A BRIEF HISTORY OF IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL CHURCH

Carlyle, Clinton County, Illinois

Submitted by:  Pamela Safriet

Source:  The "75th Anniversary IMMANUEL CHURCH (Evangelical and Reformed)" booklet.

Introduction.

Today we as a congregation are privileged to celebrate another milestone in the development of our church. Whenever we observe 25, 50 or 75 years of progress, we like to look back over the past history. In that way we learn to appreciate the past.

This booklet is dedicated to the leaders of the past, both pastors and lay leaders. May all of us take upon ourselves new confidence for the future welfare of our church as we give due credit to the past.

Now we celebrate an anniversary during a war. The 50th anniversary we likewise observed during a war. But even in the midst of conflict we may justifiably celebrate because we believe in the ultimate triumph of God over the ways of the world.

Background.

In turning to early records some interesting historical facts are brought to light. Evangelical churches were begun for the most part among German immigrants. Famines, depressions and political oppression in Europe about a century ago caused the most ambitious to leave the "fatherland" and seek America, "the land of opportunity." According to census statistics the number of immigrants from 1831 - 60 averaged 50,000 a year. The St. Louis region, from the Kaskaskia River to an area stretching along the Missouri River in that state, proved to be attractive to these people and larger numbers came from the east over what was later named the National Trail through Vincennes, Indiana, to St. Louis and Belleville.

The procession of westward moving stagecoaches and schooners must have become a familiar sight to the residents of Carlyle and other towns along the Trail during the 1830's and 1840's.

Clinton County did not hold many of the first German immigrants; but their numbers probably increased considerably during the 1850's. Enough of these settlers were interested in an Evangelical Church that services were held as early as 1857 in the Court House, the Methodist Church and in private homes.

The first pastor of this group was Rev. C. W. BRACH, who served from 1859 - 60. Various traveling ministers served the group until 1867 when the congregation was organized. In that year the church was constructed and the first regular pastor, Rev. P. KORNBAUM, was called.

There were 46 charter members and the first church council was elected on March 22, 1868, the following constituting the council: Christian BECKEMEYER, George SCHUCHMANN, and Henry KELLING.

Property was purchased and the church was built in 1867.

From the Deed Record of Clinton County, we learn that on April 11, 1867, James WIGHTMAN and his wife transferred the lot where the church now stands to Henry Kelling, A. HUTTENHOFF and Henry BLANKE, Trustees for "Evangelical Immanuel Lutheran Church in Carlyle", for a consideration of $1.00. From the same record we learn that on Sept. 28, 1867, Albert Huttenhoff and Mary, his wife, sold to the trustees of the church the lot adjoining the corner lot to the west for a consideration of $175. In 1874 several more lots were purchased to the west.

The church was completed at a cost of $6000. According to the early minutes, Rev. Kornbaum received a salary of $400 per year. In 1870, when Dr. RUDORF became pastor, provision was made for a school to be taught by the pastor from Sept. 1 to June 1, with a two-week vacation at Christmas and Easter, provided 25 children attended. Members paid 25 cents per month for their children and non-members, 50 cents.

Development.

In 1891, when the 25th anniversary was observed, the steeple was built and bell and balcony were installed. The same bell still calls us to worship. The following year saw the school building constructed which comprises the kitchen of the present parish hall.

First mention of a Sunday School is found in the minutes for 1895 and the minutes for the year 1915 contain the first reference to the Evangelical League. It is certain that both of these organizations were active before these dates.

The 50th anniversary was observed in 1917 when Rev. Aug. DOELLEFELD was pastor. In that year the church interior was redecorated, memorial art glass windows were installed, baptismal font and chancel furniture given and a small basement dug and furnace installed. An offering for missions amounting to $109.02 is recorded for that year.

German was the language used until 1902 when it was agreed to have one English service a month. For the year 1919 records show that 74 German services and 43 English services were held for that year. During the pastorate of Rev. Roland HOSTO, 1924 - 31, German services were abandoned altogether.

Although there were times when it seemed that progress was slow, the Immanuel congregation has continued to make progress by increasing in number, in making improvements in property and above all by developing spiritually.

The records indicate that in 1915 the envelope system was first used. In 1934 the congregation began to depend exclusively upon direct giving.

In 1937, during the pastorate of Rev. L.C. KUTZ, the pipe organ was installed which added much to the worship service. In 1939 the need for new chancel furniture was felt. Through the generosity of the church members, the chancel was rearranged and new altar, lectern, pulpit and choir and organ screens were put in. The dedication of the new furniture took place on Aug. 6 of that year.

At the present time there are 205 active members of the church. The congregation operated on a budget of $2300 during the year 1941. The Church School has a total of 9 teachers and an enrollment of 92 pupils. It has been doing remarkably well in supplying quarterlies and weekly papers to the members of the Church School on basis of the offerings received.

The congregation has been looking forward to the 75th anniversary for a considerable period of time. In anticipating this celebration, members of the congregation have presented numerous gifts to the church and have been instrumental in making substantial improvements. About a year ago the old weather-worn entrance doors were replaced, the new doors being presented as a gift from the John Schuchmann and William STEINMAN families. Also about a year ago the hard maple floor was completed. Last fall a new steel furnace with blower arrangement was installed to replace the worn-out cast iron heating system. The Women's Guild of the church has been instrumental in securing much needed folding chairs. Three dozen steel chairs have been purchased. The women's Guild has also presented a set of new maroon altar coverings as an anniversary gift.

We are happy to report here the gift of a lectern Bible presented by Mrs. George Schuchmann and family in memory of Mr. George Schuchmann. This is a family Bible which is in excellent condition. It is an unusual Bible in that it has the King James and American Standard Versions printed in parallel columns.

The singing of hymns is one of the outstanding traditions of the protestant church. In our church the need for hymnals which could be used for worship services has been felt for some time. Accordingly, the congregation decided a few weeks ago to purchase 100 copies of the new hymnal, published especially for use in Evangelical and Reformed Churches. This hymnal is considered on of the best in America.

As a summary we include the following statistics which are totals since the beginning of this congregation to the present time:

• Baptized 736
• Confirmed 424
• Married 283
• Funeral Services 457

THE PASTORS OF OUR CHURCH

LIST OF CHARTER MEMBERS

The Women's Guild

During the pastorate of Dr. RUDORF a women's society, known as "des Damen Vereins", was organized on October 1, 1870, with 14 charter members.  Throughout its history the women's organization has had a vital interest in the church.  According to the historical record, one of the first things done for the church was painting the interior and purchasing a carpet.

When the English language began to predominate the group came to be called the "Ladies Aid".  A few years ago it affiliated with the Women's Union and consequently changed its name to the "Women's Union of Immanuel Church".  Last year, when the women's groups of the Evangelical and Reformed churches united, the name for all our women's organizations was changed to "Women's Guild".  The President of the Lincoln Regional Women's Guild is Mrs. Rolla SCOTT of our local group.

There are 35 members at present.  Meetings are held alternately in the afternoon and at night so that more of our women may attend.

The Youth Fellowship

On Pentecost Sunday in 1941 the present Youth Fellowship was organized.  While the membership has been small, this youth group has been quite active.  It presented a Christmas play last season and the two spot lights which are now used to light our Chancel were purchased.  We notice particularly the beauty of the flowers placed in the chancel when these lights are used. 

On the occasion of the festival of the Christian Home this year, our youth group presented each mother in attendance a corsage of sweet peas.

At the present time there are 15 members.

Clinton County Churches

Clinton County ILGenWeb Page