Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally Published 1885, Chapman Bros., Chicago

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page 922

CHURCHES

Methodist Episcopal Church - The commencement of the organization of this society was in 1836, at James J. Thomas's cabin. There were present on this occation Mr. Thomas and wife, George O. James and wife and Rev. James McKean, who belonged to the Rock River Conference, and who organized the class. It was transferred to Unionville afterwards and became a part of the Union Grove  circuit, which was composed of Genesee Grove, Round Grove, Albany, Erie, Union Grove and Lyndon. In 1842 the society was permanently organized by Rev. B. Weed, Presiding Elder of the district,  with Rev. Chester Campbell as pastor, who remained until 1844, when he was succeeded by Rev. A. M. Early. Mr. Early remained until 1845, when Rev. Isaac Searles took charge of the Church. He was followed in 1846 by Rev. James McKean, who presided over the destinies of this society until 1848. Rev. Charles Babcock was the next to assume charge. He remained only one year, when Rev. William Haney was assigned. In 1850, Mr. Haney was relieved by Rev. Matheew Homer, who staid with this flock until 1852, and then was succeeded by Rev. B. Applebee. Mr. Applebee gave place to Rev. B. A. Falkenbury in 1853, and he to Rev. S. B. Baker in 1854.

Up to this time services had been held in school-houses and residences. During this year a building was erected. Mr. Baker remained until 1855, and then Rev. D. W. Linn took charge, remaining until 1857, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Waterbury, who had pastoral charge until 1858. During this year the Church was removed to Morrison. He was relieved by Rev. Aaron Cross, who presided until 1860, and then gave place to Rev. Y. S. Kellogg, who was followed in 1862 by Rev. Benjamin Closs.

Mr. Closs was succeeded in 1863 by Rev. J. W. Davidson, who had charge until 1866. when Rev. John Frost took charge. Mr. Frost died in 1867, and his time was sserved out by Rev. Don Kusley. In 1867, Rev. George S. Young was sent in. He remained until 1868, and was relieved by Rev. L. A. Sanford. In 1870 Rev. D. W. Linn was appointed, who had charge until 1871, and then Rev. Jacob Hartman was assigned. Rev. Isaac Limbarger served from 1872to 1874; Rev. J. Borbidge, from 1874 to 1876; Rev. G. W. Carr, from 1876 to 1879. The church edifice was completed during Mr. Carr's administration, at a cost of $5,000. It is a plain, substantial frame building, the rear portion of which was moved from Unionville. The society has a parsonage, which was built at a cost of $2,000.

In 1879, Rev. A. Needham assumed charge, serving until 1880, and was relieved by Rev. A. Campbell, who remained until 1882, Rev. W. H. Lock serving out his term. Rev. V. E. Sweet, the present pastor, was then placed in charge. Mr. Sweet is an able and popular minister. They have 131 members, and the society is in a prosperous condition, with a large and interesting Sunday-school in connection with it.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH was organized March 28, 1853, at Unionville, by Rev. W. W. Hasha and W. C. Mason, who were appointed to this work by the Rock River Presbytery. There were 22 members forming the first organization. Among these was Mrs. Phoebe Vennum, now living in her one hundred and second year. Rev. Jacob Coon was the first pastor to serve this Church. He remained over three years. This society moved, with the inhabitants and interests of Unionville, to Morrison. Rev. H. P. Lackey succeeded Mr. Coon and remained until 1860. He was followed by Rev. Daniel Kelley, who served the Church two years and six months. Rev. George Powell, the African missionary, preached for six months, and then Rev. George T. Crissman was called. He was a very popular clergyman and did much to build up the society. After ably serving the Church for 14 years, Mr. Crissman was followed by Rev. S. H. Weller, who remained until 1883. It was during his administration that the erection of the new church edifice was commenced. It was completed in 1884, and dedicated Nov. 7 of the same year, Rev. Daniel S. Gregory, of Lake Forest, preaching the dedication sermon. It is an attractive gothic edifice, the walls being constructed of brick, and is finished off on the inside in an elegant manner. Present membership is 175. The society has a flourishing Sunday-school. Rev. J. Worthington, who succeeded Mr. Weller, is the present pastor.

BAPTIST CHURCH - This society was organized Sept. 8, 1854, in a school-house about a mile east of Morrison, by Rev. E. Ingham. Mr. Ingham was chosen Moderator and E. A. Pollard, Clerk. First members were, T. Demick, S. Williams, W. H. Pollard, E. A. Pollard, N. S,. Barlow, with their wives, and Nancy J. Lewis and Clarinda Demick. E. Ingham and A. S. Maxwell officiated until Rev. L. L. Lansing was secured, in Dec., 1854. A brick church was put up in 1855. This ws the first church building erected in Morrison. After their large new church was erected it was fitted up for a parsonage. The building was sold in the spring of 1885.

Rev. J. B. Allison took charge in the year 1859, remaining until 1865, when Rev. K. W. Benton accepted a call from the Church. He remained until 1867, when Rev. A. A. Russell was called.Mr. Russell resigned in 1873, and Rev. J. A. Delano assumed the duties, remaining until 1874. Rev. A D. Keene served from 1874 to 1876, when he resigned. The Church was supplied until 1877, when Rev. N. S. Collins accepted a call, serving until Oct., 1878, being succeeded then by Rev. A. A. Russell, who remained until December, 1880. Rev. W. A. Broadhurst then accepted a call, and remained until 1884, when he was succeded by Rev. F. M. Williams, the present pastor. The new edifice was completed in 1881, and dedicated by Dr. D. H. Cooley, May 4, same year. It is a fine substantial edivice, constructed of brick, and cost about $1,200. They have at present about 135 members, with a good Sunday-school.

PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH - Was orgainized in 1839, in the cabin of W. H. Paschcal, on section 17, by Rev. Daniel Young, of the mission service. The Paschals, with their wives and a few others, composed the first organization. This society gradually increased in numbers, holding services among the cabins of the early settlers for a long time, and then in school-houses In 1860, Mr. Meril Meade, was authorized to purchase the old Congregational Church building, which he did, contributing largely himself to its purchase. This gave the society a place of worship for several years, and until their increasing numbers warranted them in the constuction of a new building. This was accomplished under the energetic administration of Rev. Jacob Fowler, and the edifice was completed in 1868. He was ably supported by Meril Mead, the Paschcals, W. P. Lewis, Thomas McClelland and the people. The erection of this building, together with the property, cost about $9,000. A large bell was afterward purchased, costing $555. In 1867, in consequence of the separation of this Church, North and South, this society adopted a new constitution and a new name, dropping the "Protestant" and taking the name "Methodist Church" only. This was done at a general conference, which was held at Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Meade, who was one of the delgates to this conference, represtnting the Northern Illinois Conference, and a leading member of the Morrison organization, opposed this action. At the Baltimore converence in 1877, the Church of both sections of the country became united again, and the old name of "Protestant Methodist" was resumed. In 1867, a difference occurred between Rev. H. A. Heath, the pastor, and the Conference, which caused a resolution to be adopted by the Church, suspending financial relations with the Annual Conference until such differences could be adjusted. This society took an independent position from this time on. In 1878, it sent a delegate to the Annual Conference for the purpose of adjusting the old difference, and harmony was again restored without prejudice either to the Conference or to this society. This Church has been served by several pasotrs since its first organization, and has had its prosperity and adversity. At one time it had 115 members. Its present condition is not a prosperous one. Rev. Isaac Wood took charge in 1882, and is the present pastor.

THE UNIVERSALISTS - From the early settlement of Morrison there were people who believed in the doctrines taught by this Church, and at different times services were held in the town presided over by ministers of this faith from abroad. Obedient to a call, the believers in this Church assembled together Dec. 18, 1866, and formed an organization, adopted a constitution, and elected their officers. J. R. Bailey, Jesse McKee, Wm. F. Twining, George S. Fullmer and William Tapping were chosen Trustees; J. M. Burtch, Secretary; and J. Mayo, Treasurer. Forty-seven members subscribed to the constitution. They held their services in Concert Hall, and until the completion of their building. It was finished and dedicated in 1870, Dr. Ryder delivering the dedication sermon. It is a handsome edifice, the walls of which are of brick, with a stone foundation, costing in all $11,000. The auditorium is large and tastefully finished.

Rev. John J. Austin was the first regular minister to assume charge, which was in March, 1870. He served three years.

In 1876 the society received the services of Rev. L. J. Dinsmore, who remained one year. Rev. C. A. Lander came in 1881, and remained with the Church until 1883. Since 1884 they have had the services of Miss Mary Garard, who preaches every other Sunday. This society was known for a long time as the Church of the Good Shepherd, but by almost unanimous consent they resumed the old name of Universalists, which they still bear.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH - Services were held in Morrison by the members of this Church several years before an organization was formed. An organization was finally completed in 1883, by the seal of a few members. By perseverance of the members, especially the ladies, a lot was purchased, at a cost of $400, and a neat little chapel was erected thereon, costing, with furniture, $1,550. It was dedicated on Thanksgiving day, 1884, the Rev. J. Joss, of Sterling, delivering the dedicatory sermon. They have at present 20 communicants, with services every three weeks, Rev. J. Joss, officiating.

ST. PATRICK'S (CATHOLIC) CHURCH - Religious services were held in Morrison by the Catholic clergymen at the residences of members for some years before a chrch edifice was erected. In 1862 their building was completed, and dedicated. It is a good, substantial brick structure. Rev. T Kennedy was the first clergyman in charge. It has been served since by Revs. Michael Ford, William Herbert, John Daly, James Govern, P. J. Gormley, John Kilkenney and Maurice Sack. Father Sack is located at Fulton, and holds services in Morrison every third Sunday. It has a membership of some 70 families. This Church belongs to the Diocese of Chicago.

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