Central Presbyterian Church has a rich heritage because of its association with New Salem and Dr. John Allen already alluded to in the preceding history. This heritage has made us what we are today. As we go about the task of recording activities of Central Church over the past twenty-five years, we must ask ourselves, "Have we lived up to our heritage?'' And the answer to that is a resounding, "Yes!" We can honestly say that the Word of God has been taught and spoken by the congregation of Central Church with the Scriptures as our text. We all are truly children of God, and even though we fall short of perfection, we proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

     Central Church remained an old conservative congregation when this segment began in 1964 and was clinging to the traditions that were established by its earlier members. This itself was not all wrong, but as we have witnessed, it became necessary for the church body to rid itself of some of its conservative traditions and to adopt some of what were referred to by some of the old members as "new fangled" ideas. That the church could have grown without the new ideas will never be known, for the new ideas were implemented and the church profited.

     While most churches have numerous ministers serving them, Central Church has had only two full-time ministers during the last quarter century. When this segment of our history commences, the Rev. Hayward H. McCullough had been our pastor since 1957 and already had accomplished much. His entire tenure at Central already had been highlighted with the complete remodeling of the church school portion of the building at a cost of approximately $55,000. It was dedicated Dec. 11, 1960.

     As Mrs. Nellie Fox noted in a history written for Central's one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary, the church accepted a gift of the Taylor Library during this time. And through the efforts of the gifts and memorials committee, a record of all gifts and memorials was made and cataloged.

     By 1964, McCollough and his family, which consisted of his wife and three children, were already established as a real support unit in the church and community. McCollough was very fond of the people in his charge and served them with compassion, understanding and humility. His leadership from the pulpit and as moderator was outstanding. Perhaps his greatest attribute was his ability to console a bereaved church family. His pastoral relationship with the Petersburg church was dissolved on July 31, 1972.

     We were blessed by God's choice for an interim moderator in the person of Dr. Wallace N. Jamison. Dr. Jamison was the dean of Illinois College and was appointed our moderator on May 14, 1972. His outgoing personality, his great skill in the ecumenical area and his splendid pulpit manner served us well.

     Central Church always has been a caring congregation for as long as anyone can remember, but its apex of caring was realized during the ministry of Dr. Kenneth Churchill. Dr. Churchill was the man God had chosen to be our new minister. To describe Ken Churchill in one word would be very difficult, for he is a man of many splendid attributes. One word does come to mind, however -- dedicated. He was completely dedicated to his church, his congregation and his Lord! His tenure was a time of excitement and change.

     In 1974, the United States Department of the Interior nominated the town of Petersburg to the National Register of Historic Places. Central Church, already in its one hundred thirty-fifth year and one of the oldest churches in Petersburg, became a significant participant in the rendering of that decision.

     On Dec. 15, 1977, the congregation voted to adopt the unicameral form of church government. This system eliminated both the board of trustees and the board of deacons, leaving the session as the one governing body of the church. Committees, each headed by a session member, then were established: the Christian education committee, the worship committee, the membership committee, the outreach committee and the administration committee.

     During Dr. Churchill's stay at the Petersburg church, he introduced such programs as: the Lenten Laymen's Breakfasts, the Senior Citizens Transportation Program, the Love Outreach Program for disadvantaged children, Menard Caring, Inc., the Human Growth and Development Course for Teen-agers, the Community Thrift Shop, the first Directory of Human Services in Menard County, and the Menard Food Pantry. Among his other major accomplishments while at Central Church was his institution of the Witness to the Resurrection Service in place of the funeral service, which allowed the congregation to participate in the service through hymns and prayers. He also earned his doctorate while here.

     Dr. Kenneth Churchill dissolved his relationship with Central Church on Oct. 1, 1988, in order to take a major post with the Presbytery of Great Rivers.

     The Rev. Anne Fisher became our interim pastor and, again, God greatly blessed us. The entire congregation was immediately won to her side by her vivaciousness, intelligence and leadership.

     Christian education could be listed as the hallmark of Central Presbyterian Church. There never has been a time when Central did not attract the best in teachers who encouraged the elders to provide the best in curriculum material. The John Allen Class has always been the leader and the example-setter for our church school. Our children have been our treasure over the years, however, and it is to them, the future of the church, that most of our efforts have been directed.

     The women's circles have contributed greatly to the overall religious life of the church. The circles, Abigail-Ruth and Esther, are the active groups. The Word of God has been taught in each of these groups and they, as one unit, have contributed greatly to the missions program of the church.

     The Quilters are a group of church women who meet on a regular basis to do quilting. Through their efforts, much money has been raised for various church projects, including the new church organ.

     There is also a women's retreat group which serves as a support organizatiori for some of the church women.

     Music always has been at the center of the worship service of Central Church. Great talent has sat at the console of our church organ over the years in the persons of Mrs. Hermina Ackerman, Mrs. Emma Lou Denton, Mrs. Ann Blane and, more recently, Richard Ford. God surely is pleased with what he hears.

     Both the chancel and cherub choirs and other special groups and soloists have contributed greatly to our worship services.

     The Moeller organ, which had been installed in 1916-1917, had been in an almost constant state of repair for several years. On Oct. 26, 1986, the congregation voted to accept the bid of the Wicks Organ Company to tear down the old organ and completely refurbish it. When it was completed in December, 1987, we had what amounted to a new organ. During the time the organ was dismantled, our church organists transferred their great talents to the piano.

     During this twenty-five-year period, our church building was completely reroofed. The stained glass windows in the sanctuary and the Tiffany window, "Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me," were covered with a plastic protection. New carpeting was laid in the sanctuary and, coupled with some other decorating, the area was transformed from a dull drab to a bright cherry decor.

     In May, 1962, the congregation voted to sell the old church manse that stands at the northwest corner of Eighth Street and Sheridan Road in Petersburg. A new manse had been purchased from the Carter family. This dwelling, called the Allen house, was located at the northeast corner of Tenth and Rutledge Streets in Petersburg. Later, this manse was sold by-mutual consent of the minister and the congregation. This allowed the minister to privately negotiate for housing.

     No account of this time period would be complete without mention of the Vietnam War. Few, if any, of the congregation were untouched by this tragic time. "Nam," as it was referred to by those who were there, was considered ignoble by many. Some of our young people went to ''Nam'' never to return. It was a time that saw the burning of the American flag and draft cards -- a time that saw no returning heroes. Central Church through it all, however, sustained its loyalty to all.

     There were thousands of refugees when the Vietnam War was over. Many of these were called "boat people" because they fled their country in boats -- boats that were less than seaworthy. Many of these refugees found their way to America. In 1980, Central Church sponsored one such family, the Tran family. The Trans included the father, Tran Hoang Thens; the mother, Huynh Hue Phong; their daughter, Tran Le Trinh; a son, Tran Trung Nghia; and his wife, Lam Hai Chau. The congregation moved the Trans into an apartment in Petersburg and made arrangements for the education necessary to live in this country. The Trans have since left the Central Illinois area.

     Thus another chapter closes in the life of Central Church. The one hundred fifty years that Central Presbyterian Church has existed have witnessed wars and peace, famine and plenty, poverty and prosperity, floods and epidemics. But through it all, the love of Christ has shown through and no doubt will nurture Central for generations to come.