South Fulton Churchhouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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South Fulton Churchhouse
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Astoria, Fulton County, Illinois |
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| Area | 1.6 acres (0.65 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 94001264 |
| Added to NRHP | October 28, 1994 |
The South Fulton Churchhouse is a special old church building. It is located on Baden Road, about two miles south of Astoria, in Fulton County, Illinois. This church was built in 1879. It was made for a group of people called the German Brethren from Astoria.
The church has a simple design, which was common for rural churches back then. It looks like a small house, without a tall tower or fancy decorations. This "cottage plan" was typical for early German Brethren churches. The people who worshipped here followed a very traditional way of life. Their services included reading from the Bible, a preacher sharing thoughts, and prayer. They did not use church music or have professional ministers.
The church was also designed for a special religious meal called a communal love feast. This meal was a very important part of the German Brethren faith. The church's basement even has a kitchen with a stone hearth for preparing these meals.
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A Look Inside the South Fulton Churchhouse
The South Fulton Churchhouse shows us how people worshipped in the late 1800s. Its simple style tells a story about the beliefs of the German Brethren. They focused on plain living and simple worship.
What is a German Brethren Church?
The German Brethren are a Christian group with a long history. They believe in living a simple life and following the teachings of the Bible closely. They are known for their plain dress and their focus on community. The South Fulton Churchhouse was built by a very traditional part of this group.
The Design of the Church
The church's design is called "frame vernacular." This means it was built using common local materials, like wood, and simple building methods. It did not have a famous architect. Instead, it was built in a practical way that was popular for churches in the countryside during that time. The "cottage plan" means it looked like a cozy, simple home.
Special Meals and Traditions
The "communal love feast" was a very important event for the German Brethren. It was a shared meal that brought the community together. It was a time for fellowship, prayer, and remembering their faith. The kitchen in the church's basement shows how central these meals were to their worship.
Historic Recognition
The South Fulton Churchhouse is important because it represents a unique part of history. It shows how a specific religious group lived and worshipped. Because of its historical value, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 28, 1994. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history.
