Malta Congregational Church Records

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-218

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Malta Congregational Church records date from its organization in 1858 to 1991. The administrative series contains a complete run of Church Record books from November 3, 1858 to January 31, 1965 and from October 27, 1983 to January 31, 1990. These records books include meeting minutes as well as baptismal records, confirmation class lists, deaths records, dismissal information from the church, membership and officer lists, and memorial listings. The financial records series consists of treasurer's books, building fund, and fund reports. Series three, membership records includes baptismal records, cradle rolls, letters of dismissal and a membership book. The sunday school and church organizations series consists of meeting attendance records and minutes for four women's organizations within the congregational church. They include Circle I, Ladies Aid Society, Tea Tephis, and Women's Christian Fellowship. The final series, publications, contains manuals and other publications used by church members in performing the duties of their church positions.

Dates

created: 1858-1991
Other: Date acquired: 05/04/1994

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

On November 3, 1858 the citizens of Malta organized a Congregational Church with the Rev. Paul Porter acting as pastor. The first services were held in the members homes and the Universalist Hall until a small chapel could be built. The church became a member of the United Church of Christ when the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church merged in 1957. In 1868 a new church was built at the corner of Third and Sprague. A large remodeling job took place in 1908 while a new altar and furnishings were dedicated in 1949. Various remodeling jobs were performed during the following years. The women's organizations continue to be a source of strength through the years of the church. During the years of the Great Depression the church treasurer would come to the Ladies Aid for money to pay the pastor's salary. Besides their social and devotional activities the organizations set goals for helping with the church finances and the mission program. The church was served by full time ministers, student ministers, and lay leaders. The students ministers arrived by train from Chicago on Saturday and left on Sunday afternoon. In 1979 the congregation voted to share a pastor with the Mayfield United Church of Christ.

Note written by

Extent

2.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The collection is organized into five series: administrative; financial; membership; sunday school and church organizations; and publications.

Source of Acquisition

Marillyn Melton

Method of Acquisition

Marillyn Melton, chair of the Board of Trustees of Malta Congregational Church, donated the church's records to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on May 4, 1994.