BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS) is inviting Illinois houses of worship that have continuously served their congregations for 150 years or more to apply for recognition.
Since 2010, the ISHS has recognized over 200 faith-based institutions that have played a significant role in recording the state’s historic records, including births, deaths, and marriages.
To be eligible, houses of worship must complete an application form and submit appropriate documentation along with a non-refundable administrative fee of $50. Each recognized house of worship will receive a certificate from the ISHS and have its history recorded by the Society as well as at the Illinois State Library’s Illinois Digital Archives for future researchers to access.
The deadline for application submission is June 30, 2023. Recipients of recognition will be honored at a special luncheon on September 23, 2023, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield.
The ISHS is a private, not-for-profit organization that receives no tax dollars from state government bodies, and the administrative fee supports the organization’s work.
Illinois houses of worship play a crucial role in the state’s history, and the ISHS is committed to preserving and recognizing their contributions. The organization encourages all eligible houses of worship to apply for recognition and looks forward to celebrating their sesquicentennial or greater anniversary.
