05/14/2026
Our own Cemetery Detectives Linda Begole Murray and Tim Ogle have deep roots in this cemetery
The oldest church in the Collinsville area is not in the City, but about three miles southeast of Uptown on Bethel Meadows Road. The Bethel Baptist Church was organized in 1809 by abolitionist Baptists who broke off from another church over the slavery issue. It is the oldest Baptist Church in Illinois.
The church would perhaps be best described as a safe stopping point for slaves seeking freedom prior to the Emancipation Proclamation. Slaves were reportedly kept hidden under a trap door in the church while being transported to well-documented Underground Railway stops in Alton and Jacksonville.
Members of the founding Lemen family, elders and others preached to the growing congregation over 40 years. The first minister called in 1855 was Rev. D.M. Howell. The first church was built in 1824; it was replaced by the 1838 church, which was demolished in 1977. The 1838 church is seen in this photo taken to commemorate the church’s Centennial in 1909.
The Museum’s historic churches display features 10 Collinsville area churches. The Museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
