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
