center aisle, rather than side aisles. Early in 1974, classrooms in the church basement were panelled. The Rev. Joseph Martin has been pastor since June, 1973.

A new parsonage for the Church of the Nazarene was built south of the church, on Walnut Street, in the summer of 1965. A large room in the basement is used as a fellowship hall by the congregation. The Rev. Robert Schlattman has been pastor since October, 1968.

The Rev. Fr. James J. Kerrins, who had been the priest of St. Mary's parish since 1950, retired in June, 1973 because of a serious eye problem. He resides with his sister, Mrs. Mary Petit, at Ashkum, Illinois. The building formerly occupied by the Woodford County National Bank was presented to St. Mary's parish in 1970 by the bank officials. Located at the corner of Front and Elm Streets, it is used as a parish hall, with facilities for confirmation classes and various social affairs of the church. The Rev. Fr. John O'Connor was appointed to the El Paso church June 20, 1973.

The repair of the bell tower on the First Baptist Church was the largest part of the $10,000 repair project done in September, 1966. In 1973, new pews and carpet were installed in the sanctuary. Mrs. Max Smith, who had served as church organist for 50 years, resigned in December, 1973. She was honored at a reception following a morning worship service and presented a plaque and a money gift. The Rev. Delbert Cowley, formerly of Trinidad, Colorado, has been pastor since June 6, 1973.

A community wide El Paso Christian Men's Association was organized in the fall of 1973. Monthly meetings are held in the various churches, the host church providing the program.

For several years during the 1950's, religious classes on released time were held here. Students from Eureka College served as teachers for classes which were held in the Federated and Methodist churches once a week for children whose parents had requested their release from regular day school classes. Class scheduling, transportation, and securing teachers created problems, and the classes were discontinued.

EVANGELIST – The Rev. Della B. Stretch, who had been an evangelist for 73 years, died April 6, 1961, in Mennonite Hospital, Bloomington. She was born near Roanoke, August 11, 1860, a daughter of Jacob and Susannah Rudisell Betz. She was one of the early graduates of Illinois State Normal University, and at the age of 16, she began teaching in Panola Township. When she was 26, she married M. E. Stretch, and they toured the United States as an evangelistic team. He died in 1925, but Mrs. Stretch continued her work, gradually reducing the number of her engagements to return for a period to her home in El Paso. In 1956, a heart condition further restricted her activity, and

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