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History
of the Clinton Presbyterian Church
Although
a detailed history of the CPC has recently been published for the
150th Celebration of the congregation, the following is a brief synopsis.
A
Church Begins:
On
July 23, 1853 the first thirteen members (eight of them women),
under the direction of the Presbytery of Peoria, organized the
Clinton Presbyterian Church. In August of that year, the Rev. J.H.
Moore, who also served the Randolph Grove Church, began his Clinton
duties. For seven years Sunday services were held in the old school,
the Court House, and what was then known as Warner and Lintner's Hall
on the east side of the public square. Prayer and committee meetings
were held in the school, and later in a rear room of the C.H. Moore
law office.
The
First Building:
In
1854, the lots on the northwest corner of North Madison and East
Washington streets were purchased (for $250) for a new church
building by moneys raised by the church women. The foundation was
laid in 1858. That first building was completed and dedicated April
8, 1860 at a cost of $4,500.
The
Lincoln Visit:
Abraham
Lincoln came one evening to a church supper while attending court in
Clinton. The stone slab Lincoln stepped on was eventually moved to
the second and the current building. Reportedly, Miss Roberts, a
teacher, offered to take his stovepipe hat. Mr. Lincoln declined the
offer, stating he had some important papers in it.
The
Second Building:
By
1885, the congregation had outgrown the church and it was decided to
erect the second building on the same site. The 450 members began the
building project in the spring of 1885. The dedication was held on
October 11, 1885. Cost for the project was
$15,395.62.
The
Third & Present Building:
On
June 10, 1902, a sever storm struck the city, and the tower of the
church was blown down, damaging the rest of the church building.
There had been at a time when the building space was becoming
severely inadequate. It was decided that a new location would solve
many problems. The property at the current location was purchased.
The cost for the new building was $41,000.
Ministry:
The
organization of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor
became one of the leading Christian Endeavor groups in the state.
They supported a field missionary in India.
High
School Baccalaureate Services were held in the sanctuary for many years.
A
92 acre farm was purchased during the 1930's as an investment, and
still provides income for the church.
Under
various names, Presbyterian Women's groups have been in existence
since 1873.
More
about the church's history can be gathered by reading "Stone by
Stone" the published history of the Clinton Presbyterian Church,
written by William Kent.
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