Q.  Did you know that we came close to being named St. Andrews United Presbyterian Church?

A.     During the January 29, 1964 Congregational Meeting to organize the new church, Dr. Samuel Thompson presented the report of the 'Committee on A Name for the New Church.'  The report of the Committee was adopted, and the following suggested names were placed before the congregation:

            The United Presbyterian Church of Monmouth.

            Monmouth United Presbyterian Church.

            Covenant United Presbyterian Church.

            Faith United Presbyterian Church.

            St. Andrew's United Presbyterian Church.

On motion and second from the floor, the name, Westminster United Presbyterian Church, was added to this list.

            Tellers were appointed, while the congregation proceeded to ballot.

            The result of the first ballot was as follows:

            United Presbyterian Church of Monmouth          -           75

            Monmouth United Presbyterian Church               -           49

            Covenant United Presbyterian Church                   -          25

            Faith United Presbyterian Church                           -          44

            St. Andrew's United Presbyterian Church            -           61

            Westminster United Presbyterian Church           -           18

            Trinity United Presbyterian Church                       -             2

            Grace United Presbyterian Church                         -             1  

Since no name received a majority of the votes cast, a motion was made and seconded and passed, that the four names receiving the fewest number of votes, i.e. Covenant, Westminster, Trinity and Grace, be dropped, and a second ballot be taken on the remaining four names.

A motion made and seconded, that because of the similarity of the first two proposed names, the ballot be between Monmouth United Presbyterian Church, Faith UP Church and St. Andrew's UP Church. Motion Carried.

The result of this rising vote:

Monmouth United Presbyterian Church     -         85

Faith United Presbyterian Church                 -       107

St. Andrew's United Presbyterian Church  -         74       

Motion made and carried that the next vote be between the two highest.  The result of this standing vote was:

Monmouth United Presbyterian Church   -          90

Faith United Presbyterian Church              -         182   

Part 5 - Assimilation and Reconciliation

Q.     How did they attempt to assimilate the various constituencies into one united congregation?

A.    There were several ways that are evident in the Minutes.

1. Although the list of nominees for Session, Deacons, and Trustees was shown as 6 from each of the four uniting congregations, the opening page of the Minutes lists the resultant elected officers by their classes, not by their congregation of origin. So the first thing we see is a Session divided neatly into the classes of 1964, 1965, and 1966, with the names in alphabetical order. Likewise with the Deacons and Trustees. The appearance is one of intentional unity. 

2. Reference in the Minutes is always to the "former Grace Church," for example. As in a marriage, the single identity is relinquished in favor of the couple's union.

3. There was a formal resolution presented by one Victor Moffet, which was read, seconded, and unanimously adopted by the congregation: "Recognizing the sincerity of those in each of our churches who did not favor this united Congregation, we here tonight [January 29] earnestly request their prayers, their co-operation, and their continuing participation, with patience, during this time of organization and re-adjustment." This is clearly a drive toward reconciliation and grace.

Q.      Are we incorporated?

A.      Whether we are actually now incorporated remains unclear and needs to be sorted out. However, it is pretty clear that in early 1964 the intention was that we would be incorporated:  "On motion, Mr. Harry Rhea was elected Chairman of the Congregation and Mrs. J. W. Rankin was elected Secretary of the Congregation for the sole purpose of signing the articles of Incorporation." (Minutes of the Organizational Meeting of the Congregation of Faith United Presbyterian Church, Monmouth, Illinois, January 29, 1964).

Q.    Is anyone still living who served as an Officer when Faith United Presbyterian Church was founded?

A.    There is only one that I personally know for sure is still living -- William Hoover, who served as a Deacon in the Class of 1964. That is not to say that someone more familiar with all of the names might recognize more who are still living.

Q.    With what hymn did the congregation close that memorable meeting on January 29, 1964?

A.     For All the Saints, Who from their Labors Rest.

            For all the saints, who from their labors rest,

            Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,

            Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest,

            Alleluia! Alleluia!

            O blest communion, fellowship divine!

            We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

            Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine

            Alleluia! Alleluia!