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Church History
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Church History
Presbyterian
Church History (from www.pcusa.org)
Foundations
of Protestant Faith (from www.history.pcusa.org)
The spiritual and mission life of First Presbyterian Church
in Carbondale has been inadequately documented.
The following information emphasizes conventional history of people, places
and things.
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Building Our New Building 1902-1906
At a Congregational meeting held in December 1902, it was reported that
the Congregation had selected as a site for a new Church building lots numbered
185 and 186 at the N.E. Corner of Elm Street and Normal Avenue and the Congregation
had secured subscriptions toward paying for the lots. The purchase
price being $1,800.00 in cash. The Trustees were requested to take
title for the lots in such manner as to secure the same to the Church.
Upon investigation, it was found that the amount paid in cash and available
for purchase was only $847.15. This amount was delivered to the Trustees
and to secure the balance required to pay for the lots -- (viz) $952.85
-- Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Johnson, Hugh Lauder and Sam T. Brush gave their individual
note to Carbondale Trust & Savings Bank dated December 31, 1902, at four
months with the understanding that the deed for the lots would be made to
them and held by them until the money was collected to pay said note.
Mrs. Nannie J. Davis, then conveyed lots 185 and 186 to Hugh Lauder, J.
M. Johnson and Sam T. Brush, who paid her in full after having forfeited
her title to the property.
It appears that on June 12, 1903, the note was paid in full, wherefore,
Hugh Lauder and wife, Sam T. Brush and wife, and James M. Johnson and wife
conveyed said lots 185 and 186 to the Trustees of the First Presbyterian
Church of Carbondale, free of encumbrance.
After having arranged for the purchase of the lots, the Congregation decided
to build a new Church thereon and started a subscription paper to raise
funds.
During the year 1903, several congregational meetings were held to discuss
the plans for a new church building and methods for raising money, but nothing
definite was accomplished. At a congregational meeting held in March
1904, E. E. Scott was elected a Trustee to succeed himself -- at the same
time Harry (Bellons) was elected to fill the unexpired term of (G. W. Grater))
whose continual absence made it inconvenient for him to act.
At the congregational meeting held in April 1904, plans for a new church
building -- walls to be of stone -- were examined and approved and it was
decided to build according to the plans submitted provided funds enough
could be raised. At this meeting, it was found that the subscriptions,
including the value of old Church property, would not amount to $7,500.00,
which was then considered as one half enough to build the Church according
to plans submitted. The Committee for raising funds was given another
week in which to work and report (result).
At the second congregational meeting held in April 1904, the Subscription
Committee reported subscriptions given for $7,500.00 and it was decided
to ahead and build. Wherefore, Mr. Isaac Ross, Hugh Lauder and Sam
T. Brush were appointed as Building Committee with full power to go ahead,
make contracts and build a Church as according to the plan then adopted.
At a congregational meeting held in July 1904, at the request of the Building
Committee, Mr. Brush, Chairman of said Committee, reported that the building
Committee had advertised for bids to build the new Church building, and
the first bid they have received was from Mr. R. Z. Gill of Urbana, Illinois
and for the amount of $19,852.00 for the building -- not including (seats),
furniture, heat and light. The amount being so much in excess of the
funds provided, the Building Committee did not feel authorized to go ahead
without further advice. The Building Committee suggested that a brick
building could be put up for $15,000.00 and recommended the same, but the
congregation was unanimous in rejecting the proposal and insisted on a stone
building according to the plans heretofore approved. The Building
Committee refused to act until the congregation had secured pledges for
$9,000.00 in addition to the amount theretofore pledged. Two members
of the Building Committee, at this meeting, promised to give $1,500.00 each
-- making $3,000.00, provided the congregation would raise in good collectible
subscriptions $6,000.00 more, wherefore a Committee was appointed to solicit
the additional $6,000.00 and report to the congregation as soon as the amount
should be secured.
At the call of the Committee appointed at the foregoing meeting, a congregational
meeting was held on the last Wednesday in July 1904 at which meeting the
Soliciting Committee reported it had secured pledges for something over
the $6,000.00 required in order to secure the $3,000.00 promised on that
condition.
Upon carefully examining the subscriptions, the Building Committee was satisfied
that the pledges were good for $9,000.00 and agreed to proceed with the
erection of a stone Church building on the plans as then approved, with
the understanding that the Committee had full (power) and until the church
should be completed would not alter or change the plans as adopted.
It was ordered by the congregation that all money collected for the building
funds should be turned over to the Building Committee to be expended by
it (accounted) for.
July 7, 1906
At a meeting of the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale
held at the office of Sam T. Brush, Secretary. Present: Hugh Lauder,
Pres., E. E. Scott, Harry (Bellons), T. K. Mackey, Sam T. Brush, Secretary
- Trustees.
The president stated that the object of the meeting was to ratify the action
of the congregation at a congregational meeting held in April 1904, authorizing
the Trustees to sell the old Church building and lot upon which it stands.
Being lot number 59 in the original Town of Carbondale at not less than
$1,500.00 in cash. The proceeds of such sale to be paid to the Building
Committee of the new Church building to be by the Committee expended in
the erection of the new Church building.
On motion of Sam T. Brush, it was ordered that the lot number 59 and old
Church building thereon be sold to the highest bidder for cash in hand.
A standing bid of Two Thousand Dollars having been in the hands of the Secretary
for several months and no better bid having been made, although the sale
of the Church, lot number 59 had been publicly advertised, the value of
property in Carbondale having naturally increased since 1902, the Trustee
were unwilling to sell the property for $2000.00. As no disinterested
party (had) offer more for the property, Mr. Sam T. Brush, who had already
advanced $2,500.00 in cash on the same, agreed to accept a deed for the
property and credit the Trustees of the Church with $2,500.00 which he had
advanced.
Upon motion of Mr. E. E. Scott, it was ordered that the Trustees accept
from Mr. Brush the sum of $2,500.00 in full consideration for the said lot
number 59 with the old church building thereon and execute a Warranty Deed
to Sam T. Brush for same, free of encumbrance. In pursuance of above
order, a warranty deed was at once made to Sam T. Brush conveying the property
mentioned , which deed was signed and duly acknowledged by all the Trustees.
Viz. Hugh Lander E. E. Scott Harry Bellons T. K. Mackey Sam T. Brush Copied from original church session books by Linda Crandle Brandon, June 2006. Transcribed for computer by Peggy Ittner, June 2006. |
Historical Tidbits
(month-by-month through the years at First Presby)
February 1953
During February 1953, a new organ was installed. The old pipes were left for purely ornamental purposes The new console was placed below the pulpit platform to the north.
February 1965
Early in 1965, instead of building a new church as had been discussed, an addition was designed to extend to the west from the 1955 addition. A building campaign was mounted in 1965. The congregation accepted the final $132,000 proposal. In addition to their use on Sunday mornings, rooms in the 1955 and 1965 additions have since provided a home for the Presbyterian Day Care and Preschool programs
February 1975
Thirty years ago, in 1975, our church sponsored Vietnamese refugees, Kim Nyugen and her three children. A committee chaired by Evelyn Engelking organized the church members to help with housing and education for several years until the family could become self-sufficient
April 2, 1919
"Annual Congregational meeting was held in the Church Dining Hall after supper given by Ladies Aid Society at 6:30pm..."
Report of the Treasurer
Benevolences: Home Mission $480, Foreign $149, Education $10, Publications
and Social Work $10, Church Erection $20, Relief and Sustentation $45, Freedmen
$10, College Board $10, Temperance $57, Evangelism $5, Am. Bible Society $5,
General Assembly $31.50, Congregational $5606.32."
May, 1907
The Session ruled that it would "not grant use of the Presbyterian Church to outside parties for money-making purposes."
May 31, 1909
The first wedding in our "new church" was held. Miss Edith Entsminger and Mr. Everett V. Miller were married.
May, 1953
Mary Day Simmons (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Day) and her husband gave a recital on the new church organ. Both were 1953 graduates of Union Theological Seminary.
On May 5, 1953, the final plans were made for a $100,000 Centennial Advance Program. This included plans for the $70,000 education wing we still enjoy. The original stone from the north and west edifices were used on the front elevation of the "new" building.
June 10, 1906
The First Presbyterian Church Session met for the last time in the small, white, frame church on West Monroe. Dedicated 47 years before, the 1859 structure served early members well.
June 24, 1906
99 years ago, June 24, 1906, our first service in the current church building was held.
The "splendid new church building was opened for worship".
Pastor Dillion served communion using, for the first time, individual communion
cups. The new pipe organ was the first in Carbondale. George
Brush, descendent of Daniel Harmon Brush, one of our founders, played "Prelude
and Fugue in B Flat Major', by J.S. Bach for a community-wide evening
service.
On June 25, 1906, the following appeared in the local Carbondale newspaper: "Sunday, June 24, will long be remembered by the Presbyterian congregation of this city as the date on which their splendid new church building was opened for worship. This occasion has been looked forward to with joyous anticipation for months, yes, years and this date will be a memorable one in Presbyterian Church history of Carbondale."
June 1943
62 years ago, June 1943, Rev. Mr. Sharpe enlisted as Chaplain in the U.S. Navy, becoming the second minister to leave our church to serve the country in a like capacity. Rev. Mr. post enlisted during the Civil War in 1862.
June 1952
52 years ago, June, 1953, John Forrest Seibert became the fourth man to go into the ministry with the sponsorship of First Presbyterian Church. The first was Frank M. Alexander in 1885.
June 2001
4 years ago, 2001, Rev. Janice West was in the beginning months of her ministry at First Presbyterian Church.
July 1863
Many members of the family of city co-founder, Daniel Brush have been members of First Presbyterian Church. July 20, 1863, the youngest of Daniel and Julia's nine offspring, Norah Barbour Burton was born. She passed away in July of 1929.
July - August 1951
"It was reported that the Centennial Advance Committee engaged Gale Henderson of St. Louis as the architect to prepare plans for the new Christian Education addition at a fee of 5%. The plans should be completed in September."
July 1951
"The christian baptism of the following: Mary Margaret Pulliam, born 1-27-51, daughter of Lt. and Mrs. Robert Pulliam, baptized July 16."
July 1953
"On the request of John Seibert, son of elder Seibert, John, a theology student and his wife were accepted on the roll of the church.
August 1852
August 27, 1852 a site was chosen for a "new town." By August of 1853, Colonel Brush, one of our Church founders, had built the first freight house for the new town of Carbondale, at a cost of $1500.
August 1853
August 4, 1951
Warren Day, son of the Harry Days, sailed Aug. 4, 1951, under the Foreign Mission Board for service in India.
August 1962
The average church school attendance in 1962 was 240, with 35 adults serving as teachers.
Christian Education space was very cramped.
August 1975
In 1975, 30 years ago, our membership offered sponsorship to Vietnamese refugee, Kim Nyugen and her three children.
August 2000
In August 2000, we began "reaching out" to the SIU students with a booth at the annual, informational "Welcome Event" on the SIU campus. The tradition continues this year!
August 2001
Less than three years ago, our "new" Fellowship Hall was a mere "skeleton" of its present form.
September 1859
September 24, 1859, the first Presbyterian house of worship was dedicated. It was white frame building on what is now West Monroe Street. Daniel Brush donated the land and much of the backing. Twelve new members joined and eight children were baptized that day.
September 26, 1943
Rev. E.J. Gibson came to our church on Sept. 26, 1943, as an interim pastor. The membership rapidly grew to 507 in 1944 and 520 in 1945.
In 1953, our centennial year, Harry Grater, Edith Entsminger Miller, and Kate Chapman Bonham were honored for 56 years' tenure as active members. Let's celebrate the fact that we have since had several members who approached and surpassed that milestone.
Fall, 1868
Dr. William Richart died, bequeathing to the church one-half acre in Snider Hill Cemetery, for a Presbyterian burying ground.
October 1946
Our Youth Choir, organized by Mrs. Thalmann, included several very well-known names, Ebbie Miller and Judy Crandle Schwegman, among others. See page 13 of our One Hundred Years history booklet for a picture and roster of names.
October 5, 1856
October 5, 1859
A bill reads, "bought of Kingland and Ferguson, 2nd and Cherry St., St. Louis, one (1) church bell, $148.95."
The same bell serves us today, according to our centennial history.
November 1841
Our founders, Daniel and Julia Brush were joined in marriage. Nine children were born from their union.
November 1953
Sunday, November 8, marked the "Centennial Observance" of founding of our congregation.
November 11, 1963
An original dramatized history, written by member Mae Trovillian Smith, was presented at a Centennial Dinner. This drama, entitled "Three Sunday Dinners", featured Mr. and Mrs Amos Black (parents of Mary Mantovani), P. W. Isbell, Mr. and Mrs. David Kenney, and Carol Klingberg (daughter of Frank and Leota Klingberg). A souvenir program is available for your enjoyment.
November 2000
Twelve Student Spirit Sacks were prepared and given or mailed to our college students.
December 1846
December 20, 1846, George Brush, infant son of Julia and Daniel, was born. Sadly, he died the same day.
December 1854
150 years ago, our church records listed the first 7 members of this church as: Rowland and Frances Brush, Dr. and Mrs. (Elizabeth) Richart, Alfred and Mary Ann Singleton, and Almira Doughty. All the "wonderful works" of this congragation began with slightly over a half dozen edvoted members
December 11, 1911
Rev. James R. E. Craighead began six months of service to this congregation as "stated supply".
December 1, 1952
Long-time pastor, C.E.F. Howe began his service to First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale. Many of us remember "Charlie" and his family. Several couples who are now members were married by "C.E.F." Our 45-50 year marriages attest to the fact he "tied the knot well".
December 1962
Reverend Charles E. F. Howe became our pastor.
December 2003
We "decked the halls" of our new fellowship hall with continuing joy and thankfulness.
Interesting and "almost forgotten" historic tidbits (shared Sunday April 17, 2005, in Adult Forum):
Some local history links
Jackson County Illinois
Trails History and Genealogy
The Etherton's
Genealogical Page
Picture
History - Daniel Harmon Brush (1813-1890)
Growing
up with Southern Illinois
Illinois State Historical
Society
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??? Quiz ???
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Guest Book of Early First Presbyterian Members & Friends
compiled by Dede Ittner
[ from various sources, not all consistent
with one another ]
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At right -- the "lady in black"
visits Woodlawn
Cemetery.
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Daniel Harmon Brush
Daniel Harmon Brush was born in Vergennes, Vermont, on April 15 or April 25, 1813 (different sources offer different dates). His family moved to Greene Co., IL, in 1820, when he was 7. His father died that same year. Daniel helped family members hold the homestead together for 8 years. When his mother remarried and moved to Sangamon County, he moved to Jackson County to live with his sister-in-law, the widow of his brother James. She soon remarried to a man named Israel Blanchard.
During his first 10 years in Jackson County, 1837-47, Mr. Brush gained political experience working for Alexander Jenkins (his brother-in-law) & Mr. Joel Manning.
In 1841, Daniel Harmon chose Julia Etherton as his wife. They parented nine children; however, three died quite young.
In the 1850's, Brush saw the possibilities of building a town on the new railroad. He chose a location between Makanda and DeSoto. He purchased land, gathered support, and helped form the town named Carbondale.
In Dec. 1852, Brush built the first business house and mill. He co-founded the 1st bank, built a freight office, and was the first station agent. In 1854, he moved his family from Murphysboro to Carbondale and lived with his widowed sister-in-law, Jane. Jane was Julia's sister and the widow of Daniel's brother, James. Daniel was dismayed at her second marriage. When she died, Daniel sought and assumed responsibility for her younger children.
July 4, 1854, Brush planned a grand celebration for the arrival of the 1st train.
Daniel owned 10 acres where Brush School & later Carbondale Public Library were built. He had a fine new home built for his family and moved in in July, 1857. The total cost exclusive of land value was:
Total: $9600. For those times, that was a huge expenditure.
On Sept. 24, 1859, Daniel and Julia became members of the newly built Presbyterian Church. Mr. Brush was known as a pious Christian, church-goer & strict Sabbath-keeper.
In 1861, the Civil War found Daniel Brush at the height of his physical & business career; however, he did not hesitate to offer his services to his country. Daniel served with determination, discipline and order. Since Brush set such high standards, he was considered stern & unsympathetic. Colonel Brush oft-times incurred the displeasure of his own enlisted men. At one point he was arrested by complaints from his enlisted men but was cleared of all charges. Completing his service, he returned to Carbondale.
Colonel Brush added to his businesses: a law practice, a coal mine, & a newspaper. April 29, 1866, Col. Brush & Ingersoll were marshals of the 1st Memorial Day celebration held in Woodlawn Cemetery (more on Woodlawn; other Illinois State Historical Society markers).
Julia died in 1867, the year Daniel Jr. entered West Point.
Within a year, Daniel remarried. The second Mrs. Brush was a New York lady. She seemed to live happily with Colonel Brush, yet never really adjusted socially to the small Midwestern community. Following his 1890 death, she went back east.
Daniel Harmon Brush died February 10, 1890. He observed workmen trying to fell a tree near his mansion and went out to help. He tied a rope around the tree and his wrists. When the tree fell in an unexpected direction, Daniel Harmon was catapulted into the air and slammed into the ground. Resulting injuries caused his death.
Daniel Harmon's later years were ones of financial success and community respect. However, he was considered something of a "character". Sadly, Daniel's will did not favor his younger son and daughter. He held rigid standards for himself and all of those around him. Perhaps those ambitions & high standards were KEY to his success as a town planner and businessman. Unfortunately, his actions caused a deep split in the family which endured for many years.
The Family Monument in Woodlawn
As originally made out, Daniel Harmon's father's will provided for a monument at his burial site. Long after Elkanah's death, the location, "under a spreading oak" near his log cabin home, could not be identified. The bequest was modified and the tall monument in Woodlawn Cemetery (more on Woodlawn) was inscribed:
"This stone is erected by the sons of Elkanah Brush to his memory. He was born in Vermont, March 7, 1762 and died in Greene County, Illinois, July 11, 1821. In the fall of 1820 he migrated from Vergennes, Vermont with his family consisting of his wife Lucretia and their children, Mary, Daniel Harmon, James and Rowland, Jr, the eldest nine and the youngest one year old, and settled at a point afterward named Bluffdale making the whole distance with horse teams and being the first to take wagons to the region where he located, then in the wilds of Illinois.
"He built a cabin of rough logs for his family residence, broke land and put in crops and died. Also in memory of our mother Lucretia who died December 14, 1847, aged 68; Sister Mary who died May 1, 1841, aged 30, Brother James who died June 10, 1849, aged 33; and Brother Rowland R. who died March 9, 1880, age 60. Beloved in Life! Your memories we fondly cherish. Rest in Peace."
Julia Etherton Brush
Julia Etherton married Daniel Harmon Brush on November 2, 1841. Daniel Harmon Brush, born in Vergennes, Vermont, in 1813, moved to Greene County Illinois in 1820, when he was 7. Some sources record that as the year Julia was born in Jackson County. (However, the Etherton Family webpage lists her birthdate as July 14, 1826, which would put her age at 15 when she married 28 year-old Brush.)
Daniel's father had died in 1820. 8 years later, when his mother remarried, Daniel moved to Jackson County to live with his re-married widowed sister-in-law, Julia's sister, Jane Etherton Brush Blanchard.
Julia bore nine children. Three died quite young. Julia took on the responsibility of raising the younger of Daniel's sister's children when she died. Daniel Brush had a lovely home built for her on Main Street, about where the Public Library is now. The lumber was prepared in their own saw mill.
Julia and Daniel joined the First Presbyterian Church in September of 1859. Possibly, several of the eight children baptized that day were theirs. In the original church, they sat in pew 40.
While Daniel was involved in founding the town, building up hsi businesses and serving in the Civil War, Julia had the majority of the care of their home and family. She died in 1867, the year their son went away to West Point. Two younger children were left motherless.
Daniel Harmon Brush's Tribute to His Wife, Julia Etherton
"Julia was a perfect and most loveable girl. She was a blessing to me as wife, true and faithful to the end, and in her motherly love for our children she could not be excelled.
"She had been born and raised to womanhood in this county and did not have the advantages of education in schools that she deserved.
"She had, however, a good Christian mother whose influence in her training was the best, so that her home life was pure in its teaching and perfect in forming an earnest, positive Christian character.
"Modest and retiring in her disposition, her home was her theater of action and her motherly love the specter by which she ruled her household.
"Twenty-six years she was my helper and the cherished guardian of my home, and then her God took her. Her surviving children may well rise up and call her blessed."
John Asgill Conner
Though never a member of the Presbyterian Church, John Asgill Conner was a vital part of the establishment of the First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale, Illinois. The first book of trustees' records shows that on January 4, 1853, Josiah Wood selected Lot 59 in the new town of Carbondale, on behalf of the Presbyterian denomination, "for the purpose of erecting thereon, a house of worship". On that date, a subscription paper was drawn up and "some money subscribed" to be paid to Asgill Conner and William Richart. The funds were to be held by them until "properly elected trustees were qualified to hold said property and proceed with the erection of a church thereon." Conner was a friend of Daniel Brush, and co-founder of Carbondale.
Mr. Conner was born in Pomona Township. His name appears on every city board of trustees from the charter year, 1856 through 1862. He served as a trustee for Carbondale College.
Asgill loved farming and was Jackson County's first scientific farmer, introducing to southern Illinois: red corn, red sweet potatoes, and new varieties of grapes. He experimented with bananas and was one of the first to grow cotton in the area. The Chicago Press & Tribune reported in 1858 that Mr. Conner "grew remarkable fine weat weighing 65# to the bushel."
Mr. Conner "passed" in 1875, leaving his wife Margaret, sons Benjamin and James, and daughter Frances. Though never a member of this congregation, his role as financial guardian was timely and vital.
Josiah Wood
Josiah Wood is credited with preaching the first sermon delivered in Carbondale, Illinois, in December 1852. It was given in the unfinished log cabin of Asgill Conner. That home was locted on the north side of Main Street about where the Methodist Church now stands.
Wood was from Old DuQuoin. He lived in Murphysboro at the time. He later moved to Carbondale and became established by the 1855 census.
Wood seems to have had the support of Daniel Harmon Brush. D.H. Brush reported in his memoirs that he and Josiah Wood chose lot 59 of the ones set aside for churches in the new town. It was in the southwest part of town and to be the site of a Presbyterian Church.
Wood was credited as the organizer of the First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale, February 13, 1854. Not until 1856 were funds and plans complete for beginning the actual building on lot 59.
Wood's status as an "official minister" is not certain; however, he was Clerk of the Session in 1854 and preached at intervals in Carbondale. He had experience as a preacher in Old DuQuoin, Murphysboro, and Tamaroa between 1843 and his death on June 5, 1870.
Mary Ann Singleton
Mary Ann was the wife of Alfred, who is listed with the first trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale, August 4, 1856. Mrs. Singleton was a progressive lady, co-owning several pieces of property with her husband. One site held the city's first boarding house on the northeast corner of the town square.
Sadly, Mary Ann's son, Eli, never returned from the war. He was mortally wounded in the Civil War, dying of his wounds at Fort Donelson in 1862.
The couple, it appears, never lived in Carbondale after the tragic war years. No record of them exists in city census or church records after 1862.
James Monroe Campbell
Though not a member of the First Presbyterian Church congregation, Mr. Campbell helped establish both the church and the town. He served on the first church "Board of Trustees". Later sons and daughters are listed as members for Campbell and many others among these early church "founders".
Moving here from Williamson County, Campbell soon became a large land holder. The Campbell Hotel was built on lots 157 and 158. That site would be the corner of Washington and East Main. Later the Newell House replaced that structure.
James Campbell was contracted to build the structure to house Southern Illinois Normal University in 1870. Sadly, he lost his life in the process when a timber being lifted struck his head. He died the following day, April 3, 1871. Work on the building stopped at that time.
Ironically, his friend Daniel Harmon Brush would meet a similar sort of death ... an accident involving a tree took Brush's life in 1890.
Georgiana A. Rapp
Mrs. Rapp was the wife of Isaac Rapp. He and their son C. Ward planned and constructed the original portion of the First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale, Illinois.
The Rapps were wed in 1851. By 1861, Georgiana had given birth to four children. After Isaac returned from service in the Civil War, they had five more children.
Mr. Rapp gave Georgiana a lovely home at 406 W. Main Street. Their home reflected the factthat he had a planing mill and produced wonderful trimand moldings. In addition to their own home, the Chapman home on West Main, later the First Baptist Parsonage, was a example of Rapp's interior detail. Both homes were razed in the 1950s.
In 1872, the Illinois State Legislature gave Isaac Rapp the contract to complete the S.I.N.U. building that had been halted upon the death of James M. Campbell.
Georgiana Rapp was among the first twelve members added to the roll on September 24, 1859, when the first church building on Monroe was dedicated. Eight children were baptized on that day of celebration. It is possible that several were children of the Rapps.
William Spiller
William Spiller, the son of Elijah Spiller (a Baptist preacher) was included in the list of those who helped found Carbondale. It appears that the Spillers occupied pew 3 in the original Presbyterian Church of Carbondale. They paid a $5 rental fee on July 17, 1868.
In the 1850s three major fires brought to the foreground the need for an adequate town water supply. The Spiller home was one of those destroyed. It was on lot 86, near the northwest corner of the square.
Nelson W. Graham
Entering the first churhc of the Presbyterian denomination in Carbondale, on what is now Monroe Street, one would likely have seen Mr. and Mrs. Nelson W. Graham seated in pew 7. Rental on that pew in 1868 was listed as $5.00.
Mr. Graham owned a mill about 100 feet south of Main Street and east of Woodlawn Cemetery (more on Woodlawn). It would have been across from where Attucks School later was built. The Grahams' mill was named Jackson Mill. Nelson developed "Graham Flour" which was shipped nationwide by 1878. An on-site cooperage provided barrels. It was one of three mills operating in 1887.
The local mills closed in 1890-91. At that time Mr. Graham gave his time to the "new" electric light plant. Ever the aristocratic couple, Mrs. Graham continued to use oil lights in their home, dutifully replenishing and tending them herself. As one townsperson said, "Work did not detract one iota from Nelson Graham's role as a gentleman."
The Grahams apparently moved to Chicago when his health failed. He died there in 1901.
Edwin M. Babcock
Pew 5 of the original First Presbyterian Church was rented by Edwin Babcock. Mr. Babcock was the principal of the first school to be built in Carbondale. That frame schoolhouse was 20 feet by 36 feet, one story high, located on lot 37, on the west side of town. Later, Brush School was built on the site. Presently it is the site of the Carbondale Public Library.
The Babcock's home was built on Outlot 59, one of the largest outlots. Later, with several additions, it became the home of S.I.N.U. President Robert Allyn. A mansard roof was later added to this West Walnut home. At one time this house was, sadly, used as a boarding house. The large, white-painted brick home was later occupied by members of the Barrow family and their descendants, the Browns, Sloans, and presently the Kimmels.
Lucy Ennison
Lucy Ann Ennisson (Mrs. James) was born in New York state and retained strong allegiance to her native home throughout her life. While in Carbondale, Lucy sat in pew 23 of the first building of the Presbyterian Church on Monroe Street. Pew rental paid by Lucy was $6.00.
Mrs. Ennisson bore her first son William in Illinois in 1861. A second son, Walter Jay, was born in 1863, in Carbondale.
In 1885 the couple moved to Chicago and celebrated their Golden Anniversary, a rarity in an age where the average life span was considerably shorter, in 1887
Lucy Ann, according to her obituary in the local Free Press, had "often expressed the desire to be buried in her native state of New York." Around 1900, she went back to New York to live there with her son William. There she died and was buried. Mrs. Ennisson was survived at that by her husband and two sons.
Moses R. & Hannah T. Embree
Moses R. Embree was born in Ohio, where he married Hannah. A son was born in Illinois in 1842. Daughter Melissa was born in 1857, in Missouri.
Mr. Embree came to Carbondale as a carpenter. In 1871, the family lived on lot 228, the third lot south of Hickory Street on the west side of Illinois Avenue. On July 17, 1868, Mr. R. Embree was credited with a rental payment of $6.00 by the Presbyterian Church of Carbondale, for pew 24.
The year following, 1869, the first church building, on what is now Monroe Street, was ten years old. Problems resulted in it being "raised on stone pillars and repairs to the inside being made in the amount of $400. Among the modifications, a new entrance platform and railing and a front fence (outside) were built. "The bell was rehung so as to ring right." It is assumed that Mr. Embree was knowledgeable about the procedures needed for such repairs.
The Embree family were members during the time of Colonel Brush's "infamous boycott" over "locked pews" and an altered pulpit arrangement.
Davis N. & Amanda Hamilton
Davis moved from Kentucky to Shawneetown in 1822. There he married Amanda, and their first child, Ellen, was born in that town in 1841.
The family moved to Carbondale in 1855. Mr. Hamilton soon helped organize the Shekinah Lodge, A.F. & A.M. (Masons). He was respected as a "retiring and well mannered good citizen". He was listed in the 1860 census as an insurance agent. He became a lawyer and city attorney in 1874. He served a term as police magistrate and justice of the peace. He owned 4 city lots.
In 1860, the family included daughters Ellen, Alice, Georgianna and Cordelia and sons William and Charles.
The family occupied pew 38 (rental $11) at the original church on what is now West Monroe.
Mrs. Hamilton died and Davis remarried, to Angeline.
Frank Alexander
In May, 1885, Frank M. Alexander started his studies for the ministry at Northwestern Theological Seminary with the recommendation of the Session of First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale. Reverend and Mrs. Alesander were members of the S.I.N.U. class of '83.
In later years, the couple were instrumental in the formation of the Southern Illinois University Foundation. They gave a three-acre tract of land within what is now the expanded campus area. In their later years, the Alexanders were lauded for their faithful church attendance.
Dr. G. W. Entsminger
Gilbert Entsminger was born in Ohio in 1854, about the timethat our church was being firmly estblished in Carbondale. Dr. Entsminger came to Illinois shortly after 1884, after obtaining a degree in dentistry.
Gilbert and Mary had eight children: Edith, Addie, Immel, David, Gilbert, Mary, Frances, Robert, and Thomas.
In 1892, long-time trustee Dr. G.W. Entsminger reported that "electric lights could be put into the church for one cent an hour for each light, the strength to be equal to sixteen candles". On April 9, 1893, the trustees entered into a one-year contract with Carbondale Light Company for 26 lights at $7.60 per month.
Gilbert passed away on August 21, 1918. The session book for that date noted, "Probably the death of no member of the First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale came so near touching the hearts of the entire congregation as did the death of Gilbert W. Entsminger." He served as Superintendent of the Sunday School for about two decades. His wife, Mary J. survived until 1934.
Hugh Lauder
Mr. Hugh Lauder married Harriet Nelson of Ohio in Carbondale in 1862. Following service in the Civil War, he returned to his native Ohio. In 1888, he moved back to Carbondale and was listed as Third Ward Alderman. The 1898 city directory listed him as a real estate operator living at 504 S. Poplar. Mr. Lauder served as mayor of Carbondale 1897-1898. It appeared to be customary to serve one-year terms at that time.
In 1905, Hugh and Harriet were listed as living at 404 W. Main, and he was shown as a hardwood lumber and real estate operator. From 1909-1913, he was a trustee of Southern Illinois Normal University. In 1917 he retired to Florida and died the next year.
Mr. Lauder owned a quarry in Boskeydell. of great import to our congregation, he donated the stone for the 1906 church building. After it was "dressed" at his quarry, it was hauled to our church site. Under the supervision of Frank Hayden and J.J. Arnold, the stone was "put in place without the sound of hammer."
Simeon Boomer
On March 23, 1890, Simeon Boomer was received into membership in the First Presbyterian Church "on profession of faith." His devotion to the church was to continue for many years.
Simeon was a member of the Southern Illinoi Normal University Class of 1900. In 1913, he was the original faculty member of the college's Physics Department. He served the University for many years in that capacity. A Thompson Point residence hall is named in Mr. Boomer's honor.
When Mr. Boomer passed away in 1939, he had served as Clerk of Session for seventeen years and Superintendent of the Sunday School for twenty years. He followed G.W. Entsminger and J.M. Johnson as cleark. E.E. Scott was Sunday School Superintendent for twenty-five years preceding Simeon.
Amanda Templeton
At the turn of the century, the Presbyterian Church established a mission at 310 E. Birch. Miss Amanda Templeton was its supervisor from the beginning until her death December 19, 1925.
Miss Templeton had been a missionary among the Indians of the Southwest. Her father, Rev. W. H. Templeton, was a missionary among the Seminole. Amanda was an aunt of Mrs. W. L. Kenney, a member of our church at the time of our centennial celebration.
Miss Templeton's assistants for many years were Margaret Phillips and her mother, Mrs. Nellie Phillips of 197 South Poplar Street.
E. E. Scott
In 1894, Mr. Scott and his two partners from St. Louis opened a fine general store at the northwest corner of Main Street and South Illinois Avenue. Scott's dry goods and sho store "made a special bid for the custom of the students and others connected with the University." Scott's also had a millinery shop at 103 W. Main, separate from their other business. Their residence was listed as 722 N. Springer in the 1896 census.
E.E. Scott was apparently deeply in volved in service to the First Presbyterian Church. He acted as Sunday School Superintendent from 1894 until 1919 (followed by Simeon Boomer), a total of twenty-five years. It appears that later in life he moved to Kewanee, Illinois.
Mrs. John Miller
It would appear that Mrs. Miller's husband, John, had two lumber businesses. He appears on the board of directors of the Carbondale Loan & Improvement Association in 1905.
If this is the husband our Mrs. John Miller, his wife was equally influential in her church and community service. Mrs Miller had a loyal group of women who formed "Mrs. John Miller's Sunday School Class." These ladies are remembered as much for their projects as their studies. Foremost, in 1941, was their purchase of new red velvet hangings for the platform at the front of the church.
Frank Coyler
*** Not yet available.
Edith Entsminger
Edith was the eldest daughter of eight children of respected First Presby member Dr. G.W. Entsminger and Mary (Waller) Entsminger. Siblings David and Mary Entsminger are remember by members of the present congregation.
June 24, 1906, is remembered as the day "the Presbyterian congregation opened their splendid new church building for worship. The music was a prominent feature of the services of that day. The new pipe organ proved to be all that was expected."
Choir member Edith Entsminger was known for her fine soprano voice. In addition, Miss Entsminger is remembered for another special even that took place when our church was two years old. The first wedding held in the new church, in 1908, was that of Edith Entsminger to Everett V. Miller.
Sources
One Hundred Years, written by church women in 1953.
A History of Early Carbondale, by John D. Wright.
75 Years in Retrospect, by Eli Lentz.
SIUC Morris Library Special Collectons
Also several other pamphlets, and conversations with Polly Winkler Mitchell and David Kenney.
Last Update 01.08.2007
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