The Bishop Hill Methodist Church is hosting a special day on Sunday, June 2, to celebrate the couples married at the village’s Methodist and the Colony Churches. The day begins at 10:15 a.m. with a special church service and recognition of these marriages. Fellowship and sharing will follow the morning’s program.
Couples married in either of the churches along with their family members are welcome to attend. Widowed spouses are also invited, and the planning committee hopes people will bring wedding photos and memorabilia to show others.
According to committee member, Pat Hurd, some invitations are being sent. Because church records are not always complete, many ceremonies might not be available. She is hopeful that friends and relatives of the brides and grooms will spread the word.
The Bishop Hill Methodist Church was built in 1869. Before that, the small congregation met at the village blacksmith shop and held camp meetings in the Red Oak Woods. It is currently pastored by Rebecca Gearhart.
The Colony Church was constructed in the summer of 1848. It is one of the surviving original buildings of the Bishop Hill Colony, one of the earliest settlements of Swedish immigrants in the United States. The early settlers worshiped there twice a day during the week and three times on Sunday.
For more information, Hurd can be reached at (309) 525-2400.
