 In closing this chapter, our hearts are grieved to record the 
 death of three of our most venerated and esteemed members, who 
 have fallen asleep and have been called from their earthly labors to 
 receive their reward in heaven. 
 
 Deacon James Affleck departed this life April 17th, 1902, honored 
 and respected by all who knew him, in his eighty-ninth year. 
 
 Mrs. Emma L. Halbert, daughter of Elder William H. Underwood 
 and Elizabeth, his wife, died January 31, 1902. Her whole-hearted 
 devotion to the interest of the Church was recognized, and more 
 especially for the children, having been for twenty-four years the 
 superintendent of the primary department of the Sabbath school, 
 winning the appreciation of the entire school and Church by her 
 long-tried and effective work. Her labors were greatly blessed and 
 she lived to see many coming under her charge as infants, passing 
 out to the higher grades, becoming, in time, teachers in the school, 
 and members of the Church, prepared to go forth as citizens capable 
 of filling useful stations in public and private life, and her labors and 
 example are cherished as a rich legacy to this Church. 
 
 In profound grief we bow as we record the departure of our 
 senior Elder, Elder Charles T. Elles, who entered into rest January 
 19, 1902, in the ninety-second year of his age. In the providence of 
 God he was raised up for a great and needed work, as he was the 
 father, almost, of our Church and Sunday school, and the work per- 
 formed and sacrifices made by Him entitle his memory to our lasting 
 gratitude. His humility, his gentleness, unselfishness, untiring 
 patience, purity of life, integrity of purpose and genial piety have 
 shed a luster on the Christian profession, and as an example is 
 worthy of imitation by every member of the Church and disciple of 
 Christ. 
 
 To this list might be added the name of Mrs. lames McQuilkin. 
 Her devotion to the Church was unceasing, her labors more abund- 
 ant, and whose record was bright and beautiful in the light of heaven, 
 and sacred in our memories. 
 
 The work of the Lord is honorable and glorious, and He still 
 spares other faithful laborers in His vineyard, for which we give 
 him our hearts' adoration and praise. 
 
 —24— 
 
"The helm of the universe is held by Infinite Wisdom, Love and 
 Power," and though the worker falls, his work is continued. 
 
 Moses dies, but Joshua is raised up to bring the children of 
 Israel into the promised land. 
 
 May the mantle of the faithful departed fall in double portion 
 upon this present and succeeding membership, and may it be said 
 of this Church: "Happy art thou, O Israel, who is like unto thee, O 
 people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the 
 sword of thy excellency." 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 EDWARD WM. WEST, 
 
 JAMES McQUILKIN, 
 
 Committee. 
 
 The above report was approved and the whole was ordered to 
 be printed. 
 
 JAMES McQUILKIN, Clerk 
 
 n 
 
 1902 — 1914 
 
 There was an anniversary edition, official directory and year book 
 issued on our 75th Anniversary, December 14, 1914. Rev. Charles A. 
 Highfield, Pastor rewriting the history and bringing same up to date, 
 he continues: 
 
 In November, 1898, Rev. J. A. Gallaher was called to serve this 
 church. Under his leadership a union meeting was held, and Dr. 
 Wharton was invited to do the preaching. Great numbers thronged 
 the church to hear this man of God and many were convicted of sin 
 and converted and united with some branch of the Church. The 
 Boards of the Church were well cared for during the pastorate of 
 Rev. Gallaher. Not one Board failed to receive an offering each year 
 from our church. The music was never better cared for than while 
 Mr. Gallaher was here. It was under his direction that the choir did 
 such splendid work. Rev. Gallaher had the pleasure of receiving 
 seventy-seven into full communion with this church. 
 
 Rev. J. A. Gallaher is the pastor of our church at Owensboro, Ky., 
 at the present time. 
 
 The Rev. W. M. Gardner was invited to take charge of the 
 church in 1904 and continued as pastor until December, 1908. All 
 the people say Rev. Gardner was a good preacher. Sixty-two united 
 with the church during his pastorate. 
 
 —25— 
 
Rev. W. M. Gardner, D. D., is pastor of the Arkansas City Pres- 
 byterian Church, Kansas. Recently he had the pleasure of dedicating 
 a fine church edifice. 
 
 Rev. Charles A. Highfield, who recently returned from Montana 
 on account of sickness in the family, was invited to supply the pulpit 
 until a pastor could be secured. On May 1st, 1909, Mrs. Nutting, 
 mother of Mrs. Highfield, took her departure for the Heavenly home. 
 The congregation then extended a unanimous call to the Rev. Charles 
 A. Highfield to become their pastor and he with his family moved to 
 Belleville in August. 
 
 In May, 1909, the pastor, in company with Mr. Geo. D. Tufts, 
 spent a day in Swansea calling on the people. We ascertain that 
 there was not any service of a religious character held north of the 
 St. George's Episcopal Church in Belleville. The people of Swansea 
 were called together on the following Sunday in the school house on 
 the hill, and a school was organized. We continued work in the 
 school house for a year when it seemed wise to provide a building 
 better adapted to the needs of the school. Through the generosity 
 of Mr. Anthony Ittner, of St. Louis, we were able to purchase the old 
 smelter building at the extreme north of Swansea. Some of the par- 
 titions were removed and by so doing we were able to have an audi- 
 torium seating comfortably one hundred and fifty, and three pleasant 
 rooms for class work. The building has been repainted both inside 
 and outside, and makes a very pleasant and comfortable place to 
 worship. This property is held by the trustees of our church until 
 such time as an organization will be completed. The property is 
 easily worth two thousand dollars, and is paid, except for two hun- 
 dred dollars, which will be due July 25, 1915. This building was dedi- 
 cated in October, 1910. Through this Mission many have been 
 brought under the influence of the Gospel. The pastor holds a ser- 
 vice each Sabbath afternoon in the Swansea Chapel. 
 
 The Home school is one of influence and power. It seems as if 
 nearly all with whom we come in touch have at some time during 
 the past seventy-five years been affiliated with our schools. For the 
 past three years we have had the distinction of being the largest 
 school in Alton Presbytery. 
 
 To secure a larger and more regular attendance on the part 
 of the scholars and the teachers, "Little's Cross and Crown" system 
 was introduced five years ago last October. This plan was so suc- 
 cessful that the school decided to continue the same plan for another 
 five years. Ten of our scholars have been present every Sunday for 
 five consecutive years. Mrs. Kolb is Superintendent of the Main 
 room and is ably assisted by twenty efficient teachers. 
 
 The primary department has a membership of over two hundred 
 under nine years of age. The graded lessons are used and the five 
 year course is followed; two years for the "Beginners," and three 
 
 —26— 
 
years Primary work. Mrs. Highfield is the Superintendent of this de- 
 partment, and is enthusiastically supported by eight teachers and 
 assistants. 
 
 We have a large Cradle Roll department, superintended by Mrs. 
 Mamer. 
 
 State workers who have visited the Primary department, say; "The 
 best in Southern Illinois." 
 
 The Christian Endeavor Society of Young People is changeable. 
 Those who were the leaders a few years ago have withdrawn and the 
 younger ones have taken the place of those experienced in Christian 
 service. 
 
 Constantly new recruits are being brought in and trained for ser- 
 vice. 
 
 The church can boast of three organizations; the Ladies' Aid, 
 Utopians and the Parthenians. These have done much to beautify the 
 church property and give material assistance, when the men were 
 unable to meet the demands made upon the church funds. This has 
 been done so often, that we fear the men have been spoiled and 
 have forgotten how to secure the needed help, and they are inclined 
 to say: "Let the women do the work." 
 
 May Heaven's richest benediction rest upon the good women of 
 our church. 
 
 When the present pastor took up the work here the church had 
 one hundred and twenty members. Up to the time of going to press 
 one hundred and seventy-three have been added to the member- 
 ship roll since the present relations were consummated between pastor 
 and people. Notwithstanding the large increase, the church has 
 suffered by removal and by death. Those who were artists in in- 
 strumental music have been called to other fields of usefulness. 
 Those who were leaders in song have joined the Choir Celestial or 
 removed to other portions of the country. Others have been called to 
 give an account of their stewardship and are no more. We miss all 
 the faithful ones and wish they could be with us again to encourage 
 us in service. No one has taken the place of dear Mrs. Elles. She 
 was one of the faithful. The weather was never too hot or too cold 
 or too stormy to keep Mrs. Elles away from the Sanctuary. If her 
 friends prevailed on her to remain at home on account of storm, the 
 world was not just right. The dinner did not taste so good, nor the 
 friends about her so congenial. Going to church was the habit of her 
 life and when deprived of that privilege she felt it keenly. 
 
 Other members who have been called to their reward during the 
 present pastorate are Mrs. Jennie Badgley, Mrs. Ralph, Miss Augusta 
 Thebus, Frederick Cullom Aull, D. S. Elliott, Mrs. McClintock, Mrs. 
 Jennie Scott, Dr. John Stookey and H. R. Heimberger. 'They rest in 
 peace!" 
 
 —27— 
 
Much improvement has been made on the church property. A 
 new concrete walk has been laid in front of the church and back to 
 the Manse in the rear of the church. A new cistern and filter have 
 been constructed. A hot air furnace placed in the manse, and the 
 house repainted on the outside and repainted and repapered on the 
 inside. New coal range and gas range have been placed in the 
 kitchen. The church has been repainted on the outside and the Sun- 
 day school rooms have been redecorated. New hymn books have 
 been purchased for the church and Sunday school. The pipe organ 
 has been rebuilt and a better quality of tone cannot be produced in 
 any modern organ. An up-to-date motor takes the place of the 
 "pumper boy." A piano has been placed in the auditorium, the gift 
 of the Utopians. A good heating plant has been placed in the 
 church and connected with a chimney which allows the smoke to pass 
 out through the top instead of through the furnace and the church and 
 out of the windows if the janitor had been so careless as to leave 
 some of them open. Many other improvements have been made. 
 
 It may be of interest to some to know how much money has been 
 used for the support of the work at home and abroad. 
 
 We have given to the Boards of the church since April 1st, 1909, 
 $1,368. 
 
 To the General Assembly fund, $160.09. 
 
 For local support and improvement on church property, $14,315.96. 
 
 Making a grand total of $16,849.95. 
 
 The figures given represent only in part the work which has been 
 done in the name of the Master. The efforts put forth to introduce 
 Christ to men are beyond a money value. 
 
 Results would have been greater if all the people had worked. 
 
 However, we are proud of the history which has been made by 
 the Presbyterians associated with this organization. 
 
 The trials have been many; some problems have been hard to 
 solve; some obstacles hard to surmount; but always a nucleus of men 
 and women who had the grit and grace to conquer. The Presbyterian 
 Church in the past has been instrumental in giving the Gospel to a 
 great company at Home and Abroad.: In numbers the church is 
 stronger than at any time in the past, and therefore should be 
 more efficient in the Master's work. 
 
 There is great need of full dedication of self to the work of the 
 church. Because of the gigantic indifference of nominal Christians 
 to the call of Christ, we appeal to the Presbyterians of to-day to be 
 as loyal to the church as the most faithful of the past have been. 
 
 —28— 
 
The glory of the past is not sufficient. We must face the future 
 boldly and make a more glorious record than those of the past, be- 
 cause we stand on their shoulders. May we make it our daily habit 
 to read the Word of God and to pray. Our practice to attend all the 
 regular ordinances of the Sanctuary and grow in grace and in the 
 knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 And now may Heaven's richest benediction rest upon you and 
 your church and guide you in the way of truth. And may you at the 
 end of your earthly journey hear the plaudit: "Well Done!" 
 
 REV. CHAS. A. HIGHFIELD 
 
 *« 
 
 1914 — 1939 
 
 A quarter of a century has passed since the last record of the 
 church was published and at the request of the Centennial Committee, 
 this committee was appointed to recall the important events of the 
 years which bring this grand old organization to the close of one 
 hundred years. Centennial year is upon us and it is fitting that we 
 look back and count our blessings. Time and tide wait for no man — 
 there have been many good men and women who have come and 
 gone in the past twenty-five years. 
 
 Mention is made of many improvements on the church property. 
 A short time later the auditorium was redecorated at a cost of $2,700. 
 Upon the death of a faithful member, Miss Betty Cook, it was found 
 that she had willed the sum of $1,000 to the church. As the windows in 
 the auditorium were in a bad condition, the suggestion was made to 
 have them replaced with beautiful art glass memorial windows, these 
 to be paid for by the different families and organizations in the church. 
 Rev. Highfield took it upon himself to secure these pledges and the 
 following names are found on them. The largest window bears the 
 name of Miss Betty Cook. The others are — "Presented 1916", Parthe- 
 nian, Sunshine Class 1916, Elles, God is Love (Sahlender Family), Pre- 
 sented by Sunday School, McQuilkin, Jane E. Rainey, Burns, Utopian, 
 Affleck, Tufts, Russell Hinckley, Hugh Brown, Primary, Jeanette Dintel- 
 man, Liberty, Judge William H. Underwood, Emma Underwood Hal- 
 bert, Frick, Rogers, Heimberger, Frederick C. Aull, Gass, Emma Ralph, 
 Ladies Aid Society, West, Eugene (Twenhoefel) and Missionary 
 Society. 
 
 The good man who wrote the preceding record severed his ties 
 with this church on the twenty-first day of November, 1917, moving 
 with his family to Erie, Pennsylvania 
 
 —29— 
 
Presbytery having dissolved this pastorate several ministers were 
 heard and the congregation chose Rev. W. N. Elliot who came from 
 Peoria, 111., April 3, 1918. Rev. Elliot stayed with us one short year, 
 when he asked to be released from this pastorate. He gave up his 
 work as a minister and entered the employ of the Ford Automobile 
 Company as a counsellor at Detroit, Mich. It was said of him that it 
 was an intellectual as well as a spiritual treat to listen to him. 
 
 Next came Rev. E. W. McCluskey from Granite City, 111., Presby- 
 terian Church on Ian. 1, 1920. His family consisted of his wife, son and 
 three charming daughters. The eldest, Miss Dorothy, was married to 
 Victor Koenig of Granite City, 111., at a large wedding in the church 
 with her father and the groom's father performing the ceremony. The 
 second daughter, Miss Lillian, also was married in the church to 
 Russell Stanley, son of the late Mrs. Agnes Stanley. 
 
 Under Rev. McCluskey's able ministry the church grew and the 
 membership increased. Among the men prominent in the affairs of 
 the church were — William Hoehner, Jacob Aull, R. A. Alexander, 
 Robert Seibert, Henry Lengfelder, Dr. John Gunn, Frank Niess, Judge 
 R. D. W. Holder, William Bien and others. It was upon the suggestion 
 of Mr. Bien that the pastor and the choir wear vestments and use a 
 processional. Mr. Bien donated the material for the vestments and 
 the ladies of the Utopian Society under the direction of Mrs. Herman 
 Sikkema cut and made the garments. This form of opening and 
 closing the Sunday morning service was so pleasing and satisfactory 
 that it is still in use. 
 
 After serving a period of two years, Rev. McCluskey resigned to 
 accept the pastorate of the church at Lebanon, 111., which church he 
 was serving at the time of his death several years later. 
 
 Many applicants were heard and the choice fell upon Rev. W. C. 
 Meeker of Pana, 111. Rev. Meeker and Mrs. Meeker and son, Cornelius 
 arrived in this city Sept. 21, 1922. With the change of pastors, new 
 spirit was put into the congregation and plans were made to pur- 
 chase a new organ. The original organ built by the Gratian Organ 
 Company of Alton, 111., had served its time. So at a cost of $10,000, a 
 new Kilgen built by the St. Louis firm of that name was installed in 
 the auditorium of the church. After more than fifteen years it is still 
 considered by local musicians to be the finest pipe organ in Belle- 
 ville. It has a set of Deagan chimes which the organist uses at the 
 opening of the Sunday morning service which is very effective, as this 
 building has never had a bell in its belfry. According to the custom 
 of the time the organ was built to fill the chancel end of the church, 
 using many large decorative pipes, the console being placed to the 
 right or north end of the pulpit platform. The purchase price of the 
 organ was considered by some to be a bit expensive; nevertheless, 
 the possession of this lovely instrument in our church has proved to 
 be a blessing as many happy and soul-inspiring hours have been 
 
 —30— 
 
enjoyed both by performers and listeners. Mrs. R. A. Alexander was 
 the organist when this organ was installed and gave many fine 
 numbers. Miss Viola Niess has been the organist since September, 
 1933. She has proved herself capable of handling it at all times. 
 
 It was while the organ was being built that Rev. Meeker was 
 elected a commissioner to the General Assembly of our church in 
 San Francisco, Cal. 
 
 In the summer of 1924, the congregation observed the Fiftieth 
 Anniversary of the building of the church edifice, with special 
 ceremonies. About this time a movement was begun to accept the 
 offer of the City Board of Education to purchase the manse for $5,000 
 for an office and the congregation to buy the Edward Abend home 
 adjoining the church property on the south for a manse. Some ob- 
 stacles were encountered and the transaction did not go through. 
 
 We found in Rev. Meeker a good shepherd and his wife endeared 
 herself to all. As young Cornelius was finishing high school and Rev. 
 Meeker felt that his labors in Belleville were finished, he accepted a 
 call to the church at Jacksonville, 111., which change gave Cornelius the 
 opportunity of attending Illinois College in that city. Rev. Meeker is 
 still pastor of that church. Cornelius graduated in medicine from 
 Washington University in St. Louis and is connected with Barnes 
 Hospital in that city. 
 
 After the departure of Rev. Meeker and family, May 1, 1929, the 
 congregation was without a pastor until Rev. D. C. Boyd of the Manor 
 Church, St. Louis, Mo., accepted our call on Oct. 11, 1929. He brought 
 his family consisting of Mrs. Boyd, his father, son Robert and 
 daughters, Jean and Barbara to Belleville and preached his first 
 sermon on Nov. 10, 1929. 
 
 On December 14, 1929, the Ninetieth Anniversary of the Church 
 celebrated with a six o'clock dinner on the lower floor followed by an 
 elaborate entertainment upstairs in which was the modeling of many 
 wedding gowns of the past and present. Some were worn by the 
 owners and others by friends of the owners. Noticeable among these 
 latter was the lovely ivory white satin gown belonging to Mrs. 
 George B. M. Rogers. This gown was worn by Mrs. Rogers at her 
 wedding to Mr. Rogers in the church on Dec. 1, 1885 at four o'clock 
 in the afternoon. Their family is Georgana, wife of Arthur Jones 
 and. Irene, wife of Kenneth Wagner — all active in the affairs of the 
 church. 
 
 Again this church was honored by having its pastor elected to 
 represent the Presbytery at the General Assembly — this year at Phila- 
 delphia. Rev. Boyd and his good wife have done much for the young 
 people of the community by organizing a Tuxis Society, for high 
 school students of sophomore age and older, which meets Sunday 
 evening in the church. 
 
 —31 — 
 
As we look back these twenty-five years, we find among those 
 who have passed away — Elder Frank Niess, father of our organist and 
 a man of sterling qualities; Dr. John Gunn, who was made an Elder 
 to fill the vacancy caused by the passing of his father, Dr. A. B. Gunn; 
 Henry A. Lengfelder, an active trustee; Judge R. D. W. Holder, another 
 Elder, who lived to the ripe age of ninety years; William Hoehner, who 
 served as treasurer of the church for many years. Among the active 
 women of the church, we note the passing of Mrs. William Schmidt, 
 Jr., May 11, 1938, who was serving as president of the Utopian Society 
 and Mrs. Agnes Stanley who gave generously of her time for work 
 in the women's organizations. 
 
 We would not omit a single name from those who have been 
 active in the church, so let us ask you to go over the names of the 
 members of the several boards of the church — the Elders, who have 
 charge of the spiritual affairs of the church; the Deacons, who tend 
 to the needy of our members; the Trustees, who are the custodians 
 of the property and finances of the church. You will find all of them 
 interested and ready to share their part of the work of the church. 
 Their wives and families are members of the different church organi- 
 zations. We dare not mention any one particular man or woman who 
 is especially outstanding, lest we omit another. 
 
 Let us carry on the grand work which was started one hundred 
 years ago. The men, women and children of that day did not have 
 the modern automobile in which to ride to church nor the com- 
 fortable building in which to worship. They were God-fearing and 
 reverenced the house in which they worshiped. At the time of closing 
 this record extensive repairs and improvements are being made on the 
 building and as we pass into the new century it is with an assurance 
 that our church building will still stand as imposing as when it was 
 built sixty-five years ago as a symbol of Presbyterian faith in the 
 community. 
 
 Respectfully submitted 
 
 MARTHA McQUILKIN TWENHOEFEL, 
 
 MARGARET GUNN, 
 
 ROGERS D. JONES, 
 
 Members of Centennial Committee. 
 
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UNIVERSITY OF ILUNOIS-URBANA 
 SOUVENIR CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE FIRST 
 
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