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The Free Will Baptist Church

It was organized April 29, 1865, in the Protestant Methodist Church, with eleven members. The organization council consisted of Rev. S. Bartlett, Rev. H. J. Browne, and Rev. H. Gr. Broadfoot. The following is a list of the original membership: Rev. William Bonar, Mrs. Mary Ann Bonar, A. B. Palmer, Mrs. Mary Ann Palmer, D. W. Payne. Henry Malone. Mary Malone, S. W. Warner, A. B. Gurney, Caroline E. Gurney, and C. H. Gurney—eleven persons. Prior to the organization, services were held in the Swedish Methodist Church, in the southwest part of town, and next in the Protestant Methodist — now Free Methodist Church. They worshiped in this latter place until November, 1865, when they removed to Cutter's Hall, where they remained until January, 1866, when they again removed, this time to the"Christian Church. Tins' building is now a dwelling. Here they met for religious exercises until January 16,1870, when they worshiped a few months again in Cutter's Hall. About May, 1869, they commenced the erection of their present church building. It was completed June 1, 1870, when they immediately occupied it. It is a very comfortable structure, and cost, including the lot, $6.800.

The pastors of this congregation have been the following named persons: Rev. William Bonar. from August 12,1865, to March 7, 1867; Rev. O. D. Patch, from April 1,1867. to March 1,1874; Rev. J. J. Weage, from May 1,1874, to May 1,1875. At that time the present pastor, Rev. H. J. Browne, was called to the pastorate. The number of members is one hundred aud two: the Sunclav-school has an attendance of about sixty.

History of Henry County

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Illinois Ancestors