On the Move: a History of Central Christian Church

On the Move A HISTORY OF CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH

1893-2021 The story of how one church has transformed and

NOVEMBER 2021 | $10.00

continues to transform as it has navigated events in both Disciples and United States history.

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Background image: photo of a poster of a painting called "The Disciples of Christ" by Aaron Bohrod for Look Magazine

Author's Note It is difficult to write a history of an organization that spans 128 years without leaving something out.

It is also difficult to write about more modern history, when its events are not just records of meeting notes or severance agreements, but memories of people here today. I am one of the newest people to Central Christian Church, but as I researched, its history came alive for me, and I felt a connection to the people long gone. What began as an assignment for my Disciples History and Polity class turned into a project of my heart.

There is so much more to any story than can be presented, but I am proud of the work I have done here. I hope you find it informative and enjoyable.

IN THIS ISSUE 03

Introduction

05

Birth

10 Adulthood 19 Aging 24 Rebirth 26 Central's Ministers 27 Elder & Diaconate Emeriti 28 Acknowledgements 29 End Notes 31 Index

Pastor Kelly November, 21, 2021

INTRODUCTION For a first-generation Disciple who never heard of

Weekly communion may be a surprise and the

the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) before

significance of “the right hand of friendship”

2016, who simply wanted to find a place to

extended to those joining in membership is

belong, the five generations of Disciples history

lost on them.

can seem irrelevant. Names of people long gone with no connection to the current iteration of

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is

“church” and local church records and dusty

known as the best-kept secret when it comes

boxes relegated to libraries, storage rooms and

to Christian denominations. A best-kept secret

random church cabinets make for a history that

is something that is valuable, does good, has an

has little connection to the present.

influence or impact, yet is not well-known. Just as the denomination itself is a best-kept secret,

The names Barton Stone or Alexander Campbell

so too are individual congregations within the

mean nothing to someone with no prior

denomination. That is certainly the case of

connection to Disciples and for someone coming

Central Christian Church in Bourbonnais,

from another denomination or

Illinois, which has a 128-year-old history.

nondenominational church.

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 3

As Central Christian Church prepares to close as

drive-through mask giveaways, vaccination

an organization in 2021, an examination of its

clinics, and a Back-to-School Fair, partnered

history shows the significant impact it has had

with Catholic Charities. The biggest numerical

on individuals, the congregation, the Kankakee

growth occurred in the 1950s and 1960s. In

County community, as well as the denomination

October of 1966, the Board Agenda included a

itself. Throughout the years, it has been a church

report that referenced “the latest figures in the

on the move

Year Book” which put

It has nurtured the

the “list of

faith of thousands of

participating members

The good news, however,

people throughout the years and has .supported those in ministerial leadership.

is that death is not the end.

There have been three ordinations, two

totals 698 people…”(iii) It was the highest membership the church would ever have.

Yet over the last twenty to thirty years,

other recommendations for candidacy and

membership, attendance, and giving has

ordination, and one commissioning. Two of the

declined, forcing the church to often operate

people are a “Timothy” and “Phoebe” of the

on a deficit budget.

congregation. Central also supported a “living link” missionary, Tom Hill, who was

The closure of an organization that has had

“outstanding.”(i)

long-lasting impact for over more than a century is difficult to understand. How can an

However, like most of Christian history whose

organization that has done so much good

churches are not "pristine or without conflict,”(ii)

come to an end? The answer to that is complex

there are stains on local congregation history. It

and bigger than one congregation. It has to do

is worthwhile to be able to look at a

with church life cycles, the (un)importance of

congregation and its history knowing all it

weekly worship in the lives not only of people

encompasses, good, bad, and everything in

of faith, where the proliferation of Sunday

between.

youth sports takes priority, but also in the country as a whole, which has the lowest

Central Christian Church has impacted the

number of Christians it has ever recorded (iv).

Kankakee area community through a mission site that existed from 1917-1940, a clothing closet,

No longer is church a central event for people

ice cream socials, rummage sales, hosting a day

and truthfully, has often done much harm.

care, a boy scout troop, providing a location for a

Christians are considered judgmental, rigid,

Spanish-speaking service, sponsorship of a

and exclusive. In a culture where Church is

family, participating in organizing a Half-Way

dying, individual congregations are dying too,

house, helping immigrant families settle in the

much to the detriment of those for whom it

area, providing meeting space for community

has been and is a central component of their

organizations, creating a chapter of Blessings in

lives.

a Backpack, and been a site for Fortitude Community Outreach (a homeless shelter).

The good news, however, is that death is not the end.

Its expansive parking lot has hosted Trunk-orTreats, Farmers’ Markets, car shows,

November 2021 | 4

ON THE MOVE

Left: Advertisements for the Tent Meetings, 1893 Below: E.L. Frazier's prayer request in the Christian Standard, July 1 1893

BIRTH July and August, 1893

Central Christian Church became official on

others [like them] and holding religious

August 1, 1893 (v) when the articles of

meetings in their homes.”vii The area had been

incorporation were signed and submitted,

ripe for the past ten years for a Christian

approximately 60 years after “the handshake”

church, as there “were a number of Disciples in

that began the Stone-Campbell movement.

the city. Some had gone to the Baptists, some

Shortly before, a tent meeting was organized by

to the Methodists, others to the Presbyterians

E.L. Frazier and E.O. Sharp on the corner of

and Episcopalians, for want of a better home”

Greenwood Ave. and Station St. in Kankakee,

(viii).

Illinois, at the bequest of the Dwight, Schooley, and Greene families, who had attended a revival

During this meeting, organizer E.L. Frazier

in Tuscola and desired the same experience for

requested prayer in The Christian Standard,

Kankakee (vi).

“We have ‘pitched our tent,’ and commenced preaching. We have a good sized tent, seated

The Schooly and Dwight families had become

with chairs. We realize the magnitude of the

acquainted when Mrs. Sarah Schooley and Mrs.

undertaking. We have many hindrances and

Dwight, both Disciples, met after sending their

few helps. It will take gospel, grace and grit,

children to the Methodist church for Sunday

with patience, perseverance and push, to

School. Together, “they began searching for

succeed. Brethren, pray for us” (ix).

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 5

Left/Above: Original Articles of Incorporation, 8/1/1893

Above: Early 1900s hymnal Left: Warranty deed from purchase of property at 752 E Oak St., April 17, 1899

Right: Cover of Board Meeting Minutes notebook, 1894-1902.

Below: Meeting minutes from first two board meetings, 1894

November 2021 | 6

ON THE MOVE

After a month of meeting in a tent, “the church

Mrs. George Fiers, whose given name was Leah,

secured the use of the Seventh Day Adventist

a member of Central Christian Church, who

Church on the corner of Oak Street and

had served as a Sunday School Superintendent,

Dearborn Avenue”(x) before they would be able

(xiv) was also a minister, preaching occasionally

to purchase “a part of the old building of the

at Central (xv). Leah’s dream had been ministry

Episcopal Church” for $1,500.00 and move it to

and attending Eureka College. While college

their site (xi). Church historian Bessie Kibbons

was not possible, this Iroquois, Illinois

wrote in her scrapbook the

schoolteacher with an

story she had heard

eighth-grade education

about this event during

first traveled to nearby

a church program:

Kentland, IN to study

“Mrs. Lockwood told the

under J.R. Crank (xvi)

story of the journey of

husband of Sadie McCoy

our first church—from

Crank, both of whom had

Schuyler east to Indiana,

ministered in Iroquois;

north on Indiana to Oak

they had been there

St., east on Oak to the

between 1892 and 1899,

present site. And as it

establishing a home in

sat on jacks between

1893 and Sadie “did most

the Baptist and the

of the preaching” (xvii). It

Presbyterian—someone

is safe to say the Cranks

standing by

and Leah Grubbs Fiers

remarked-‘That’s the

were well-acquainted, and

only church in town

later Sadie McCoy Crank

that’s moving’” (xii).

counted the Fiers family

From the beginning, the church moved from tent to building to a building expansion in 1914. There was apprehension about the expansion expressed at a special meeting, with membership divided as to whether or not to build; “some holding that the Church was out of debt and good enough. But there were others who saw a better Church for the

as friends with whom she corresponded; their names and Kankakee address is listed in her notebook of friends’ addresses (xviii).

Though there is no record of Leah's ordination, it supposedly took place in 1895 in the Christian Church in Iroquois, Illinois during the time of the Cranks’ pastorate there (xix).

future. After a time, Mrs. George Fires [sic]

It is no surprise

asked if she might speak…Mrs. Fires closed

the ordination

her remarks by saying: ‘I believe God is with

record does not

us, and will help us, and we are able to build

exist; the

a new church.’

Iroquois Church was destroyed in

Her story helped bring about a different

a fire in 1923 and

feeling” (xiii).

was never rebuilt (xx,xxi).

Right: Christian Church at Iroquois, IL. Photo received from Iroquois County Genealogical Society.

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 7

Leah, her husband George, and daughters moved

It was a religious household that respected a

thirty-five miles to Kankakee in 1904, and her

healthy blend of religious thought and

third child, Alan Dale, was born in December of

individual spiritual freedom tempered with

1906 (xxii). In Kankakee, George and Leah

religious tradition” (xxx).

became members of Central Christian Church in 1908, joining by statement; daughters Bethel and

During their time at Central, a new building

Othel followed in membership in March 1912 by

was constructed. It was “Colonial design with a

baptism (xxiii). They lived just over half a mile

cottage tower. Its beauty is of the simple sort

southeast of the church. The Christian Church

that wears well. Its graceful lines and pleasing

would be important to their lives:

proportions are the conception of George A. Fiers, who as designer of the building and

“Every Sunday and religious holiday the Fiers

foreman of its construction, has done a

family unfailingly attended the Christian Church.

splendid piece of work…It is a veneer building

Leah taught in the church school, led Bible

of rich, red brick, laid in black mortar. The roof

studies, and occasionally preached…The church

is black slate” (xxvi).

and the family set moral standards as they did in most country towns. Yet in spite of their many

He had been elected foreman for the project

virtues, these little towns were capable of

by a congregational vote (xxviii) and the

imposing conformity and a morality so rigid it

building was completed and dedicated in

could suffocate a creative spirit. Not so with the

October of 1914. Inside this 1914 building sat the

Fiers in either Kankakee or later. Their religion

first building, the one the congregation

was real, authentic, and integral to their lives,

purchased and moved in 1899 (xxviii). This

but it was not worn on their sleeves...it was not a

congregation that began with eight charter

stifling, fundamentalist environment designed to

members had grown to a membership

control or exclude.

between two hundred fifty and three hundred people (xxix).

Above: cornerstone at 752 E. Oak St, photo taken October 2021

Above: Membership Record Book, 1916-1922

November 2021 | 8

ON THE MOVE

Left: article from the

On that day, the ecumenical program of

Kankakee

events included a box being placed beneath

Daily

the cornerstone. One can assume this is a time

Journal,

capsule, still hidden away under the

1914

cornerstone, over a century later, treasures contained within undiscovered, like a bestkept secret (xxx).

Many years later, when A. Dale Fiers became the president of the United Christian Society, Central sent him a congratulatory telegram, to which he responded in a letter written to the board, “I want to acknowledge your very kind and thoughtful telegram. I have many fond recollections of the Central Christian Church in the City of my birth”(xxxi).

Later, he spoke at Central’s morning service on June 8, 1952 and Kibbons wrote it “was a pleasure to have him home—His parents… helped so much to build our present church building” (xxxii).

When he became the executive secretary of the International Convention of Christian Churches, Kibbons again sang his and his parents’ praises: “They were very devoted loyal church people and their son is an honor to them. And the K. Church can take pride in knowing him and his parents” (xxxiii).

Above/Right: Right:

Worship bulletin

Photo of

from April 11, 1926

page of Bessie Kibbon's scrapbook

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 9

Breaking ground on Oak St, 1957

ADULTHOOD

Above: part of a bulletin from the organ dedication on September 7, 1947

Right: WeNeedU Class Meeting mInutes book and

Right: Cover of 50th

Constitution) (1930-1941)

Anniversary Celebration (October 10, 1943)

Right: Newspaper article featuring Lorraine Close when she went on a six Above: Cover of 45th

week South

Anniversary

American tour of

Celebration,

Disciples of Christ

September 25, 1938

November 2021 | 10

Missions in 1956.

Above: part of a bulletin with the budget for 1945-1946

ON THE MOVE

The walnut cross he and his wife Ann purchased for the sanctuary above the baptistry (xl) measured fourteen feet tall and seven feet wide. It was not the first building project and it would not be the last. Central Christian Church began as and would continue to be a church on the move, building a future that would endure.

The 1960s, a tumultuous time for everyone nationwide, brought both strife and unity to Central Christian Church. Pastor John R “Jack” Rev . W

. H arol

d Edds

Canedy arrived and would lead the congregation through Restructure as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was officially established.

The church began preparing for this. In October of 1966, Rev. Jack Canedy presented to

By this time, Central Christian Church in

the Board about his and other representatives

Kankakee had called the one who would

—“Mrs. Close, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Phillips, my wife

become their beloved pastor, Rev. Harold Edds,

and myself”(xli) —presence at the International

a young man of thirty-one. During his interview

Convention in Dallas two weeks prior. In their

process, the congregation was “pleased with his

opinion, it was “one of the finest we have had in

appearance & his message” (xxxiv) and due to

recent years” and “The business session

the number of young people in the

handled some of the most historical steps we

congregation, believed hiring a young minister

have taken as a brotherhood for many, many

could be a good move (xxxv).

years” (xlii).

After an increase in attendance necessitating an additional service (xxxvi), one of the hallmarks of his pastorate was a building project, begun in 1956, and when the new sanctuary was completed, Rev. Edds, who had left in order to take a position in February of 1958 as business manager of the International Convention of Disciples of Christ (xxxvii) returned for the first worship service in the sanctuary. During the June 1, 1958 service of dedication, a “beautiful service,” Rev. Edds “preached the first sermon in the new church…he preached on the cross” (xxxviii) in a sermon entitled “This Above All!” (xxxix).

ON THE MOVE

Rev . J

ohn "J

ack" C

anady

November 2021 | 11

New sanctuary at 752 E Oak St, with the cross purchased by the Rev. W. Harold and Ann Edds, 1959

November 2021 | 12

ON THE MOVE

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 13

This was followed by sharing about an

With the resignation of their Religious Education

amendment to the bylaws which would enable

Director, Rev. Dixie Webb, Central had to decide

Central “three voting representatives at the

how to proceed with filling her position. The

Convention to be held in St. Louis next fall” (xliii).

Christian Education Department recommended

In addition to this news, Rev Canedy advised

“the immediate appointment of a Personnel

them of “A second signification action…the

Committee to seek out a staff member…

acceptance of the ‘Proposed Design for the

employing the best possible person for our needs at Central, whether they

Christian Church as presented by the Restructure Commission for submission to the churches for study and

"We are facing as a nation an explosive crises"--Jack Canady

reaction” (xliv).

The Membership Department planned a study on Restructure for the parish meetings in the coming year (xlv). In February, Madeline Phillips reported “The parish groups will be glad to help with plans to inform [the] congregation of Restructure” (xlvi).

Shortly thereafter, Rev. Canedy also showed a movie titled, “Brotherhood Restructure” (xlvii). In October of 1967, Mrs. McCracken, Mrs. Close, and Mr. Canedy were sent as delegates to the International Convention in St. Louis (xlviii). Rev. Canedy’s wife, Mary Lou, would serve “as a member of the resolution committee” (xlix).

In February of 1968, Chairman of the Board Truman Lane reported “a special committee to study and present the restructure program to our congregation has been appointed” (l). That same month, Rev. Canedy received a letter commending Central for their “excellent record of outreach” and their demonstration of “a leadership role in outreach participation” (li).

November 2021 | 14

be fresh out of seminary or presently employed by another church. The Department is of the opinion that we must have either a Minister of

Christian Education or an Assistant Minister specially qualified in the educational ministry” (lii).

In April of 1968, Mr. Raphael Miller, Jr. from University Place Church in Champaign attended the Board meeting in order to present “detailed discussion on restructure.” After this presentation, the motion to enable the “delegates to the State Convention be given a vote of confidence to vote on restructure at the convention as they [saw] fit… carried with one ‘no’ vote” (lii).

Amid the issues of Restructure, Central faced the reality of race relations, both nationwide and locally.

In the aftermath of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the ensuing protests, Rev. Canedy wrote in his Minister’s Report to the Board in May of 1968: “it is evident that we are still a distance from taking seriously our ministry to others. We are so terribly defensive of our thoughts and deeds that we find it almost impossible to listen to the needs of others.

We are facing as a nation an explosive crises [sic].

ON THE MOVE

How much opportunity for each of us to learn;

More than anything else, at the present time, we

serve, and be a part of this great body. The

need to ask the three questions raised by the

overwhelming approval of the Provisional

National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders:

Design, restructuring the basic functions of the

1. What has happened? 2. Why did it happen? 3.

Christian Church, Disciples of Christ….The

What can be done to prevent further explosions?

integration of the two major Conventions of the

Now is NOT the time

Christian Churches…..The now fast approaching

for closed minds and

New Life Curriculum study materials…

anger. Now is the time

the opportunity to assist

to know what the real

in the urban crisis

facts of life in America are. Small group studies on race relations will be held at Central in June and July—ATTEND and PARTICIPATE in these attempts to understand OUR

" It behooves us all to become aware of how much alive the church really is. How much opportunity for each of us to

problem.” liv

learn; serve, and be a part of

The topics of

this great body. "

Restructure and Race were like a dance the next few months.

At the October 6, 1968 Congregational Meeting, “Mr. Canedy reported on the International convention, saying it was one of the most

important conventions ever held. The convention

--Leo Phillips

problem, and many, many other such areas of need"(lvi).

Rev. Canady’s words were similar to those of the minutes of the Congregational Meeting.

He ended his report with the following charge: “Our first 75 years have had their ups and downs, but more importantly, they have constructed a very firm foundation

for continuing growth in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and man. May we dedicate our next 75 years to this task” (lvii).

approved the provisional design for restructure.

One of the high moments was the merger of the National Convention of the negro church with the International Convention. He also spoke of the Program of Reconciliation, which will hopefully help to answer the urban crisis in the nation” (lv).

In the next Agenda for the Board, two days later, both Rev. Canady and Chairman Leo E. Phillips wrote about Restructure. Phillips wrote: “I can not think of a time in our church history when so much activity has been forthcoming—on the International, state and local level. It behooves us all to become aware of how much alive the church really is.

Left: Cover of 75th Anniversary Program, October 27, 1968

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 15

Despite the minister and board chairman’s

If this is our business, then we need to clearly

optimism for the future, conflict lay ahead.

state it, and be about removing the name

In that same month, “Wesley Caddel has asked

Christian Church from the cornerstone. If, on the

for a transfer of membership. He has been hired

other hand, we are in the Christian business of

by the Nazarene Church to serve as an associate

reconciliation, reconciling man with God and

pastor to work with an interracial staff in a

man with man, we must do in deed everything

Nazarene church” (lviii) and Rev. Canady

possible to say to an unbelieving world that men

continued to bring up race relations and the

of faith can live, work and worship together no

divisions rampant in the country and in the

matter what there [sic] racial, economic, and

community. In his Minister’s Report the next

political differences might be.

month, his frustrations with and hope for the congregation was evident. Here is his report in its

Realistically this can only be done through a

entirety:

member of the alienated group. This is not a new or strange idea. Political parties have been saying

"I regret I am unable to

this since their inception.

meet with the Board this evening for I would like to share with you, in person, a matter of deep concern to me. The sermon last Sunday was an attempt to share a portion of this concern with the congregation.

Our divided world is

we must do in deed everything possible to say to an unbelieving world that men of faith can live, work and worship together no matter what there [sic] racial, economic, and political differences might be.

THE major problem

--Jack Canady

facing man today. The

They have always involved a member of a separated group in the planning and promoting of their programs in order to communicate to them… ‘We care about you.’

I believe our message of caring and concern can only be heard if it is delivered in a similar way.

division is all but breaking down all lines of communication. Our

Therefore, I strongly feel that NOW is the time for

non-commitment to the solving of this problem

us to integrate our church staff with a fully

is no longer a live option. We have to respond

trained, seminary educated black director of

with more than, ‘I understand the problem, but…’

Christian education can do two major things: (1)

Neither can we any longer fool one another by

Help us grow in our Christian Faith through

what we say; we communicate only by what we

leadership training and study programs, and (2)

do.

Help us say to a very prejudiced world we are willing to be everything we have that Jesus

As a congregation, we have said we are open to

Christ was right…all men can be brothers through

receive, love and witness, regardless of race, with

love” (lix).

all who claim Christ as Lord. But, in fact, we have communicated that we are in the business of maintaining the status quo of a divided society.

November 2021 | 16

ON THE MOVE

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 17

In a white church in an increasingly black

As the sixties passed into the seventies some of

neighborhood, Rev. Canady’s suggestion would

the lessons took root. Rev. Jack Canady and

have been beneficial in creating a multi-ethnic

Board Chair Truman Lane had impressed upon

church. After this report was read, the board

the board and the congregation through their

voted by secret ballot as to what they would

reports the importance of love for neighbor,

prefer in their next Religious Education Director:

and in July of 1973, church member and

black or white, male or female. By the next

member of the Inter-Faith Sewing Group Molly

month, the board had “voted unanimously to ask

Jaeger wrote a letter of appreciation for the

the congregation to call Miss Mary Hulda Allen as

support of Central and the space it gave them

minister of education” (lx). After only a short

to work, letting them know she was “proud to

time, her “ministry has demonstrated her ability

be a member of a church that interprets ‘love

to give leadership and develop leadership in

your neighbor’ to mean those in need who live

every area of the church’s life. This will be

next door, as well as those in need around the

accomplished here; however, only as the

world” (lxv) because often those in need next

members of the congregation respond through

door are forgotten in the excitement of sending

participation in the programs which will be

help elsewhere.

offered” (lxi).

Despite its love of neighbor,

Despite the positive

Rev. Jack Canady and Board

outlook, there was also

Chair Truman Lane had

some concern about the future of the congregation,

impressed upon the board and

with Chairman of the Board Leo E. Phillips encouraging Central to “not succumb” to

the congregation through their

the statistics of churches that are declining “in

reports the importance of love for neighbor

membership, attendance,

its future, creating a Long Range Planning Committee in 1973 that would consider multiple options*, such as an ecumenical slant and go in with some other church or churches stay at this location and bridge relationships inside the church and

and in per capita giving”

also outside the church

which had become “a

establish a sister congregation

national trend” (lxii).

This concern did not abate, as Rev. Canady made it the focus of his minister’s report the next month, explaining that the decrease in church importance and participation had been decreasing nationally and locally, and his understanding of the reason for it was “a failure to comprehend [worship’s] real meaning and purpose” and that it had been used as “an escape from life” instead of making “God very real to us” (lxiii).

purchase land for same move to other location, and sell the property" (lxvi).

Financial concerns were real, with discussion about what to do regarding the members who were behind in pledges because each week the church was falling a little more behind, despite the large attendance (lxvii) A questionnaire sent to the congregation about

As the fiscal year of 1968-1969 came to a close, the church was $10,000 short of the asking budget (lxiv).

Central began considering

the church as a whole came back with a good number of people who thought finding a new location would be a good idea (lxviii).

*These are similar to the options the congregation would later face, in 2021, see page 23 November 2021 | 18

ON THE MOVE

Left: last Sunday at 752 E Oak St, The congregation ended the service with the hymn "Blest Be the Tie that Binds."

September 2, 1984

Below: breaking ground for the new building on June 16, 1985.

AGING The 1980s saw Central Christian Church choose

and replacement of glass in the “doors and

to leave Kankakee, Illinois. The congregation

windows in the Old Building of our church” was

discussed the future in a congregational meeting

discussed at a board meeting in June of 1983

on June 1, 1980 (lxix). At the time, finances were

“because of gun shooting and broken glass”

strained, with money borrowed from Memorial

(lxxi). Three months later, a theft of furniture

Funds used to pay utilities and only 110 pledges

worth $1050 was stolen from the building

totaling $30,000 turned in for the next fiscal

(lxxii).

year. People had left for better programs in other churches, and the location was blamed for the

In September of 1982, the congregation had an

loss of their own programs, as well as being

offer to buy their building. According to the

“rejected on evangelism in this area” (lxx).

board meeting minutes, “Bill Berry reported that Rev. and Mrs. Williams had looked at our

Changing neighborhood demographics made

church on Wednesday. They were very

some in the congregation feel uneasy and some

impressed. They had offered us a price before,

criminal activity brought fear. Anecdotal stories

but it was not enough. Their church has now

tell of muggings in the church parking lot,

been sold. $150,000 was offered” (lxxiii).

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 1 9

The church was still not in the best financial

The service that Sunday ended with the hymn

state; money that had been collected for

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” and on September

missions was being used to pay other bills.

2, 1984, the congregation began meeting in

Headstart had used the facility but chose not

their temporary location: Noel Levasseur

to return. Looking ahead to 1984, a “Ways and

Elementary School in Bourbonnais.

Means” committee was planned to be able to supplement financial needs. lxxiv

They broke ground and dedicated the site for

Nonetheless, the preparation for the move to

their permanent building on June 16, 1985

Bourbonnais with purchase of land and

(lxxvii) The $570,000 building would consist of

construction of a

a sanctuary, fellowship hall, offices, and classrooms, covering 6,800 square

building continued. In May of 1984, an article in the newsletter reported “Our Dream…

Becoming a Reality” in which there was a reminder about the $125,000 building fund campaign goal to be met over a period of three years, and members were encouraged to “give prayerful thought to their pledge” (xxv) before signing their commitment card at the All Church Dinner.

The excitement was not unanimous; loss of

We will use this building,

feet.lxxviii Rev. Edds’ cross was

which we dedicate today

baptistry at the Kankakee location

with deep emotion

side walls of the new sanctuary,

removed from the wall behind the and later placed on the one of the

and hearty gratitude,

hanging awkwardly as to not

to be the launchpad

cross had been designed and

block an air vent. Because the

for the kind of living

created for its original location it

which will reach out—

sanctuary.

was too large for the new

to touch

The building was ready for the

to heal

with its first worship service on

to serve

and later was dedicated on

congregation to begin its new life Easter Sunday, March 30, 1986,

to love.

September 14, 1986. The

--Rev. Howard Ditrick

words from the Rev. Howard

a building and the traditions contained within

dedication litany included these Ditrick:

induce grief, especially for those who are not ready nor willing to move on—whatever their reason. The move from Kankakee to Bourbonnais was bittersweet, and when Rev. Howard Ditrick invited the congregation to worship on the last day in Kankakee, he acknowledged the grief that loss brings, writing, “That will be a hard Sunday, but an important one. Though we are happy about our new location and have a strong faith in God, this does not mean that we will not grieve or should not grieve about our move” (lxxvi).

"We will use this building, which we dedicate today with deep emotion and hearty gratitude, to be the launchpad for the kind of living which will reach out— to touch to heal to serve to love." (lxxix)

November 2021 | 20

ON THE MOVE

In unison, the

spiritual growth” (lxxxiv).

congregation gave

Rev. Howard Ditrick

the benediction in

After a slight uptick in membership the

which they

following year, Central’s membership and

acknowledged the

worship attendance began to decrease, never

passing of ministry to

regaining its strength in numbers (lxxxv). In

future generations

2007 internal strife and divisions took root and

and a “confidence

people left for other churches in the area or no

that the Spirit is

church at all. About thirty even left to start a

working a new

new Disciples church, called Disciples Mission

tradition among us”

Christian Church, taking the history of Central

(lxxx).

with it on its website (lxxxvi) but not the

By the early 1990s,

affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples

the church was

of Christ). It would not last.

moving forward, and “1992 seem[ed] to be a year of promise” (lxxxi) with attendance nearing the capacity of the sanctuary. The Five-Year Planning Committee planned to discuss adding an additional service. Central was involved in local events such as the Help Your Neighbor Club, the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival, and ecumenical activities.

Toward the end of Rev. Ditrick's tenure, Central celebrated its Centennial Anniversary, celebrating the history of the church through words, pictures, and a Homecoming Worship Service, with the sermon given by the president of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, Dr. James Seale (lxxxii) On this day, Central was reminded of its purpose to proclaim the gospel, encourage all persons, serve the community, transcend all barriers within the human family, to be faithful in Christian stewardship, and to sustain and be sustained by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and work cooperatively with other denominations (lxxxiii).

After Rev. Ditrick’s retirement, Central installed Frank L. Hoss, who had first been their interim minister, as its called minister. At the time of Hoss’ installation, Central had “a membership of 300, outstanding youth and music programs… [and] continues to be a leader in the community.

As the church begins a new century, the

Above: Cover of 100th Anniversary Celebration pamphlet, August 1, 1993

congregation looks forward to even greater

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 21

The 2010s brought a burst of activity when Timothy of the congregation, Rev. Robert P. Bushey, Jr. was called to his home church as minister in 2010.

Prior to this, ey, Jr. Rev. Robert P. Bush

Scott & Rev. ushey ation, Rev. B e at Install idg lr o o 0 01 W 12/5/2

Trunk or

Treat, 2011

community outreach had dwindled to an annual rummage

sale, prayer shawl ministry, Christmas families outreach, and hosting the Christmas Day, Inc. dinner. Over the next 10 years, the small church that had no recognition other than being the place where the big parking lot was began to impact the community again. After updating

ounty Fair Kankakee C ition 2011 ol em Bus D Kankakee County Fair Bus Demolition 2011

various forms of communications such as the newsletter and bulletin and creating a new website, Central began to have community events. They participated in the local Friendship Festival parade, the school bus demolition derby at the Kankakee County Fair, and hosted their

120th Anniversary 2013

first Trunk or Treat.

Rev. Bushey instituted a Vision Leadership Team. to determine the trajectory the church should take. This team of about twelve people met every Blessing of Pets 2016

two weeks for two hours, sometimes more, They faced truth and were honest with themselves about the conflict the church had had as well as acknowledging that what they had been doing in the past was not working now and would not

Christmas Eve 2017

work in the future. The team looked at internal changes that needed to be made, such as transforming the parlor into a more modernlooking “Welcome Center,” remodeling the sign Chili Cook

on Main St. NW, and making recommendations

off 2019

to update the Constitution and Bylaws.

Wednesday Pub Talk

s

Women's Ministry

November 2021 | 22

Cookie Exchange

ON THE MOVE

The focus on community mission and

As the congregation has aged over the last

engagement was highlighted, an area that had

thirty years, and members have died or moved

not previously been a priority for the

away, per capita giving has had to increase

congregation. Rev. Bushey got the local

and the congregation operates on a deficit

Continuum of Care meeting again, using

budget. Occasionally, there have been large

Fellowship Hall as the meeting place. He started

one-time gifts to help see it through, but a

a Blessings in a Backpack program, using the

dwindling congregation cannot sustain a

parking lot to hold car shows as a fundraiser.

building and personnel, even if it is only two

Later, the parking lot became a place to host

part time employees and contract musicians.

Farmers Markets, and Central partnered with a

Despite a high level of activity during the

new organization for the homeless, Fortitude

Covid-19 Pandemic, the changes in 2020

Community Outreach, and became a shelter site

helped to bring the state of the church into

in its inaugural season.

focus, and the board was faced with the difficult task of making a decision about the

People now knew where Central was and came

future. Four options** were considered and

through the doors to volunteer for Blessings in a

communicated to the congregration:

Backpack or Fortitude, stepped on the parking lot to buy produce or baked goods at the markets, and to look at the classic cars. It

Continue worship only using pulpit

became a busy place during the week.

supply

People did not, however, come through the

Sell the facility and lease a different

doors en masse for Sunday worship.

location Close the church and distribute assets to the region and denomination Birth a new ministry (lxxxvii).

**These are similar to the options the congregation faced in 1973, see page 18

Baptisms & New Members

, November 2019

Farmers markets

Blessings in a backpack began in January of 2013, supplying weekend nutrition to 50 children in 4 schools. In 2021, it serves 440 children in 19 schools, and in 2022 anticipates expanding to 500 children in 20 schools.

Right: Nobody expected Com

virtual

ble munion ta

worship to last as long as

Cru

it did; we all

ise Night 2015

With the renovation of the parlor into a Welcome Center, the congregation began selling fair trade product from Equal Exchange.

ON THE MOVE

had hoped to be together in the sanctuary

by Easter.

Won't You Be My Neighbor

Series, Fall 2020

November 2021 | 23

Left: Central lit up at night

Below: chart of a congregation's life cycle

REBIRTH November 2021

The board made its recommendation to the

And yet, it continues to have new people visit

congregation to pursue a hybrid of two of the

and hosts programs despite its imminent close.

ideas and on August 22, 2021 the congregation

A member ready to rescind his membership

voted to close after one hundred and twenty-

returned instead. A couple plans to be married

eight years and give birth to a new community-

here in November. A substitute pianist loved

based nonprofit ministry to be a legacy of

the simplicity of the church. Two people ready

Central Christian Church.

to vote against proceeding with The Grow Center changed their minds and voted for it

The remnant that remains loves their church and

instead. Others still have left, and others will

is grieving the loss. It is difficult to understand

likely leave, not wanting to attend worship in

that Central Christian Church will no longer exist

something that is not called a “church.”

as an organization. The oldest member is 101 And the youngest is 12. Churches, however, have a life

Though there is grief—and some doubt and fear

cycle, and Central has been hovering in the old

—for many in the process of closing what is

age stage for years. It has stayed afloat longer

known and comfortable, it is an act of faith for

than many thought it would.

the people of Central to take the next step in their journey.

November 2021 | 24

ON THE MOVE

Through the years, they have been through many

Like the cross that was designed for a specific

changes; their history has brought moments of

space over the baptistry in the Oak Street

progress as well as times of regression. Through

building and did not fit well in the Bourbonnais

it all, a faithful people was always on the move

building, the church today must be designed

and still is. The church is not the building; the

for the space in which it lives. As the

church is the people, doing the work of Jesus in

community and world changes, so too must

the world. While the organization of Central

the expression of church. The Grow Center, as a

Christian Church will cease to exist, its people

legacy of Central Christian Church and a

and its legacy will live on.

recognized ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Christian Church in

In this exploration of Central’s history, there have

Illinois and Wisconsin will continue to be a

been many endings and beginnings, and Central

movement for wholeness in a fragmented

has shown that from small, seemingly

world.

inconsequential events, great things can come.

It will continue to welcome all to the Lord’s Indirectly, the tiny church at Iroquois, Illinois

Table as God has welcomed us. The words of

influenced the congregation of Central and the

Central’s mission to be “empowered by the

life and faith of A. Dale Fiers through his mother

Holy Spirt and guided by Christ’s teachings”

Leah. Today, all that stands in Iroquois at the

(lxxxviii) will continue to ring true, even after

church’s location is a parking lot and a memory

the organization dissolves, because it will still

of a building.

be able to “provide opportunities to grow in our faith and understanding, touch people’s lives

Central’s building in Kankakee belongs to

with Christian love, and share our gifts and

another congregation now, and the West

resources within and beyond our congregation”

Kankakee Mission is a residence.

(lxxxix). That will not cease.

Levasseur Elementary School continues to

The words of E.L. Frazier from 1893 can be

educate students, with no reference to the

echoed today, as with transformation there is a

church that once met within its walls.

realization of the “magnitude of the undertaking.

We have many hindrances and few helps. It will

It is, as the preamble to the Design says, God’s

take gospel, grace and grit, with patience,

love that binds us together to God and to each

perseverance and push, to succeed” (xc). We also

other. This is not only to the congregation, the

know death is not the end, because:

region, and the denomination, but to other Disciples throughout time. Their lives and

“In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

histories, while faded, are not all forgotten. They

in our doubt there is believing; in our life,

have influenced us in their work, their faith, and

eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a

their love.

victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see” (xci).

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 25

CENTRAL'S MINISTERS List of Ministers Rev. D.F. Seyster 1894-8/1897 Rev. D.W. Deweese 1897-3/1901 Rev. R.E. Thomas 1901-7/1905 Rev. M.J. Obrine 1905-7/1907 Rev. S.V. Williams 8/1907-4/26/1909 Rev. A.O. Kuhn 1910 Rev. W.O. Livingston 1911-1912 Rev. A.G. Tharp 1/12/1913-?

Rev. R.E. Ragsdale 11/12/1913-1918 Rev. J.E. Foster 6/1918-7/30/1921 Rev. C.J. Robertson 9/11/1921-4/1/1923 Rev. J.P. Givens 4/9/1923-?

Rev. R.S. Rains 10/1925-9/19/1927 Rev. P.E. Roll 1/1928-6/1928 Rev. C.J. Sharp (interim) Rev. J.F. Norman 11/1928-6/1941 Rev. L.W. Chamberlain 9/1941-8/1944 Rev. A.L. Huff (interim) Rev. R.L. Harrell 5/1945-11/27/1949 Rev. H. Hungerford (interim) Rev. W. Harold Edds 5/1/1950-1/20/1958 Dr. B.H. Bruner (interim) 2/1/1958-8/31/1958 Rev. John L. Suttenfield, Jr. 9/21/1958-1/5/1960 Rev. W. Harold Edds 2/3/1960-1962 Rev. John R. "Jack" Canady 8/6/1962-10/30/1974 Dr. Morris H. Pullin (interim) 11/1/19741/31/1975 Rev. Howard W. Ditrick 3/1/1975-9/30/1993 Rev. Frank L. Hoss (interim, then called) 8/1993-9/6/1999 Rev. Paula Comper (interim) 11/1999-9/18/2000 Rev. Frank Garton (interim) 2/2001-5/6/2001 Rev. Richard L. Sagarsee 5/18/2001- 2007 Rev. Frank Garton (interim) 2007-2010 Rev. Robert P. Bushey, Jr. 2010-present Rev. Kelly J. Youngblood 2019-present

Ministers of Christian Education Betty Puckett 7/1/1964-8/21/1966 Rev. Dixie Webb Miller 7/1/1967-7/1968 Rev. Mary Hulda Allen 1/1969-6/1974 Timothys and Phoebes of the congregation Rev. Marvin Silliman Rev. Robert P. Bushey, Jr. Rev. Kelly J. Youngblood Recommended for Ministry by Central Brian Nowitski 9/15/1997 (Candidate) Elaine Giermak 1/6/1998 (Ordination) Ordinations and Commissionings at Central Rev. Leonard F. Vanderwater, 7/31/1921 Rev. Marvin Silliman, 2/12/1967 Rev. Robert P. Bushey, Jr. 7/20/1997 Rev. Kelly J. Youngblood (commissioned) 11/10/2019 Rev. Eleanor Ditrick (commissioned) 10/28/1984 Other ministers associated with Central Rev. Leah Grubbs Fiers was a minister ordained in Iroqois, IL in 1895 who was a member of Central who occassionally preached.

Rev. Dan Horton is a member of the congregation who works for hospice as a chaplain.

Background image: stoll made by Vickie Bushey for the commissioning of Kelly J. Youngblood, 11/10/2019

November 2021 | 26

ON THE MOVE

ELDER & DIACONATE EMERITI The highest honor a congregation may bestow upon a faithful member is the recognition of Christian service as a member of the Elder or Diaconate Emeriti. An emeritus honor does not signify the end of one's service, rather the honor celebrates the contribution of those persons who have given of themselves for the causes of Christ's church.

Elder Emeritus

Deacon Emeritus

Diaconate Emeritus

Melvin Johnston 1965 Harry Armstrong 1966 Harold Ryckman 1966 Fred Rogers 1971 Lester Klaiss 1972 Lorraine Close 1979 Sumner Williams 1980 Dillon Burkhalter 1985 Lucille Ross 1989 Wesley Ross 1989 Elaine Smith 1990 Leo Phillips 1990 Madeline Phillips 1990 Arthur Ward 1990 Mildred Hertz 1992 LeRoy Hummel 1992 Harold Whittler 1992 Chester Cuprys 1993 Gloria Lane 1993 Truman Lane 1993 Harry Burkhalter 2002 William Gresham 2002 Frank Durham 2006 Shirley Durham 2006 Gertrude Edwards 2006 Elsie Menard 2007 Mary Evans 2012 Mary Jean Burkhalter 2013 Larry Hastings 2013 Wilma Hastings 2013 Betty Sebastiani 2013 Robert Smith 2013 Lois Bangs 2016 Betty Conard 2016 Elaine Gray 2016 Shirley Herberger 2016 Sandra Wadley 2016

Kenneth Wilson 1966 Charles F1exman 1973 Raymond Bade 1980 Robert Baron 1985 Ira Beier 1990 Russell Smith 1990 Leon Kohan 1993 William Berry 1994 William Burkhalter 2002 Devon R. Castle 2002 James Cook 2002 Frank Evans 2002 George Hooppaw 2002

Pat Agee 2012 Janet Bushey 2012 Robert Bushey, Sr. 2012 Irma Cheffer 2013 William Cheffer 2013 Ida Mae Cuprys 2013 Nancy Feller 2016 Ellie Guenette 2016 Nancy Peterson 2016 Vincent “Pete” Peterson 2016

Deaconess Emeritus Lucy Diggle 1965 Bessie Kibbons 1965 Lucille Johnston 1966 Mildred Ryckman 1966 Mary Rogers 1971 Louella Bade 1980 Leona Armstrong 1982 Clara Beier 1990 Edna Ward 1990 Betty Salmond 1994 Erma Baker 2002 Louise Baron 2002 Mary Jane Burkhalter 2002 Thelma Castle 2002 Merwyn Cook 2002 Mary Hooppaw 2002

Background image: logo for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 27

ACKNOWLEGEMENTS Central Christian Church : for being a wonderfully warm

and welcoming congregation full of love.

Dr. Lisa Barnett : Her passion for history is evident in her

teaching, and to my surprise, she has me becoming somewhat of a historian.

Gloria Ryckman Lane Canedy : wrote a history for the 100th

Anniversary Celebration that was immensely helpful.

Bessie Kibbons : was Central’s historian for many years. Born

in 1883, ten years before Central Christian Church began, she Below: Invitation

died in 1973 before she turned 90. Her love for Central was

for Central's

evident in the historical documents she kept and produced

Celebration of

and I am indebted to her dedication, research, and

Life event on

storytelling.

11/21/21

Alyssa Spradlin : Her paper on Sadie McCoy Crank was

instrumental in helping me to narrow down a timeline.

Ed Taylor: for pointing out that E.L. Frazier’s words in 1893

are just as relevant in 2021.

you're invited

--Pastor Kelly Youngblood, November 2021

to a Celebration of Life for Central Christian Church

please come and give thanks for Central Christian Church as it transitions to The Grow Center ~Sunday, November 21, 2021~ worship at 10:30 am with a Thanksgiving potluck meal to follow please rsvp by November 17, 2021, if possible

Central Christian Church 310 Main St. NW | Bourbonnais, IL 60914 www.cccbourbonnais.com | hello@cccbourbonnais.com (815) 939-4433 call, email, mail, or submit your thoughts of gratitude online, letting us know what Central has meant to you over the years November 2021 | 28

ON THE MOVE

Background: bread from our communion table

END NOTES

i Bessie Kibbons, Record Book, 1959, 4. ii Sandhya R. Jha, Room at the Table: The Struggle for Unity and Equality in Disciple’s History (St. Louis, Mo: Chalice Press, 2009), 5. iii Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” October 11, 1966, 4. iv Scott Neuman, “Fewer Than Half Of U.S. Adults Belong To A Religious Congregation, New Poll Shows,” NPR, March 30, 2021, https://www.npr.org/2021/03/30/982671783/fewer-than-half-of-u-s-adults-belong-to-a-religious-congregation-new-poll-shows. v “Certificate of Incorporation,” 1893. vi Central Christian Church, “The First Hundred Years: 1893-1993,” August 1, 1993. vii Thomas Hooppaw, “Community Whirlwind: Central Christian Marks Expansion with Dedication,” The Daily Journal (Kankakee, IL, 1991). viii Geron, “Kankakee, ILL.,” The Christian Standard (March 27, 1886): 99. ix Rev. E.L. Frazier, “From the Field: Illinois ‘Pray for Us,’” The Christian Standard (July 1, 1893): 520. x Gloria Ryckman Lane, “The Story of Central Christian Church,” 1993, 1. xi Lane, “The Story of Central Christian Church,” 1. xii Kibbons, Record Book, 5. xiii Bessie Kibbons, “Story of Central Christian Church,” Fiftieth Anniversary of the Central Christian Church, 1943, 4–5. xiv Fred Rogers and Gilbert Matthews, “History of Central Church Sunday-School,” n.d., 1. xv Kibbons, Record Book, 32. xvi D. Duane Cummins, Dale Fiers: Twentieth Century Disciple (Fort Worth [TX]: TCU Press, 2003), 8–9. xvii E.T. Sechler, Sadie McCoy Crank (1863-1948) Pioneer Woman Preacher in the Christian Church (Disciples) (Wheatland, MO, 1950), 7. xviii Sechler, Sadie McCoy Crank (1863-1948) Pioneer Woman Preacher in the Christian Church (Disciples), 35. xix Cummins, Dale Fiers, 9. xx “Big Loss Results From Iroquois Fire,” The Paxton Record (Paxton, Illinois, January 11, 1923).

“Fire Destroys Church at Iroquois, Ills.,” The Christian Standard (n.d.): 430. xxii Cummins, Dale Fiers, 13. xxiii Central Christian Church, 1916-1922 Membership Record and Board Meeting Minutes Book, n.d., 2–3.

Below: xxiv Central Christian Church, 1916-1922 Membership Record and Board Meeting Minutes Book, 2–3.

Advertisement xxv Cummins, Dale Fiers, 19. for Parking Lot xxvi “Dedication of the Christian Church on Sunday,” n.d. worship during xxvii Kibbons, “Story of Central Christian Church,” 5. the pandemic xxviii “Dedication of the Christian Church on Sunday.” summer of 2020 xxix “New Central Christian Church Corner Stone Laying on Sunday Afternoon,” Kankakee Daily Journal, 1914. xxx “New Central Christian Church Corner Stone Laying on Sunday Afternoon.” xxxi Kibbons, Record Book, 31. xxxii Kibbons, Record Book, 32. xxxiii Kibbons, Record Book, 83. xxxiv Kibbons, Record Book, 15. xxxv Kibbons, Record Book, 15. xxxvi John B. Crane, “The Rev. Harold Edds,” Kankakee Sunday Journal (Kankakee, IL, n.d.). xxxviiKibbons, Record Book, 52. xxxviii Kibbons, Record Book, 60. xxxix Central Christian Church, “Worship Bulletin,” June 1, 1958. xl Kibbons, Record Book, 60. xli Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” 6. xlii Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” 6. xliii Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” 6. xlv Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” 6. xlvi Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” December 13, 1966, 3.

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 29

Background: chancel remodel, 2020

END NOTES

xlvii Central Christian Church, “Cabinet Meeting Minutes,” February 6, 1966, 2. xlviii Central Christian Church, “Official Board Meeting Minutes,” February 14, 1967, 2. xlix Central Christian Church, “Official Board Meeting Minutes,” September 12, 1967. l Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” October 10, 1967, 5. li Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” February 13, 1968, 5. li Spencer P. Austin, “Letter to Jack Canedy from Spencer P. Austin” (Unified Outreach, February 1968). lii Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” March 12, 1968, 3. liii Central Christian Church, “Official Board Meeting Minutes,” April 9, 1968. liv Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” May 14, 1968, 4. lv “Congregational Meeting (Minutes),” October 6, 1968. lvi Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” October 8, 1968. lvii Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting.” lviii Central Christian Church, “Official Board Meeting Minutes,” October 8, 1968. lix Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” November 12, 1968. lx Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” December 10, 1968. lxi Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” January 14, 1969. lxii Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” February 11, 1969. lxiii Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” March 11, 1969. lxiv Central Christian Church, “Agenda of Official Board Meeting,” June 10, 1969. lxv Molly Jaeger, “Letter from Molly Jaeger to Central Christian Church,” July 9, 1973. lxvi Central Christian Church, “Minutes of Board Meeting,” October 9, 1973. lxvii Central Christian Church, “Minutes of Board Meeting,” December 11, 1973. lxviii Central Christian Church, “Questionnaire on Program and Location of Central Christian Church,” 1974. lxix Central Christian Church, “Agenda Congregational Board Meeting,” July 6, 1980, 3–4. lxx Central Christian Church, “Agenda Congregational Board Meeting,” 4. lxxi Central Christian Church, “Congregational Board Meeting Minutes June 12, 1983,” n.d. lxxii “Church Reports Theft of Furniture,” Kankakee Daily Journal, September 21, 1983. lxxiii Central Christian Church, “Minutes--Congregational Board Meeting--September 12, 1982,” n.d. lxxiv Central Christian Church, “October 9, 1983 -- Board Meeting,” n.d. lxxv Central Christian Church, “The Christian Challenger,” May 21, 1984. lxxvi Central Christian Church, “The Christian Challenger,” August 13, 1984. lxxvii Central Christian Church, “Ground Breaking and Site Dedication,” June 16, 1985. lxxviii “One Step Closer to the Dream,” Kankakee Daily Journal, June 16, 1985. lxxix Central Christian Church, “Dedication Service,” September 14, 1986. lxxx Central Christian Church, “Dedication Service.” lxxxi Central Christian Church, “Past, Present, Future,” February 16, 1992. lxxxii Central Christian Church, “The First Hundred Years: 1893-1993.” lxxxiii Central Christian Church, “The First Hundred Years: 1893-1993.” lxxxiv “Central Christian to Install New Pastor,” Kankakee Daily Journal, n.d. lxxxv Central Christian Church, “Membership and Worship Attendance Chart 1987-2021,” 2021. lxxxvi “Disciples Mission Christian Church Archived Website,” n.d., https://web.archive.org/web/20181107223628/http://disciplesmission.org/. lxxxvii Central Christian Church, “2020: A Year of Clarity / 2021: Envisioning the Future,” December 2020. lxxxviii Central Christian Church, “Vision and Mission,” n.d., https://cccbourbonnais.com/about/our-vision/. lxxxix Central Christian Church, “Vision and Mission.” xc Frazier, “From the Field: Illinois ‘Pray for Us.’” xci Natalie Sleeth, “‘In the Bulb There Is a Flower’ (No. 638),” in Chalice Hymnal (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 1995).

November 2021 | 30

ON THE MOVE

INDEX Background: close up of exterior of building

Allen, Rev. Mary Hulda 18 Articles of Incorporation 5 Berry, Bill 19 Bushey, Rev. Robert P. Jr. 22 Caddel, Wesley 16 Canady, John "Jack" R. 11 Campbell, Alexander 3 Canedy, Mary Lou 12, 14 Close, Mrs. 11 Code of Ethics 13 Crank, J.R. 7 Crank, Sarah "Sadie" McCoy 7 Disciples Mission Christian Church 21 Ditrick, Howard 20,21 Dwight family 5 Edds, W. Harold 11, 20 Edds, Ann 12 Fiers family 7,8 Fiers, Leah 7,8 Fiers, George 7,8 Fiers, Bethel 8 Fiers, Othel 8 Fiers, Alan Dale 8, 9 Frazier, E.L. 5,25 Green family 5 Hill, Tom 4 Hoss, Frank L. 21 International Convention, Dallas 12 Iroquois Christian Church 7 Jaeger, Molly 18 Kibbons, Bessie 9 King, Rev. Martin Luther Jr. 14 Lane, Truman 14, 18 living link missionary 4 Lockwood, Mrs. 7

McCracken, Theresa 14 merger 15 Miller, Raphael Jr. 14 Noel Levasseur Elementary School 20, 25 Phillips, Leo 11, 15, 18 Phillips, Madeline 14 Preamble to the Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 25 Reconciliation 15 Restructure 14 Schooley family 5 Schooley, Sarah 5 Seale, Dr. James 21 Sharp, E.O. 5 Stone, Barton 3 time capsule 9 Timothy, Phoebe of the Congregation 4, 26 The Christian Standard 5 Tuscola 5 Webb, Dixie 14 West Kankakee Mission 4, 25

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love: the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

When we are called to part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.

Chalice Hymnal #433. Words: John Fawcett, 1872, Music: Johann G. Nageli, 1828. Arr: Lowel Mason, 1845

ON THE MOVE

November 2021 | 31