CHUBCHES AND SCHOOLS

There is no definite record of the first religious service, although, of course, it was held at the home of one or other of the new settlers. It is a remarkable, but gratifying fact that the majority of the people who settled Rock Island county were people of a deeply religious character, who longed for the consolation and privilege of religious instruction and worship. Methodists and United Presbyterians have two socie­ ties, and at one time the Christian church was well represented, but services are now discontinued on account of the removal of its members. The Methodist is the oldest body and both the Methodist and Baptist churches hold services every Sunday. Of course a number of the farmers of Coe township worship in adjoining towns and villages, especially in this era of good roads, and rapid locomotion.

SCHOOLS

It is generally recognized that the first schoolhouse was built in the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section 21, but there is uo record of the name of the first teacher. From that primitive school, however, has sprung the present excellent school 'system. The pupils are comfortably housed in neat school buildings, and their studies are presided over by intelligent teachers, who keep themselves abreast of modern thought relative to the training of the young, and the comprehensive direction of maturing ideas, by reading and attendance on Normal Institutes.

 

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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