About Bushnell Christian
Our Story
A church of the New Testament pattern, gathered around Jesus in Bushnell since 1953.
Our Story · Established 1953
It began with one man’s prayerful wish.
“A church of the New Testament pattern in this town of 3,500 population has long been a dream of many interested persons.” So begins the church’s story in Bushnell’s 1954 centennial history.
Joe Combites of Bushnell had been a member of the Christian Church in neighboring Sciota for years. When Ellwood Beeman arrived there as minister in 1952, Joe told him of his wish for a church in Bushnell. Ministers from across the area volunteered to help, and in 1953 a small congregation began meeting in the VFW Reception Hall. By November of that year the young church had purchased a building of its own.
Sources: Bushnell, Illinois, Centennial, 1854–1954 (Bushnell Centennial Association) and Community News Market, “History of Bushnell: The Churches” (Feb 17, 2026).
Our History
More than seventy years of faithfulness.
1952
A wish for a church in Bushnell
Joe Combites, a deacon and Men’s Bible Class president at the Christian Church in nearby Sciota, shared with Sciota’s new minister, Ellwood Beeman, his wish for a church in Bushnell. Area ministers volunteered to help take a religious census.
March 1953
First worship at the VFW
On March 1, 1953, twelve people gathered for the first worship service of the newly formed Bushnell Christian Church. Through the generosity of the V.F.W., the congregation met in the VFW Reception Hall. Ellwood Beeman preached Sunday mornings, and neighboring ministers took turns leading evening services.
⚠ To confirm: the church’s 1978 25th-anniversary history gives March 1, 1953 (a Sunday) with 12 present; the 1954 centennial book prints “March 9, 1953” (a Monday).
Summer 1953
A student minister
Dean Hill of Lincoln Bible Institute served the congregation from June 7, 1953 through the summer, and then Mr. Beeman again led the flock.
November 1953
A church home of our own
The church purchased its own building at the west edge of Bushnell on Charles Street, better known as Route 9.
1954
Elders and officers
Elders Joe Doan and Joe Combites; Jr. Deacon Larry Combites; Church Clerk Mrs. Joe Doan; Treasurer Barbara Williamson; Bible School Clerk Mrs. Jerry Wheeler.
1962
A new building
A new church building was built.
2001
Room to grow
A new foyer and overflow area were added along with a remodel of the existing building.
2004
Fellowship hall
A new fellowship hall was added.
Today
285 S Jackson St
Still gathering every Sunday around God’s Word and the Lord’s Table.
⚠ To confirm: is this the same site as the Route 9 building?
What We Believe
Simply Christian.
We are an independent Christian Church, part of the Restoration Movement’s Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. We believe Jesus was born of a virgin, that He was crucified, dead and buried. He arose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. We believe in baptism by immersion, and we take communion every week.
Our Motto
Enter to Worship. Depart to Serve
Enter to Worship
Every Sunday we gather around God’s Word and the Lord’s Table, singing, praying and lifting up the name of Jesus together.
Depart to Serve
Worship doesn’t end at the door. We go out to love our neighbors in Bushnell and beyond, the way Christ loved us.
Draft wording for the church to approve.
Our Minister
Rex Featherlin, Minister
Rex brings the message each Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Join us this Sunday
285 S Jackson St · Bushnell, IL 61422
9:00 AM
Sunday School
10:00 AM
Worship & Communion
Give with a cheerful heart
Give / Donate
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Your generosity supports worship, ministry and outreach in Bushnell and beyond.