The Rosedale Church (Part Two)

Gleamed from the Democrat News circa 1976

The first church organization in Rosedale began with a small group of people congregating in the homes; this was known as the Christian Church.  A log building was later built in 1833 to be used as a church and as a school.  This was located in the same area of our present town hall.  The Christian Church was discontinued and the Baptist denomination held services there for a number of years.  In the fall of 1898, a religious organization of Methodists asked to use the building for a revival meeting.  This meeting proved to be so successful that they decided to form a Methodist Church.  The first trustees were William Larrabee, William Brown, and James Wedding.

            Having a vision and a desire for a church of their own, Mrs. Mary Crull Wedding, the wife of the late Thomas Wedding, and her daughters Effie, Flora, and Anna decided to give a deed for seven and one tenth acres of land.  Seven acres of this land was already used for the Rosedale Cemetery.  The remaining one tenth was to be used for a new Methodist Church.  The description of the land was as follows:  Situated in the Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section Number Sixteen (16) in Rosedale Township Number Seven (7) North, Range Thirteen (13) West of the Third Principal Meridian.  They gave land for the specific purpose of the ministry and membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  The deed was recorded October 17, 1900.

            Immediately after the gift of the new land, the congregation, which consisted mostly of nine pioneer families who lived in the surrounding area, began to plan for the building of the new church.  Logs were donated by F. W. Hoyt and Joshua Dabbs.  The men cut the logs and hauled them on the running gears of wagons drawn by horses to the Groppel Sawmill.  Mr. Herman Groppel and sons donated their time and the use of their mill.  The logs were sawed into lumber for the use of the frame work of the church.  The women, with the knowledge that a cold sandwich would not be enough for hard working men, started to plan for hot meals.  They had two hogs and one steer butchered and processed by the old-fashioned methods.  They also took donation of flour, sugar and lard by the tea cup full.  Mrs. Mary Wedding not only donated land, but she also gave the use of her home for the preparation of the meals for the workers.  The other ladies took turns in helping them.

            Construction began in January, 1901, under the supervision of Mr. Rudolph Walkoff, who was employed to supervise and build the church.  He was assisted with volunteer labor from the men of the following pioneer families:  James Wedding and sons, Charles Crull and sons, Robert Ridenour and sons, Andrew Thompson and sons, John Schlansker and son, Luther Johnson and sons, Joshua Dabbs and sons, George Shaw, and Henry Gerson.  As soon as Mr. Walkoff became employed by the church, he immediately began making the pews and the pulpit.  These were sturdily constructed and are still being used today.  The church was completed in 1902, and was dedicated on September 2 of the same year.

            The church has gone through many changes over the past seventy-five years.  For example, for approximately the first twenty-five years, the floor of the church was of white oak.  The ladies of the church worked many hard hours scrubbing the floor with lye water to keep it clean.  A rubber runner extended from the entrance of the church to the alter.  About thirty years later, a pine floor was laid over the original one.  This was kept painted for several years.  The paint was sanded off and varnish was used until the present carpeting was installed.  The rubber runner was eventually replaced with a carpet runner and at this time the alter was carpeted also.  This was then replaced with the wall-to-wall carpeting which is now covering the floor.  The walls were plastered and papering in the beginning.  Many years later, it was decided to rent a steamer and remove the paper.  Much to the workers' surprise, they found five layers of paper.  The original layer was of red roses.  Ever since that time, the church has been kept painted.

            The church was first heated by a round oak stove, which was located in the center of the sanctuary.  It burned wood and coal and sometimes a combination of both.  The wood was always stacked outside in nest cords on the left hand side of the steps.  In later years, the church board decided to replace the old stove with an oil heater.  Many services took place with the congregation seated around the stove, while the minister stood nearby to deliver his message. Still, the cold was almost unbearable.  Having a desire for a warmer church, it was decided to lower the ceiling and insulate it, and also purchase two gas furnaces.  These are still being used.

            The first lighting system was kerosene lamps with reflectors attached to the window facings by brackets on each side of the church.  Next, Coleman lanterns were hung by iron rods from the ceiling.  These were lighted by using a step ladder.  The same rods were used when the lighting was changed to gas.  Then, when electricity came to Rosedale, the church changed to fluorescent lights.  These were a gift from the Masonic Lodge of Grafton.

            The first musical instrument was an old-fashioned organ.  This was pumped with the feet, while at the same time the hands were playing the music.  Since then, there has been three pianos.  The present one was purchased new as a gift from the Young People, along with donations from other members of the church.

            Other improvements on the outside of the church have consisted of aluminum siding, a porch roof, and a new belfry.  The bell in the tower has two clappers, one for tolling and the other for regular ringing.  Before the use of the telephone came into the community, the bell was tolled to inform the residents of a death.  When the funeral procession rounded the bend at the foot of Dug Hill, the bell tolled one clap for each year of the deceased.  The regular ringing of the bell has always been used for church services.  When the new belfry was being installed, the builder thought that it just would not be complete without a cross.  So, he built a beautiful wooden cross for the inspiration of the people of the church and also for those who travel the road in the valley.

            When the schools of Jersey County were consolidated, the small one-room schools in the county were closed and sold.  The church had two reasons for wanting to purchase Rosedale School.  First, a resident from the community wanted to purchase it to be used for a tavern, and the church was strongly opposed to this idea.  Second, many of the rural churches were being closed for the lack of interest, and financial difficulties.  Thinking of the future, the members thought it would be a good idea to purchase this building so that if the church was closed, there would still be a place to worship.  The building was auctioned off on June 13, 1957.  There were only two bidders; the church and the man interested in making it a tavern.  The highest bid came from the church in the amount of $943.00.  Many uses were found for this building - - Sunday School classes, recreation, various money-making projects, weeding receptions, crafts, sewing circles, Bible school, showers, family reunions, and in some cases it was used for church services when the heating was not working in the church.  The cloak room and library were removed and a kitchen was installed.  Linoleum was put on the floor, a large restaurant stove was purchased and a double drain sink also.  The ladies of the church had a kitchen shower in order to equip the kitchen with utensils and linen.

            Having a desire to discontinue serving the picnic outside, it was decided to build a dining room extending from the basement of the present building.  Mr. Rose of Hardin was employed in the first week of August, 1969, to supervise the project.  The men of the community and church volunteered labor and the ladies furnished the meals.  By the determination and hard work of the people, they were able to serve the (annual) picnic in the new building.  In the past year, electric heaters were installed, the ceiling was insulated and finished, the walls were painted, and the cabinets were refinished.

            Through the generations, each congregation has worked very hard to meet the spiritual and financial requirements of the church.  By loving God and knowing that He loves us, it has helped us to cross the valleys and climb the mountains.

            Rosedale is a Charge church.  It has been on three different charges - - Grafton, Kane, and Hamburg.  The first pastor was Reverend Pollock who came from the Grafton Charge.  He usually rode horseback or walked and stayed one or two nights in a home of a member.  Church services were held once a month unless it was a Revival.  A Revival usually lasted three to four weeks.  Later, services were held twice each month.  During the past fourteen years, we have been fortunate to have church services following the Sunday School hour each Sunday, plus a Sunday evening service.  In the beginning, there were four Sunday School classes. Now the number has grown to seven.

            The church has had forty-two dedicated ministers, and eighteen superintendents.  Each has contributed his time, efforts, prayers, and God's guidance in making Rosedale Church what it is today.

            The congregations down through the years have had many money-making projects.  These have included shucking shock corn, cutting and selling wood, rummage and antique sales, selling vanilla, serving lunch at farm sales, various types of suppers, and serving meals for the fox hunters.  The Adult Bible class served meals at the Shaar Emith Temple's Jewish groups at Camp Ouatoga in Pere Marquette Park.  The proceeds from this event were used for the purchase and installation of three furnaces - - two in the church and one in the Educational Building.  A number of years ago, the ladies of the church annually made apple and pumpkin butter.  Some of this was sent to the orphanage in Mount Vernon - - the remainder was sold.

            The biggest project of all has been the annual Labor Day Picnic.  In the beginning, it was held on the lawn of what is now the educational building.  The Town Hall was used twice for the cooking and the picnic was served in the grove of trees behind the building.  Fish and chicken were fried in home-made wire baskets in iron kettles.  A brick fireplace was later built.  The top consisted of old cook stoves.  This was a great improvement.  These picnics were back in the good old days when the ladies had to bring their own cooking utensils, dishes, and silverware.  The water for the first picnics was hauled in tanks which were used to haul water to threshing machines.  These tanks were pulled with horses.  This method was replaced with water tanks in trucks.  Later, water had to be carried from a nearby spring.  Then the spring was dug larger and was encased with concrete walls and steps.  After the Educational Building was bought, the cistern was filled when necessary with water from a pump house in Pere Marquette Park.  The Rural Water system is used today.  Our picnics are better equipped than ever before.  When the dining room was built, the kitchen was moved downstairs.  There is a gas fryer for the fish and electric fryers for the chicken.  It has become an annual event on Labor Day not only for the people of the church but for the community.

            When our church was first founded, the children and youth always anticipated the study of the Bible for two weeks in the summer, and also Children's Day in June.  These were always religious programs.  Our present Vacation Bible School began in 1969.  There are various types of Bible study, crafts, and music for the different ages.  Each generation of children has experienced Christmas programs with the appearance of Santa Claus.

            The first youth group was known as the Epworth League.  Their meetings were mostly held at the church with the exception of the summer months.  When the weather permitted, they enjoyed going to Tucker's Knob at Pere Marquette Park for a Sunset Service.  The youth at this time mostly had bake sales and various suppers for money-making projects.

            The next generation of youth not only had suppers and bake sales, but also sold note paper with a picture of the church on the front, and at one time the girls made donuts and sweet rolls while the boys took orders and delivered them throughout the community and neighboring towns.  They also painted the church and town hall to help get enough money to go camping in the Ozarks.  The congregation, realizing that the youth had insufficient funds for a week's vacation, made up the difference and helped them out in whatever way they could.

            The most recent youth group's activities have included, in addition to some of the past activities and money-making projects, a Youth Sunday, in which they take over the morning worship service.  This is very inspirational and enjoyed thoroughly by the members of the church.  The youth are the proud foster parents of Leileen VaVages.  She is an Indian from Maricopa, Arizona.  They have sponsored her for three years through the Christian Children's Fund.  They donate $15 per month for her welfare.  Some of this group's money-making projects have included a bike-a-thon, rock-a-thon, slave auction, selling candy, a car wash, and maintaining a soda machine.

            The youth have always sponsored the sweet shop at the Annual Labor Day Picnic.

            The first time the youth went on a retreat was in 1943 to McKendree College in Lebanon, Ill.  Now since then, various groups have gone to Postal House, also in Lebanon, and the Jacksonville 4-H Camp in Jacksonville, Ill.  The youth have also been a part of two camps - - Little Grassy, near Carbondale, Ill., and the Epworth Youth Institute at Louisville, Ill.

            Rosedale Church has been thoroughly blessed with a good choir and good musicians to accompany it.  They have not only sung for the church, but also for the following churches:  Grafton Methodist and Catholic churches, Godfrey, Brighton, Fieldon, Bunker Hill, Wood River, Jerseyville, Nameoki in Granite City, Bethel, and WJBM, the local radio station.

            Memorials in our church have been given in memory of various people.  These include the lighted cross in memory of Floy Crull Schallenberg, the Bible in memory of Mary Stafford, the altar chair in memory of Harry and Grace Edwards, the picture "Sallman's Head of Christ" in memory of James R. Warford, Sr. Lillies have been given each Easter and poinsettias each Christmas in memory of Plowman L. Crull and John Hinrichsen, father of Helen Spencer.  Our hymnals were given by members of the church in memory of loved ones.

            A resident of the community desired to leave part of his estate in the amount of $16,465 to the church, which amount has now grown to $21,320.  The remainder of the estate went to the Rosedale Cemetery.  A copy of his will is as follows:

 

             "I, Mark Matthews, of Fieldon, Jersey County, Illinois, being of sound mind and memory and under no constraint whatever, do make, publish, and declare this, and this only, to be my last Will and Testament.

            I hereby revoke any and all Wills and Codicils heretofore made by me.

            I hereby nominate and appoint Laverne Crull, Grafton, Ill., as Executor of this my Last Will and Testament, and the giving of bond is hereby expressly waived.

            In the event Laverne Crull should predecease me in death or we should both die at the same time, then I nominate and appoint Mrs. Violet Crull, Grafton, Ill., as Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament, and the giving of bond is hereby expressly waived.

            I hereby direct the Executor or Executrix of my estate, as the case may be to pay all just debts, funeral expenses, expenses of last illness, cost of administration of my estate, and the cost of a monument or marker at my grave, as soon after my death as may be practicable.

            All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, of whatsoever nature and where so ever situated, real, personal or mixed, of which I die seized and possessed, I give, devise and bequeath unto Laverne Crull, and his mother, Violet Crull, Grafton, Ill., to have for the Rosedale Methodist Church and Cemetery at Rosedale, Ill."

 

            The early missionary work of our church was mostly in our community and neighboring communities.  Whenever a call for help came to assist, read the Bible, or have prayer in homes where severe illness or death had occurred, different members responded.  When the first flu epidemic hit, many homes were quarantined.  The men furnished replacement horses to the weary doctors.  The ladies prepared large kettles of soup, and portions were sent to the stricken families.  Our congregation has always helped in catastrophes such as floods and loss of homes by fire.  Contributions of food and money were given to help the flood victims of Grafton.  Four ladies also worked in the canned goods department.  Money, showers, and if necessary, a place to live have been given to victims of fire.  Each Christmas our church has provided the needy and shut-ins with fruit baskets and poinsettias.  Missions have been paid through our Conference Claimants and special offerings have been used for Red Bird Mission, Lessie Bates, Davis House, United Methodist Committee on Relief and Karen Stokes.

            Three live nativity scenes have been presented.  The first two were by the youth and the last one by adult characters.  The first scene was near the church in the parking area.  The other two were in yards of homes along Route 100 near Rosedale.  A chief event of the second scene was when the sheep ran away.  Motorists on the highway could not believe they were seeing Angels in white robes and Joseph in blue attire, chasing a sheep.

            The men of our church are a part of the Sub-District Men's meetings.  They also have a Sunday morning breakfast at seven o'clock once each month.  One man, acting as chef, prepares the meal.  They have received comments from the ladies as to their cooking ability.  So they decided to prepare and serve a meal to the women.  A delicious meal served in a candlelight setting turned out to be an exquisite banquet, fellows.  Perhaps that was what the ladies were trying to promote!

            Many and various baptisms have been held in our church.  Two were immersed in the creek near the sanctuary.  The last baptizing was in the Illinois River.  Eleven people were immersed at that time.  It was shared with six people from Grafton.

            Cupid has had a part in the history of our church, too.  The first wedding was in April of 1947. 

            We believe that our church is more that a building, pews and pulpit.  We believe that our church is more than people.  We believe in the living presence of Christ in our lives, in our church and in our world.  It is our purpose to help others to make a commitment of their lives to this purpose.

           

            "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a Crown of Life."

Rev. 2:10.