July's Mail

The Lighted Cross Published by:

The First Baptist Church

116 N. Hale St, P. O. Box 187

Plano, IL 60545-0187

July 2026

First Baptist Church will be celebrating our 150th Anniversary in September. Each month

some history of our church will be included in the newsletter.

The United States initially maintained a policy of neutrality when World War I began in 1914, despite growing tensions in Europe and public concern over German actions, including the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915, which killed 128 Americans.  President Woodrow Wilson sought to mediate peace but faced mounting pressure as Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare in early 1917 and attempted to ally with Mexico against the U.S. through the Zimmermann Telegram.  On April 6, 1917, Congress declared war on Germany, officially ending nearly three years of neutrality. Later that year, the U.S. also declared war on Austria-Hungary.

While growth was evident in the church during this period, problems and difficulties all related to the war effort, were faced and surmounted. The church building was closed part time to conserve fuel and meetings were held in different homes. The pastor at that time Rev. J.H. Pollard was granted a leave of absence to become a Chaplain in the Army. Several students from the University of Chicago Theological School, accepted short term calls to fill the pulpit. At the Annual Meeting in June 1919 Lieutenant Pollard was present being on his way home from over-seas. He gave a very interesting talk on his experiences in the service.

Until a full time pastor became available (the war effort limited those) every branch of the church was carried on as it should be by members. Worship attendance was 120, Sunday School attendance was 100 with several classes. The classes gathered and sent flowers to the different children’s hospitals in Chicago and provided for a French orphan.

Following the signing of the armistice with Germany in November 1918; again a full time pastor was in the pulpit. The church building underwent some improvements during the next four years. The interior of the church was redecorated, a new furnace was installed at a cost of $290. During this time a furnace and hot water system was installed in the parsonage at a cost of $275.

Note: the parsonage was purchased in 1892 at a cost of $1,000; $500 paid down and the balance paid off in one year.

In May of 1923 plans were made to undertake the work of putting a basement beneath the church.

Most of the work excavating the basement from 1923-1926 was donated and done by hand. Before

final completion of the basement, a bazaar was held in the basement. The funds raised purchased

dishes, silverware, half of the new chairs and two large gas ranges at a cost of $234.

Please Note:

The Voucher report detailing offerings and expenses and

minutes of the Leadership Board meeting is now included in the

newsletter after approval by the Leadership Board.

Offerings may be made in person, mailed to Box 187, Plano, IL

60545 or check out the PalPay button on the website

www.fbcpil.info