CHURCH OF CHRIST

The Church of Christ at Rapids City, Rock Island County, Illinois, was organized on the 8th of September, 1856, by Elder G. W. Smith, of Benton County, Iowa, and consisted of only twelve members, (six males and six females) of which number four have died; five still live within the bounds of the congregation, viz.:

Theo. Steele, Elizabeth Steele, William W. and Louisa J. Meader, and Nancy M. Gallino; the others have removed to different localities.

In May, 1857, A. G. Lucas, an Evangelist, labored two years for the church, and added eighty members. Elder H. C. Brown was next employed, and remained one and one-half years, and added forty-two members. The next regularly employed preacher was Elder C. W. Sherwood, who continued to labor for the church during a period of over three years. Next in the order of time, was Rev. Mr. Dogghall, Rev. Mr. Swaim, and Rev. Mr. Smith. At this present time, Elder Ingram, of LeClaire, Iowa, labors half of his time for the church here. Whole number of names on the church record, since its organization, two hundred and forty; present membership, forty-five.

In the year 1863, Geo. J. Rowe was ordained an elder and preacher for the church, and has continued to labor, in word and doctrine, from that time to the present, being a resident of this place, and united with the church in the year 1857. The church owns a commodious brick house, built upon the land donated by Jonas Barber.

 

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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Illinois Ancestors

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