An old trustees book gives a detailed record of the first
A lot 5 rods by 8 rods was purchased from John Hill by the trustees for $25 according to the deed. Another rod was bought in 1845 for $4.58, and in 1850, another 20 feet from Nelson Hill for $10. The cost was met by subscription, much of it paid in grain or work on the building, which was described in a letter written to the Rev. C. A. Lawrence by G. Everill McLaurey in 1908. He was born in 1838.
"It was entered by means of three block steps hewn from logs, and extending entirely across the front of the building. The doors gave access to the audience room and between these doors was the pulpit, a small box-like structure with three step's.
"Benches were used for revival or sacramental purposes. Three rows of movable seats, destitute of either paint or varnish, served the congregation. As these seats faced the pulpit, they also faced the doors, making it very convenient in that late comers could be seen and recognized without twisting one’s neck.
"Men and women sat apart, the children going with either father or mother as they chose. Heat was obtained by burning two-foot wood in a rude box stove set in the middle of the audience room, and light for the evening services from tallow candles set in a candle stick and reflector combined.
"There was a narrow gallery for the singers across the north end of the church, above the heads of the congregation, and an iron rod just above the singers heads to keep the building from spreading. . .
"There was no belfry, none being needed as there was no bell. . .
In 1855 the trustees met for the purpose of making arrangements to build a new church. It was voted that Russell Hill, David McLaurey, and John Hill be the committee to make brick for the building. Russell Hill was to furnish 25 cords of wood and Mr. McLaurey 20 cords for the brick kiln. The church was to be 36 feet wide and 46 feet long. It was not completed until 1858.
In 1908 a five-day celebration was held commemorating the 95th anniversary of the church, then called "Hunt Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church," in honor of Sanford Hunt D. D., who, with his family is described in Volume 1.
The anniversary program began with a reception and banquet which was given under the auspices of the Ward Platt chapter of the Epworth League. The menu "contained many dainty and appetizing dishes and was served in a superb manner by the young ladies of the League," explained the anniversary booklet. Memorial services were held on Sunday with special speakers.
We are told that the church and parsonage have been newly painted and a natural gas lighting arrangement has been placed in the church: The windows in the tower and basement have been made to appear like new by the use of "windowphaine." Memorial windows were added, including a Hunt memorial and a Hill memorial" placed by relatives and friends.
The present porch on the church was added in 1918.
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Chimes were installed in memory of L. Eugene Baldauf, and amplification in memory of Mrs. L.D.
An extensive building program was begun in 1958, to add facilities to the church. Fellowship Hall was dedicated in November 1958. The addition on the church included a new kitchen, auditorium, offices, and Sunday School rooms. The Rev. Lynn S. Bugbee was pastor during the project. In 1960-1961 the church Sanctuary was redecorated. A sesquicentennial celebration was held in 1963, and a comprehensive booklet containing a detailed history of the church was published.
(The History of the
Adapted from: “History of
