The M. E. Church of Edgington, "Zion," is located about one mile and three-quarters east of the Village of Edgington. The earliest meetings were held in 1836-40, at the residence of Charles Eberhart—a log house, which stood about one-half mile north-west of the location of the present house of worship.

Rev. Mr. James was tlie first minister; he was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Smith, Rev. Mr. Jordan, and Rev. Asa McMurtrie. These ministers were at this time doing missionary work. Subsequently their meetings were held at the school house in Dist. No. 1. A three days' revival meeting was held in Joseph Dunlap's barn, previous to the organi­ zation of the Class, which was accomplished in June, 1843, while the meetings were being held in the school house.

At the organization of the Society, there was a membership of about fifteen communicants. H. H. Parks was the first class-leader. The members, as near as can be determined, were : H. H. Parks, Martha Parks, Charles Eberhart, Ann Eberhart, Thomas Titterington, Charles Titterington, Andrew J. Webster, Elizabeth Webster, Monroe Webster, Olive Webster, Christian Eberhart, Abigail Eberhart, Ezekiel Webster, Laura Webster, and Charles Webster.

A meeting was called at the Center school house on March Sth, 1854, for the purpose of devising means to build a suitable meeting house. At this meeting, John Wood, J. D.Taylor, H. H. Parks, S. P. "Webster, W. B. Bruner, Charles Titterington, and C. Webster were appointed a Board of Trustees, who also discharged the duties of a Building Committee, and erect­ ed the present house of worship during that year.

The cost of this building, including some improvements, is estimated at about $2,400. At this time Rev. Win. Bell was pastor in charge, and the society contained about eighty members. John Luccock was Presiding Elder. The dedication services were held in February, 1S55, and the sermon was delivered by Rev. Mr. Bowles, of Chicago.

The pastors whose services this church has enjoyed since its early history are numerous, and deserving more than a mere mention, which is precluded by the brevity of this historical sketch. Rev. Parmenis Smith, of Ohio, is the present Pastor, and F. M. Chaffee the Presiding Elder; Charles Titterington, M. L. T. Sturgeon, William F. Crawford, William B. Bnmer, Samuel Roose, and Joseph Asquith are Trustees, and. as well as all other official members, they are good and efficient in the discharge of their duties.

 

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