History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois - Classic Reprint

In this review of History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois readers will find a focused historical reprint aimed at local historians, church members, and genealogists. The single biggest reason to buy is its concentrated coverage of early Disciples of Christ congregations in Danville and surrounding Illinois communities, presented as a faithful reprint of original material. This edition collects excerpts and congregational sketches that are hard to find elsewhere, making it a useful reference for anyone researching religious life in Illinois from 1819 to 1914.

Key Features

• Local church coverage: Detailed excerpts document the founding and development of multiple Danville congregations, giving readers specific historical context.
• Chronological scope: The reprint spans 1819-1914, making it valuable for understanding nearly a century of denominational growth in Illinois.
• Primary-source excerpts: Material is reproduced from original histories and church records, which helps researchers cite period language and events.
• Focused author perspective: Nathaniel S. Haynes presents congregational narratives that illuminate community leadership and clergy activity in the era.
• Compact reference: As a classic reprint, it consolidates scattered historic notices into one accessible volume for quick consultation.

Who It's For

This book is best for local historians, denominational researchers, and members of the Disciples of Christ seeking background on Danville churches and early Illinois religious history. Genealogists tracing ancestors connected to those congregations will find the congregational sketches and dates particularly useful.

It is less suitable for readers who want a broad, interpretive social history of Illinois or a modern analytical narrative; this volume is a reprint of historical excerpts rather than a contemporary synthesis, so those seeking recent historiography should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Concentrated primary material on Danville First, Second, Third, and Fourth Churches aids specific research.
• Chronological coverage from 1819 to 1914 provides a long-term view of congregational development.
• The reprint format makes scarce historical excerpts accessible without consulting rare originals.

Cons

• The text is excerpt-based and does not offer modern analysis or extensive contextual commentary.

Specifications

Title	History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois (Classic Reprint)
Author	Nathaniel S. Haynes
Coverage years	1819-1914
Content focus	Excerpts on Danville congregations and related church histories
Included congregations	Danville First, Second, Third, Fourth Churches and related sketches
Format	Classic reprint of historical excerpts

Our Verdict

For researchers and church members interested in the Disciples of Christ in Illinois, this classic reprint is a practical resource that compiles hard-to-find congregational excerpts into one place. While not a modern analytical history, its value lies in preserved primary material and focused local coverage, making it a worthwhile purchase for targeted historical or genealogical work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include original church records?
It reproduces excerpts and congregational sketches drawn from historical records rather than complete parish registers.

What geographic area does the book emphasize?
The emphasis is on Danville congregations and the history of Disciples of Christ activity in Illinois between 1819 and 1914.

Who compiled the material?
The reprint presents material attributed to Nathaniel S. Haynes, offering his collected narratives and excerpts.