"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us;
what we have done for others remains and is immortal."
Albert Pike
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with
us;
what we have done for others remains and is immortal."
Albert Pike
The Sunday School is the oldest and principal activity of the Mission. The Mission is not a church, but the Golden Thread of the Gospel runs through all of the Mission's work. Volunteers were needed to guide the young Mission, and leaders arose to meet the challenge. Mr. R.S. Martin was the first superintendent of the new organization, assisted by Miss Louise Woost, who later served as superintendent until her marriage, when she moved to another city. At Miss Woost's departure, Miss Mina Shuttlesworth was sought to fill the position. She had been active in Mission work from the beginning, but refused to serve as superintendent, saying a man should have the position. Herbert S. Mathews was called in and took over the job early in 1901. Mr. Mathews faithfully carried the responsibilities of Sunday School Superintendent in tandem with his wife, Carrie. It took failing health in June 1950 to cause them both to reluctantly resign their respective positions after fifty years of service.
Herbert & Carrie Mathews
A 1950 Echo reports that no one had yet been chosen to succeed the Mathews, however, "...The teachers have chosen Mr. Claude Smith Superintendent of the Sunday School temporarily." Claude had been a regular teacher at the Mission since 1940 and went on to serve as superintendent for 52 of his 86 years.
Claude Smith
Mr. Smith was called to his reward on October 1, 1992,
but not before he painstakingly searched for the one right person for his post. Claude had
little luck finding a successor for several years until November, 1989. Mr. Richard Smith,
Claude's son, assumed the position of Superintendent while Mr. Jim West was asked to join
the work in a teaching capacity with responsibilities as Assistant Sunday School
Superintendent. Mr. West, who is a seminary graduate with a Masters of Divinity degree,
found the work at the Mission as fulfilling as his predecessors and continues as Assistant
Superintendent.
The Mission grew quickly during its early years and
soon required more room. Mr. V.P. Turner extended Mission property holdings jointly with
Henry G. Herget by donating an additional 25 feet of frontage on the east. Judge Wm. R.
Curran donated another 25 feet, making a total of 75 feet frontage. In 1921, the George
Herget estate and Henry G. Herget erected the fine auditorium and gymnasium which we now
enjoy and use daily. The new front of the building was made possible by various special
gifts over a 30 year period prior to 1952. This building is larger than most people
realize. It took 400,000 bricks and 42 tons of steel to enclose the building. Time has
proven the investment intensely practical, and it will prove more so as it continues to
serve the community.
George Herget
Mr. Herget for years was a generous contributor to the Mission and took a keen interest
in its welfare up to the time of his death in March, 1914. Mr. Mathews once said of him,
"Numerous are the times I remember Mr. Herget stopping me on the street and
thoughtfully inquiring about the progress of the Mission." George Herget's sincere
interest in the welfare of the work is evidenced by the generous provision made in his
will for the Mission. In his time, Mr. Herget had become successively a merchant,
manufacturer, and banker. One writer said of him, "His interests were large and
varied, and to him and his associates much of the individual progress of Pekin and its
growth as a city may be attributed." The Union Mission Society is deeply appreciative
of the generosity of Mr. Herget and the spirit that directed his executors in the
distribution of his bequest. Through the generous provisions of his will, the Mission was
able to build the gymnasium and auditorium in 1922 and provide for necessary income to run
the Mission for decades to come.
Judge Maus was the first donor of property to the Mission in 1895. When the Mission was
almost forced to discontinue due to the lack of a meeting place, Mr. Maus and his wife
came to the rescue and provided the site of the original Mission at 203 Court Street,
thereby opening the way for all the good things that have since developed.
Though characterized by people of his day as "...Jurist, historian and man of
large affairs", Judge Curren was never too busy to give time and attention to the
Union Mission. His personal service as teacher was said to be an inspiration and
encouragement to all the Mission folk. That same "Mission folk" also said at his
passing, "His review (of the Sunday lesson) from the platform will always be
remembered." As a Sunday School teacher, Judge Curren recognized the Mission's need
for increased space and deeded the Brosmer property, adding another 25 feet to the growing
Mission frontage space on lower Court Street.
Jointly with Mr. V.P. Turner, Mr. Herget purchased an old laundry building adjoining the Mission on the east and deeded it to the Mission. This additional 25 feet frontage permitted use of the main building as a gym by moving the already popular reading room into the former laundry building. In 1924 Herb Mathews wrote of Henry Herget, "To Mr. Henry Herget full credit should be given for the new permanent building, as he recognized the practical applied Christian service being rendered. He realized the need of an enlarged permanent home, and put the project through in such a substantial manner that the generations to come will be benefited and the under-privileged will call him blessed." Mr. Herget recognized the Mission's great need for ongoing operational support and provided for the Mission's future in his will by donating a highly productive farm. Income from this farm and Mission trust funds continues to provide much of the funding for Mission Sunday School and recreation programs.
The Mission is greatly indebted to Mr. Turner for his timely council, as he so enthusiastically entered into the details of Mission work, showing his broad, vision and good judgement. Mr. Turner was always young at heart and knew, what children liked and needed for a sound body and mind. In addition to his many contributions of time and effort, he donated a complete set of instruments for the boys' band, entire gymnasium apparatus, and a motion picture machine for the auditorium. He has been and will continue to be remembered for his kind and generous gifts to the Mission's work.
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Minnie A. Kuhl
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Minnie A. Kuhl and one of her Sunday school classes (Early 1920's)
Minnie, Lillian Osterman, Maude
Campbell, Irene Shipman, Katherine Kluever,
Loraine Hendriks, Geneva Daniels, Opal Hayes, Perletta Sams
The Home Class was organized in October of 1903. The members,
mostly mothers, originally received Sunday School quarterlies and studied their lessons at
home. At a meeting once a month on Tuesdays, the Home Class met to review the lessons
under the instruction of the three leaders. Quilting, sewing, and general service in time
of need was their program in the early years. For a service project, the home class
produced a service flag for the Mission representing all Mission boys who served their
country in the World Wars. Since 1976 this club has sponsored the annual October Banquet,
a birthday celebration of the various clubs.
Though the Loyal League no longer is active at the Mission, they have delivered many years of splendid service to our work. The first meeting was held on Wednesday, November 5, 1919. The original enrollment numbered 30. This organization was the outgrowth of a teachers' training class which held its meetings in the Sun Room of the old Mission. The Loyal League no longer holds regular meetings, but members turn out for Mission events. When the club was active, meetings were held regularly on the first Wednesday of each month. These meetings consisted of devotional, business, and a social hour. One of the most enjoyable features of the work of this group was the annual Christmas party given for the primaries and beginners. These little guests were treated to caramel corn, stick candy, and apples, and each child was presented with a gift. The last recorded Loyal League president was Marie Kohlbacher.
The Tillicums
The Master called His beloved ones "friends", so when a
group of girls sponsored by Mrs. Mathews and the Misses Mary Schwartz, Cora Albertsen,
Agnes Smith and Louise Weiss, organized a club on October 2, 1921, they called it
"Tillicums", a Native American name meaning good friends. The Tillicums have a
fine history of being active in the social life of the Mission. The Tillicums were the
first Mission group to sponsor a bazaar in 1923. In 1925 they honored their mothers with a
Mother-Daughter banquet, which has become a Mission tradition. This club has always been
pleased to supply the little things needed to make the wheels of the Sunday School turn
more smoothly, such as an attendance and offering register for the main Sunday School and
birthday banks for the Beginners and Primary Departments. To provide such gifts, the club
has organized dinners, candy and bake sales, and sold magazine subscriptions, wax paper,
and even gelatin. The Tillicums slogan is "Friendliness and Service."
This Mission Girls' Club was organized September 20, 1923, with 25
charter members, composed in four classes sponsored by Misses Margaret Lautz, Linda
Kohlbacher and Anna Blenkiron, and Mrs. Carrie M. Matthews. It was the custom of the
Mission to organize the older girls' classes into a club so they could continue their
membership with the Mission when their home duties and other reasons hindered them from
attending the regular Sunday School morning sessions. The Girls' Club met monthly to
report plans and different methods of scattering sunshine and good deeds. They stood
watchful for opportunities to be of service. Though this group no longer meets regularly
due to the health of its few remaining members, there is a ray of sunshine on the horizon
-- a newly formed girls' club, Sunshine II.
Twelve girls met on January 21, 1953, to form a new
club "to promote the social and cultural welfare of the Pekin Union Mission Society
and to help each other to grow in faith and understanding." Their formative leaders
were Lola Wubben, Annette Rickard, and Katherine Doren. It was not until March of that
same year that the club would choose the name "Carrie M." to honor the late Mrs.
Carrie May Mathews, who rendered 50 years service to the Mission. The responsibilities
they chose include securing and coloring Easter eggs and stuffing the sacks for the annual
Christmas treats. In December 1968, the club donated a much appreciated lavaliere
microphone and stand for the stage. The club has also donated a bulletin board in memory
of Lola Wubben, artificial palm trees for the stage, and privacy drapes for the balcony
guard rail.
I.H.H.
The I.H.H. Club emerged from the earlier Union Mission Girls' Club
organized by Mrs. Geneva Craggs in March 1953. On March 11, 1958, Mrs. Pat Bright and
eight charter members reorganized the club and chose a secret name, revealed only to club
members. The club assumed the responsibilities of decorating and dismantling the various
Christmas trees around the Mission. In 1969 the Club made 30 beautiful religious symbol
ornaments for the tree in the theater. I.H.H. members' successful fund-raising efforts
have resulted in many gifts to the Sunday School, including our stage Nativity set, R.S.V.
pulpit Bible, indoor-outdoor thermometer for Polar Bear readings, National Geographic
Bible Land for our library, a wall plaque for the Orchestra, and many other thoughtful
gifts and services to the Mission. Members currently meet the second Tuesday of each month
for devotions, business and pleasure.
In 1994 Shirley Moore sponsored Misses Rachael Roby, Alissa Roby,
Heather Logue, Tiffany Hancock, and Samantha Collins in starting a new girls' club
honoring the previous Sunshine Club, The club's purpose is to benefit the Mission, and
members have directed their efforts on two service projects. They redecorated our Mission
Game Room and plan another service project which reaches outside the Mission. Current
members hope to "adopt a grandma" from a local nursing home who would appreciate
visits, notes and cards, remembering her on holidays, and generally bringing good cheer.
Sunshine II holds regular meetings the last Wednesday of each month at the Mission. Like
those of their predecessors, these meetings consist of devotional, prayer time, a business
meeting, and a social hour. The girls would like to issue a general invitation to any
young woman interested in joining their circle of friendship, "Please feel free to
visit any time!"
The six charter members present on that first Sunday morning in 1914 were John Flath
(horn), Fred Kickler (violin), Alfred Dieckman (cornet), Henry Beebe (violin), George Saal
(clarinet), and Carrie Mathews (piano). 1998 Orchestra members include Orchestra Director
Phil Peterson (flute, fife), Phil Frederich (drums), Johanna Peterson (trombone), Jim
Markum (trumpet), Sally Markum (piano), and Dick Schermer (clarinet, trumpet). The
orchestra is considered "missing in action" if it ever has fewer than three
members present on any given Sunday. Incredibly, the Mission Orchestra has had only six
recorded misses since it was organized 80 years ago. The level of commitment has certainly
been exemplary over these many years.
George Warren, Karl Zerweck, Roland Pobel,
George Saal, Carrie Mathews, Wm. G. Janssen, Henry Beebe
Phil Peterson, our current Orchestra Director, has served over 50 years in
this volunteer Orchestra, beginning in 1941. His only pause in duty occurred while he was
serving his country during World War II. Mr. Peterson took leadership of the orchestra in
April 1982, at the death of then director, Bill Janssen. Mr. Janssen had taken over the
reins of leadership from Carrie Mathews upon her death in 1952. During his tenure at the
baton, Mr. Janssen racked up an incredible 25 years of perfect attendance in the Mission
Sunday School. This jewel of the Mission, its Orchestra, is a rare and precious gem
indeed.
Men who are now well past their boyhood recount nostalgically how they would sit at different positions along a glass covered library table to view, two pages per station, the newest Superman comic. Herb Mathews doubled as Sunday School Superintendent and "commander" of the reading room, keeping time to announce the shift to the next position at the table as well as maintaining discipline among the boys. Being open daily, the reading room afforded the Mission Sunday School department contact with many who did not attend the Sunday School.
In 1912 the reading room was expanded into the newly donated former laundry, just east of the existing two store fronts already housing Mission activities. Moving the reading room provided an opportunity. The main floor of the old building was turned into a make-shift gym. Basketball was played on rickety wooden floors in a room with a 10-foot high ceiling. Ah, those were the days!
The new gym, added in 1922, developed into an important Mission department. Gym classes were organized and were well attended. A full-time Activity Director was hired to devote full attention to expanding the use of the gym facility.
A Pekin Daily Times article read, "The 'Gym' opens tonight under the supervision of an experienced physical instructor, who will be present every night from 4:30 to 9:30." Our first director was Mr. Neil McNeil of Peoria, who was employed four nights each week, holding four classes daily. The Times article added that dues were 10 cents per month (to pay the instructors fee), a locker was furnished, and a hot shower was free; however, "A charge of five cents for large bath towels will be made to those who do not furnish their own towel."
Wednesdays were set aside for "the exclusive use of girls and women". A "Business Men's class" was organized with the motivating slogan, "Health is Wealth." Participants would play volleyball and other games beginning about 4:30 in the afternoon. In a September issue of a 1933 Echo, the pitch for the classes read, "...the man too busy for this is neglecting a good and sure investment which is the cheapest insurance." The gym was so popular that the Mission had to keep a waiting list for use of the facility.
The early instructors were followed by a long series of recreational supervisors until 1964, when Mr. Glen Cerveny became our first full-time recreational director. Mr. Cerveny also assumed the responsibility of the men's Sunday School class. Mr. John Preston took over the director's position from 1967 until 1974, when Mr. Ronald C. Smith from Indiana State University became director and also assumed leadership of the men's Sunday School class. In 1980 our current director, Mr. Terry Brecher, came to the Mission. His long-standing leadership of the recreation program has been marked by widespread community approval and support.
What began as a Reading Room and emerged as a recreation program has come full circle. In 1992 Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Elliff donated a new reading room in memory of the late Claude Smith, who dedicated himself to the Mission. Once again the Mission boasts of a place to read with a most interesting variety of books from which to choose. Mr. and Mrs. Elliff not only donated a generous number of new volumes, they also provided for a partition wall in the Mission to house the "Claude Smith Reading Room", with a table and four chairs upon which to peruse one's reading selections. So the Union Mission Reading Room re-emerges, thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Elliff, dear friends of the Union Mission.
The Echo was first published on September 29, 1918, as "an experiment." Superintendent Herbert Mathews was "Editor, Pro Tem," and began the monthly News Sheet with the support of the Board of Trustees and with the following explanation, "The friends who contribute are entitled to regular reports. To hold and create new interest and friends it is necessary that some method of regular communication be had so that the sidelights and small details may be shown. ...Experience has been that those who are in close touch and really know the Mission as it is, grow to be staunch supporters of the work."
The Board approved a trial period of three months for the Echo, hoping that by then some plan would be devised to finance its continuance. Mr. Mathews asked for suggestions. "Shall we solicit advertising, or shall we make a real bulletin and depend upon donations and charge it out as publicity in overhead expense? What say you? If you like this sheet and it is needed, speak up. If there are any flowers to be handed out, we prefer them now instead of at our funeral. Shall we print [another] issue?"
The Echo was successful and by January 3, 1919, the Mission had added a new department, with the purchase of a printing outfit consisting of two presses, one of them weighing 200 pounds, four racks of type, ink, and new rollers. The entire setup was purchased through Bankruptcy Court for $60 with the help of trustee William S. Prettyman. Several printers, including Mr. Gates from the Pekin Daily Times, and Henry Kettenring, printer, immediately volunteered to give the Mission boys lessons in running the press. The Echo article emphatically stated that The Echo Press would only do work for the Mission and would not compete with any trade. The logo for the News Sheet, printed above, was designed by Miss Norma Zerwekh, Sunday School secretary.
The Echo was printed on the old Mission presses for over 50 years
but production was gradually reduced to an annual publication. As the Mission has
completed it's first 103 years, the Board of Trustees has rejuvenated the Echo
and Mission friends will soon have a quarterly newsletter to keep them informed of the
many Sunday School and recreational activities.
Click here for Historical and Current Pictures
This Mission Sunday School Club was formed in 1936. Membership is limited to those who have a record of attendance of three sub-zero Sundays. Charter members included 93 individuals who braved not three but four days when the temperature during the Sunday School hour was below zero.
Anna R. Evans' Class - October 23, 1927
Front row: Helen Penning, Lucille Thurma, Edith Eiker, Mary Bussone, Ollie John, Hasel
Williams
Back row: Vivian Sexton, Helen LeMasters, Velda Maus, Margaret Hill, Leona Campbell, Anna
R. Evans
In 1998, times have changed in many ways, but human needs have not. The
family is challenged for survival as in no other period in our country's history. The
Mission still stands after 103 years of worthy service to thousands of families and
individuals in Pekin. We continue to welcome all interested individuals to a
non-denominational service every Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., followed by Sunday School
for children and adults. Our recreation department is flourishing, with growing interest
in new activities as well as our girls and boys softball, baseball and basketball.
Our fervent prayer and singular goal as an organization is to continue stead-fastly in
our strong history of service to each new generation born in our community. As we do so,
we once again ask for all the support you can give in both finances and prayer. Gifts to
the Mission are tax deductible, and your patronage is most appreciated. As for prayer,
ours is for guidance as we endeavor to remain current with the times while securely
anchored to the solid bedrock of Christian service before the God of the Bible. The Pekin
Union Mission was begun in 1895 in His honor and in His name it ever remains.
Pekin Union Mission Hours:
Monday-Friday: 4-8:30 pm
Saturday: 7-4:00 pm
Sunday Service: 9:15-9:45 am
Sunday School: 9:45-10:15 am
Fellowship: 10:15-10:45 am
Prayer and Share: 10:45-11:30 am
ASA Cooking Class - 3-4:30 pm
ASA Sewing Class - 3-4:30 pm
Girls Basketball (March)
Baseball Clinics (April)
Tuesdays
Court Place Bible Study - 10:00 am
Miller Center Bible Study - 10:00 am
Home Class (first Tues.) - 12-1:00 pm
ASA Girls Volleyball - 3-4:30 pm
Tutoring - 4-7:00 pm
Boys Practices - 4:30-8 pm
Girls Practices - 5-8:00 pm
IHH Club (second Tues.) - 7-9:00 pm
Wednesdays
Baseball Clinics (April)
Girls Basketball - 5-8:00 pm
Carrie M (second Wed.) - 7-9:00 pm
Thursdays
Tutoring - 4-7:00 pm
Boys Practices - 4:30-8 pm
Girls Practices (March) - 5-8:00 pm
In Home Bible Study - 7:00 pm
Fridays
Home School I (second & fourth Fri) - 9:30-11:30 am
Prime Time (last Fri of month) - 1-2:30 pm
Tazwood Center - 1:30-3 pm
Saturdays
Girls Basketball (March) - 8-3:00 pm
Baseball Clinics (April)
Staff Contacts
Jim Bernier
Administrative Director
346-0724
Terry Brecher
Recreation and Facility Director
346-0724
Rev. Jim West
Christian Education Director
Ass't Sunday School Superintendent
346-0198
Our Mission Statement
To conduct and maintain a Sunday School with non-denominational Christian education and
service, including recreation and entertainment of children and family welfare.
For operating expenses, the Mission was originally dependent upon contributors who subscribed each year to the annual budget. The activities of that year were then limited to the amount subscribed. The public has never been solicited for any of the Mission property or buildings. The Sunday School has always been self-supporting, with the help of the endowment of the late Minnie Kuhl. In times past, those who contributed one dollar or more to the budget were known as "Sustaining Members." Between 1940 and 1952, the Mission held "Roll Out The Barrel" fundraisers in downtown Pekin. The one-day drive raised funds for the annual operating expenses, principally for recreation and family welfare.
Thanks to the generous donations of the founders and many foresighted leaders from the
community, particularly the 1953 bequest of Mr. Henry Herget's farm property, the Mission
was self-supporting. Expenses continue to out-pace income, however, leading Mission
leaders to explore new opportunities for financial stability which will ensure the
Mission's welfare for the next 103 years.
Past Presidents of the Board of Trustees
1895 ..... Mr. Conrad Luppen 1927 ..... Mr. Henry Herget 1940 ..... Louis C. Mosche 1944 ..... William G. Fair 1947 ..... Roy "Peach" Preston 1976 ..... Lewis Doren
1991 ..... Claude P. Smith |
Current Trustees, Officers & Directors
The Pekin Union Mission Society Directors in 1915
