People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 27-25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1896 — RELIGIOUS. [ARTICLE]

RELIGIOUS.

There are eight denominations who worship in their own church buildings and several societies, not yet strong enough to property of their own, who meet in other churches and halls. An inspection of the several illustrations in this paper dem onstrates the interest that is taken in having substantial, attractive and even costly church edifices, comparing favorably with cities even more pretentious than this unassuming com inanity. In fact all the buildings show the thrift and zeal of a truiy religious people, and the exteriors of the church's are even less noticeable than the neat and comfortable interiors. Rensselaer is reputed for the warm welcome* that is extended to strangers who attend services at its churches, and visitors always find the right hand of fellowship extended to them. This is not only a city of churches, but its people are inspired by liign religious impulses, that are manifested conspicuously in their every day life and character, There is a charm ing unity of feeling and fraternity between all the sects, each seeming to realize the honesty of purpose in the creeds of their differing brethren. The right of each individual “to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience” being rec ognized not only in form but in full sincerity as.well It is a liberal, intelligent sentiment that permeates the whole religious body of the town. In the early davs a recent writer says, “the preachers visited the various settlements’ going from house to house, until the Methodists built a frame church on the corner of Cullen and Rutson streets in Rensselaer in 1855. In 1849 a log chapel was built at Independence. In 1859 the M. E. church at Remington was erected. Other churches have since built, and the handsome brick on the corner of Angelica and Weston streets serves as a model to others. l “The P. M.’s have half a dozen classes and one or two churches. The Presbyterians organized in 1847 and soon erected a church which now gives place to the grandest and best

edifice in the county. A church was built in Remington in 1866. The Missionary Baptists organized in 1857; the Free Wills in 1853; the Church of God in I 860; ihe Disciples at Remington in 1867, while the Catholics built at Rensselaer in 1866 and at Remington in 1865. Within a few years the Lutherans and other denominations have erected places of worship at Wheat field, Deraotle. Kniman and various places in the county. “Our citizens can enjoy as great freedom of religious opinion as anywhere on the globe.” In this connection the Pilot has endeavored to get a short article on each of the church organizations, and if some are short or omitted it is because the information could not be obtained. The editor has done the best he could to give all the essential facts regarding the history and present standing of each’church and hopes that any errors will be pardoned. Thanks are extended to those pastors and others who have assisted in compiling matter for; thi-s department.