The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by the Rev. G. M. Morey, on April 10, 1866 . About thirty persons united in forming this church. They had met for divine worship in the Pleasant Valley school-house, where they continued to hold divine service until 1875, when they completed their commodious church edifice, costing about $1,000. In the 1870’s, there were 88 members, and 40 scholars in the Sunday-school. Some of the pastors who served the church during the late 1800’s were: Rev. H. K. Metcalf, Rev. G. M. Morey, Rev. W. B. Frazell, and Rev. S. H. Humes (The History of Henry County , Illinois , Its Tax-Payers and Voters, etc. etc.” 1877). A bell was added in 1878, and an addition was added in 1928 to house the Sunday school, a dining room, and a kitchen. The addition was dedicated in January 1929 by Dr. George Thorpe, district superintendent. The church was the focal point of most of the activities in the little community. A church orchestra was organized in 1927 by Rev. M. A. Berger, to help promote the growth of the church, and was in existence for about 10 years. The orchestra originally had about six to eight members, but eventually included members from Bishop Hill and vicinity, as well as from the Ulah area (Galvaland Magazine December 1977).

Ulah Methodist Episcopal Church

Ulah Area Band in 1934 Bishop Hill Old Settler’s Parade

(Galvaland Magazine, September 1978)

Original photograph belongs to the Clarence Vinstrand Family

Standing from Left: Alvin Vinstrand, W.D. “Bud” Olson, Elmer Charlston, Charles Lord,____, _____, Marvin Peterson, Harold Peterson, Edwin Charlston, Clarence Vinstrand, ____, Ben Broderman, Edward Vincent, Lloyd Hobley. Kneeling: Wilber D “Casey” Pierce.

Ulah Band

Orchestra in Ulah Methodist Church

Far Left row – (Front to Back) Far Right (Front to Back) At Piano Everett Roberts Harry Kelly Alfva Bergren Marvin Peterson Harold Peterson Wesley Ericson Richard Stephens

Standing Raymond Lord Kenneth Wongstrom Elmer Charlston, Alvin Vinstrand Conrad Rapp Director (left) Emil Munson, Drummer

Center Left - Center Right – Not in Picture - Vernon Nordstrom Fred Vincent Lloyd Hobley Justus Lindholm Lacey Smith Luther Wislander Charles Lord Alfhild Bergren Edward Vincent Clarence Vinstrand Helen Grammer Gladys Clark

(Galvaland Magazine December 1977)

Original photograph belonged to Harry Kelly of Cambridge

The church held Christmas music programs each year, and former members still hold fond memories of the skits and programs that were given. The old pot-bellied stove back in the corner was the only source of heat in the building, and would be nearly red-hot as the congregation filed in to participate in the winter services.

Contributed by Bonnie Wiley

Illinois Ancestors

103106

BMK