The Stone House
...the First Presbyterian Church

On  top of the high bluff in Chester IL, overlooking the mighty Mississippi river and the Missouri bottoms, is a beautiful historical building that was originally the First Presbyterian Church, built in 1846.  The limestone building was converted into a private residence after lightening struck and destroyed the bell tower in 1921. 

One of the striking features of the house is the magnificent exposed hand-hewn ceiling beams that were made from trees dating back to the 1700's.  The outside of the building is covered with stones, thus the name it is now given, the Stone House.

In the early 1800's a group of women in the old town of Kaskaskia decided the Presbyterians should have a church. This group of people professing to the Presbyterian faith had been meeting only in members homes.   The women were listed as: Mrs. BURR, Mrs. SYMINGTON, Mrs.GUTHRIE, Mrs. BAKER, Mrs. MORRISON, Mrs. HEARD, and Mrs. CONN.  They got the support of their husbands, and on May 27, 1821, nine members of the group met with Rev. GIDDINGS to organize the church.  It became the Kaskaskia Presbyterian Church, with Mr. BAKER and Mr. GUTHRIE elected to serve as elders.

When the Rev. GIDDING concluded his first service and was ready to proceed with the ordination of Mr. Guthrie and Mr. Baker, the two gentlemen decided their time was too valuable to give for this duty.  As they were the only men in the congregation, this created a problem, as the church needed a Board of Elders. Women being what they are, they took the matter in hand and Mrs. Permelia BURR served as elder. The church was formed.

From 1828 to 1837, the Congregation held their meeting at Pleasant Ridge, about 5 miles north east of Kaskaskia. This placed them nearer their minister, Rev. MATTHEWS.  As in any group, there grew dissent, and the church was moved to Chester, a now thriving community.  Kaskaskia had lost it importance by now, with the capital being moved to Vandalia, and the people felt the move would help the church to grow.

The first worship service held in Chester was in Seth ALLEN's office, in 1838.  The name was changed to First Presbyterian Church in Oct of 1840.  By 1846, the "Old Rock Church" was built, at a cost of approximately $1500.  Rev. SPILLMAN preached the first sermon.  

The "Old Rock Church" was used as a place of worship until October of 1920.  A short time prior to this date, the congregation had purchased the Methodist Church building and planned to move to it.  After some remodeling, the "new church" was dedicated in 1921.  The "Old Rock Church" was sold and converted into a residence.

The Presbyterian Church of Chester continues to this day, celebrating their 150th anniversary in 1971.

The "Old Rock Church", now tenderly known as the Stone House, is presently a Bed & Breakfast, owned and operated by Innkeeper Sandra Starr.  Located just a short distance from the Randolph County courthouse, it would be the ideal 'place to stay' while doing your research.
You may visit her website for rates and views of the home, by clicking HERE.

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