Evangelical Lutheran Church

 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at Morristown. The first meetings were held in the Fall of I860, in Edford Township, in what is now known as Weidlein's school-house. The congregation was organ­ ized Feb. 9, 1861, with the following named members: Philip Emmert, Aleman Conrad, John Weidlein, F. W. Smith, S. S. Bjerrum, John J. Whiteline, Fred. Cook, Margaret Emmert, Elizabeth Conrad, Ellennora Weidlein, Caroline Smith, Mary Bjerrum, Doretha Emmert and Sophia Weidlein. F. W. Smith was elected Elder, and John Weidlein, Deacon. The present church building was erected in the Spring of 1863, at a cost of $1,650, and dedicated Sept. 20 of the same year. F. W. Smith and John Weidlein were the building committee. Rev. F. R. Scherer was the first pastor; he served from Feb. 9, 1861, to Feb., 1864; Rev. Eli Fair, from Feb., 1864 to Feb., 1865; Rev. A. M. Tanner, from April, 1866, to April, 1868 ; Rev. G. W. Sehaeffer, from April, 1868, to April, 1869; Rev. R. B. Whitehill, from July 11,1869. to March 10,1872; Rev. E. S. Rees, from March 27, 1872, to July 6, 1873; Rev. Lloyd Knight, from July 6, 1873, to April 1,1875; Rev. S. S. Lawson is the present pastor, having served since May 16, 1875.

Sixty-three is the highest number of members at any one time. The present church officers are George S. Emmert and Andrew Weidlein, Elders; F. W. Smith and J. J. Whiteline, Deacons. Philip Emmert has been Treasurer and Secretary since the organization of the church. The Sabbath-school is kept up constantly, has an average attendance of fifty scholars and teachers, and a library of about 300 vols

History of Henry County

Submitted by the Webmaster

 

 

©Wini Caudell and Contributors

All Rights Reserved

Illinois Ancestors