Dedicated 1906 as a Methodist Episcopal church, the church building serving as the Temple was built partly to honor Union veterans of the Civil War.
The front (South facing) stained glass window displays the initials G A R, commemorating the Grand Army of the Republic, which was at the time the largest Union Army veterans organization, 1866-1956, founded thirty miles away in Decatur, Illinois.
As of 1880, there were 39 Civil War veterans in Goose Creek Township. They formed the township’s G. A. R. Post; the R. B. Moody Camp No. 186, founded in 1883. Many of them were charter members of the new church. Crossed cannons, crossed swords, an anchor, and the G. A. R. crest are part of the window. Text at bottom center reads:
IN HONOR OF
OUR
NATION’S DEFENDERS
The other large stained glass window (West facing) memorializes Margaret Campbell, wife of J. H. Campbell, a G. A. R. man and friend of Moody. In the painted window she is seen holding onto a stone crucifix in stormy seas.
The third stained glass window was removed and has been lost to time with the construction of the attached Sunday school, now renovated by the Poodle as a rectory. Throughout the church, various furnishings are dedicated to the deceased.
The preservation and ongoing renovation of the church building, with intent to re-open, is in accordance with the Temple Mission and Religious Story.