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| Church serves community and followers since 1800s |
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BROOKSTON, Ind. — The crossroads where the church sits was named Badger Grove from the ample supply of small, furry badgers that lived in the nearby swampy grove.
In the early 1800s a house, general store, post office, blacksmith shop and one-room school building were located at the site. The community was composed of many small farms on the flat prairie of Indiana. The land became productive when tile was installed to drain the swamp.
In 1870, a group of people felt the need for spiritual guidance, so they organized a Free Will Baptist Church. In 1891, the covenant’s monthly meetings were in the school building. In 1877, records show that one cent was to be paid by every female member and two cents by every male for the incidental expenses of the church.
In 1878, a Rev. Ferguson was hired to preach the second Sunday of each month for an annual salary of $93. The following year he was engaged to preach twice a month for $200. A church member was to bring him to and from Brookston, Ind.
By 1887, due to prosperous growth a one-room church was built. Hitching posts were plentiful to secure their transportation while attending services. A parlor pump organ was soon added for music.
Baptism for new members was in a nearby creek or the Tippecanoe River as the congregation sang, Shall we Gather at the River. A Sunday School, Baptist Youth Fellowship and Ladies’ Aid Society were formed.
In 1918, church membership had grown, and more space was needed. The church was lifted up and moved with the help of horses.
A basement was hand-dug underneath the building. A kitchen and furnace were installed in that area.
Classrooms were added to the north and east of the building. Later a baptistery was built on the west of the church. The east wall was extended to make way for more classrooms and install modern restrooms. In 1952, a parsonage was built for a full-time pastor. Today, improvements are being made to keep up with codes.
The church is located 11544 S. County Road 500 West near Brookston.
”We maintain a pride in our little country church and a love for one another,” said Elaine Nesius. “We feel our Church will continue being a blessing in the community, as it has for 130 years.” |
| 5/20/2010 |
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