Untitled Document

The M. E. Church of Osco Township

The M. E. Church of Osco Township was established in Oct. 1859. Among those prominent in its organization were William Hitchcock, Levi A. Hamilton, and Edmund Valentine. It was mostly through their influence that a minister was appointed in charge. Rev. H. J. Humphrey preached the first sermon.

Mr. John Chandeler was at that time Presiding Elder ; Wm. Hitchcock, Steward, and Levi A. Hamilton, Class Leader. The meetings of this church were held. for several years in the Center School House, a. small frame building located on the S. E. corner of Sec. 16. Rev. James Sheldon was appointed in charge, in Nov., 1861, and E. Ransom, Elder. Sept., 1860 ; Rev. J. M. Bartels, Sept.. 1862 ; G. C. Woodruff, Elder, Sept.. 1863 ; Rev. J. W. Odell. Sept. 1864; B. C. Swarts, Elder, Sept., 1864. At this time a meeting was held to devise means by which to provide a suitable meeting house, and A. A. Crane, Thomas Barnes, and H. Rivenburgh were appointed a Building Committee. During the Fall and Winter of 1865-6, the building of the proposed house was accomplished, at a cost of $2,500, obtained mostly by subscription in the township, and in June, 1866, the dedication services were held, and the sermon delivered by Rev. Dr. Raymond, of Evanston, Cook Co. This meeting house is located on the S. W. corner of Sec. 15. Rev. John Grundy was appointed, in Sept., 1865 ; Rev. Geo. M. Morey, in Sept., 1866. At this time the church was unusually prosperous.

Subsequently there were appointed Rev. Theodore Hoagland, Sept., 1868; William H. Hunter, Elder, Sept. of the same year ; Rev. Thomas Head, Sept., 1.869 ; Rev. Wm. Sedore, Sept., 1870 ; Rev. Peter Warner, Sept., 1871; Rev. H. C. King, Sept., 1872 ; H. Ritchee, Elder, Sept., 1872 ; F. M. Chaffee, Elder, Sept., 1873; Rev. J. Q. Adams, Sept., 1874; and the present pastor, Rev. E. M. Bentley, Sept., 1876.

Mr. Hamilton has officiated as Class Leader much of the time since the organization of the church. David Hadley is also Class Leader, and has been since 1867. James Henderson and F. M. Barnes are now Stewards, and Mr. Crane is and has been Recording Ste ward for ten years. .Levi A. Hamilton is Steward for the Rock Island. District. The present membership of this church is sixty

The Sabbath School was organized with this church. The first Supt. was Wm. Hitchcock ; the next, Levi A. Hamilton, followed by others, among whom are the names of Eben Woodward, Hiram Williamson, and David Hadley. The school as now constituted., was organized May 14, 1876, and. the last-named gentleman appointed Supt.; F. M. Barnes, Asst. Supt.; David Smith and Alice Woodward, Sect's. The school is divided into seven classes. The teacher of the first class — adults, fourteen — is F. M. Barnes ; of the second — adults, seventeen — Robert Henderson ; third — young ladies and gentlemen, eighteen — is Mrs. John Petteys; fourth — boys from 10 to 15 years of age, nine — James Henderson ; fifth — girls from 10 to 15 years, six —Mrs. A. A. Crane ; sixth — children from 8 to 10 years, ten in number —Mrs. James Henderson ; seventh — infant class, eighteen scholars — is taught by Mrs. Hiram Williamson. No. of officers, four ; teachers, seven; scholars, ninety-one. Total, 102.

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