Epworth in White County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Big Prairie Church

Established 1812

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 23, 2021

1. Big Prairie Church Marker

Inscription.
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 1967 by White County Historical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.

Location. 38° 2.974′ N, 88° 6.403′ W. Marker is in Epworth, Illinois, in White County. It is at the intersection of County Road 1450 East (County Route 7) and County Road 1175, on the right when traveling north on County Road 1450 East. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1172 County Rd 1450 E, Carmi IL 62821, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois — Little Egypt,

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in the Tri-State Region,

and in the Wabash Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Ohio River Valley,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Former Site of Big Prairie United Methodist Church (a few steps from this marker); Carmi's Oldest House (approx. 4 miles away); Ratcliff Inn (approx. 4 miles away); Colonel Conger House (approx. 4.1 miles away); "Flow Gently, Sweet Afton" (approx. 4.2 miles away); Bell of St. Johns (approx. 4.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 9.9 miles away); Boone's Mill (approx. 9.9 miles away).

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 23, 2021

2. Big Prairie Church Marker

Marker is in front of Big Prairie Cemetery. The actual church stood behind the marker and in front of the cemetery, but it closed in late 2017 and was later torn down.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 391 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 23, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.