The end of an era is approaching as Chestnut United Methodist Church has announced it will be closing. A special service is being planned for Sunday, June 26 that will feature speakers with hopes of former members returning and sharing memories of the past.

Jacqueline McDougall, who serves as the church secretary as well as the church pianist, says currently there are only four members who attend the church but shares she has fond memories of the past.

"My birthday was always during Vacation Bible School so we'd celebrate it during that time," smiled McDougall reflecting on the past.

More:Picture of the Past

She credits the late Dick Hayes, who owned Hayes Auto in Mount Pulaski, as being one of her favorite Sunday School teachers.

Her mother Shirley Stauffer said she has attended the church for the past 60 years.

"I remember when every pew was filled and we even had people sitting in the overflow," said Stauffer.

"It's like a family because we all know each other. I like the atmosphere of the church," said Stauffer.

More:Dedication plans announced for second tiny home for veteran

Pastor Steve Lobb, who is now serving UMC members in Illiopolis and Niantic, served the Chestnut community from Sept. 2020 to July 2021

More:The Market to offer free rides to and from the event

Lobb said even though his time served at Chestnut was under a year the people he ministered were a blessing.

"I'm deeply saddened by the news. I understand the size of the population was diminishing but for my time there I found it very warm and welcoming. They were a loving congregation whose foundation was rooted in God," said Lobb.

"I wish it wasn't the case because this church has been a part of Chestnut for a very long time and it will be sad to see it go," he continued.

Lobb plans to speak at the June 26 and connect with both past and current congregation members.

"Those affected by this will find a new church home. I felt attached and all were great people."

Thanks to the late Mae Kretzinger, who belonged to the church her entire life, shared verbal stories passed along or taken from researching minutes of church meetings.

"Chestnut United Methodist Church in this community was started in a settlement named “Yankeetown” which was named after John W Clark, who was called Yankee John Clark because he came from the East," wrote Kretzinger.

"In 1911 the church members built this building that includes the now-famous Lincoln’s Eyes window on the east side of the building.  This window was commissioned by the Grand Army of the Republic Chapter in Chestnut.  The Grand Army of the Republic was an organization started by the soldiers and families remaining after the Civil War and continued until all the families passed away," wrote Kretzinger.

According to Kretzinger the late Mike Lakin, Editor of the Mount Pulaski newspaper, great-grandfather George Washington Lakin was one of the members of the GAR in Chestnut who had the window commissioned.  Stories from the Lakin family tell that the GAR members viewed Lincoln as a saint and wanted to commemorate him with this window.  The window has been featured in several newspaper articles and even on television.

The Church which belongs to the Central Prairie United Methodist Church a Parrish of the Illinois Great River Conference of the United Methodist Church organization will host a special closing ceremony.

Leaders have not released details on the future of the building.