Big Prairie Cemetery & Methodist Church. Photo taken October 2014.

Big Prairie Methodist Church on County Rd. 1450 E.

Big Prairie Church

Established 1812


"This church was the cradle of Methodism in White County. Early pioneers risked Indian raids to worship in the cabins of Robert Land and John Hanna. In 1812 presiding elder Peter Cartwright sent circuit rider John Smith to this settlement. This church was organized in Hanna's house."


Erected by the White County Historical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society , 1967

Looking eastward across County Road 1450 East at the cemetery entrance.

Sign in front of the Big Prairie Methodist Church next to the Cemetery.

New memorial erected in 2020 after the church disbanded and the building was demolished.

Photo of Big Prairie Cemetery and Methodist Church.