The Illinois State Historical Society has created an award for 150-year-old church congregations in 2010. Churches of all denominations established in Illinois in 1860 or earlier are eligible to apply for the award.  The award includes a certificate, a  one-year complimentary membership in the Society, an invitation to a special awards banquet, and statewide recognition.  Churches must document their age with at least one of the following items:  minutes of early church meetings, photocopies of marriage or baptismal records, official charter, contemporary newspaper advertisements or articles, and old city directories.

A $50, non-refundable application fee is required with each application.  Further information and forms are available at  www.historyillinois.org and 217-525-2781.