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“The Presbyterian Church of Paris to Celebrate 200th Birthday”
The “Big Event” of November 2024, and therefore this issue of the newsletter, is of course our 200th birthday. Since Barbara Bergdolt prepared such a good article on this for the Prairie Press, I have her permission not to duplicate her efforts, but to use her article as this month’s “Pastor’s Letter”:
Paris, Ill.—The Presbyterian Church of Paris will celebrate the 200th year of its founding on Sunday, November 3, with a special worship service at the church at 241 W. Court Street at 10:30 a.m., followed by a catered lunch at 11:45. A program and community reception will follow at 12:30. The worship service will include current pastor the Reverend Rodger Allen; former co-pastor the Reverend Laurie Williams; former church member and current Associate Pastor of Discipleship at the First Presbyterian Church of Normal, Ill., the Reverend Karol Farris Schilling; the choir; and a puppet performance. The puppet team will also perform during the afternoon program/reception.
The Presbyterian Church of Paris was constituted on November 6, 1824, with 12 members at a log school house near the Alexander House on N. Central Avenue, now The Link Art Gallery, following public worship led by the Reverend Isaac Reed of Crawfordsville, Ind. The congregation elected three ruling elders: Samuel Vance, John Bovell, and William Means. Following examination by the Session (elders), 14 additional people were admitted to membership the following day.
The first church building was constructed in 1834-35 at 114 E. Washington Street. It was a plain brick structure on a sandstone foundation. The structure was 30 feet by 50 feet and was made of bricks, most of which came from Springfield, Ill., with some bricks handmade in Paris. It was the second brick church in Illinois at the time.
The church was not permanently floored and seated until 1839. Prior to its construction, the congregation conducted worship services in a school house, the court house, private homes, and a grove of black walnuts.
The first regular pastor, the Reverend Samuel Newell, began service in 1853, following a long list of “Stated Supplies.” In 1854, the cornerstone was laid for the second church building located at 213 N. Central Avenue. It was a larger brick building, 75 feet by 44 feet and 110 feet high to the top of the steeple. It was constructed at a cost of $9,000. The congregation had grown to more than 100 members. This church was occupied through 1899.
Ground-breaking for the third building—the current one—was March 21, 1900. The church was dedicated on March 31, 1901 with this quotation: “Dedicated this day to the worship of God and His glory forever.” It was dedicated free of debt; the cost of the building and site was $41,750.
Although the previous church had had a bell, which was rung weekly by the sexton, the congregation decided to do without it in the new church. For years it was stored in a barn at the rear of the old building. It was later moved, and its present location is, unfortunately, unknown.
The sanctuary of the church, located at 241 W. Court Street, has long been considered particularly beautiful with its dark wood, including the exquisite high ceiling, and the spectacular stained-glass and leaded windows, which have been lovingly cared for over the years. Stained-glass windows are also in other sections of the church. One of the larger two sanctuary windows, on the east side, came from Ford Brothers—Art and Glass of Chicago and Minneapolis at a cost of $1500. The other windows may have come from a church in Chicago, the building having been destroyed by fire. More specific details are unknown. The church had collected $1600 for the large south window.
The baptismal font, a notable sanctuary addition, was dedicated in 1900 in honor of Susannah Huston. It was carved of Italian marble bearing ivy vines. Numerous building changes have been completed during subsequent years, and careful maintenance of the building continues.
Throughout the church history, thirteen ministers served as “Stated Supplies” followed by approximately twenty-three full-time ministers.
The local congregation is proud to have had four of its members pursue the ministry. Samuel E. Vance, grandson of founding member and elder Samuel Vance, attended the Seminary of the Northwest (now McCormick Theological Seminary) and was ordained in 1863; Joseph H. McCord attended Princeton Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1963; Raymond I. Massey (RIM) attended McCormick Theological Seminary and later earned his Doctor of Ministry and was ordained in 1978; and Karol Farris Schilling attended Louisville Theological Seminary and was ordained in 2014.
In the 1950s, the congregation sponsored a Hungarian refugee family, the Kerekgyartos, Louis and Elizabeth, and their infant daughter Lillian, who had escaped Hungary during the Soviet invasion.
The Session, three of whom are designated trustees, and its five committees, Christian Education, Worship and Pastoral Services, Membership and Evangelism, Property, and Stewardship, lead the congregation. Another active committee has been the Mission Task Force. The Board of Deacons and the Board of Parish Visitors are critical sources of leadership and service. Most recently, the longest-serving Clerk of Session has been Jerry Benson. Two other long-serving members, Julia Blair and presently her daughter, Susan Blair Farris, have served the church as treasurer.
For many years, very active junior and senior high youth groups, known as Westminster Fellowship, were an important aspect of the congregation. They participated in Youth Sunday as well.
Five “Wheels,” individual groups within the Women’s Association, were active for many years. The Women’s Association also held the Williamsburg/Victorian Luncheon for a number of years. It attracted many attendees and always required two seatings due to its popularity.
Multiple Sunday School classes met weekly under the lengthy service and oversight of Sunday School Superintendent Walter Kimble. Several extremely loyal church members served as Sunday School teachers for many years. In recent years, Beth Ruff has worked faithfully with younger children as a teacher and a Junior Church leader. Junior Church was an extremely active group that met weekly during part of the regular worship hour. The program began under the leadership of Sharon Bowers.
Bible study for high schoolers was also held weekly for several years at 6:30 a.m. on a school morning under pastoral leadership. It was followed by group breakfast at a local restaurant.
Until recently, the Presbyterian Church and the First United Methodist Church held a joint service each year, with the two church choirs singing together and both ministers leading the service. The two local Presbyterian Churches, Paris and New Providence, continue joint services and potluck dinners each year at the lovely country New Providence location.
The Community Advent Service continues yearly with locations shared by
the Presbyterians and the Methodists; this tradition will mark its 46th service this December. Susan Farris is the organist, and several other choir directors lead the large choir.
The Presbyterians also hold community Lenten services each Wednesday during Lent at noon. The program consists of a guest pastor speaking, special music, and a light luncheon. In addition, the Reverend Rodger Allen conducts a weekly study entitled “Exploring Our Faith.”
For more than 20 years the Sonshine Puppeteers were an integral part of worship and general ministry. In addition to monthly worship participation, they performed in other local churches, at area events, at a convention in Decatur, and in other cities in Illinois and Indiana. They will be performing during the special worship service and at the program/reception following lunch. The younger Sonbeam Puppeteers were also a beloved addition for several years. Barbara Bergdolt began and led both puppet teams with Mary Anna Ludington as assistant director.
The Presbyterian congregation has consistently been recognized for its outstanding dedication to music, both vocal and pipe organ, and its excellent choirs, choral directors, and organists over its history. Most recently and for many years, Susan Farris has served as organist and choir director. The choir loft is also home to a beautiful Steinway grand piano. The Sanctuary Choir will be singing during worship Sunday morning.
Other musical endeavors that occurred for many years included three youth choirs: The Cherub Choir, The Happy Carolers, and the Westminster Choir. More recently the Youth Choir was active.
The congregation looks forward to a very special day on Sunday, the 3rd.
“. . . FALL BACK:” Be sure to turn your clocks back Saturday evening, November 2, so you won’t arrive at the wrong time for worship November 3. Or don’t turn them back, and be here in plenty of time to visit before the service!
SANCTUARY CHOIR NEWS
Farewell to October and hello to the busy months of November/December. Already rehearsals are scheduled and plans being made for the 46th annual Advent Choral service on December 8. The first choir rehearsal is set for November 4, followed by the 19th and 25th, and two more in December. Spread the word to any interested singers you know.
It would be easy to despair and bemoan the small numbers of people in the choir loft lately. But let’s choose instead to focus on the fact “where two or three are gathered, God is in the midst of us” (Matthew 18:19-20). His mighty strength keeps us going. So as Sunday’s anthem will say – to choir and congregation alike
– “Lord, Lead Us On!” –Susan
BIRTHDAYS
1 Amy Church
6 Joanna Hebermehl
7 Drew Bradshaw
9 Vicky (Jewell) Wilson
12 David Boland
13 Michae Jewell
16 Wilma Johnson
25 Marty Jipp
27 Jani Howrey
29 Steve Blair
30 Phil Scott
November Anniversaries
11 Jerry & Mabel Benson
29 Kirby & Chris Clawson
THE CHRISTIAN CALENDAR
November 24 is “Christ the King” Sunday, and reminds us that Jesus is Lord over all things: “Christ reigns supreme. Christ rules in peace. As Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, Christ is the center of the universe, the ruler of all history, the judge of all people. Christ triumphs over death and, in the end, over all the forces of evil.” (The Liturgical Year, PCUSA). You might think of hymns like “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” “Rejoice, The Lord is King,” and “Majesty.”
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SERVICE
The Paris Ministerial Fellowship thanks the Nevins Christian Church for offering to host and organize a Community Thanksgiving Worship Service. It will take place at 7:00 on Tuesday evening November 26. The church is located on Lower Terre Haute Road: 17475 E. 390th Rd. For more information please call 217-463-8770.
Advent Choral Service
We will host the annual Community Advent Choral Worship Service once again this year, on Sunday December 8 at 3:00. All singers who would like to be part of the community choir are invited to participate. Rehearsals will take place here at 7:00 on the following dates:
- Monday, Nov. 4
- Tuesday, Nov. 19
- Monday, Nov. 25
- Tuesday, Dec. 3
- Thursday, Dec. 5
All Saints Day
On All Saints Day, November 1, we take a few moments to remember and give thanks for the Christians we have known who have shaped our lives, and who have left this earth to be with God. Please pause on that day to remember and give thanks for the following saints who were members and friends of our church who passed away during the past year:
~ IN GRATEFUL MEMORY ~
Mary (Mike) Craun November 7, 2023
Paul Ruff December 2, 2023
Paul Koehler July 18, 2024
EXPLORING OUR FAITH
The “Exploring our Faith” Monday evening discussion group meets weekly, from 5:15 to 6:30. Each session is “stand alone,” rather than continued from last week, so please feel free to drop in any time, or just occasionally; you wouldn’t feel like you were “behind” or jumping into the middle of something. We are looking at “Great Themes of the Bible,” which tell us about God and God’s role in our lives. Those who attend have the option of going out to dinner together following the sessions.
THANK YOU’S
“Dear Presbyterian Church,
Thank you for blessing the local Bible Study Fellowship class in Paris to meet at your church (They meet here Thursday morning). We count your church as an answer to prayer, and pray for you as well.
May God richly bless your generosity.
-Bible Study Fellowship Area Class Staff”
“Dear Folks,
Thank you so much for allowing me the great privilege of speaking to the congregation Sunday October 20. I appreciated the opportunity to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ: “To live is Christ.” I trust it was an encouragement to those present. Thank you as well for the honorarium.
I’ll be praying for your church as you traverse through the process of finding another pastor to serve your congregation in the months to come.”
Your friend, Jack Hoffman
“Greetings in the Name of Christ,
Our Lord!
On behalf of the World Mission ministry area in the Presbyterian Mission Agency, I am writing to express our gratitude for your generous financial support. Your commitment is very much appreciated and essential to the ministry priorities we are called to worldwide.
Rev. Mienda UrIarte
Director, World Mission
Presbyterian Mission Agency
Presbyterian Church (USA)”
NEWS FROM SESSION
From the September and October Meetings:
- Rodger announced at the September meeting his plan for retirement and move to Pennsylvania in late February. A letter went out to the congregation the next day.
- Rebecca Blair, Lead Presbyter/Stated Clerk for our presbytery, attended the October meeting, and outlined the initial steps for a pastoral transition.
- Some suggestions were made for the 200th Birthday planning team.
- The September Treasurer’s Report was reviewed at the October meeting. Income continues to run ahead of a year ago at this time.
- Decorating the church for Christmas was set for Saturday morning December 7.
- Next Session meeting will be Tuesday November 12 at 5 P.M.
PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE …
… sent out some 2023 numbers in September:
- $6.1 million granted in 27 states and 46 countries
- 131 National Response Team members were deployed to 46 presbyteries
- 1837 work team volunteers served, in 9 states
SOME BIG CHANGES…
… are coming for the Seitz family, the Presbyterians mission family we have supported in Taiwan, and who have visited us a couple times. The full letter is on the bulletin board:
“Dear friends,
July 1 marked 15 years of service with PC(USA)’s World Mission. We’re really grateful for these years. The twins were born about a year and a half into our time in Taiwan and life in Taiwan has formed who we are.
I’ve taught many classes, preached many sermons, visited many churches, and met many people. In June, we decided to return to the U.S. In this letter, I want to share some major updates, including my (Jonathan’s) decision to end mission service.
Our daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) in December. CF is a rare genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and pancreas. Because most cases are among those of European descent, it is very hard to diagnose or treat in Asia. In January and May, I went to the U.S. to seek treatment and medicine. A social worker told me that in coming back, “you’re doing the right thing,” and that felt like God’s voice.
In June, I candidate preached at Liberty Presbyterian Church in Delaware, Ohio, and they unanimously voted to call me as their associate pastor.
Before I left Taiwan, I was able to do a number of gatherings with students and say goodbye at chapel. I am very grateful for these memories.
I am so grateful to those of you who have accompanied us through the years. It is a great act of faith to support and encourage the cross-cultural work of which we have been a part.”