A young doctor who was graduated from Dartmouth, Dr. John Allen, came to New Salem in its early days. He was destined to become a friend and spiritual advisor to Abraham Lincoln and the father of Central Presbyterian Church of Petersburg. Dr. Allen was a devout Christian man, living what he preached. Under his leadership, New Salem became a place for preaching with the Rev. Thomas Gait, an itinerant minister, preaching occasionally. Dr. Allen called groups together for spiritual inspiration and three years before the Presbyterian Church was established, Sunday School and worship services were held in homes.

      When Petersburg became the county seat of the newly formed county of Menard, New Salem residents began to settle in Petersburg. In early December, 1839, a number of people met in the courthouse, and at that time the First Presbyterian Church of Petersburg was born under the guidance of the Rev. Gait, a representative of the Presbyterian Assembly of America. The following persons were charter members: by Letter, James White, Sr., John Allen, Parthena Hill, L. Z. Hallock, Richard Dey, and Catherine Conover; and by Profession of Faith, Eli M. Hoff, William Conover, Phoebe Conover, and Lauvuna Conover. These ten people could be called the foundation of Central Church. It should be noted with genuine pride that one hundred twenty-five years later, names appeared on the roll who were descendants of some of the charter members. L. Z. Hallock and Dr. Allen were elected and ordained as ruling elders. Mr. Hallock moved from Petersburg within two years, leaving Dr. Allen the only elder until 1850. It would be unjust to pass by Dr. Allen without mentioning that he was the "guiding light" who kept the group together throughout the difficult years. He served as ruling elder for twenty-three and one-half years.

      The newly organized congregation worshipped in the courthouse, upstairs over Mr. Bennett's store (later the site of the First National Bank and now the Grist Mill Mall), and in a school house. In May, 1842, a white frame building was dedicated at the corner of Sixth Street and Sheridan Road. This building was used for thirty-two years as a church. The Rev. Gait preached an occasional sermon, but by late 1840, the Rev. J. W. Little, who had charge of the North Sangamon and Irish Grove churches, was moderator and supplied the pulpit until 1842. Again, the Rev. Gait acted as moderator of the session until 1846 or 1847. In 1844, the first trustees were elected. The membership at this time was fifteen.

      In the year 1847, the Rev. George McKinley became the first regular minister. He was the first Presbyterian minister to reside in Petersburg. William B. McKinley, who later was elected to the United States Congress from Illinois, was born while his parents lived here. The Rev. McKinley soon won the affection of the people in the community. During his eleven years as pastor, membership increased to seventy. At this time, religion was at a low ebb in Petersburg. Out of the one thousand residents, it was reported that only approximately two hundred attended church worship services.

      The church was blessed in 1857 with the Rev. J. A. Pinkerton who was known as a man of prudence and wisdom. He was the first pastor to be installed. The Rev. Pinkerton ably guided the church through the Civil War period. This was a time when people had very positive opinions concerning the issues and, even in their churches, could easily be divided in their thinking. In 1870, seventy people joined the church. A succession of three pastorates then followed during 1870-1878. By 1873 (the membership having increased to one hundred seventy), the congregation found itself overcrowded in the small white frame building. With great courage, this group of faithful members made plans for the erection of the present sanctuary which was dedicated in November, 1874. Its cost was $14,500. During this period, the first organ was added, the Presbyterian hymnal was chosen, and the first choir was organized by Mr. Cowgill. The first deacons were elected in 1877.

      In 1878, the benevolent spirit of the congregation had grown to such proportions that a Woman's Missionary Society was organized by an active and loyal group of women. This work was carried on for many years. With never more than fifty members, this group of women did a magnificent job in always meeting the demands of this phase of church work. They also guided the young people's group which was organized during this period.

      From 1880 to 1887, the Reverends Baldwin, Berger, and McFarland served the church. In 1886, a lecture room was added to the church building and new frescoes were painted. The year 1889 found the congregation observing its fiftieth anniversary under the leadership of the Rev. William Miller. The anniversary was fittingly observed with one charter member, Parthena Nance Hill, being present.

      During 1894-1895, under the guidance of the Rev. W. E. Williamson, the congregation made rapid progress. In 1896, there was some difficulty within the congregation which was not reconciled for a year. Reconciliation was due largely to the efforts of Ruling Elder Arthur Young.

      From 1897 to 1901, the Rev. Thomas J. Stevenson served the church well. During that time (1898), a manse (located at the corner of Eighth Street and Sheridan Road) was purchased at a cost of $3,000. In 1901, the manse was improved at a cost of $1,525. By this time, such members as Albert Walker, J. W. Newcomer, and John Tice had passed away. Mr. Walker had served thirty-two years as a ruling elder.

      During the pastorate of the Rev. John Boden (1905-1910), a successful revival was held. In 1910, under the guidance of such ruling elders as Dr. H. E. Wilkin, Dr. J. W. Newcomer, Cyrus Buckley, Samuel Montgomery, John Carver, and the pastor, the Rev. Herman Hildebrandt, a union was brought about between the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (known as the Main Street Church) and the First Presbyterian Church. The united church resolved to work together "to further the advancement of God's Kingdom." It was at this time that the combined congregations chose the name of "The Central Presbyterian Church." The Main Street Church property was sold to the Baptist congregation at a later time for $2,750.

      With the added impetus of the union, it became necessary to enlarge the facilities. Construction of the present education building was started in 1916. Under the leadership of the Rev. H. R. Taylor, in addition to the education building, extensive improvements were made in the sanctuary. Both were dedicated free of debt in April, 1917. The Moeller pipe organ was dedicated at this time, it being a gift of Congressman William B. McKinley in memory of his father, the Rev. George McKinley, the first resident pastor. Another notable gift received at this time was the Tiffany window presented by Mrs. R. J. Frackelton. It was placed in the primary room in memory of Miss Louise Frackelton, who had served the primary department as superintendent for many years.

      In 1917, Dr. G. D. Heuver, a brilliant man of God, became pastor. This year the life of the church was disrupted by World War I. Dr. Heuver was succeeded by the Rev. S. B. Harry. Under his pastorate, the church engaged in a full-time war program and in the New Era Movement of Protestant churches.

      In 1923, during the pastorate of the Rev. Calvin Leonard, the membership reached three hundred forty-seven. However, unfavorable repercussions followed in the wake of the war. In 1924, when the Rev. Thomas Melton became pastor, he and the session faced very difficult conditions. This devout group prayerfully surmounted these problems. During this time many members were placed on the suspended roll of the church. The congregation entered the pension plan and continued with renewed strength. The church mourned the passing of Samuel Montgomery who had served as a ruling elder for twenty-five years.

      The Rev. Thomas Nelson guided the church for two years, from 1928 to 1930. The Rev. Nelson was eager to inspire the youth in the work of the church. In 1931, the Rev. Grant Mason became pastor. Under his leadership the church made great progress. This included the adoption of the rotary system of electing church officers and the reorganization of the board of trustees. The Rev. Mason soon endeared himself to all and served the congregation well for thirteen years. In 1939, inspiring services and other appropriate occasions marked the centennial. Due to the untiring effort of the Rev. Mason, the church looked forward to a second century of service.

      The Rev. D. C. Boyd resolutely guided the congregation for the next four years, this being during World War II. Central Church made every effort to do its share in the war effort.

      The work of the church was carried on for three and one-half years by the Rev. Frank McLaughen, who stressed every member's participation and regular church attendance.

      During the next five years, spiritual progress was made due largely to the leadership of a fine young minister, the Rev. Paul M. Lundell. In this period, the church was incorporated, and the women of the church adopted a new program. This organization became the Women's Association, taking over the work of the Women's Missionary Society.

      In 1957, the Rev. Hayward McCollough became pastor. His tenure at Central is documented in Part II of this history.

      In 1964, the one hundred twenty-fifth year, Central Church was honored by the presence of the moderator of the General Assembly, Edler Hawkins. A pageant depicting the one hundred twenty-five years and an evening honoring members of fifty years rounded out the observance.