"In the beginning..."

Although it had been tried many, unsuccessful times, Rev. Mrs. L.B. Smith, the wife of Professor L.B. Smith, a teacher of Greek at the Olivet College, had a burning desire and burden upon her heart to establish a Church of the Nazarene in Ridge Farm, Illinois.  During the summer of 1937, Mrs. Malissa Hale invited Rev. Smith to hold a prayer meeting in her home.  Anyone interested in having a Church of the Nazarene established in Ridge Farm was to attend this meeting.  Those present were Mrs. Nate "Grandma" Johnson, Laura Hale, Havana High, Mrs. Cam Hackler, and the Dale York family.  Rev. Smith found a location for the church--the lot at the corner of Railraod Street and West College Street.  This property could be purchased for $600.  The three ladies contemplated, prayed, and considered their possibilities to buy this land.  Finally, Laura Hale spoke up and said, "I have the first $5 on it."  Five dollars in 1937 was no small sum of money.  Together, the ladies gave approximately eight dollars.  Rev. Smith and Mrs. High then canvassed the community for donations.  God blessed and many people graciously donated money and welcomed the thought of having a Church of the Nazarene in Ridge Farm.  Uncle Alfred Hester, a good friend who was eager to see the church established, made a loan to assist and Rev. Smith purchased the ground from the Hodge family.  The old tabernacle was built with the help of friends and students from Olivet College.  Rev. Smith organized the church with seven church members.  The first service in the tabernacle was held during October, 1937.

The First Presbyterian Church of Ridge Farm was standing empty.  It became the dream of Alfred Hester and Sister Smith to purchase this building for the Church of the Nazarene.  However, before any transaction could be made, Uncle Alfred passed away and Sister Smith moved to Newport News, Virginia.  In 1939, Raymond and Lena May Peters came to pastor the church.  Under their leadership, the Presbyterian Church was purchased for $3,000 and the parsonage for $2,000.  Dr. R.T. William performed the dedication service in 1943.

The Ridge Farm Church of the Nazarene is still using this building that stands on the corner of East Woodyard Avenue (formerly East West Street) and South First Street in Ridge Farm.  The first church building since has been demolished.  As God was with Rev. Mrs. L.B. Smith, answering her prayers, making her dream of a Church of the Nazarene in Ridge Farm, Illinois a reality, so He has been with the ministers and the people of the church through the years--and so He will always be!

If you would like more information regarding the history of the Ridge Farm Church of the Nazarene, the church buildings, and/or its pastors (which have all contributed greatly to the church), please contact us.  Contact information is listed on the homepage.