The Fairview Methodist Episcopal Church2 in Belle Prairie Township, Livingston County, Illinois was dedicated on June 12, 1865. “This little white frame church, located on the Cropsey Ridge, is shaded by a large spreading oak tree and a few Scotch pines.”

“A chain link fence, with an unlocked gate, guards the churchyard. One enters the vestibule through tall double doors. Passing through the swinging doors with the unusual spring hinges, one enters the rear of the one-room church. Instead of a center aisle, one notices the divider in the rows of pews, for the men sat on one side of the church and the women on the other.”

“The pews, now painted gray, have straight backs, and square boxed ends. There are two side aisles, and along each sidewall of the church are more pews, with a portion of them shaped to go around the small heating stoves that were located on each side of the room.”

“The stoves, the center chimney and the supporting pole that held it up have been removed. The gas light fixtures for the acetylene lights remain. The tall narrow windows with their many small panes of clear glass provide the only light for the church. The altar, piano and song books are still in the church. As one stands, silently, one feels the command, ‘Be still and know that I am God.”

“Leaving the room, through the same doors, and going for a walk through the neatly kept cemetery, the grave of D. S. Crum, who donated the corner of his farm for the site of the church and cemetery, can be seen. There are also markers for his three wives and others of his family. The names of others who were active in the community and this little congregation are here: Crumbaker, Thomas, Slater, Decker, Westfall, Austin, Taylor, Stickler and many more.”

The history of this church extends back to the 1850s with the arrival of more settlers. It is from D. S. Crum’s personal memories, as related at the Fiftieth Anniversary of the church, that the early history of the Methodist church is preserved. He recalled that the nearest place to attend church was Selma, which was about twelve miles west of Potosi. In 1854, a Methodist class had been formed at the Isam Moore schoolhouse in Indian Grove, and many then attended services there for about two years.

In 1856 a schoolhouse was built just west of the current Fairview Church and arrangements were made with the Pontiac preacher to conduct services in the new Fairview schoolhouse. The schoolhouse served the dual function for almost a decade. As the country became more settled and preaching was done at several different locations, Fairview was included in the newly formed Fairbury Circuit of the Central Illinois Conference.

A committee, consisting of Benjamin Walton, D. S. Crum, and S. P. Alford, was formed in February 1864 with the purpose of building a church. It raised $997 by subscription and was payable in thirds; one-third due April 1, 1864; one-third when framed; one-third when the building was enclosed. The presiding elder, Rev. P. T. Rhodes, was given the contract to finish the building, give it two coats of paint, inside and out, for $1550. The committee was to make the foundation and haul the lumber from Fairbury. But the stoves and extra lumber and finishings brought the total up to $1799.

Shortly after the Civil War ended, and little more than a year after the decision to build the church, $653 was raised and the remaining debt of $149 was paid soon after. The church was dedicated June 18, 1865, and the sermon delivered by Rev. John Flowers.

In 1875, the trustees decided to incorporate and a board of trustees was appointed, four of whom were required to belong to the Fairview Church. The name officially became the Fairview Methodist Episcopal Church. The church became part of the Potosi Circuit in 1876 and, later in 1881, it became part of the Cropsey Circuit.

In October 1915, the congregation had a 50th anniversary celebration, which had been postponed from a date planned for June. A history of the church from “Memories of D. S. Crum” was read and preserved. The following is an article from the October 15, 1915 issue of the Fairbury Blade:

                                      FAIRVIEW
                The celebration of the fiftieth anniversary 
                of the Dedication of the Fairview church was 
                held at the Church Thursday of last week. An 
                all day and evening program was given with a 
                feast of good things at noon provided by the 
                good cooks of the Fairview church. Among the 
                former pastors who were present and gave 
                addresses were, Rev. M. P. Lackland of Magnolia, 
                and Rev. G. R. Snedaker of Piper City. Dr. W. R.
                Wiley of Normal, a former district superintendent 
                made a speech presenting two of the mothers of 
                Fairview with handsome pins. The ladies honored 
                were Mrs. Mary Decker and Mrs. 0. M. Crumbaker 
                who have lived in the neighborhood, reared families 
                and who have been active workers in the church’s 
                entire history. Nine persons were present who had  
                attended the dedication services 50 years ago. 
                Among the former members in attendance were J. L. 
                Loar of Bloomington and Mrs. Clara Van Petten, 
                Colfax, both of whom gave fine talks. The program 
                was interspersed with good music and the present 
                pastor, Rev. Charles Vandettum and the district 
                superintendent, Dr. J. H. Ryan, of Kankakee, added 
                to the enjoyment of the occasion with their efforts 
                to make the day a success.

[Ed. note: A much longer article appeared in the Fairbury Blade, and it was the basis for much of the factual information regarding the Fairview Church. The complete article, and other articles concerning Fairview Church, appears in the appendix.]

A large 75th anniversary celebration was held in June 1940 with over 200 attending the morning service, noon basket dinner, and afternoon program. By that date 33 different pastors had served the congregation.

The one-room Fairview Church discontinued regular services in January 1946. The families who once attended services here, now had to travel to Cropsey, Anchor, Colfax or Fairbury for church.

However, the Fairview community endeavored to preserve their beloved church. In 1964, in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the dedication, the church was re-decorated. Commemorative plates for the centennial were designed, made and sold. The Fairview Church celebrated the 100th anniversary of the church’s dedication in 1965.

A Fairview Cemetery Association was formed so that the church grounds and cemetery would be maintained. Later, the association purchased the church building from the Methodist Conference.

The church now suffers the ill effects of rain, snow, wind and worse—the disrespect of vandals. Yet, the heart of the Fairview community, this little white frame church, still stands after more than 135 years!

1 Portions of text from the author’s essay written in 1975.
2 The church is the oldest building in Belle Prairie Twp. Quite possibly, this church may also hold the prestige of being the oldest wooden framed (un-remodeled) church building within Livingston County, and even central Illinois.