A Brief History of Manchester Baptist Church

Manchester, IL

The Manchester Baptist Church, first known as Pleasant Grove, was organized in 1830 by the efforts of Elder Jacob Bower.  He came here from Kentucky because he did not like the idea of “bringing up a family” in a slave state.  Soon after, a Sunday School was organized and later sixteen scholars united with the church.  This church became the  fourth missionary church in Illinois.  It also became a member of the Morgan Association.

In November of 1838, the church built a building of 24’ X 30’.  It was the only church building in town, and got much use by other denominations.  It also was used by the public for public activities and also was a school.  In 1865 the members voted to sell the old building and property and build a new church.  A.H. Heaton, a pioneer of this area, donated the ground on the East side of the public square on which the present building stands.

On June 17, 1900, the church was totally destroyed by fire.  The congregation which now numbered 100, quickly set to work to rebuild the church.  A beautiful frame building with stained glass windows was built.  During the next thirty-eight years, the church continued to grow.  A full- time pastor was called and land was given to build a parsonage.

On August 10, 1938, the church was again destroyed by fire when a building nearby caught fire.  Due to lack of water, nothing could be done while a large crowd helplessly watched and wept.  People came from distant places to help alongside the local people, and almost before the fire cooled, plans were being made to rebuild.  The present brick structure was built.  On October 30, 1938, the cornerstone was laid.  The church met in the basement after it was completed, and continued to work.  The church was finally finished and dedicated February 25, 1940.

Since that time many wonderful things have continued to happen here.  Generous gifts have been given which have allowed the church to continue to preach the gospel, and made available funds to build the Educational wing and comfortable brick parsonage in 1964.  In the year 2000 a large Fellowship Hall was completed, totally without debt.  From 2005 through 2009 other updates and improvements were made to the building, including restoring the Sanctuary ceiling to its original style, enlarging the stage area and remodeling the basement to make it more usable by today’s standards.  Again there was much volunteer labor and support from the community and other churches in the area to accomplish these wonderful projects.  In addition to being a beautiful and convenient place to worship, the building continues to be used by the community in both good times and bad.

On June 22, 2008, the 175th anniversary of the organization of the Manchester Baptist Church was celebrated with several former pastors and members in attendance.

Our church has had many wonderful men of God minister here, noted Evangelistic meetings, lean years, proven years, and wonderful times together as God’s family.  We are all encouraged and hopeful that God has much more for all of us to do until He comes!