Add an Article Add an Event Edit

Mullen Baptist Church

675 County Road 150 North
217-924-4248

Mullen Baptist Church was started in 1956 as a mission church.  It remained a mission church, being sponsored by Effingham First Baptist Church until September 13, 1959, when it was constituted as Mullen Baptist Church.  Brother Fred Schumaker and his wife Clara of Effingham, was the first pastor.  The church was purchased for $1,500 from the Mullen Cemetery trustees.  Brother Schumaker was paid $5.00 per week to come to the church three times per week.  He also took care of the lawn.

The first church was located just to the east of present church.  It was very drafty and cold in the winter.  Coats, warm clothing and boots were needed.  The pews were narrow and hard.  Church was held for several years in that building until Mary Kaufman, who resided in the present building, passed away.  The present church building was purchased for $15,000.  It was very different from the building's present condition.  The library, which was on the south side, and the cloak closets were removed.  Mary burned coal, so the basement walls were covered with coal dust.  The basement leaked so the concrete floors always had water on them when it rained.  Trenches were finally put around the church building to drain the water away.

Due to disrepair, the old church building was torn down by Ab Orsborn and his two sons, Chester and Jim in 1980.

Edna Fetters and her daughter, Pauline, went to Oblong to purchase the present pews.  The pews had been advertised in the Illinois Baptist.  The purchase price could not be recalled.  Kent Dittamore and Loyd Croy went to pick the pews up.  They have been refinished and Donna Croy recovered the seats.

Loyd Croy made the cross behind the pulpit.  The church bell was saved and placed in the present church and still rings today.

Photos