History of UNION CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Genealogy Trails logo

UNION CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1904-1971

Section 20, Township 14 North, Range 10 East,

Morgan Township, Coles County, Illinois
Submitted by ©David Kent Coy

From page 462, "1879 HISTORY OF COLES COUNTY, ILLINOIS"

Morgan Township

“There are two church edifices in the township. The first sermon preached was by the Methodists. The Revs. Fox and McCane were early in the field, but we believe, never established a permanent society. The first Cumberland Presbyterian ministers were Revs. James Ashmore and Hill. The Cumberland Presbyterian Union Church is located in the north part of the town, and was built in 1856-57. The society was organized in May, 1842, by Rev. James Ashmore, at the home of David Morgan. Preaching was held at the house of Mr. Morgan and at Aaron Collins’, until the church was built. The recent membership is 110, under the pastorate of Rev. J. P. Campbell. A Sunday school is maintained during the summer season, with an average attendance (last summer) of sixty-three children, under the superintendence of James Morgan, who is also, Clerk of the Church Session.

There is also a Cumberland Presbyterian organization at the California Schoolhouse, but they have no regular preaching at the present time, although the organization is still kept up, also a Sunday school during the summer season.”

From page 739, 1906 HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS AND HISTORY OF COLES COUNTY

Morgan Township

“There are two churches in Morgan Township besides those in Bushton and Rardin.

The Cumberland Presbyterian, known as Union C. P. Church North, was organized about 1842 by Rev. James Ashmore. It is located in what is known as “Greasy Point,” near the Union Cemetery. The present building was put up in 1904. The old one stood about half a mile southwest. They have no regular preacher at this time.

A building is now under way in Rardin which is to be used as a parsonage, and, when completed, a minister will be employed to serve as pastor for both this and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Rardin.”

From the granite marker, standing just West of the Union “Greasy Point” Cemetery Road, 27 May 2006 – “SITE OF UNION-CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (sketch-drawing of the church building) 1904-1971 “GREASY POINT.”

From page 405, 1976 HISTORY OF COLES COUNTY 1876-1976

Morgan Township Churches

“Another church, Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church, near the Greasy Point or Union Cemetery, was forced to close its doors after over 75 years of service.”

Submitted by:
David Kent Coy
davidkentcoy at peoplepc.com