The Swedona and Bishop Hill Churches

A Swedish Methodist society, or congregation. was founded in Swedona in 1857. being made up partly of members of the Andover church. An edifice was erected and dedicated in the period of 1859-61, and in 1864 a parsonage was built. this being moved and remodeled in 1874. In 1863 the Swedona church was made entirely independent of the Andover circuit. its membership being then about 50. This church, which embraces also the Swedish Methodists of New Windsor, in 1905 had 36 members.

The Bishop Hill congregation is also numbered among the oldest of the Swedish Methodist churches. It bad its inception in the summer of 1860 when A. J. Anderson was asked by Jonas Olson to come and preach in the old colony church. While in Andover, Anderson made regular visits to Bishop Hill. When and by whom the church was organized is not known. It figures in the list of assignments for the first time in the year 1863, apparently having been started that year by Rev. Peter Challman. In 1865 the so-called "Sinedjevinden" (Blacksmith's attic) was purchased and turned into a meeting hall. Three years afterward, quite a large church was erected, as also a parsonage.

Several of the former leaders of the Erik Janssonists about this time joined the Methodists. Galva and Kewanee, both belonging to the Bishop Hill circuit, were separated in 1860 and given their own pastors. In 1905 the Bishop Hill church numbered 124 members.

 

 

From: Swedes in Illinois-1906

Submitted by Wini Caudell

Picture submitted by Robin Pardus

 

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Illinois Ancestors