The Book
Bicentennial Anniversary of the First United Methodist Church
A commemorative history of First United Methodist Church, Rushville, Illinois — preserved by Marjorie Ann Parish.
Bicentennial Anniversary of the First United Methodist Church — Marjorie Ann Parish
About the book
“Behind every building are the people who gave it life.”
From early worship gatherings in frontier homes to the congregation’s 2026 bicentennial, The History of the First United Methodist Church preserves a remarkable story of faith and community in Rushville, Illinois. Marjorie Ann Parish brings together historical accounts, personal recollections, photographs, and the contributions of generations of ministers, teachers, musicians, and volunteers. Through changing buildings, moments of loss, and enduring traditions, the book reveals how a congregation carried its faith forward.
- ISBN978-0-7334-2609-4
- PlaceRushville, Illinois
Inside the pages
What readers will discover.
Two centuries of gathering places
How worship moved from the Calvin Hobart cabin and frontier homes to successive church buildings in Rushville.
The people behind the pews
Generations of ministers, teachers, musicians, and volunteers whose service shaped the congregation.
Music and memory
The traditions of Methodist music and the role it played in worship across the decades.
Moments of loss and rebuilding
The 1918 fire and the congregation’s dedication of its rebuilt church in 1919.
Photographs and records
Historical photographs and records gathered through extensive research, interviews, and community recollections.
The bicentennial celebration
The congregation’s 2026 commemoration, including the June 27 gathering at the original Hobart site.
Chapter overview
Eight chapters, one story.
Select a chapter to read a line about what it holds.
01Church Meeting Locations
From the Calvin Hobart cabin and frontier homes to successive church buildings in Rushville.
02Ministers and Church Leaders
Generations of ministers and leaders whose service shaped the congregation.
03Methodist Music
Singing and music-making as part of worship, sustained across the decades.
04Methodist Sunday School
How teachers and volunteers taught and mentored Rushville’s children across the decades.
05Bible School
Part of the congregation’s long work of teaching the next generation.
06Confirmation Class
Mentoring that passed the congregation’s faith from one generation to the next.
07Methodist Youth Fellowship
A place for young people to grow in faith and service together.
08The Bicentennial Celebration
The congregation’s 2026 commemoration, including the June 27 gathering at the original Hobart site.
Get the book
Bicentennial Anniversary of the First United Methodist Church
Marjorie Ann Parish · Rushville, Illinois
Purchase details will appear here as soon as they are confirmed.