A little white church on a hill...

There's a song, an old hymnal standard, called "Little Brown Church in the Vale."

This simple song used to be sung on a regular basis at the Illmo United Methodist Church, except the congregation would ever-so-slightly alter the lyrics to: "No spot is so dear to my childhood as the little white church on the hill."

The little white church on the hill: their church, which will celebrate 100 years of worship Oct. 16.

Family pride and tradition are obvious upon stepping into the church.

Its 11 stained glass windows, all built between 1905 and 1910, reflect color onto the pews. The organ is played by Glenda Bryant, who has been making music on the organ's keys for more than 25 years.

She is a member of a family that has attended the church for four generations.

On the walls are two crocheted pictures, done by Glema Milligan, the organist's mother. One simply says "Illmo United Methodist Church" and the other depicts The Last Supper.

History

In the summer of 1905, several women of Illmo saw the need for a Methodist church in the area.

In 1910, the church was finished and dedicated by Bishop Denny. Approximately 30 pastors have presided over Illmo Methodist since its founding. The latest is the Rev. Jim Woeltje, who has served there for 10 years.

Projects completed over the years include a new organ in the 1940s, construction of a Sunday school annex in the 1950s, and a day-care center in the 1990s. In the year 2000, the interior of the church was renovated.

Celebration

On Oct. 16, at 10:45 a.m., the bells will ring to celebrate the church's 100th year. Following the worship service, during which district superintendent David Norbury will speak, a fellowship dinner will be held in the church basement. A special display of pictures and documents showcasing the church's past 100 years will be in the annex.

An invitation to attend the service is extended to all current and former members, along with the congregations of Commerce and Scott City United Methodist churches.

About 200 people from all around the country are expected to come to the church for the celebration. One woman, Nedra Bean Boswell, will travel from North Carolina, and Nedra's sister, Othella Bean Williams, will come from St. Peters, Mo., for the celebration.

"It's comforting," said Williams. "It brings back loads of memories of what were probably the most happiest days of my life. It's like coming home."

Emily Hendricks is a student at Southeast Missouri State University who freelances for the Southeast Missourian.