Pages

May 5, 2018

 
 
 
 
Lee Center Congregational UCC Church 1843-2018

The Lee Center First Congregational United Church of Christ , Lee Center, IL. , was organized by the Rev. Joseph Gardner at the home of Moses Crombie on July 5, 1843, under the name of the First Congregational Church of Palatine Grove. For some time services were held at the Crombie home which was situated near the south end of Crombie Lane. The house was later moved to Amboy and remodeled.

At the end of 1849 the church began holding services in the new Lee Center Academy building, and in 1852 engaged it's first regular minister, the Rev. SW Phelps, at a salary of $200. per year and use of parsonage. In addition, during the winter the parishioners gave the pastor a donation , which included about $100. in cash and a large load of wood.

In October, 1854, plans were begun for erection of a church building. Completed in 1856, it joined the Methodist and the Episcopal churches in Lee Center. The pews in the church all had doors, and the seats were rented to the church members. Receipts from these "rentage slips" paid the pastors salary. An entertainment was held in Mr Blake's store to raise money for the furnishings. It took all day for the ice cream to freeze, but was pronounces a success. Articles of fancy work were sold by the ladies and supper was served. Proceeds of this sale purchased a roll of bright carpet from a store in Amboy, where it had just arrived from Boston.

The church has undergone several remodeling  and additions. It was wired for electricity in 1907. In 1917, a balcony was added along with folding doors to make Sunday School rooms and a dining room. A kitchen was added and the entrance was moved from the center of the back of the church to a corner under a newly erected tower. The bell was purchased by the "Wild Flower Club" from the Methodist episcopal Church society in 1918 when their church was dismantled. The church sheds, which were used to shelter members horses during services, were torn down in 1926. the final major change came to the building in 1949 when the annex was completed. It was built almost entirely by volunteer efforts. For several years it housed the overflow of pupils from the elementary school . and in the basement the kitchen was used by Lee Center students as a cafeteria and also a base for meal preparation for over 600 students of District 271. The dinning area was remodels in 1977 , again, with volunteer help.

In 1953 an electric organ was installed to replace the pipe organ which which had been installed in 1902. The wood from the pipe organ cabinet was made into what in now the present alter and lectern. The interior of the church contains extensive stenciling by an Amboy artist in 1952. In more recent years, the hardwood flooring of the church has been sanded and refinished , a lighted church sign placed in front yard, and cement handicap ramp constructed.

The church has ordained nine ministers, sent out one minister to Turkey has seen two other Congregational churches established in Amboy (1854) and Sublette (1871).During the 1940's and 50's, the church was yoked with the Amboy congregation, sharing a common pastor. At this time, the church is yoked with Franklin Grove Presbyterian Church , with Jack Briggs , serving as Pastor.

During its 175 years, the church has been a moving force in the community. It continues to give focus and leadership in the Lee Center community. Please feel welcome to join us in celebration July 15 10:30 am Service . We have special guest entertainment , The Sauk Valley Barber Shop Singers performing after a luncheon. RSVP requested ( for luncheon). 1140 Inlet Road PO  Box 72,   Lee Center Illinois 61331

No comments:

Post a Comment

Comments made by some special people!