THE EAST JORDAN CHURCH

The moral and spiritual foundations of the East Jordan Church began back in the religious meetings and services held by the early settlers in the homes and school houses in the early part of the nineteenth century. From its organization until the present the church has been strictly rural. When the settlers moved onto the land in the early 40's and 50's they began to use the homes and schools for places of worship in the absence of church buildings. In the years that followed these gave way for the erection of more commodious places for meetings and worship.

When the roads were constructed and bridges were built and means of travel for longer distances became easier many of these rural churches passed out of existence. People then drifted toward the towns to attend the churches of their choice. Among the few remaining in the open country is the church at East Jordan.

This church derived its name from the fact that it is located near the east line of the Township of Jordan in Whiteside County, Illinois. The location being one mile west of the northwest corner of Lee County and also one mile west of the southwest corner of Ogle County. At the present time a State Highway connecting Sterling and Polo passes the church.

Before the original church was built the Burger and Talbott School houses were used to some extent for church and Sunday School purposes and as the religious interest increased a movement was started, about 1865, to construct a church in the community. The first buildings was a church moved from Gap Grove to a lot of three-fourths of an acre of land which was deeded to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church by Benjamin Kidder and Mary his wife.

The site for the location of this church was across the corner of the road southwest from present church. This original building was moved from Gap Grove during the winter of 1865 and 66 and the erection of the building was completed the following summer and the church was dedicated in the autumn of the year, as a Methodist Episcopal Church, by a Rev. Anderson from Dixon, Illinois.

A class, as it was then called, was organized and the church became part of a circuit, including Sugar Grove and Woosung, of the said M. E. Church. The Board of Trustees at that time were James Talbott, Sr., Robert Anderson, James R. Deyo, Wm. S. Stocking, Benjamin Kidder, James Woods and Mortimer L. Coe. About two years later vacancies having oc-cured on the Board, Alexander Anderson, Archibald Maxwell, and James R. Anderson were elected to fill them.

Rev. Green was sent as the first pastor to the church in 1866, and he was followed by H. J. Houston in 1867. In 1868 and 69 W. E. Morgan served as pastor and was followed by George W. Perry in 1870. S. F. Demming came in 1871 and W. W. Wilson in 1873 and remained until the destruction of the church building by a violent wind about August 1, 1875. The wreck was so complete that the building could not be used.

The first Sunday School Superintendent in the Methodist Church was James R. Deyo. He served in 1866 and 67 and was followed by a Mr. Davis and William Stocking. James R. Anderson was elected to the office May 23rd, 1869 and served until 1875.

A desire for a new building developed in the community so that persons of all Christian religious faiths could have a place in which to worship. These residents had come largely from the eastern states and from Germany and Scotland and had been affiliated with various denomination, such as Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Dunkard Brethren and others.

September 21, 1876, a meeting of the people of the community was held for the purpose of making provisions for the erection of a new building to be used as a union church for all who desired a place of worship. At the meeting the following persons were selected as a board of trustees to carry out that desire; Archibald Maxwell, Nelson Kidder, David Anderson, John A. Jacob, Henry Hey, Reuben Warner and Issac Burger.

The erection of the new building was begun in the spring of 1877, arrangements having been made to place the new building on the corner of the lot, which had been previously donated by Robert Anderson for cemetery purposes, across the corner of the roads northeast of the old church building. The remaining part of the old building was torn down

EAST JORDAN CHURCH

1877 to 1903

Somewhere a little white church brings memories that never fade.

 

and a part of the material was used in the construction of the new one. The new building was planned to consist of one main structure forty six feet in length and thirty feet in width with the entrance at the center of the south end. The main room was to be entered form a vestibule having a door at each side which opened into aisles which led to the pulpit platform.

The building was completed in the early fall of 1877 and was dedicated September 16th, by Rev. Ewell of Dixon. The name, "East Jordan Union Church" was given to the new building. It was however known by the name of "The White Church" to a great many people for some time. The funds for the payment of the cost of construction and furnishings were provided by the people of the community and were largely in small amounts as we think of like contributions today. They ran from one dollar to one hundred dollars of which there were a few. The total cost of the completed building was $1579.75.

Soon after the dedication ministers of various denominations began to preach from its pulpits, as they were invited, among whom were pastors of the United Brethren Churches at Elkhorn and Polo. Out of these occasional appointments there developed some quite regular. Rev. John Dodson, who was serving on a circuit of the United Brethren Church, was invited to serve regularly and later organized a small class. Among those who joined this class at the start were Ellen Anderson, Ella J. Kidder, R. B. Anderson, Agnes Anderson, James Talbott, and Marion J. Anderson. ­Later the following names were added, Archibald Maxwell, Eliza­beth Maxwell, Mary Hess, Julia Beede, Jane Warner, Helen Haines and Amanda Kidder.

During this period the church received the support and aid of many persons residing in the community many of whom later became members. A great many of the later and present membership of the church are decendents of these families. The names of all have not been recorded and cannot be given but the following list will record some of them. Reuben Warner, William Diller, Adam Jacob, Jr., Nelson Jacob, Oliver Talbott, James Talbott, Samuel Talbott, Henry Hey, George Cross, Mathias Schick, John Mensch, Harry M. Lutz, Reuben Williams, Nathan Wilson, Thomas Coats, James Coats, Sr., Enoch Beede, M. W. Zigler, Mary Avers, George Warehime, Wm. Sivits, George Anderson, Alex Anderson, Herman Fry, Charles Gatz and Henry Rebuck.

Names of other families have been mentioned in the record of previously mentioned officials. During the close of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth a great number of additional families were received into the membership, viz; James Coats, William Detweiler, J. Fred Scholl, Charles Parks, Charles Scholl, Mark Zigler, Louis Scholl, Tobias Kroehler, John Dick, Reynold Allison, Jacob Gatz, John Gatz, Mary Livingston, Robert Graham, Laura Davis, William Maxwell, Henry Geil, Christ Hummel, Robert Cross, Milton Wisler, Stella Finkle, Tom Pfundstein, Charles Higley, George Brown, Leslie Scott, Nedia Woesner, Julius Gilbert, Clarence John, Freemont Deets, Howard Haines, Frank Scholl, John Anderson, Fannie Finkle, Jesse Sivits, Frank Detweiler, James Lang and others.

The pastors who served the church in the early years from the United Brethren were John Dodson, who preached at intervals, from 1877 to 1879 and was followed by William Post for two years. When the appointments became more regular Rev. Rice was sent to the work for one year after which Clark Beatty and M. L. Comer continued to serve in the pulpit. A class having been formed during these years continued to increase in number so that in 1889 under C. E. Drew the church became a part ot a circuit with Elkhorn, Coleta and Otter Creek.

The Sunday School had now grown in numbers and interest and met with weekly sessions. James R. Anderson served as Superintendent with James Talbott as assistant, who also taught a class. John B. Hughes and wife acted as chorister and organist and each also taught a class Other teachers at that time were Mrs. Ellen Anderson, Ella J Kidder and Mr. Deibler. An organ had been secured to assist in the worship with music and singing. A number of books had been purchased for a library which was for years under the care and supervision of Marion Anderson.

The   membership   of   the   church   continued   increasing   under   the leadership of Rev. Drew who was followed by M. F. Prichard in 1890 and

REVIVAL MEETING GROUP

 1^st row: Lillie Allen, Mabel Fry, Mary Beede, Jennie Fry. s2nd row: Ida Kidder, Ellen Anderson, Minnie John, Carrie Schick, Janet Anderson Sadie Rebuck, 3rd row: Herman Fry, William Parks, George Anderson, George Beede Calvin John, Fred Kidder, Henry Rebuck. 4th row: Elizabeth Maxwell, Archie Maxwell, George Maxwell, Rev. M. L. Prichard Rev C E Drew, Mae Schick.

 

 

by P. M. Herrick in 1893. A society for the young people, known as the Young Peoples Christian Union, was organized in 1891 with Miss Bertha Latimer as the first president. Committees were selected to assist in developing leaders and increasing attendance. The following named persons have been presidents of the Society which was later called Christian Endeavor. Jonas Baer, Emily C. Zigler, Carrie E. Schick, Alex Anderson, Amos G. Hoak, George Beede, Fred Talbott, Clarence Parks, Frank Scholl, Robt. Coats, Walter Shupp, Arthur Scholl, Ada Gatz, Earl Det-weiler, Elton Scholl, Harold Sheaffer, Roy Person, Robert Sheaffer, Erwin Sheaffer, Wayne Allison, Arladene Main, Cathryn Detweiler, and others.

With the increase of the Sunday school attendance it became desirable to provide a room for each class. A committee of three persons were named to remodel the building with that in view. Persons named were James R. Anderson, Nelson Jacob and Alex Anderson. This work was begun in the summer of 1903 by excavating a part of the basement and installing a furnace. The main building was raised on the foundation and rooms for the Sunday school and a main entrance was built on the east side. The old entrance and the vestibule were removed. New windows, seats, carpet, furnace, and pulpit furniture were included in the improvement. This was done at a cost of $3870.00 all of which had been secured prior to the opening services which were conducted by Bishop William Bell, December 2.7th, 1903.

Church Interior after improvement in  1904

The Pastorate of T. A. Barton began in 1902 and he was followed in 1904 by ]. A. King who remained on the work until 1908. During this period the spirit and vision of the church grew greatly. The financial system and methods received new emphasis and a committee was selected to arrange for better method of collection and distribution of funds necessary for the church needs and appropriations. The following persons served on the Committee; Amos Hoak, Marcellus Kidder, Nelson Jacob, Charles Parke, Wm. D. Detweiler, R. B. Anderson, James J. Coats, Louis Scholl, Charles Gatz, John Stuck and Alex Anderson.

The Committee made a report to the Official Board on Nov. 8, 1907 recommeding that the funds received for all purposes be placed into one general fund and to be placed into the hands of one person who is to be elected as Treasurer and he to pay all accounts from the fund as they become due. Further, that the envelope system be used as much as possible in the collection of the "Budget", and that Amos Hoak be such Treasurer. Amos Hoak was succeeded by Leslie Higley who served well as such officer for a period of twenty five years and was followed by Russell Higley who is acting at the present time.

The church property up to 1908 remained under the control of a board of trustees selected by the residents of the community and it was a union church. At a meeting of the said board of trustees on January 27, 1909, the property was deeded by them to the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. The Trustees were R. B. Anderson, William Detweiler, James R. Anderson, Charles Parks and James J. Coats.

The need was felt by the membership for a wholetime pastor so a request was made to the Annual Conference in 1908 and the request was granted and A. R. Hendrickson was sent as the pastor. After serving a

MEMBERS OF L.S.S.A. JAN.  1904

1st row: Ellen Hoak, Mary Beede, Alma Parks, Fred Kroehler, Clarence Parks. 2nd row: Emily C. Co'ats, Ida Anderson, R. M. Zigler, Rev. J. A. F. King, Ella Kidder, Alice Kroehler. 3rd row: Ethel Haines, Jessie Walker, Rena Anderson, Robert Coats, Walter Talbott, Grace Talbott, Fred Talbott. 4th row: Nedia Ousler, Kate Kroehler, Myrtle Sivits, Sadie Kroehler, Mabel Anderson, Bessie Talbott. 5th row: Fred Talbott, Louis Scholl, Amos Hoak, James Coars, Ralph Zigler, Howard Haines, Alex Anderson.

 

year and a few months he resigned and W. I. Pruner was sent to supply. He remained until the Conference of 1912. During the time he served fifty five members were added to the roll and the church was greatly strengthened. Rev. Pruner was a member of the first class of graduates of the Union Biblical Seminary at Dayton, Ohio.

The Quarterly Conference on October 5, 1908 appointed a committee to secure a piece of property near the church on which to construct a parsonage. They were further instructed to make provision for the erection of a building on the property obtained and to secure funds for the purpose. The work proceeded slowly and on October 9, 1913 the committee reported that they had purchased a piece of land'and had made plans for a house and barn and had commenced construction on the barn and had a well drilled. Subscriptions of funds for the completion of the work had been secured previous to the completion of the improvement which in total amounted to $4802.48. The Committee on the work were J. R. Anderson, Charles Parks, J. Fred Scholl, Alex Anderson and Amos Hoak.

B. Lee Towsley was sent to the church as pastor in 1912 and remained until 1920. During this time 124 persons were received into membership a great portion of which had been attendants of the Sunday School. A Home Department became a part of the work of the church and school. Mrs. Lizzie Detweiler was the Superintendent and under her leadership the field and influence of the church was greatly widened

 

IDA ANDERSON'S CLASS,  1907

1st row: Mabel Detweiler, Dorothy Hummel, Veva Finkle Mabel Scholl Stella Livingston. 2nd row: Ethel Haines, Minnie Eeller, Carrie Sivits Myrtle Warehime, Jessie Graham, Mabelle Davis, Clara Reed. 3rd row: Leslie Finkle Walter Talbott, Ida Anderson, Arthur Scholl, Robert Coats, William Hummel. 4th row: Clarence Anderson, Archie Jacob, Fred Hummel Willis Till-man, Paul Seix, Ray Gilbert.

 

 

1st row: Frank Scholl, John Anderson, Louis Scholl, William Detweiler, Clarence Parks, Amos Hoak, A. R. Henderickson, Fred Kroehler, Alex Anderson, Omer Mensch, Julius Gilbert. 2nd row: Jacob Jones, Clarence Anderson, Norman Hawkins, Frank Detweiler, Archie Maxwell, William Maxwell, John Smith, Ray Gilbert, Frank Beard, Earl Detweiler, Ellis Williams, Frank Balluff. 3rd row: Howard Haines, Leslie Higley, Robert Coats, Elmer Jacob, John Scholl, Edwin Detweiler, Charles Gatz, John Gatz, Albert Scholl, Ralph Zigler, Albert Hess, Roy Ford. 4th row: Lloyd Baer, John Gerdes, Louis Landis, Walter Finkle, Raymond Blank, Walter Lehman, Archie Jacob, William Hummel, George Anderson, Christ Hummel', Jesse Sivits, William Lang, Joe Anderson.

 

WOMEN  OF THE CHURCH   1909

 

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH, 1909

1st row: Ethel Haines, Vernie Detweiler, Margaret Hummel, Lena Ford,Jennie Graham.  

2nd row: Nora Hey, Nora Williams, Kensa Henderickson,Ida Anderson, Jennie Jacob, Alice Maxwell, Alma Parks, Edith Gilbert,Lizzie Detweiler, Lulu Graham.

3rd row: Jennie Stuck, Stella Livingston, Clara Reed, Carrie Sivits, Mabel Davis, Ellen Hoak, Mabel' Anderson, Rosa Pryor, Hazel Myers, Dorothy Hummel.

4th row: Ella Gatz, Sadie Kroehler, Minnie Anderson, Fay Baird, Jean Gatz, Katie Maxwell, Anna Graham, Ida
Milhouse, Martha Madison, Anna Wilson, Pearl Zigler, Lizzie Sheaffer.

5th row: Louise Geil, Elizabeth Gatz, Lizzie Holznagel, Rena Anderson, Jennie Graham, Leta Pfundstein, Ada Reed, Cora Miller, Alice Reed, Belle Talbott, Minnie Bellar, Mary Lang.

                                                                                  

A final and complete excavation of the church basement was made in 1920 which provided additional rooms for Sunday school classes. During that year Miles B. Leach became the pastor. He served for a period of six years during which 83 members were added to the church roll. He was succeeded by George L. McClanathan who remained until 1936 during which time 44 members were received. A new roof was placed on the church and both the church and parsonage were connected up with the electric line and service. His remains lies in the cemetery adjoining the church. Mrs. McClanathan was helpful in many ways especially in the missionary work.

Lawrence N, Main became pastor in 1936 and remained as such until April 1947 during which time 123 persons were added to the membership. He completed the longest pastorate of the church by serving nearly eleven years. The auditorium and class rooms and also the basement were redecorated and the exterior painted. The annual budget had increased from $2700. to $6000. and the pastor's salary from $1600. to $3000.

John H. Osborn began his pastorate after Rev. Main resigned in June 1947 and continued until the Conference in June 1951 during which time 48 members were received. During this period a desire had become evident for additional improvement in the church building such as a water system, toilet rooms, enlarged kitchen, and a prayer and conference room on the main floor. A meeting to discuss and make provisions for this was held on February 16, 1948. The work was undertaken the same year and completed in 1949. It included the extension of the basement and the main room fourteen feet to the north, including the improvement mentioned above and the redecoration of the building. The total cost of which was $18,000.00. The Board of Trustees serving at the time were: Lawrence Scott, John Sheaffer, Earl Detweiler, Clarence Parks, Roy Person and Freemont Deets. These additional rooms and facilities give many conveniences and they are much appreciated by all. Bishop Fred L. Dennis was present and led the dedication services on April 24, 1949.

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

About 700 persons have been enrolled as members of the Church since the organization of a class in the United Brethren Church. This enrollment began shortly after the present building was built. At the time of this record there are 243 mebers enrolled of which 36 are listed as absent members.

The names of only a few can be given in this brief history. A number of names have been included so far, among those who may have held some offices or were included in membership of committees. The following list includes the names of heads of families and persons who have been members for some length of time. There are no doubt names omitted that should be included in the list.

Frank Geeting, Frank Detweiler, Chester Langley, Belle McDowell, Milton Wisler, Susie Franklin, Herman Barthel, David Reed, Robert Cross, Frank Ports, Wilbert Boynton, John Sheaffer, Granville Reigle, Charles Scholl, Ellis Williams, Clark Scholl, Owen Beatty, Ellis Scholl, George Haines, Marie Livingston, Walter Hummel, Henry Johnston, Emil Haak, Carl Haak, Rufus Capp, Henry Haak, Wayne Allison, Elwin Allison, Roy Person, Harold Sheaffer, Robert Sheaffer, Charles Langley, Melvin Haak, James Coats, Russell Coats, Jay Seavey, Bessie Seavey, Russell Scholl, Maurice Scholl, Osborn Hummel, Leland Hummel, Harry Deets, Orville Deets, Cathryn Detweiler, Arnold Scholl, Russell Williams, George Beatty, Keith Coats, Clarence Lumsden, Howard Workman, Leonard Hey, Wendell Coats, Max Livingston, Arthur Workman, Louis Zigler, Theodore Lord, Nolan Deets, Lloyd Wainright, Warren Peoples, Glenn Overcash, Helen Pilgrim, Justin Banks, Milo Mundorff, Raymond Ebersole, Roy Hess, Harry Cashman, Alvin Winkey, Glenn Ulm, Lauren Geil, George Fields, John Reichard, Elwood Koch, Clayton Lenhart, Herbert Lambert, Wayne Greeting.

The present pastor, Eugene J. Moore, began his period of service in June 1951 and is at present serving the second year. Some of the improvements mentioned above were made after he began to serve, which also included improvements made on the parsonage and grounds.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

In any active organization there are those who take the lead and help to develop the various branches of activity. Such has been the case in the East Jordan Church through its past history and continues into the present. A few of these have been mentioned, aside from the pastors, in connection with officials and boards including committee members. Many who have served and supported valiantly, and those who were called to lead, will no doubt never have recognition in a written record.

Music which is one of the main aids to worship and praise has had good support through leadership. We refer again to John B. Hughes and his wife who acted as chorister and organist in the early days. Amongst others who have led as chorister were William Hey, Amos Hoak, William Hummel and Isabel Detweiler. As organist and pianist, Ida Kidder, Nora Williams, Ruth Coats, Sadie Kroehler, Lenore Hoak, Eleanor Hummel and Evelyn Deets. The first organ was replaced by a piano which was ordered by the quarterly conference on October 15th, 1915. An electric organ was purchased during the pastorate of Rev. Main.

The Sunday School Superintendents were few in number. Three were Andersons, cousins to each other. James R. served 12 years; Reynold B. 4 years, and Alex for 56 years. Erwin Sheaffer is now serving his second year. The Assistants were, James Talbott, James Coats, Fred Kroehler, Frank Scholl, Robert Coats, Clarence Parks, Earl Detweiler, William Hummel and Wayne Allison. Secretaries and Treasurers serving long terms are, George Beede, Louis Scholl, Grace Talbott, Jennie Graham, John Scholl, Arthur Scholl, Russell Higley, Ralph Shipley and Bernice Hummel.

 

S.S. OFFICERS AND TEACHERS, 1908

Left to right: Jennie Jacob, Clarence Parks, Fred Kroehler, Ella J. Kidder, Anna Graham, Grace Talbott, Ida Anderson, Frank Scholl, Alex Anderson, James Coats, Alma Parks, Nora Gatz, Mabelle Anderson, Rev. J. A. F King, Amos Hoak, Lizzie Detweiler.

 

 

CHURCH CHOIR, 1945

1st row: Mildred Clothier, Kathryn Parks, Hazel Hummel, Mabelle Scholl, Isabel Detweiler, Ben Schildberg. 2nd row: Veva Coats, Evelyn Deets, Mildred Higley, Arladene Sheaffer, Catherine Stauffer. 3rd row: William Hummel, Erwin Sheaffer, James Coats, Rev. L. N. Main, Frank Scholl, Earl Detweiler, Wayne Allison, Harold Sheaffer. (Picture on opposite page)

It would be a long list to record the entire number of persons that have taught in the Sunday School during these years. The following are a few who have taught the longest; Alma Parks, who heads the list with a remarkable record of 51 years, Ida Anderson next with 48 years, Amos Hoak 21 and James J. Coats 18. Others are James Talbott, R. M. Zigler, Ella Kidder, Emily C. Coats, Ellen Hoak, Mabel Anderson, J. Fred Scholl, Jennie Jacob, Anna Graham, Frank Scholl, Nora Gatz, Alex Anderson, Kathryn Parks, Isabel Detweiler, Eevelyn Deets. Oh what an influence for righteousness, mentally, morally and spiritually was exerted by those who taught through the years.

THE WOMAN'S MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION

This name was given to the society of women for the study of and work in the cause of missions. This organization has been active from the early days. When the church was a part of the circuit which included Coleta the President of the Society was Mrs. D. C. Overholser of that church. She was succeeded by Mrs. Julia Beede of the East Jordan Church in 1904. Ellen Hoak then followed for a period of two years, then Ella Kidder, Alma Parks, Edith Detweiler, Hazel Hummel, Ida Anderson, Mabel Scholl and Dorothy Sheaffer.

The Society is now known as The Womans Society of World Service, (W. S. W. S.). Regular monthly meetings have been held through the years by the members and continuing at present. A splendid fellowship and association has been enjoyed and good results have been secured for the missionary cause both at home and abroad. The fields needing support have been given financial aid as well as prayerful interest. The Otterbein Guild for girls was started in 1915 with Martha Madison as the first President. She was succeeded by Leta Pfundstein, Dorothy Hummel, Catherine Hummel, Ruby Higley, Geneva Livingston, Gertrude Leach, Dorothy McClanathan, Helen Scholl, Geraldine Hummel, Catherine Sheaffer, Arladene Main, Evelyn Deets, Catherine Detweiler, Phyllis Scholl and others more recent.

YOUNG PEOPLES SOCIETIES

A young Peoples Christian Union was organized September 5, 1891, when M. F. Pritchard was pastor of the church, Miss Bertha Latimer, who at the time was teaching school at Fairview, was elected as the first President. She was much interested in the young people and was the leading spirit in the organization of the society. Jonas Baer was chosen to suceed shortly after the organization and he was followed by the persons named; Alex Anderson, Emily C. Zigler, Carrie Schick, Amos G. Hoak, George Beede, Fred Talbott, Clarence Parks, Walter Shupp, Frank Scholl, Robert Coats, Arthur Scholl, Ada Gatz, Earl Detweiler, Elton Scholl, Clarence Scholl, Harold Sheaffer, Roy Person, Robert Sheaffer, Wayne Allison, Arladene Main, Cathryn Detweiler, Russell Coats and Clarence Lums-den. Others more recent when it became known as the Senior Society.

A Junior Endeavor Society was organized in 1897 with Ella Kidder as the first leader. She was followed by Hettie Hey for a two year period. The following have succeeded as leaders; Ida Anderson, Mabel Anderson, until 1905 when Ellen Hoak became leader until 1924, then Veva Coats, Edith Scholl, Catherine Scholl, Geraldine Hummel, Eleanor Hummel, Lillian Langley and Helen Pilgrim.

BOY SCOUTS

One of the useful and helpful activities for the boys of the community was the organization of a Boy Scout Troop which was sponsored by the church. It was organized during 1915 with a membership of eleven. At the present time it is said to have existed under the same leadership longer than any troop in the nation. Regular meetings have been held, except for a period during the first war when the scoutmaster was in the service of the country .'-.'From the beginning up to the present time 140 boys have been registered, every one of which lived on a farm in the community, 27 persons have served as troop committeemen. 46 scouts were in uniform during world war II.

Mr. Clarence Parks has served as scoutmaster continuously since the organization of the troop. He has been largely instrumental in keeping the work of the boys active and interesting. He was recently nominated by the National Officials as the ''Rural Scout Master" of the year. The Troop also was given the title of "National Rural Troop of the Year of 1951."

MEN'S BROTHERHOOD

March 1, 1945, a committee met at the parsonage for the purpose or nominating candidates for officers of a Brotherhood. A constitution was drawn to be presented at the meeting for organization which was held at a later date, at which meeting the officers suggested were elected and the constitution approved and adopted. The following were elected as officers to serve for a year; President, Louis Zigler; Vice President, Roy Person; Secretary, Clarence Lumsden; Treasurer, Nolan Deets. Since that time these persons have been elected President; Harold Sheaffer, Melvin Haak, Roy Hess, Robert Sheaffer and Wiliam Hummel.

GENERAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES

Two laymen have been elected by the Annual Conference, first by the Rock River and later by the Northern Illinois Conference, from the church at East Jordan, to serve as delegates to quadrennial general conferences. Alex Anderson was thus elected delegate to General Conference held at Frederick, Maryland in 1901, then at Topeka, Kansas, Decatur, Illinois, and Wichita, Kansas. Amos Hoak served at the session held at Akron, Ohio.

MINISTERS

In the years that have passed from the time of the dedication of the present church in 1877 until now, twenty-one men have served as ministers from the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, now the Evangelical United Brethren Church. All were capable, God fearing, spiritual and industrial servants of God. They deserve much credit for their work in the growth and development in the church life of the membership and of the community in general. The names of these men and the length of their pastorate has been given in the previous record.

A service was held recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the dedication of the church, on September 21, 1952. Two persons, Alex and Ida Anderson were present who attended the original dedication in 1877. As the old leaders pass on others fall in line to serve. "Time like an ever rolling stream bears all its sons away." May we not feel exalted by any past or present successes, but press on to greater goals. May "God forbid that any should glory, save in the Cross of Jesus Christ."

The Lord our God be with us as he was with our fathers.

Alex Anderson, Historian October 1, 1952