September Mail

The Lighted Cross Published by:

The First Baptist Church

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

Plano, IL 60545-0187

September 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.

In 1976 our church celebrated the 100th Anniversary with a Centennial Celebration. This was the same year the United States celebrated the 200th Anniversary. The Centennial Committee work long and hard for a year to make the celebration a great success. The committee members were: Marie Peterson, Jane Henning, Jerry Jiles, Jane Jiles, Michael Young, Verlee Hatcher, Weldon Dwyer and Ed Dillow. Pastor and Mrs. Wm. Brown were outstanding in their ideas and inspirations for the Centennial.

A one hundred year history of the church was carefully gathered together. Some of the members

contributed articles about various organizations. It was compiled, corrected and finally completed. Printed copies were sold for $2.00 to all who desired them.

The celebration began on Sunday, October 10, with Rev. Audley Bruce, Area I Pastor as guest speaker. At 6:30 PM a Pot Luck Dinner was held in the lower level of the Education Building. One of the main purposes of this dinner was to honor Dr. and Mrs. R.E. Simms. Dr. Simms having served the church longer than any other pastor. Two of Dr. Simms sons attended; Richard and Glen and Glen’s wife, Nancy.

Wednesday at 7:30 PM a historical pageant was presented to a full sanctuary. It was well planned, well presented, very informative and interesting. During the entire week, old pictures, letters and memorabilia were on display in the basement. They were interesting to all and reminded us in a tangible form of our heritage.

On Sunday, October 17, there were no Sunday School classes. Instead, all net in the sanctuary and

enjoyed singing and reminiscing from former SS Superintendents.

The church was overflowing with members, former members and friends. Many wore old fashioned clothes, even the children – long dresses, bonnets, frock-tail coats, knee britches and cloaks, which added to the spirit of the occasion. Form poster, Carter Smith spoke during the morning worship.

There were guests from Florida, Iowa, Wisconsin, and many other places. Mrs. Gillespie, widow of

former pastor, J.W. Gillespie (1919-1921) was an honored guest.

After church services, a roast beef dinner was served to around 180 in the lower level. After the

delicious and sumptuous meal, a joyous time of fellowship was held. There was reminiscing, singing of old favorite hymns and visiting. It was a warm, wonderful time with two of our neighbor pastors and their wives and families joining us in our celebration; Rev. and Mrs. Wayne Wachholz and daughters of the United Methodist Church and Rev. and Mrs. Leon Holtan of the First Lutheran Church.

Concluding our week, services were held in the sanctuary at 2:30 PM. Letters from those who were

unable to attend were read, songs were sung and visitors identified themselves and spoke a few words, as did Rev. Holtan and Rev. Wachholz.

Finally, all made a huge circle around the walls of the sanctuary, clasping hands and singing “Blest Be The Tie That Binds”.

The church congregation looked forward to the next 100 years, challenged by memories of the first 100 years.

**From the Annual Report 1976 **

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