DuPage County Historical Museum Visit
My visit to the museum offered me to see Wheaton with fresh eyes. As I walked in, I saw the power structure of local government. On one of the banner, it wrote, "The people as sovereign." I didn't know it was based on the 1970 Illinois constitution. Some of the powers and requirements are imposed directly upon local government, while others are imposed by the Illinois General assembly.
Also, as a religious town, the earliest religious services were conducted by Presbyterian missionary Rev.Jeremiah Porter and Methodist Episcopal circuit rider Stephen R. Begs. Church started to grow, dating back to 1830s. Just by browsing through church history, I can understand why churches in Wheaton area are more leaning towards to traditional services instead of contemporary worship. College church, for example, has a slightly reformed background and what they do are only traditional services. I guess that's why it is hard for me to find a non-denominational church or a good evangelical church in the area.
Another thing I enjoy about the museum was the train ride and the Chicago commute story. It was so interesting to see the comment that the editor of Chicago magazine gave at the time. It states that "One of those new towns with has sprung up on the railroad in a day and a night." I especially adore the train exhibition downstairs. It shows precisely on how train operates and all the landmarks next to the railroad. It reminds me whenever I wait for a train, I can always hear "Chicago commuters" on the radio. I felt Wheaton as an upper-scale town in Chicago land, it definitely has a unique train culture which embedded into elite culture as well. One comment I received when I went to Evanston, IL to visit my friend was Metra is aimed to serve elites. Because what they value the most is time. Living in this secular neighborhood, I felt this is a good place to learn about the town history and think about Christianity in a deeper way.
Also, as a religious town, the earliest religious services were conducted by Presbyterian missionary Rev.Jeremiah Porter and Methodist Episcopal circuit rider Stephen R. Begs. Church started to grow, dating back to 1830s. Just by browsing through church history, I can understand why churches in Wheaton area are more leaning towards to traditional services instead of contemporary worship. College church, for example, has a slightly reformed background and what they do are only traditional services. I guess that's why it is hard for me to find a non-denominational church or a good evangelical church in the area.
Another thing I enjoy about the museum was the train ride and the Chicago commute story. It was so interesting to see the comment that the editor of Chicago magazine gave at the time. It states that "One of those new towns with has sprung up on the railroad in a day and a night." I especially adore the train exhibition downstairs. It shows precisely on how train operates and all the landmarks next to the railroad. It reminds me whenever I wait for a train, I can always hear "Chicago commuters" on the radio. I felt Wheaton as an upper-scale town in Chicago land, it definitely has a unique train culture which embedded into elite culture as well. One comment I received when I went to Evanston, IL to visit my friend was Metra is aimed to serve elites. Because what they value the most is time. Living in this secular neighborhood, I felt this is a good place to learn about the town history and think about Christianity in a deeper way.