To say the old First Congregational Church of Crete building is steeped in history would be an understatement. Built 172 years ago, it has stood through the Civil War, slavery, abolition, and the Underground Railroad.
It’s been through plenty of modern history, too, and for 59 years, it operated as an antique store known as the Crete Market Place.
These days it’s undergoing extensive renovations to become the Crete Area Historical Society Museum.
The church, 550 W. Exchange Street, was acquired by the CAHS three years ago.
According to group Historian Ryan Martin, the congregation’s roots actually go back even further than Crete’s incorporation as a village.
“The Bebee’s Grove Congregational Society was formed in Bebee’s Grove, a grove surrounding Plum Creek in the northeast corner of Crete Township,” he said.
“In 1846, the Thorn Grove Congregational Society was formed in the northwest corner around Thorn Creek. In 1852, the two societies joined and became the First Congregational Church of Crete.
“A year later, in 1853, they built a proper church in the newly established Village of Crete (est. 1849). Until then, meetings were held in local schoolhouses.”
The Bebee’s Grove Congregational Society took a groundbreaking oath against slavery even before the church was built, he noted. They adopted a credo: ‘Believing American slavery to be oppressive and sinful and contrary to the rules of the Bible, resolved that we recommend to our members to do all they consistently can as citizens and Christians to bring about its speedy and peaceful overthrow.’
“Although not a documented Underground Railroad stop, the church was a spiritual home for many local conductors, including Samuel Cushing, indicted for harboring freedom seekers in 1843, and the Bebee, Cook, and Safford families, whose courageous efforts are part of Crete’s proud abolitionist heritage,” he continued.
“Local Underground Railroad historian Dr. Larry McClellan noted it was one of the first two churches in Illinois to take such a stand,” Martin said, “linking it directly to the fight for freedom.
“The building is under renovation and not yet open for public occupancy. Once restored, it will house exhibits highlighting Crete’s local history and Underground Railroad connections.”
The restoration of the white frame building requires extensive structural and historical restoration, Martin noted.
The building actually contains four distinct areas: the sanctuary built in 1853; the annex, which includes the kitchen, cloak room, and parlor, built in 1880; the Ray Piepenbrink Room, added in 1968; and the Crete – C&EI Railroad Depot, which was moved and attached to the Ray Piepenbrink Room in the same year.
However, he emphasized the exquisite stained glass windows, commemorating Crete’s earliest settlers, will not be removed.
Moreover, his connection to them is personal.
“We are not replacing the stained glass windows. We have plans on restoring them. In 1896, (church) members purchased their own stained glass window – of which there are eight – to honor their ancestors who founded the society.
“I descend from the Adams family of Crete, and we have a stained glass window there in honor of my fifth great-grandparents, Henry and Katie Adams.
“I am an eighth-generation Crete resident through the Adams family: Henry and Katie Adams, Horace and Catherine Adams, Martha Adams and Horatio Gaines, Ferris Gaines and Lillie Cook, Charles Gaines and Bonnie Merritt, Charles Gaines and Audrey Rowson, Cherry Gaines and Randall Martin, Ryan Martin.
“To now own and establish a Crete museum, where so many of my Crete relatives were baptized, confirmed, married, and where funeral services were held, is a deeply moving thought.”
The purchase price of the building remains confidential, he said, “But we are deeply grateful to Phyllis Monks, who worked with Jesse and Jean Bowman’s family to secure the building for preservation. To honor their generosity, a plaque commemorating Jesse and Jean Bowman will be placed inside the building.
“Renovation costs far exceed available funds, so grants, donations, and fundraisers are essential.”
The Crete Area Historical Society was founded around 1978 – 1979. Past presidents include Ryan Martin, Phyllis Monks, Mariann Gemper, and Ann Perhkon. The current president is Tim Piepenbrink.
“Our mission is: ‘The Crete Area Historical Society is here to preserve, display, and communicate the history of Crete and this area,” Martin explained.
“We will endeavor to save and share historic items, pictures, and documents that will enable residents, teachers, and visitors to learn about the people who have come before us in building this community.’
“We have more than 100 members committed to preserving Crete’s history.
Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month, at Crete Town Hall on Wood Street, at 6:30 p.m. There is no meeting in December.”
Annual membership dues are $25 and are an important part of the CAHS budget.
“We host annual fundraisers and share updates on our website and Facebook page. “Every gift, no matter the size, helps bring our museum to life. Donations may be made through the Donorbox link on our website or mailed to P.O. Box 266, Crete, IL 60417. Please make checks payable to the Crete Area Historical Society.
“We are deeply grateful for the generous support our community has already shown – your kindness makes it possible to preserve and share Crete’s history for generations to come.
“Our primary goal,” Martin added, “is completing the museum’s restoration to create a space that educates future generations on Crete’s rich history and its role in the Underground Railroad.
“CAHS is dedicated to preserving Crete’s past with integrity and passion. Through restoration, education, and community engagement, we ensure the stories and sacrifices of those who built this community are never forgotten.”
More information about the Crete Area Historical Society may be found on their website at http://www.cretehistorical.com; YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cretehistoricalsociety; or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066801259630.