Sparta Methodist Sunday School

In 1842 Methodism in Sparta was born. The first quarterly meeting of the Sparta Methodist Episcopal Church took place under the circuit rider services of the Rev. George J Barrett and Elder Phillips. They had no doubt held a protracted meeting and many converts were the result. Daniel H. Hatton was appointed as pastor that first year and reported a... membership of 353. Over the next years the preachers and membership varied as did the salary paid to the minister. In these early years the pastors were appointed for only one year and usually stayed just that one year. The reputation and tradition of this church is most solid in the area of Sunday School. Methodists of Southern Illinois have always been noted for their interest in education as evidenced by the establishment of McKendree College in 1828. Books were very scarce in the middle of the 19th century in these pioneer towns, but the Sparta Methodist Sunday School established a 100 volume library and gave small books as rewards for memorizing scriptures, or some other accomplishment, as early as 1851. Sunday School rolls have varied greatly in the history of this church. It seems confusing as to the causes of this, but in 1853 when Sunday School rolls climbed to 95, there were 400 books in the library. However during a decline in Sunday School rolls, around 1876, the library had dwindled to 100 books, and in the move to the new frame building the library was abandoned. For one hundred years there had been no library in this church. With several small memorial gifts it was suggested the church (now in the new building) start a library, and reference books and other materials were ordered. The library was set up in the vacant end of the narthex, but it was dark and in the way of people getting their coats. So when one classroom was given a fourth permanent wall it was enlarged and moved to that classroom where it is today. In addition to reference books for Bible study, the library has interesting biographies of great Christians, devotional readings, youth ...Read More