Future of First United Presbyterian Church of Du Quoin is uncertain
A congregational meeting after church services on Sunday will begin deciding the fate of a Du Quoin church that dates to the very beginning of the city itself.
The once-thriving First United Presbyterian Church whose members included the founding Smith family, the Armstrongs, the Maxtons and the Naumers is down to fewer than 60 members on its church rolls with less than 30 in church on some Sundays.
The last substantial pastor of record was Rev. Tim Scroggins (2012). Vacancy pastors no longer conduct Sunday services. Sunday services are left to guest speakers and lay members of the church.
It is too early to talk about the future of this shrinking congregation. That discussion starts Sunday. But, it is not too early to pray for some direction.
The questions are many: Is the church sustainable? If it isn't, what happens to the congregation and, specifically, to a big, beautiful and historic church building that is showing its age.
Or, at whatever cost, do the good people of this church move forward for the sake of history? The church is ultimately governed by Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois.
Church's Great History in Du Quoin
These were the words of dedication from a hymn written by Rev. T.E. Spilman and sign at the cornerstone laying of the new Presbyterian Church of Du Quoin on Sept. 9, 1890:
"We rear this house for thee, O God,
A house of prayer and praise,
A house in which to worship thee,
And learn thy holy ways."
During its great history the church had three "houses," all at the same site, a gift of city platters Keyes and Metcalf, who made the original survey of Du Quoin
Three years after the town came into being the first Presbyterian Church was organized on Sunday, Sept.14, 1856. Ten persons attended. The first wood-framed 1857 church cost $2,500 to build.
The church's first pastor was Rev. W.S. Post from New York who served on a half-time basis. The year 1865 was particularly good for the young congregation. The pastor's salary had grown to $800 and giving had grown to $227.05 from the previous year's $85.25. Sunday school had grown to 125 participants and church attendance had grown to 90.
The second church was built in1890 at a cost of $6,000.
But, on New Year's Day 1928, shortly after the service, the church was destroyed by fire and the loss was estimated at $30,000.
After the fire the congregation met at the high school until the cornerstone was laid for the current red granite church on May 1, 1929 and dedicated Jan. 5, 1930 at a cost of $75,000.