Elk Prairie Christian Church

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A History of Elk Prairie Christian Church

from the notes made by

Suzanna (Hester) Horton in July 1995

Rewritten by Kay S. Diekemper

I was recently allowed the privilege of looking through some genealogical gleanings done by Suzanna. In rummaging through the volumes of data on the Hesters, Mannings, etc., I found the notes she had written on this old church where many of our common ancestors were members. Surnames include HESTER, ROBERSON, JOY, DALBY, HODGE, WELLS, LOMAN, MANEESE, FARTHING, and BEAN. Suzanna's notes are from the old church ledger covering the years between 1876 and 1922. Suzanna was tireless in her efforts to preserve our precious history and published many articles. Elk Prairie Christian Church still holds Sunday Services - though membership has dwindled.

On August 15, 1876 the church was reorganized and on April 15, 1879 church trustees John P. NEWEL and W. L. ROBERSON purchased an old school house known as White School to be used for services. In her discussions with church members Ernie and Velma Lee RHYNES, Suzanna believed this school was located near the Nason mine site and preceded the Boswell School. The church soon outgrew the building and decided to sell it in October 1886 and erect a new church in a more convenient location. F. M. BEAN purchased the building for $25. The church granted him a loan at 7 percent interest and allowed him to pay for it with work on the new church when built. Between 1887 and 1890 it appears the congregation met occasionally at Cross Roads School House located one mile east of Dareville.

In October 1889 a one-acre site was chosen in the SW corner, SE NE Section 14, Township 4, Range 2 East. The building committee consisted of Harvey WELLS, F. P. FARTHING, T. F. PUCKETT, James LOMAN, and James BEAN (Suzanna's great-grandfather). The building was to be 34' by 44', stand 14' high, have 8 windows and 3 doors (2 in front and 1 in back). In August 1890 the church had a ceiling and sides (ceiled and lathed) and a two-week series of meetings were held. The meetings produced 20 new members and donations of $75 toward the new church. By November 17, 1890 the church was fully enclosed and J. S. BOBBITT preached.

In 1920 the church was struck by lightening and the northeast corner burned. By the 1950's the church was in disrepair and it was torn town, material salvaged and the present church erected.

Forty-five (45) members signed the reoganization certificate on August 21, 1876. The certificate reads as follows:

We the undersigned believing in the universal fatherhood of God, the Divine Sonship of Jesus Christ, the inspiring and ever-abiding influence of all the faithful and obedient, of the Holy Spirit and accepting Old and New Testament scriptures as the only infallible rule of faith and practice, being built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, and accepting the holy ordinance of baptism and the Lord's Supper subscribe ourselves as members of the Church of Jesus Christ at Elk Prairie, Illinois. Covenanting and agreeing to keep all the ordinances of God's house blameless and endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Reorganizing the body on or about the 15^th day of August 1876. Appointed on August 21, 1876 John T. HODGE and Harvey WELLS to take temporary oversight of same. Harvey WELLS, Clerk Pro-tem and J. R. NEWEL and Harvey WELLS, deacons pro-tem. Rev. MOORELAND, Moderator.

1	William FARTHING (Aug 1851	25	Catherine ROBERSON
2	H. L. ROBERSON	26	Jane ROBERSON
3	C. C. ROBERSON	27	M. A. BLACK
4	R. A. ROBERSON	28	S. J. DARNELL
5	Harvey WELLS	29	Josephine DALBY
6	Willis HODGE	30	Charlotte FARTHING
7	Lorinda WELLS	31	Milberry DARNELL
8	Lydia FARTHING	32	John REYNOLDS
9	Caroline FARTHING	33	Jane DALBY
10	H. G. (F. G.?) WELLS	34	Jane KIRK
11	Elizabeth WELLS	35	Dicy OSBORN
12	Lucy WELLS	36	Nathan KELLEY
13	Susan BAKER	37	Caroline KELLEY
14	S. M. FARTHING	38	Elbert ROBERSON
15	C. M. FARTHING	39	Vena TUCKER
16	Thomas ROBERSON	40	James BEAN
17	Margaret HODGE	41	Harriet BEAN
18	James LOMAN	42	Susan REYNOLDS
19	Sarah LOMAN	43	Mary J. SLEDGE
20	Michael FARTHING	44	Emaline REYNOLDS
21	Eliza FARTHING	45	?H. P. FARTHING
22	Mary A. DARNELL
23	J. M. OARD
24	Angeline OARD

Membership list continued through October 29, 1922.

46	Martha BUCK	83	Feba A. KIRK
47	Alwilda BEAN	84	Eme (Emma) HODGE
48	Nebraska WALKER	85	Samuel RUNNELS
49	W. S. KIRK	86	D. RUNNELS
50	Eliza ROGERS	87	Easter ROBERSON
51	Mary E. FORD	88	Minnie ROBERSON
52	Candace ROBERSON	89	William F. HESTER
53	William DARNELL	90	Lissa DALBY
54	Lucy JOY	91	Viola HESTER
55	Mary DARNELL	92	Angeline ROBERSON
56	Hugnias SINCLAIR	93	Richard DALBY
57	B. H. DALBY	94	B. W. ROGERS
58	Annie DALBY	95	Vona Kirk
59	Fostina GREEN	96	Elmer SHEHORN
60	Edward HODGE	97	James L. Fisher
61	Catherine KIRK	98	Can't read it
62	B. K. MARTIN	99	Martha C. FARTHING
63	Rosette MARTIN	100	Diretha WALTERS
64	L. C. LYNCH
65	Willis HODGE
66	Mary J. FISHER
67	Cora DALBY		Numbers start again
68	Edith HARMON	93	Charlie GLASCO	Jan 1896
69	Mattie LYNCH	94	John HESTER	Feb 1896
70	Olive HODGE	95	Adalade HESTER	Feb 1896
71	Vade LYNCH	96	Minerva BAKER	Mar 1896
72	Callie FARMER	97	G. L. ROBERSON	Mar 1896
73	Julia DALBY	98	Carrie PACE	Mar 1896
74	Lucy HODGE	99	N. G. PAISLEY	Mar 1896
75	Manerva RHYNES	100	Susan HESTER	Apr 1896
76	Salitha WILSON	101	John REYNOLDS	Apr 1896
77	Emaline ROBERSON	102	Druzilla FISHER	May 1896
78	Sarah JOHNSON	103	Prinston ROBERSON	May 1896
79	Fannie PITCHFORD	104	Vesta HIRONS	Oct 1897
80	L. C. KELLER	105	? CONLEE	Oct 1897
81	Minerva SHEHORN	106	Gee DOUGHERTY	Oct 1897
82	S. J. KIRK	107	Victoria HESTER	Oct 1897


108	Can't read		151	Edward HODGE	Nov 1890
109	C. A. GLASCO	Restored	152	John HESTER	Nov 1890
110	Quince HODGE	Res. Sep 1899	153	Maud HESTER	Nov 1890
111	David SHELTON	Sep 1899	154	Lurance MARTIN	Nov 1890
112	A. J. JOY	Sep 1899	155	Perl WELLS	Feb 1901
113	B. T. or F. BUCK	Sep 1899	156	Estelee ROBERSON	Mar 1901
114	Jane Kirk	Sep 1899	157	Earl OSBORN	Mar 1901
115	Vinena HESTER	Sep 1899	158	Eliga WILLISON	Mar 1901
116	George KELLER	Sep 1899	159	Nettie WELLS	May 1901
117	John DARNELL	Sep 1899	160	Florence ? FRICK	May 1901
118	Willie ROBERSON	Sep 1899	161	John DONOVAN	May 1901
119	E. B. DALBY	Sep 1899	162	Liza DONOVAN	May 1901
120	Mary MARTIN	Sep 1899	163	J. E. WHITE	Oct 1902
121	Partee (Peter) BEAN	Sep 1899	164	W. T. WHITE	Oct 1902
122	Wm. T. PETERSON	Sep 1899	165	Dicey DALBY W. G. HODGE	Oct 1902
123	Charlie TUCKER	Sep 1899	166	May JOY	Nov 1903
124	? SKIDMORE	Sep 1899	167	Nellie KELLEY	Nov 1903
125	? REYNOLDS	Sep 1899	168	Gladys DALBY	Nov 1903
126	J. H. HESTER	Sep 1899	169	Della DALBY Gussie DALBY	Nov 1903
127	Eme KIRK	May 1900	170	Lucy WELLS	Nov 1903
128	James KIRK	May 1900	171	Mattie WELLS	Nov 1903
129	Viola HESTER	May 1900	172	Lizzie WELLS	Nov 1903
130	Rose DODDS	Nov 1900	173	Mary ROBERSON	Nov 1903
131	A. J. SKIDMORE	Nov 1900	174	Iva ROBERSON	Nov 1903
132	R. J. HODGE	Nov 1900	175	Oscar FORD	Nov 1903
133	Josephine HODGE	Nov 1900	176	William REYNOLDS	Nov 1903
134	Olie Mae HODGE	Nov 1900	177	"Robert" WEST	Nov 1903
135	Minie POSTON	Nov 1900	178	Walter E. DALBY	Nov 1903
136	Delilah ROBERSON	Nov 1900	179	Kitty DALBY	Nov 1903
137	Alma BALEY	Nov 1900	180	O. B. LOMAN	Nov 1903
138	James H. HODGE	Nov 1900	181	Cebell LOMAN	Nov 1903
139	Emma HODGE	Nov 1900	182	Myrtie LOMAN	Nov 1903
140	Sarah A. REYNOLDS	Nov 1900	183	Alva SHEHORN	Nov 1903
141	Emma SHULTZ	Nov 1900	184	Blank
142	Martha C. ROBERSON	Nov 1900	185	Carl DALBY	Dec 1903
143	Robert JOY	Nov 1900	186	Addie DALBY	Dec 1903
144	Lennie DALBY	Nov 1900	187	Zilfe DALBY	Dec 1903
145	Lola NEWEL	Nov 1900	188	Carrie DALBY	Dec 1903
146	Irvin PUCKETT	Nov 1900	189	Bessie DALBY	Dec 1903
147	Luther CLINTON	Nov 1900	190	Boyed KELLEY	Dec 1903
148	Albert SHEHORN	Nov 1900	191	Ella KELLEY	Dec 1903
149	Clark E. ROBERSON	Nov 1900	192	Emma WILLIAMS	Dec 1903
150	William WOODLAND	Nov 1900	193	George MANEESE	Dec 1903

194	Berthal MANEESE	Dec 1903	243	Ogle BUCK	Oct 1904
195	Addie CROSNO	Dec 1903	243	Emma WOEFUL	Oct 1904
196	Vesta CROSNO	Dec 1903	244	Alonzo BAKER	Oct 1904
197	Jennie OLOMAN	Dec 1903	245	Grace BAKER	Oct 1904
198	Mame WELLS	Dec 1903	246	Janie PITCHFORD	Oct 1904
199	Cute WELLS	Dec 1903	247	Nettie REYNOLDS	Oct 1904
200	Lou BAKER	Dec 1903	248	Albert SCHULTZ	Oct 1904
201	Sussie BAKER	Dec 1903	249	Mrs. Albert SCHULTZ	Oct 1904
202	Mary HIMER	Dec 1903	250	Paulina COFFMAN	Sep 1906
203	Mary FRICK	Dec 1903	251	Monroe TAYLOR	Sep 1906
204	Fred FRICK	Dec 1903	252	Bessie SHEHORN	Sep 1906
205	G. G. DALBY, Sr.	Dec 1903	253	James CUNNINGHAM	Sep 1906
206	John DARNELL	Dec 1903	254	Arintha CUNNINGHAM	Sep 1906
207	Prince ROBERSON	Dec 1903	255	? DONOVAN	Sep 1906
208	Todd JOY	Dec 1903	256	Alvin HODGE	Sep 1906
209	Grace DODDS	Dec 1903	257	James SHELTON	Sep 1906
210	Oma MENDENALL	Dec 1903	258	Stella PIPER	Sep 1906
211	Charlie WIMER	Dec 1903	259	Nannie HODGE	Sep 1906
212	Blank		260	Alta REYNOLDS	Sep 1906
213	Oliver A. WIMER	Dec 1903	262	F. P. SHELTON	Oct 1906
214	Alven DALBY	Dec 1903	263	Ogle BUCK	Reclaimed
215	Albord REYNOLDS	Dec 1903	264	Gussie BUCK
216	Joe DODDS	Dec 1903	265	Augusta DALBY
217	William MENDENALL	Dec 1903	266	Augusta LAKEY
218	Nancy WICKS	Dec 1903	267	R. V. (Robt.) BEAN	Jan 1907
219	Jola MANEESE	Dec 1903	268	Rado BEAN	Jan 1907
220	Nellie ROGERS	Dec 1903	269	Berthal BEAN	Jan 1907
221	Reymon DALBY	Dec 1903	270	General BEAN	Jan 1907
222	Logan DOUGHERTY	Dec 1903	271	Lou HARMON	Sep 1908
223	Fern BAKER	Dec 1903	272	Jerome GRAVES	Sep 1908
224	Clarence ROGERS	Dec 1903	273	Mable MANEESE	Sep 1908
225	Lawrance ? HAMAL	Dec 1903	274	Golden DALBY	Sep 1908
226	Lawrance LOMAN	Dec 1903	275	Josheay ROBERSON	Jan 1909
227	Error		276	Leb JOY	Jan 1909
228	Earl ROGERS	Dec 1903	277	Williard FRICK	Jun 1909
229	William ROBERSON	Dec 1903	278	Fout WALKER	Jun 1909
230	Carl ROBERSON	Dec 1903	279	Willie ROBERSON	Jan 1910
231	Annie ROBERSON	Dec 1903	280	Carl L. ROBERSON	Jan 1910
232	Betress ROBERSON	Dec 1903	281	Floyd HESTER	Jan 1910
233	Martha BRAVARD	Dec 1903	282	George L. ROBERSON	Jan 1910
234	Harry BOVIER	Dec 1903	283	Lovey SMITH	Jan 1910
235	Edward LYNCH	Dec 1903	284	Clyde JOY	Jan 1910
236	Pearl DOUGHERTY	Dec 1903	285	Nelson MARTIN	Jan 1910
237	Clyde JOY	Dec 1903	286	Allen BEAN	Jan 1910
238	William LOMAN	Dec 1903	287	Iris AIKEN	Jan 1910
239	John RHYNES	Dec 1903	288	Annie M. ROBERSON	Jan 1910
240	Richard DALBY	Dec 1903	289	Mary J. ROBERSON	Jan 1910
241	Grace KOONCE	Dec 1903	290	Nora E. ROBERSON	Jan 1910

291	Jola HESTER	Jan 1910	340	Victoria MORGAN	May 1911
292	Goldie FLEENER	Jan 1910	341	Sletha GLASCO	May 1911
293	Iva PITCHFORD	Jan 1910	342	Daisy BEAN	May 1911
294	? SMITH	Jan 1910	343	Louis MORGAN	May 1911
295	Lucian DALBY	Jan 1910	344	Jesey OSBORN	May 1911
296	Gay WELLS	Jan 1910	345	Knelle RHYNES	May 1911
297	Grover PETERSON	Jan 1910		Baptisted Oct 29, 1922
300	Sibble ROBERSON	Jan 1910		Creek Near Ina
301	B. F. ROBERSON	Jan 1910	1	May HAMLIN
302	Cora ROBERSON	Jan 1910	2	Maudie HESTER
303	Fred Tucker	Jan 1910	3	Hallie LYNCH
304	Sid HESTER	Jan 1910	4	Mona PETERSON
305	Dan PETERSON	Jan 1910	5	Lester ROGERS
306	Neece PETERSON	Jan 1910	6	Thomas BOBBS
307	John PITCHFORD	Jan 1910	7	Ted WELLS
308	Grace JOY	Jan 1910	8	Mable WELLS
309	Ted JOY	Jan 1910	9	Rolla WELLS
310	Charles PETERSON	Jan 1910	10	Dona WELLS
311	Ethel HODGE	Jan 1910	11	Opal OSBORN
312	Effie KIRK	Jan 1910	12	Barbara PETERSON
313	Guy ROGERS	Jan 1910	13	Mary BAKER
314	Cleve HESTER	Jan 1910	14	Mildred BAKER
315	Homer CATES	Jan 1910	15	Thelma FARTHING
316	Ernie MARTIN	Jan 1910	16	Mary DAVIS
317	Lawrence REYNOLDS	Jan 1910	17	Lizzie DUNAVAN
318	John FLEENER	Jan 1910	18	Clara HESTER
319	Eliza FLEENER	Jan 1910	19	Blanche HESTER
320	Thomas CATES	Jan 1910	20	Mary OSBORN
321	Mrs. Thomas CATES	Jan 1910	21	Ernest DARE
322	Adda HESTER	Jan 1910
323	John FRICK	Jan 1910
324	Clarence FLEENER	Jan 1910
325	G. E. or T.E. BAKER	Jan 1910
326	Blackeye BAKER	Jan 1910
327	Fout KIRKPATRICK Allie FRICK	Jan 1910
330	Minerva STRICKLAND	Jan 1910
331	Glen HESTER	May 1911
332	Bruce REYNOLDS	May 1911
333	Arthur GLASCO	May 1911
334	Fay HARMON	May 1911
335	Susie JOY	May 1911
336	Fern HESTER	May 1911
337	J. M. MORGAN	May 1911
338	Lucy MORGAN	May 1911
339	Maggie MORGAN	May 1911

Excepts from the Minutes of the Church

Mar 15, 1879	James LOMAN and Harvey WELLS chosen temporary elders. M. B. Maneese and J. M OARD temporary deacons, J. P. NEWEL and W. L. ROBERSON as trustees and Q. Y. Mason, Clerk
August 1879	Isaac MULKEY held a good meeting at ROBERSON Grove Church, greatly received a good number of accessions. Resolved to have regular Lord's day meetings
Sep 15, 1879	On motion of Bro. T. ? VANCE permanent officers elected. James LOMAN, C. M. FARTHING and Harvey WELLS elders. C. M. FARTHING, M. B. MANEESE and J. M. OARD deacons and Q or JY MASON Clerk
Feb 1880	Met to consider the propriety of licensing Bro. T. J. VANCE to preach the Gospel. On motion of W. L. ROBERSON license were unanimously granted to T. J. VANCE and Harvey WELLS
March 1881	Hired Bro. J. M. BROWN to preach for 5 months for $25. In July, owing to failure of crops, Bro. Brown reduced his claim to $20. Church granted him a letter of commendation.
Oct 1882	Members subscribed $120 to E. P. TRAHNE to preach one year which released Bro. PRICE. TRAHNE conducted himself in such a manner members refused to pay subscription. TRAHNE quit leaving the church deeply demoralized.
Nov 1883	Engaged Bro. E. PRICE to hold a protracted meeting which resulted in one addition and quite an awakening in the church. Bro. Harvey WELLS relicensed to preach the Gospel and celebrate the Rite of Matrimony and perform all other acts that a minister of the Gospel may by right perform. C. M. FARTHING, C. C. ROBERSON and J. N. KELLER were elected elders. C. M. FARTHING was appointed head of eldership, authorized to perform Rite of Matrimony and all the church ordinances.
Feb 1886	Harvey WELLS, C. C. ROBESON and C. M. FARTHING were presented for ordination as elders. Nathan KELLEY and R. A. ROBERSON as deacons. Met at H. L. ROBERSON's for formal ordination of the above-named officers by fasting, prayer and imposition of hands. Bros. BROWN and PRICE officiating
Aug 1886	Bros. GILBERT, WILLIAMS, PRICE and BUCK were engaged to hold a series of meetings which resulted in much good
Aug 1892	Engaged Bro. PRICE for one year. Held a series of meetings - 17 additions
Jun 1894	Employed Bro. John BOBBITT for one year. Some became dissatisfied and wanted Bro. BROWN. Bro. BOBBITT resigned. Employed Bro. PRICE for twelve months for $4 per month and travel expenses. Held series of meetings - 4 accessions
Apr 1898	Employed Bro. E. COLINS (COLLINS) to preach.
Jan 1900	Conducted a box and pie supper for benefit of the church. Received $20.54.
Mar 1901	Election of Officers: Elders: J. S. KIRK, G. G. ROBERSON and J. P. FARTHING. Deacon and Deaconess: J. M. OARD, Mary OARD, Catherine PETERSON, W. T. PETERSON, R. A. ROBERSON, Josephine DALBY, E. B. DALBY, B. H. DALBY
Oct 1901	Rev. C. C. WOOD held series of meetings. Ten convictions - two from Baptists
May 1905	Raised $80 from the proceeds of a quilt prepared by sisters of the church to be used to repair church building. Amount of church indebtedness $140. F. P. FARTHING and H. L. ROBERSON asked the church to accept as a gift any or all debt or claims they had against the church. The offering of each $140 or a total of $280. For this generous offer the church gave them a vote of thanks. Election of Officers: Clerk- Walter E. DALBY; Treasurer - L. C. LYNCH; Elders - S. J. KIRK, C. I. JOY, F. P. FARTHING; Deacons - G. L. ROBERSON, W. T. PETERSON, J. S. HESTER; Deaconess - Catherine PETERSON, Joda DALBY, Sarah BUCK; Trustees - John W. VANDERBARK, Joseph BAKER, Joseph M. Dodds
Mar 1910	James V. BEAN, Moderator. Motion by Lafayette ROBERSON to elect C. I. JOY as trustee in I. B. LOMAN's place. Motion by T. L. CATES that James V. BEAN be elected to succeed him as elder. Motion by Joseph BAKER that Clark ROBERSON be elected deacon in the place of Bro. W. T. PETERSON whose services were needed at INA. A. BAKER, Clerk
Feb 1913 Last Entry	Election of Officers: Sam KIRK- Chairman; G. L. BEAN - clerk for one year; C. C. ROBERSON - treasurer for one year; J. C. BAKER - deacon for three years. Sam KIRK - elder for three years; Secured Bro. FUGATE to preach for the year 1913. Signed G. L. BEAN, Clerk

Updated 12/31/02