Waveland Freedom Baptist Church
Freedom Baptist Church - Waveland
Early member, Elizabeth Hannah said, "Now, we have Freedom" thus the name of the church. Located in Brown Township just 5 miles north of Waveland (corner of County RD 650 and State Road 234) the beautiful cemetery sit across the highway overlooking the church. A permanent meeting house was established in December 1837 - a log cabin, 24' x 36' and in May 1838 a lot was chosen on Caleb Conner's land. 78 members strong by January 1842, by December 1850, the church roll totalled 169. This particular building (later improved much) was dedicated in August of 1883. "Uncle Billy Miles" (William J.) was an aide in the remodeling done i 1921. He went across Illinois over muddy roads to get seats for the church. He was a member of the church from February 1865 to his death in August 1928. The church had its first Vacation BIble School in 1961 and Freedom has remained active in this sense. The church is referred to as, "The Light House on the Corner." In 2014, the minister is the Rev. Jim Ranard.
FREEDOM HOMECOMING
Source: Waveland Independent June 2, 1933
At the Freedom Homecoming the brass quartet from the Waveland band: Donald Douglas; Ben Canine; Imogene Canine and Wilmer Sharp gave several numbers and Imogene Canine rendered a cornet solo accompanied by Mrs. Ben Canine.
(12 August 2023)Belfrey Added in 1884 Thanks to Tammy T for the photo of Freedom Baptist Church from Charlie Priebe's book.
This is what the present building at Freedom looked lik after the $30.00 belfrey was added in 1884 to the original 1883 building. this was the general appearance of the building until the remodeling of the 1920's.