McDonough ILGenWeb

REYNOLDS, (Rev.) John C. (deceased), a long-time preacher of the Gospel in McDonough County, Ill., and one of the most profoundly respected citizens of that county, where his evangelical work was recognized for many years as highly efficient, was born in Hart County, Ky., December 15, 1825, and in his later years was one of the oldest ministers in McDonough County. Six years of his ministerial career were spent as a pastor in Abingdon, Knox County, Ill., and during the period from 1859 to 1869 he preached regularly in Macomb, his pastoral relations being with the Christian Church.

Mr. Reynolds was widely known as a ready and forceful exponent of dogmatic theology, and was one of the principals in several public debates on religious issues, then warmly contested. Among them was his debate with Elder Wilson, which continued from March 5, to March 15, 1860; his spirited and instructive controversial meeting with Elder Hughes, at Table Grove, Ill., in 1869; and his subsequent public discussions with Elder Ritchie, at Bedford, and Rev. Mr. Francis, at Browning, in the same State. Of these opponents, he recalled Elder Ritchie as being the most candid in argument. On November 9, 1851, Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage with Sarah F. Meadows, and four children resulted from their union, namely: Mary (Mrs. Hoskins), James, John, and Malinda E. (Mrs. Walling). Although he reached more than four-score years, Mr. Reynolds retained to the end, which came February 14, 1906, much of that pristine vigor of mind and body which characterized his early pulpit efforts. His long-extended life was signalized by unwavering zeal in the cause of his Divine Master, and was replete with usefulness to his fellowman. To many who were familiar with his later pastoral career, he will be remembered as an object of deep respect and warm regard.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 990, extracted 29 May 2020 by Norma Hass.