Princeville United Methodist Church
Rev. Rex Hendrix

Services:

• Sunday 8:30 AM & 10:45 AM
• Sunday School 9:30 AM

It is difficult for us to visualize the Princeville Community being barren and sparsely settled, way back in 1821. The first white man to settle here was a young man named Daniel Prince. He built a log cabin on a piece of ground south or Cutter's Grove. This intriguing and warm-hearted man soon made friends with the Indians. When the Black Hawk War broke out in 1832, unlike the other early settlers, he did not go into the Fort at Peoria, but remained on his farm and was unmolested. He was married to Miss Betty Morrow in about 1833. (Betty Morrow was the aunt of Hugh Morrow of the Church in earlier days.) By this time several other families were moving to the area, and it began to assume a more civilized aspect. Hospitality was the first law of the Prince family's life. The WELCOME MAT was always out. He was as kind and as good a neighbor as one could wish for.

While making no profession of religious belief himself, he always allowed Mrs. Prince to throw out the latch string to any minister who came along and opened their cabin for religious services.

In about 1836 Rev. John Hill, a Methodist Episcopal minister from New York state, settled on the land then owned by the Hoag family. Soon after his arrival he began to assemble at his humble home the pioneers who had been members of the Methodist Episcopal church where they formerly lived, and who were now scattered over this community. Beginning with infrequent and rather informal services, in due time they became regularly organized and became a part of a six-week's circuit supplied by a regular minister. The M.E. church community soon outgrew the small quarters they could find in homes and school buildings. In 1846 a stone building was erected for school purposes. The Board of Directors very generously tendered its use to all religious denominations, including the M.E. church, for religious service when not needed for school purposes. About this same time the circuit had narrowed to a four weeks' itinerary, including Kickapoo, Brimfield, Rochester, (now Elmore) and Princeville. Among the active church members at that time were "Aunt Jane Morrow", Margaret and Arilla Riel, Messrs. Marin, Russell, Ayling, McMillen, Hare and Hoag.

At the 1848 Annual Conference, two young, unmarried ministers were appointed to the Circuit, both of these men wisely secured "help mates" during the year. The church prospered in every respect including membership.

In the spring of 1853 it was decided they would have a house of worship of their own. Building was begun on Lots 1 and 2, Block 16 (presently and Southwest corner of Main and Cottage Grove). Because of the scarcity of money this building was not completed until a year later.

It was the custom at this time for males to sit on one side of the church and ladies on the opposite side. This custom resulted in an incident during services one evening. "A young fellow came into the evening service and took a seat on the side of the aisle assigned to the ladies. Presiding Elder Richard Haney immediately went back and said of the aisle and the females on the opposite side, and asked him if he would please be seated on the men's side. He looked up defiantly in the face of the elder and replied, "I guess not." "I guess you will," said the elder, and quickly grabbing his coat collar with his left hand and with his right getting a very convenient grip on his trousers, lifted him bodily across the aisle, setting him down, not very tenderly, with the remark, "Now sit here and behave yourself, or fare worse." He did, never stirring from his enforced place of seating during the entire service, only occasionally glancing in the direction of the athletic preacher.

The local officiary said they felt that the church had been so greatly blessed spiritually, in accessions and in membership, that Princeville was able to support a pastor alone and at the Annual Conference, Princeville became an independent charge, Rev. Millsap being the first appointed pastor.

The church prospered under this arrangement until the beginning of the War of Rebellion. Although a cloud of gloom and sorrow hung over the church during these trying years, there seemed to be no lessening in spiritual feeling or church interest. Since almost every home had a husband, father, son, or brother, in the service, the attendance of males at worship services was depleted. After the war was over the men returned home and the church took a new life and prospered.

After 20 years in the first church building, a new and larger building was needed. It was completed and formally dedicated in the month of September 1868. The building in later years was known as the "old academy".

In the year of 1889 the church that most are familiar with was built on the corner of South and Walnut Streets. This church too went through good and bad times. IT was fitting that Hanford Harrison should take Lena Kneer as his bride in the first marriage to be performed in the new church. "Uncle Haney" Harrison, as he is lovingly remembered was an active member of the church for many years.

In 1916 the church purchased a pipe organ for $2,000.00. Many remember Wilda Schaad, Fern Parents and Gladys Pierce, who served as church organists.

The WSCS was organized and became a very busy group of ladies who were always willing and working very hard to help out with the needs of the church.

On December 25, 1930 the Princeville Telephone reported on a fire that destroyed the upper floor of the M.E. parsonage. Rev. and Mrs. J.C. Craine escaped from the house with their lives but very little else. The damage to the house was estimated at $15,000.

Through the years the church suffered many losses, but through it all has remained firm and spiritual. God has truly blessed his people in Princeville. Peace and harmony prevailed generally within the church until March 25, 1968 when a devastating fire destroyed the building and contents. Being true to our history and faith, a new and larger church was planned. Seven acres on Woertz Road were purchased for a new church building and a new parsonage. During the time between the loss of the church and the completion of the fellowship hall services were held in the former Shriner Mortuary. In December 1969 the first services were held in the fellowship hall and continued there until the completion of the sanctuary. This final phase of our project also included more Sunday school rooms, and a new parsonage which was ready for occupancy in August 1969.

With God's help and the combined talents and efforts of Rev. Charles Mann and many dedicated volunteer workers, there is a very efficient church structure with a lovely sanctuary. Presently a very active and dedicated membership continues to carry on the work of God in the community of Princeville.

The above information is taken partially from the Sesquicentennial Princeville Illinois book from 1987.