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UNCATALOGED 
 
 HISTORICAL 
 SKETCH 
 
 --of the- 
 
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 Sparta, Illinois 
 
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 June 4, 1944 
 
 Compiled by 
 
 MRS. J. L GRIGG 
 
 Spa rta, Illinois 
 
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 FOREWORD 
 
 The purpose of compiling the history of these seventy- 
 five years is two-fold: 
 
 First: To preserve a permanent record of the fascinat- 
 ing story of the beginnings and growth of our church, the 
 Sabbath school, woman's work, young people's work and of 
 all the various organizations, which are so entwined to make 
 them separate chapters. 
 
 Second: To so acquaint this generation with the rich- 
 ness of our heritage that we may be challenged to be awake 
 and earnestly strive toward better growth and usefulness. 
 
 Without effort to give literary finish, the historian's chief 
 aim has been to be accurate, merely trusting to the facts for 
 charm to hold your attention. 
 
 Of necessity, this history must have its limitations. 
 Should there be important omissions, kindly charge them 
 to lack of space. 
 
 MRS. J. L. GRIGG 
 
 <^ 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 of the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, Illinois 
 
 In such a time as this, where there are wars and rumors of 
 wars and our hearts are anxious about the possibilities of our "World 
 of Tomorrow," it is not easy to pause for a deep, quiet look into the 
 yesteryears of our beloved church. We hesitate to take time off for 
 such contemplation unless something special arrests our attention. 
 Such a special time has come: Our Diamond Jubilee! — the 75th an- 
 niversary of the organization of our church — June 6, 1869 - June 6. 
 1944. 
 
 An anniversary is a time for memories. The gentle art of rem- 
 iniscence is not so honored in these hurrying times. But, however 
 closely the present absorbs us, it is well to keep in touch with the 
 past. Its shadows shelter many heroic figures; its chronicles tell 
 tales of unselfish toil, of lives freely spent in the pursuit of an ideal; 
 yes, of honest failures from which we can draw inspiration and cour- 
 age for our own task. We shall celebrate this anniversary, not only 
 that we may lay a wreath on the tomb of our dead yesterdays, but 
 also that the past may interpret the present for us and increase our 
 zeal to carry on. 
 
 Our church is not as old as many of the churches in this com- 
 munity but our name is the one given the church in Scotland after 
 the Reformation and before there were any divisions. 
 
 With grateful and humble pride we see our beautiful church 
 today, with all the various rooms and their equipment, but we are 
 equally proud that we can trace our history to a church of one room, 
 with a vestibule and belfry. 
 
 The Sparta community was largely settled by the Scotch and 
 Scotch-Irish. Some were native-born, but more of them had come 
 from the heather-covered hills of Scotland or from Ulster in the Em- 
 erald Isle when their forebears had taken refuge from the persecu- 
 tions in Scotland under Mary Queen of Scots and later during the 
 "Killing Times." Only Presbyterianism could represent truly the re- 
 ligious opinions of a large majority of such a people. 
 
 In 1815, Samuel Giddings was sent out by the Presbyterian Mis- 
 sionary Society of Connecticut. Affectionately called "Father Gid- 
 ding," he was the father of Presbyterianism in Missouri and Illinois. 
 He lived only twelve years, but during the course of his ministry he 
 established 12 churches, six in Missouri and six in Illinois. One in 
 Kaskaskia was later moved to Chester. 
 
 In 1817, Rev. Samuel Wylie was sent as a missionary to the Kas- 
 kaskia area by the Reformed Presbyterian Church. He traveled all 
 through this district until he came to the little settlement east of 
 us, where he thought the location of the village so beautiful that 
 he named it Eden. And Eden it must have been for it was laid out 
 by a young surveyor from Philadelphia named "Adam" — Adam Wylie. 
 Here was established the Bethel congregation of the Reformed Pres- 
 byterian church and many Christians in this community became 
 members. 
 
 All went well for a time. Then a group began to long for a 
 Presbyterian church of the kind in which they had been trained. 
 After much discussion and in accordance with a previous notice, 
 those who had signed a paper for the purpose of forming such a 
 church, held a meeting at the Baptist church in Sparta in March, 
 1869. The meeting was organized by making Mr. John Stevenson of 
 Eden, chairman, and Mr. John Watson to be secretary. To test the 
 
opinion of the meeting in regard to whether they would organize 
 under the old or new schools (not to be confused with the "Old 
 Light" and new reformed divisions made in Scotland a number of 
 years previously), a vote by ballot was taken. 
 
 The first vote was a tie. On the second vote, 14 were for the 
 new school, nine for the old. Later it was voted to make it unan- 
 imous, but before the close of the meeting, a motion was made and 
 carried to reconsider and to lay the matter on the table for further 
 consideration at a meeting the first Wednesday in May. At that 
 date the action for a new school church was reversed and it was 
 decided unanimously that the new church would be organized under 
 the old school. Making a decision and later reversing it seemed to 
 be a favorite pastime of this group for many years over all kinds of 
 questions. Such changeability may cause a smile as you read of 
 it now. However, it did show a splendid spirit of tolerance and co- 
 operation among the members and a willingness to do what was 
 considered right and best for all concerned — a spirit not always found 
 among Scotchmen, who are reputed to hold such strong convictions. 
 
 Had communications in the country been better at this time, so 
 that the news came through on time, this new church at Sparta 
 would not have met the problem of whether it would organize under 
 the new or old school, for it was in this year of 1869 that the reunion 
 was accomplished, amid great rejoicing, at special meetings of the 
 two General Assemblies at Pittsburgh. The records of both churches 
 were made a part of the official history of the reunited church. This 
 amounted to a declaration that the church had always been one, 
 even in its time of divided life. A splendid thanksgiving fund for 
 its work, amounting to over seven millions of dollars, was raised to 
 celebrate the reunion. 
 
 A committee of Presbytery, consisting of Rev. A. J. Clark, Rev. 
 Waggoman, Rev. Templeton and Elder Mann came to Sparta and 
 organized the new church June 6, 1869. Thirty-eight members were 
 received on letter from the Reformed Presbyterian, Bethel Congre- 
 gation, Eden, Illinois; eleven from the United Presbyterian church, 
 ten from various Presbyterian churches, one from the Methodist Epis- 
 copal church, Sparta, and three by profession and examination, mak- 
 ing in all 63 communicants. James Crawford, James Craig and S. B. 
 Hood were elected elders. Mr. Hood was ordained and installed but 
 the other two, having been ordained in the Reformed Church, were 
 only installed. Four days later the Session held its first meeting to 
 receive into the church several who asked for admission. 
 
 The first to join were Dr. Thomas Neilson and Mrs. Mary A. 
 Wilson on profession; Mrs. Mary Neilson, Mr. James Sproul and 
 Rachel, his wife, by letter from the Reformed Church, Bethel Congre- 
 gation, Eden, Illinois, and Mrs. Sarah Burgess by letter from the 
 United Presbyterian Church, Sparta, Illinois. 
 
 On June 12, 1869, the first congregational meeting was held, at 
 which five trustees were chosen, Mr. Bryce Crawford, John Stevenson, 
 R. H. Rosborough, Dr. H. R. Guthrie and John Watson. These men 
 were instructed to present a set of by-laws to govern the congrega- 
 tion. For many years, they brought in the order of business for each 
 congregational meeting. A committee was appointed at this first 
 meeting to find a suitable place to hold public worship. The Odd 
 Fellows Hall was available. The Baptists and Methodists offered 
 their churches when not in use, and it is recorded a communion was 
 held in the United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 But no time was lost. On July 30, 1869, at a congregational 
 meeting a committee was appointed to look for a suitable site and 
 procure plans for a church building. At least a half of the members 
 lived in Eden and asked that the church be built at the east end of 
 
Sparta. After considering several locations, the present site was 
 chosen. The land belonged to Mr. Wm. Rosborough, who, with his 
 wife and daughter, Elizabeth, had transferred their letters from the 
 United Presbyterian Church. The Session was instructed to contact 
 the Board of Church Extension (now included in the Board of Na- 
 tional Missions) for aid in building the new church. The church 
 building decided upon was 45 by 110 feet, with vestibule all across 
 the front, and a belfry, costing $9000. 
 
 All questions of conducting the church were decided in the con- 
 gregational meetings. In those days, such meetings were to be 
 reckoned with. When the call was made, all members, with their 
 families, laid aside everything else and went to the meeting. Full 
 discussion of all matters of interest to the church, interspersed with 
 good old Scotch and Irish wit and good humor, made the meetings 
 most enjoyable. The dinner together was a highlight of the year. 
 The table holding the food did the proverbial groaning, for there 
 was turkey and chicken and goose, far-famed jellies and jams, Scotch 
 shortbread and cakes, pies, home-made bread and rolls. From the 
 expressed thanks in the minutes, everything was highly appreciated, 
 even if it did have to be eaten in the pews. It is quite noticeable 
 that whenever a controversial question was brought into the meet- 
 ing, it was moved to postpone its consideration until after dinner. 
 The milk of human kindness seemed to flow more freely then. 
 
 At the end of the first year, it was decided to call a settled min- 
 ister. A young man, Mr. John Hood of the Reformed Church O. S. at 
 Eden, was chosen unanimously. An adjourned meeting of Kaskaskia 
 Presbytery was held June 15, 1870 in Sparta to receive Mr. Hood on 
 examination into the Presbytery and to install him the same day as 
 the minister of this church. The advent of the minister gave a great 
 impetus to the work of the church. Many asked to be admitted to 
 membership. Among them was his sister, Miss Belle Hood from Nor- 
 mal, Illinois, and James Hood and his wife from the United Presby- 
 terian church, Sparta. Miss Mary A. E. Gault also joined. She 
 afterwards became the minister's charming bride, whom everyone 
 loved. 
 
 If space and better records permitted, it would be interesting to 
 note the personalities of those families that became the pillars of the 
 early church. They were plain people — took life seriously and were 
 stern and uncompromising with what they considered evil, but they 
 were very human too. 
 
 They loved the good and beautiful wherever found and were 
 able to recognize and appreciate it. It is tradition how the imported 
 paisley shawls worn by the wife of Mr. John Watson, the scotch mer- 
 chant from Glasgow, and the real Brussell's laces worn on the Sab- 
 bath dresses of Elder James Crawford's wife, were the envy of all the 
 women of the congregation. Many were great readers, not of fiction 
 but of weightier subjects, and then discussed them in debating so- 
 cieties which headed the list of amusements of that day. 
 
 Mr. Hood, through his enthusiasm and fine leadership, soon had 
 all departments of the church going well. The Sabbath School was 
 a success from the first, with Mr. James Hood its first superintendent. 
 Each year it was reported how many Bible verses were recited in the 
 classes; also how many questions in the shorter catachism had been 
 learned, as well as what funds were contributed. He taught the 
 scholars to obey Christ's last command to spread the gospel by sup- 
 porting a child in India in one of our mission schools and the letters 
 that came from this school were listened to with great interest. In 
 1907, when Mr. A. L. Wilson was superintendent, he reported he had 
 more teachers than classes with an enrollment of 298. The mem- 
 bership of the church was 398 at that time. 
 
Mr. S. B. Hood was appointed the first delegate to Presbytery 
 from this church, to be held at Pinckneyville, April 7, 1870. At the first 
 congregational meeting with the new minister, Mr. Wm. Addison was 
 made chairman. This meeting decided to adopt the rotary system 
 of electing elders and each would hold office for three years. Four 
 more members were added to the session. Those elected were Wm. 
 Addison, R. F. Beattie, James Hood and John Stevenson. It was de- 
 cided to rent the pews to meet the contingent expenses, along with 
 voluntary contributions. But by 1875 this was discontinued and the 
 budget was cared for by voluntary subscriptions. By 1910, duplex 
 envelopes and the every-member canvass were in vogue. A trustee 
 for years, Mr. Joseph Steele was said to get two-thirds of the sub- 
 scriptions each year and more than that, he made you like it and 
 believe that was just what you wanted to do. It was also decided 
 that during December, January, February and March they would hold 
 but one service; the rest of the year both a morning and evening 
 service. 
 
 The early session of ruling elders really ruled. They kept careful 
 watch over the membership. If anyone absented himself from divine 
 worship or was guilty of injustice or wrong doing to his fellowman, or 
 guilty of laxness in his morals, he was visited by a committee from 
 the session and if he did not show repentance and sorrow for his sin 
 he was called to appear before the session. In case he did not appear, 
 his name was put on the separate list or stricken from the roll, if 
 need be. There was a long list of "don'ts" in which it was considered 
 unbecoming for christians to indulge. On this list, horse racing did 
 not appear. Rumor had it that Elder James Crawford's brother Bryce 
 had a weakness for fast horses. The ones he drove were known for 
 their beauty and speed and this was the reason for the omission. The 
 following are excerpts from the sessional records: 
 
 September 3, 1882 — Brothers Sproul and Gordon were ap- 
 pointed to prepare a paper giving views of the session in re- 
 gard to dancing and Sabbath desecration. 
 
 Echoes of July 1, 1884 — After quite a lengthly discussion 
 on the subject of dancing, the session closed with prayer by 
 the moderator. 
 
 January, 1884 — Brother S. B. Hood was appointed a com- 
 mittee of one to visit one of the members in reference to 
 keeping his livery stable open on the Sabbath day. 
 
 August, 1885 — Elders James Hood and Gordon were ap- 
 pointed a committee to visit another member and confer 
 with him in regard to the rumor of his intemperance. 
 
 January, 1887 — S. B. Hood was appointed a committee of 
 one to confer with others in regard to profanity. 
 
 April 4, 1890 — Word has come to the ears of the session 
 that one of the members has been guilty of unchristian con- 
 duct. It was moved she be suspended from her church privi- 
 leges until she shall appear before session and give satisfac- 
 tion. 
 
 Thus the Christian way of life, as they saw it, was safeguarded 
 in the early day. 
 
 As a church we have not at any time had a spectacular growth, 
 but rather a slow, steady climb which is probably better. We have 
 had our ups and downs, our highlights and shadows but as a whole 
 we have prospered and feel that the hand of the Lord is with us in 
 our efforts. 
 
 The ministry of music was given much attention from the first. 
 A committee of Dr. H. R. Guthrie and Mr. John Watson had charge of 
 
 UtiM&RSITY OF ILUNOI* 
 JJBRARY 
 
the choir for two years. The singers were appointed at the con- 
 gregational meeting each year. In 1873, Mr. Watson wished to be re- 
 lieved and W. J. Brown was appointed to work with Mr. Guthrie. 
 The next year Dr. Guthrie asked to be relieved and moved that Mr. 
 Brown be given full charge of the choir. This was the beginning of 
 Mr. Browns' long and faithful service as leader of the choir for which 
 he had a natural gift. After twenty-five years, he took a vacation 
 when Mr. John Rosborough, Mr. Alonzo Stephenson, Prof. Sexton, Prof. 
 DeLong and Mrs. Gordon each took charge, but for a short time. Mr. 
 Brown came back and he was followed by Mrs. Gordon, Prof Garrit- 
 son, and now our own Mrs. Moffat. There has been a long list of sing- 
 ers and organists in this church, who have given unstintedly of their 
 talent and time to this service. The list is too long to have personal 
 attention in a short sketch such as this, but they are remembered 
 with loving pride and determination. 
 
 The early church discussed what they should sing for quite a 
 while. The Hymns and Psalms of the Church of 1843 were finally 
 adopted, to be used with Ponce's version of the Psalms, which were 
 used in all the other kinds of Presbyterian churches in the commun- 
 ity. It is hard for us today to realize what a vital question psalm 
 singing was at that time. Mrs. Klene, daughter of S. B. Hood, writes 
 that when her mother and father were married, her father took his 
 letter to her mother's church, the United Presbyterian. When they ap- 
 peared before the session, Mr. Hood told them he wanted to ask the 
 privilege of singing hymns when he went back to visit his own Pres- 
 byterian church. (The United Presbyterian at that time sang the 
 Psalms to the old Psalm tunes). But they refused the privilege, so 
 her mother said, "Well, then I want my letter to his church." And 
 so from then on they were devoted members of this church. Thus 
 we narrowly missed losing these consecrated people. 
 
 There was an organ in the church from the first. It was later 
 replaced by a larger cabinet organ. The record shows a committee 
 of women were given the task of selling the old organ and applying 
 the receipts on the new one. 
 
 During Mr. Cate's charge, a pipe organ was installed in 1894. It 
 was the first pipe organ in town and, equally interesting, is the fact 
 it was delivered to the church free of debt. This was made possible 
 by contributions, the receipts from the sale of the old organ, by the 
 Pastor's Aid, and a recital given by Prof. Darby, organist of Christ's 
 Church Cathedral. Many came to hear this new organ and the treas- 
 ury was filled. 
 
 In the 75 years of our church life, we have been served by 
 fourteen ministers, which is a large number compared to the records 
 of other churches who have held 75th celebrations in recent years. 
 Most of these churches were served by not more than five to seven 
 ministers. This is food for thought. Could the trouble possibly lie 
 with us? We have always been able to get ministers, even in the 
 early day when they were scarce in this newly-opened territory, but 
 we seem to have difficulty to get them to stay. Before long some 
 other church, thought to be a larger, more fruitful field, would woo 
 him from us. A church officer was heard to say long ago, he thought 
 we should include in our call, a guarantee of a promotion soon. 
 
 We have been singularly blest in the ministers sent to lead us. 
 They have, for the most part, been men of ability, with a good educa- 
 tion — a Presbyterian tradition — kind and sympathetic, zealous in their 
 preaching, interpreting the word of God fearlessly; their one ambition, 
 to advance the Kingdom of God on earth. If it were possible, it 
 would be a delight to have many in the congregation recall the 
 highlights of these pastorates as them remember them. 
 
Dr. Bailey, an ex-college president, was a physical and mental 
 giant. His sermons attracted large crowds and the reverent way he 
 conducted the services made a profound impression. The church 
 school and church service had to occupy the same room, but he insist- 
 ed the school be dismissed in silence and the organ prelude begun at 
 once. As you entered the church the prelude seemed a veil dropped 
 between the outside world and the sanctuary. We were asked to be 
 reverent, thoughtful and quiet. A splendid preparation for a mess- 
 age from a servant of the Most High. His series of lectures on pro- 
 phesy in the evening services are still remembered. Each brought 
 pencil and paper and there was much searching of the scriptures. 
 
 Our other D. D. was the "Beau Brummel" among our ministers. 
 He was young and very energetic. A most loveable character and a 
 true child of God. His sister said Dr. Green could not decide at first 
 whether to be a preacher, like his father, or an actor. He was so 
 fond of the highest and best in literature, had the classics at his 
 tongue's end and liked to interpert choice bits not only by voice but 
 by dramatic art. From the first he won the hearts of all the youth 
 of the church, who watched every opportunity to do something to 
 please him. He mentioned he thought the reading stand on the pulpit 
 a disgrace. A class of 'teen-age Sunday School girls took the matter 
 up and bought one that he selected. The black pedestal, with the 
 forlorn red velvet band, used sometimes for flowers, is all that re- 
 mains of it, the top having disappeared, and the donors are some of 
 the grandmothers now sitting in the pews. 
 
 Ever since the church was built, the need of a manse was felt. 
 It was given to Dr. Green to make it a reality. He went after it with 
 vigor. It was of his planning and he took great pleasure in its con- 
 struction. The lot east of the church could not be bought at that 
 time, so it was placed on the lot back of the church. Dr. Green, his 
 wife and baby lived in the new home but a few months when he 
 accepted a call to Eighth Church, Chicago. He visited our church a 
 few years later and preached for us. It was a very welcome visit. 
 
 Mr. Allison and his wife were both scotch and spoke with quite 
 a brogue. In preaching, when Mr. Allison became very earnest and 
 talked fast, it was hard for the people to follow him. But he was 
 well received and did much to stabilize the church and it grew. 
 
 Mr. Fleming worked hard to build up the church in all depart- 
 ments. From the early days, the church went on record as not for 
 themselves but for others, and were careful to do their part in sup- 
 porting what was called the schemes of the church that came down 
 from the general body of the church. These schemes later we:e 
 called boards of the church and became twelve in number. It was 
 found that the work of these boards overlapped in so many cases 
 that many were combined. Now we have but the four boards — the 
 Foreign Mission Board, the National Missions Board, the Board of 
 Christian Education and the Board of Pensions. 
 
 Mr. Fleming had his church "board conscious" before he was here 
 very long. During his pastorate the session highly commended Mrs. 
 R. H. Rosborough for the Mission Band she organized for young boys 
 and girls. She taught them the Bible and how to pray. She gave 
 them a study course on the church and its work for Christ. When 
 they were able to master this book, she graduated them into the 
 Christian Endeavor Society, which was a new thing in our church. 
 Near the close of this pastorate, Miss Florence Craig, daughter of Elder 
 James Craig, joined the church. She was the first child baptized in 
 this congregation. 
 
 Mr. Cate will always be remembered for his prayers. Every meet- 
 ing he attended he was asked to pray. You would have to have heard 
 
him in a sick room to understand what comfort and strength came 
 to the sorrowing through his prayers, or what an inspiration they 
 were on joyous occasions, especially when he made his first visit on 
 a new-born babe. 
 
 We have not at any time had a spectacular growth, but rather 
 a slow, steady climb. We have had our high and low tides, our ebb 
 and flow. 
 
 Near the close of the century there was a marked increase in 
 membership. Mr. Parsons became the minister and it was soon ap- 
 parent we must have more room, either a new church or remodel the 
 old one. Since each side of the question had many sponsors it took 
 much discussion to arrive at a conclusion. Those wanting the new 
 church did not get it. Neither did those who wanted to remodel at a 
 cost of not more than $5000 have their way. 
 
 It was while Mr. Scott was with us June 14, 1908 that it was fin- 
 ally decided to enlarge, remodel and decorate the church. It is this 
 building with its beautiful auditorium, its memorial windows, con- 
 venient lecture room, organ loft and choir rooms, that we occupy to- 
 day. The memorial windows were donated by the families of those 
 in whose memory they were given and bear the names of Dr. Solon R. 
 Boynton, Wm. and Mary Elizabeth Rosborough, David and Tabitha 
 Boyd, John and Jane Stevenson, James and Agnes Brown, Rev. John 
 Hood and wife, John and Martha Watson, Annie and Florence Holdo- 
 way, the Burr Family and H. L. Armstrong. The other windows were 
 given by Sunday school classes and other groups. In this way, many 
 had a definite interest in the building. This work was accomplished 
 at a cost of about $17,000. Mr. A. A. Brown was chairman of the 
 finance committee. 
 
 Mr. Scott invited Dr. George Robinson, one of his teachers at 
 the Presbyterian Seminary, Chicago, to preach both morning and 
 evening at the dedication. 
 
 There was an informal meeting in the afternoon, when the other 
 ministers in town took part and the boy choir sang. It was Mrs. 
 Charles Gordon who conducted this choir. For this work, she is com- 
 mended in the minutes of the session. The boys were given a camp- 
 ing trip for a number of years, over in the Missouri Ozarks, where the 
 government now has a large camp for Italian prisoners. Girls with 
 their chaperons were allowed to go, too, and it was a merry time. 
 Mr. Scott took time to go on these trips and felt well repaid. He took 
 an active part in the camp activities and camp life. Through this 
 close contact, he gained an influence which was clearly apparent in 
 the christian attitude of the young people. 
 
 Rev. Flannigan was with us but three months and very few got 
 to know him. 
 
 The kindly spirit of Dr. Von der Lippe and his Scotch wife won 
 them friends from the first. He had the philosophical mind of the 
 German people and it is doubtful if this Scotch people ever did under- 
 stand him. His power of sacrifice put us to shame. "Christ did so 
 much for us, we do so little for him," was taught so often by him. 
 One summer he, accompanied by Mr. T. B. Stephenson and Prof. Scott, 
 attended a Sunday school convention in Zurich, Switzerland. He was 
 able to spend a short time in the Fatherland still dear to him. He is 
 believed to be preaching in California. 
 
 Mr. Nagel was with us but a year and was never installed. 
 
 It was during Mr. Conn's pastorate we held the celebration of 
 our fiftieth anniversary, at which time Rev. Fleming came back to 
 preach the sermon. This celebration drew large crowds and was a 
 joyful occasion. Besides the regular services, there was an afternoon 
 
meeting including the following on its program: Reminiscences by Dr. 
 W. J. Smiley; Letters from former ministers; Testimonies by former 
 and present members; Patriotic History of the Church, Mrs. S. A. Mc- 
 Kelvey. 
 
 In November 14, 1926, 7:00 p. m., Mr. Conn conducted the dedica- 
 tion of our present organ in a beautiful ceremony of song, responsive 
 reading from the Bible, and an official service. Dr. E. B. Probasco 
 was at the organ. 
 
 The pastorates of the remaining ministers, Mr. Conn, Mr. Murdock 
 and Mr. Krebs, are still known to the church and need no record. 
 We want Mr. Conn to know we are happy that he has come back to 
 live among us and has consented to be our Pastor Emeritus. To Mr. 
 Krebs, we express our appreciation of his work among us. His teach- 
 ings have helped and revived us more than he knows. His name 
 will always be linked with Calvin Hall and what it has meant to the 
 organizations of this church. This hall includes a large room, which 
 can be used for all kinds of meetings, a well-equipped kitchen, rest 
 rooms and new heating plant. It was dedicated at a dinner of the 
 congregation by Dr. Roberts of the Chester Church, in 1941. It cost 
 about $13,000. Mr. Secor was chairman of the building committee. 
 A sum of $3740 remains unpaid, $3400 of which is pledged. 
 
 In the early years, Presbytery put Blair and Steeleville churches 
 under the care of our session. They were afterwards relieved. Now, 
 since the Blair church has closed, we have had the pleasure of wel- 
 coming many of them into our church. 
 
 I would like to mention the Daily Vacation Bible Schools and the 
 Young People's conferences in our church. Now our young people go 
 to Lindenwood for their training and all who go come back enthus- 
 iastic. The schools of missions and mission study classes were found 
 of value in christian education. The Scout work holds a high place 
 in our activities. 
 
 We cannot close without mentioning the thing nearest our hearts 
 today — the War. We were torn by the ravages of the first world war 
 and so soon we are in World War II. The list of those called out 
 grows longer and longer and we hold these dear ones on our minds 
 continually. We are confronted with the thought of how helpless we 
 are to protect them and thank God for the privilege of prayer. 
 
 WHAT THE WOMEN HAVE MEANT TO THE CHURCH 
 The women have always considered their work as auxiliary to tne 
 church and an integral part of it. The Woman's Missionary Socieiy 
 was organized by Mr. John Hood in 1876 and became a member or 
 the Presbyterial when Dr. Brooks of St. Louis, organized that society, 
 in Alton, in 1877. This work of sharing Christ with others includes 
 study, prayer and giving, believing: 
 
 If we know, we care, 
 If we care, we pray, 
 If we pray, we give. 
 
 The women of this society are banded together to pray daily for 
 the workers in our prayer calendar for that day and for those with 
 whom they work. We have a part in supporting a missionary in Persia, 
 Africa, Philippines, Syria and Mexico and among eight underpriv- 
 ileged groups in this country and Porto Rica. Our work is principally 
 in schools and hospitals. Mrs. E, C. Secor is president. In June, 1937, 
 a missionary organization was effected, known now as the Evening 
 Missionary Society. It is related to the older group and they share 
 in the same responsibilities. Mrs. Shaffner is president. 
 
PASTOR'S AID 
 
 Since the early records are not available, the date of organization 
 cannot be given but the minutes show a report from this body in the 
 late seventies. 
 
 Mrs. H. R. Guthrie was its first president. Its work was social 
 service. It was to help the session to care for the sick and needy. 
 It was the day before nurses and convenient hospitals and many 
 women sat up at night with those ill or took care of their families. 
 They met monthly and paid dues and did hand work to meet their 
 contingent expenses. Later there was a benevolent society that 
 looked after charity cases. It was in charge of Mrs. Simpson, Mrs. C. 
 W. Miller and Mrs. S. S. Taylor. The Aid absorbed this work and now 
 names the committee that administers the Flower Fund, which is col- 
 lected mostly in the church. The work of the Pastor's Aid has been 
 concentrated lately on the physical needs of the church. It stands 
 ever ready to take its share in all work undertaken by the church. 
 We are indebted to them for many of the comforts we enjoy in 
 this place of worship. It supplied the collection plates, choir robes, 
 services flags, shrubs on lawn, carpets, binding of the Bible, gave to- 
 wards repairs on manse, equipment for Calvin Hall, almost half of 
 present organ, Honor Roll Board and a liberal donation to the build- 
 ing fund. These are a few of the items that came from them. Mrs. 
 Chas. Gordon is president. The earliest record of woman's work was 
 to sell the first organ and apply the receipts on a new one. 
 
 In 1907, at a congregational meeting, when voluntary gifts were 
 coming in to wipe out a debt of $900 in a whirlwind campaign, Mrs. 
 S. B. Hood said she was authorized by the Aid to give 550.00. This 
 the trustees, in a spirit of chivalry, declined with thanks, saying it 
 would be unnecessary to take the women's money. HOW TIMES 
 HAVE CHANGED! 
 
 At the annual meeting in 1895, it was decided three ladies be 
 elected by the women of the church, as auxiliary members of the 
 trustees. Mrs. James Hood, Mrs. R.| H. Rosborough and Mrs. J. A. 
 Holdoway were duly elected. No further record of this work. 
 
 When Mr. Cate was here he organized the "Helping Hand." It 
 was divided into six divisions, each division a different aged group. 
 The sixth division was the Pastor's Aid. This is very similar in prin- 
 ciple to the new association plan now developing for the women of 
 our church. About three-fourths of the organizations have adopted 
 this plan but it is left to the local church to do what seems best with 
 them. 
 
 Among those who have gone from this church into christian work 
 we find the following: Mr. Magee, a candidate for the ministry, was 
 under the care of Presbytery — later moved from this community. 
 
 Mr. James Sproul was licensed to preach. In all kinds of weather 
 he drove to some of the smaller adjacent churches on Sabbath to 
 break the bread of life, after being a merchant all week. 
 
 Mr. John Willie Hood taught in mission schools in North and 
 South Dakota, later did missionary work in the Oregon country. 
 
 Mr. Alexander Hood, his son, is now a missionary to the Mona 
 Indians in North Fork, California. 
 
 Miss Mary McClurkin, after attending Dr. White's Bible School in 
 New York, did missionary work in the slums of that city. 
 
 Mr. J. Luther Beattie became a minister, was ordained in this 
 church, now retired and living in Virginia. 
 
 Mr. Marshall Pinkerton, a graduate of Princeton Seminary, a for- 
 mer missionary in India, now preaching in Houston, Texas. 
 
Miss Lois Boyd was baptized in this church. Although she left 
 it, there is nothing like getting a good start. We are interested in 
 her work in India. 
 
 The adult Bible classes have stood solidly behind the church. 
 We hold in remembrance, Class 17 taught by Mr. H. J. Holdoway; 
 also classes 13 and 18, taught by Mrs. Conn and Mrs. Palmer. It is 
 over forty years since a class of girls of high school age gave the 
 church a gift of exquisite Austrian linen for use in the communion. 
 Mrs. Charles A. Steele has replaced it recently. 
 
 The records show that from 1869 to 1919, there were 1162 mem- 
 bers received into the church; From 1919 to 1940, 786, and from 1940 
 to March 1, 1944, an increase of 140, making a total of 2088 souls re- 
 ceived into our communion. Our present membership is 514. Our 
 oldest member is Mrs. A. C. Culp. She is almost 94. 
 
 In 1911, there was a motion in the session to concur with the 
 trustees to ask the congregation to sell the manse for $1500. This 
 carried. The old home of Robert Rosborough was rented for Dr. Von 
 der Lippe. Later the Charles Mann property on South Market Street 
 was purchased and used since for the manse. 
 
 Our consecrated session has always seen to it that our church has 
 been able to function between pastorates. We are deeply indebted 
 to the trustees who keep watch over the church property. 
 
 The newest branch of service is that of deacon. Year by year, 
 their work is better understood and more effective. 
 
 In every church there must be leaders but there are also men 
 and women, with skill and devotion, who are good followers, yet their 
 names may never appear in print. It is these silent partners we wish 
 to commend for all leaders know it requires this solid following of 
 the church to accomplish what has been done here in 75 years. 
 
 Let us pledge ourselves to carry on. This church should be 
 thought of as in its youth, looking forward to greater tasks it may 
 accomplish, and still greater victories which it may win for Christ 
 and humanity. 
 
List of Former Pastors 
 
 Rev. John Hood, June 1870— April 1878. 
 
 Dr. J. W. Bailey, July 1878— December 1880. 
 
 Dr. Thos. W. Green, May 1881— December 1882. 
 
 Rev. Allison, August 1883— February 1885. 
 
 Rev. J. Budman Fleming, March 1886— February 1890. 
 
 Rev. C. N. Cate, April 1891— September 1900. 
 
 Rev. Wm. Parsons, March 1901 — October 1904. 
 
 Rev. V. B. Scott, April 1905— November 1909. 
 
 Rev. Flannigan, 1909—1910. 
 
 Rev. A. B. von der Lippe, September 1911 — April 1917. 
 
 Rev. E. W. Nagel, July 1917— August 1918. 
 
 Rev. D. M. Conn, November 1918 — June 1928. 
 
 Rev. J. C. Murdock, October 1928— July 1940. 
 
 Rev. L. T. Krebs, January 1941— 
 
 Members of Present Session 
 L. T. Krebs, moderator; D. Rilen McConachie, clerk; H. J. Holdo- 
 way, A. M. Barker, Arthur E. Weber, J. L. Grigg, E. H. Pressley, Otto 
 Jaronitsky, Howe V. Morgan, W. W. Lynn, E. C. Secor and H. X. Huss. 
 
 The Board of Deacons 
 
 Miller Stephenson, Klondis Pirtle (U. S. Army), George Palmer 
 
 U. S. Navy), Harry Kelley, Lyle McBee, Frank Palmer, Louis Uchtman, 
 
 Wm. J. Robertson, Dr. T. A. DeRousse, Russell McConachie, David N. 
 
 Conn, Austin R. Cairns (U. S. Navy), Ralph Bannister and Michael 
 
 Bernasek (U. S. Army). 
 
 The Board of Trustees 
 W. H. LePla, president; S. J. Dunhouse, vice president; James H. 
 Mann, secretary; F. Howard Jones, Lee Gerlach, E. B. Campbell, Don- 
 ald McConachie, Gordon Lucy and W. W. Hawthorne. 
 
The present house of worship once looked like this. The above pic- 
 ture was taken soon after the church was built and before it was 
 remodeled to look like the building in which the congregation now 
 worships. Set well back from the street, with a large lawn in front, 
 today's First Presbyterian Church of Sparta is one of the most beauti- 
 ful church edifices in Southern Illinois. 
 

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 
 
 285G87H C001 
 
 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE FIRST PRESBYERI 
 
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