The Illinois Baptist State Association was organized in a frame building on this site on January 31, 1907, by messengers from 226 churches. The officers elected were Moderator R.H. Flannigan, Ass't Moderator J.K. Trovillion, Secretary Charles H. Hitt, and Ass't Secretary J.D. Hooker. B.F. Rodman became the first Executive Secretary, and W.P. Throgmorton was the first Editor of the Illinois Baptist.