Kinmundy Historical Society/100 - 2 - Methodist Church (northwest corner of 3rd & Washington St.).jpg

Methodist Church (northwest corner of 3rd & Washington St.) [came from Centennial Book of Methodist Church]

[taken from “Centennial, Sunday, October 23, 2005 of First Methodist Church Sanctuary, Kinmundy, Illinois, 1905 -2005” put together by the Historic Committee – Elwyn CHEATUM (wrote up history & gathered pictures), Dale WRIGHT, Barb WILSON, Judi SLANE, Duane AMBROSE, Rudy SLANE, & Denise SLANE] article below in book

The building was completed & opened to the congregation for worship service on April 22, 1906. The church was filled, chairs placed in the aisles and vestibules and standing room only in the rear of the church! The message, “The Boys of ’61 to ’65, or “The Sunny Side of a Soldier’s Life,” was delivered by Reverend Thomas Corwin Iliff, D.D. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was an unprecedented honorable occasion to have a nationally known pastor speak at this dedication and to our congregation. This two-day dedication service was closed by Rev. Dr. Iliff in a truly compelling and emotionally filled fashion.

The Civil War was over some 40 years ago. Still, in many areas the wounds had been slow to heal. Dr. Iliff asked all Civil War veterans, both North and South, to come to the altar. Then he asked their wives to come forward, and then all the children. With great excitement and enthusiasm he told them all “the war is over, we are all brother and sisters in the eyes of the Lord. From this forward let’s act accordingly.” There was much excitement and shouts of joy as the evening ended with the trustees making the closing proclamation. “We present unto you this building to be dedicated as a church for the service and worship of Almighty God.”