The earliest records relate that in 1858, just 3 years after the first train passed through what is now Chenoa; the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the Anderson Schoolhouse by a local class leader, Christopher Hetherington, and the minister assigned by the conference was Rev. D Ackerman. Anderson School was located in the area that was now Crittendon Street, between Gerard and Moorhead. The area was swampy requiring to be set higher than ordinary with a built up platform for entry.
During the ministry of Rev. A.E. Day, a very able leader, the people were anxious to establish their own church the site chosen was the northeast corner of Main St. and First Ave., north of the TP&W railroad track. At that time, this location appeared to be the central location of the town.
In the fall of 1867, during the leadership of Rev. O.W. Aldrich building of the new church commenced. A frame structure, crowned by a steeple with a yellow globe, the cost was $4,000. Planks on boxes were used for seats until pews could be afforded and the congregation sang accompanied by a song leader. Later a new reed organ was purchased and the first organist was Miss Mary Jordan, she also directed a well-organized choir. Church records show 'this church was in debt some when dedicated and struggled for several yeas under and embarrassing debt, during which time it became necessary to sell the parsonage. It was fully freed from debt in 1871".
Other denominations were being established causing a decrease in the Methodist congregation. In 1873, the Weston Methodist Church was built with an organized congregation of 50 members. This further decreased the Chenoa membership. The few remaining became disheartened. Whole families had left the church, expenses kept mounting, the building 'needed repairs...smoked filthy, dark and neglected by trustees and the people'. Meetings were held irregularly because of bad weather or impassable roads as most families came to church in lumber wagons. Finances were at their lowest ebb.
Such was the situation when Rev. Benjamin Applebee, an Ohio native came to serve. In November, two months after his pastorate began, creditors came and removed the organ, two stoves, lamps, and chandeliers, and sued for a year's house rent for the previous pastor.
But Rev. Applebee, strong in his faith and the Power of God, went to work restoring the spirit of the people, motivating them to help pay the debts, believe in the church's future and take heart. He redeemed and replaced the church furnishings. Rev. Applebee excelled as a revivalist and began, at once, to hold meetings both for the Methodists in Chenoa and Weston churches, and in union with the other denominations. The union meetings were held in the Ballinger school house located 4 miles northwest of Chenoa. Within three months, enthusiasm and interest began to build and Sunday School attendance doubled. There is little doubt that Rev. Applebee did indeed save the Chenoa United Methodist Church.
Plans to build a new church began during the Rev. James McCormick's pastorate in 1889 and were finally realized during the pastorate of Rev. R.L. Vivian (1894-97). At this time, Chenoa had a population of 2,500, 12 miles of well cared for board walks, and boasted three enterprises which employed help; the tile facotry, a coal mine, and a canning factory.
After much deliberation, a site west of the city park was decided upon. Rock for the foundation was brought from the Jordan stone quarry north of town and the corner stone was laid by Hugh Jones. The church was built at a cost of $8,000 by an El Paso contractor with the help of day laborers. The indebtedness was fully met. The bell from the old church was installed in the new steeple and is still in use. The dedication of the new church, held in August, 1897, lasted nearly a week and one thousand people attended.
Excerpt, Chenoa Clipper, August 27, 1897: "The church today is completed, the finest cathedral glass fills the windows, frescoing adorns the walls, two galleries provide for large audiences, sixty incandescent lights hung form the beautiful chandeliers dispel all gloom. The audience seats are roomy and comfortable. New pulpit and pulpit chairs grace the platform. Enthusiasm pervades the entire congregation. New workers have been added and the dawn of Methodist prosperity has awakened the peopled to greater effort and vigor for the coming day."
- from "The United Methodist Church of Chenoa, Illinois: Celebrating 200 Years of Methodism in America" by Irene Baltz
Since these early days, Chenoa has faithfully lived its mission. Through many ups and downs they carried on with great enthusiasm. In 2004, under Rev. Debra M. Horvath the church built a new entrance, kitchen and fellowship hall. The design and construction of this building project was done largely by church members and all the debt incurred in its building was paid by the end of 2006.
This new building clearly demonstrates the commitment the church continues to have to a vibrant, missional future.
