This is designed to be a history and record of
Wilson Chapel Christian Union
Jennings County, Indiana
May it be a record of that which shall bring glory to Him who hath loved us and given Himself for us.
On November 5, 1855 Harvey and Charlotte Pease donated a 1/2 acre of a section of land six miles square for a school known as Peace Ridge School. This area is located about 1/4 mile south of what is now Wilson Chapel. A part of this farm was later sold to Wallis and Matilda Wilson.
Previous to 1886 there was not a church house or organization in this area. Peace Ridge School House was used for that purpose as well as a community room and place of worship for various religious groups. But in a measure, this community was deprived of church privileges, much to the dissatisfaction of many. Feeling deeply the need of regious meetings, the religious privileges and instruction, in the spring of 1885, a Sabbath School was organized, superintended by Penn Newsom and Isaac Lindley of the friends Church.
On the 19th of September, this Sabbath School closed it's term for the year with a Sabbath School celebration. At this celebration, Rev. D.L. Vandement of Bainbridge, Indiana was present on his way to an appointment at Alert. Some of the speakers expected being absent, Mr. Lafayette Carson, who was one of the committee managing the celebration, obtaining an introduction to Rev. Mr. Vandament, requested him to give the people a short address. Complying with the request, he was afterwards, during the day, asked to leave an appointment to preach at the Peace Ridge School House. Accordingly, he preached here October 31st and November 1st, 1885. Being requested to leave another appointment he did so and preached again November 29, 1885. He consented to preach for them once a month as long as he felt he might accomplish good.
Being in a revival elsewhere, however, he did not return again untill in February 1886; when he returned with his father, Rev. B.W.S. Vandament, and on the night of the 17th of February they began a series of meetings in the Name of the Lord, believing that " there is no restraint to the Lord to save many or by few."
On the morning of the 4th of March 1886, those having signified their desire to form a Christian Union met at 10:30 o'clock a.m. and proceeded to organize upon the following:
- The oneness of the church of Christ.
- Christ the only Head.
- The Bible the only rule of faith and practice.
- Good fruits the only condition of fellowship.
- Christian Union without controversy.
- Each local church governs itself.
- Partisan political preaching discountenanced.
On the motion of Bro. Lafe Carson, it was decided to elect a board of three Elders to look after the spiritual and business intrests of the organization, and that these should be known as President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Proceeding to the election, Bro. Wm. T. Rowe was elected President, Sister L.E. McGary was elected Secretary and Bro. Lafe Carson was elected Treasurer.
Wallis and Matilda Wilson being church minded, later donated a plot of their ground to the Christian Union Church. Although in failing health he both donated a large sum and solicited from others and worked feverishly to get the building completed. When Wallis Wilson signed the deed on August 22, 1887, that was the last time he wrote his name for he died the following day.
Public spirited neighbors pitched in to build the church, naming it "Wilson Chapel" as a fitting memorial to Wallis Wilson, the author and creator of it. By September 14, 1887 the brick work was "up to square".
In the new church --February 16th, 1888. "Truly God is good to Israel." Ps. 73:1 "What God hath wrought!" On the 17th February 1886, Bro. Vandament began the first revival meeting in the Name of the Lord of Hosts; and on the last day of the the two years intervening we entered our new church house singing praises to our God who hath redeemed us and done so much for us.
Morning services were held at the residence of Bro. Clapp, and at night the church house, though not completed, was prepared for use and for the first time religious services were held in it. The house was well filled with an interested congregation, and Bro. Vandament, our pastor, preached upon the "Slaying of Goliath" from the text: "And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear, for the battle is the Lord's, and He will deliver you into into our hands." 1 Sam. 17:47.
Wilson Chapel Christian Union Church and it's contents were solemnly dedicated to God by Bro. W.J. Duckworth from Cantreburg, Ohio, on September 9, 1888.
Sunday School was organized in November of 1903. Joseph Patton was Superintendent. The first Homecoming recorded was October 20, 1936 with an estimated 250 present.
In August 1944, at State Council it was decided the Christian Union Churches will be known as The Christian Union and not Churches of Christ in Christian Union.
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