The oldest church in Otter Creek township was built in 1872. It was
called "Otterbein Chapel." The early settlers felt there was something more
important in life than tilling the soil. They felt a great need for a spiritual
life. There were probably ten or twelve families who organized it. This church
was known as the "United Brethern Church in Christ." They held their first
meetings in what was known as the Strawn schoolhouse. In a short time their
congregation grew till they realized the need of a larger building, which was
the above mentioned church, built in 1872. It was built on the corner a half a
mile south and a mile east of Kernan. It was built on the corner of a farm owned
by Mr. Engle, who donated the ground for the church as long as it was used for
church purposes, but if it ceased to be used for that purpose the land was to go
back to his estate.
In those early days the roads were a mere trail. The
presiding minister lived several miles from the church. Sometimes the weather
made it impossible for him to reach his church. It was said that a farmer by the
name of Strawn filled the pulpit on days that is was impossible for the minister
to get there. At communion service they used two glasses, one for the men and
one for the women. Some of the women objected to drinking after the men because
most of the men chewed tobacco.
Things ran along smoothly in the church
for a great many years until the question of secrecy arose, which divided the
church into two factions known as the Radicals and Liberals.
The
Radicals won the dispute and then the officials decided to change the location
and it was moved to the little village of Kernan, in about 1895.
At the
passing of the older members the congregation dwindled, not leaving a sufficient
number to maintain the church, which was badly in need of repairs. It was
painted, repaired and was used as a church for a number of years afterward, but
due to the number of automobiles that were in use about that time, people became
interested in the churches in the cities, thus neglecting the little village
church.
The people realized the need of a community hall. During this
period there was a community club organized and were holding their meetings in
the town hall. The club had used this hall for sometime; finally outgrowing the
town hall, a committee was appointed to confer with the church trustees to
consider the purchase of the old building for a community hall. The church was
purchased for the magnificent sum of three thousand, eight hundred fifty
dollars. Among the alterations that were made were a large dining-room and
kitchen in the basement. A stage was also built at one end of the building, with
dressing rooms on either side. On the other end of the building an office and a
Four-H club room was established thus converting the church into a community
hall.
Before it was dedicated as a booster hall, the M. Funk family had
the misfortune of losing their oldest son, who died in Chicago. His funeral
services were conducted in this hall.
The first president of the booster
building was Robert Dougherty, and the first treasurer was Neil Horn.
The hall was used by the community boosters and the school graduation of Otter
Creek township until the spring of 1931, when it was completely destroyed by
fire.
A new building was planned and built as soon as it was possible.
It is not thoroughly' constructed, and won't be until more money can be
appropriated. Many necessities for the interior of the building are minus.
The carpenter contract was in charge of N. C. Lantzer and the mason work was
in care of W. G. Borglin. The concrete work was done by home talent donations,
and the day-work principally by Charles Wilson. The painting that is completed
was done by Charles Wilson and Link Pool. Expenditures up to date are |6,000.
The first meeting was held in the new hall May 3, 1932.
Extracted 08 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from Stories of Pioneer Days in La Salle County, Illinois, by Grammar Grade Pupils, published in 1932, page 55.
| Lee | DeKalb | Kane |
| Bureau |
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Kendall |
| Putnam | Grundy | |
| Marshall | Woodford | Livingston |
