Honoring Father Augustus Tolton, the first African American priest in the U.S.
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Father Augustus Tolton is known as the first African American priest in the United States. Born a slave in Missouri in 1854, his family eventually reached the free state of Illinois.
At the age of 16, Tolton felt called to the priesthood but he was denied acceptance by every Catholic seminary in the country. With the help of two Quincy priests and Catholic benefactors, Tolton worked odd jobs and in tobacco factories over the next 10 years until he was able to save enough money to travel to Rome to attend a seminary there.
After completing his courses in Rome, Tolton was ordained on April 24, 1886. He expected that he would be sent to an African mission, but he instead returned to Illinois to serve the African American population.
Tolton’s first assignment was Saint Joseph’s church in his hometown of Quincy. During his two years there, he gained enormous respect from many of the German and Irish parishioners. However, he also endured humiliation, isolation and condemnation from fellow priests who would not accept him.
Park of the month: Mill Creek Park
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According to a survey conducted by YouGov, a significant portion of Americans are resolving to eat better and exercise more in 2018. Those focusing on health and wellness this year should visit the Fay Pickering Memorial Trails at Mill Creek Park in Marshall, where over nine miles of running, hiking and mountain biking trails are open 24 hours a day, all year long.
Four single-track trails snake through the old growth forests near Mill Creek Lake at an average grade of nine percent and a maximum grade of 64 percent. The trail system is classified as intermediate, but individual trails can be modified for runners, hikers and bikers of all skill levels from beginner to expert.
Those who enjoy outdoor recreation with their canine companions will be glad to know that the park allows dogs to roam off-leash. Motorized vehicles and horses are prohibited, and trail users are discouraged from using the trail in wet conditions.
For the truly brave, the Ninth Annual Clark County Polar Bear Dare Trail Run will take place on Jan. 13, 2018. The run includes 10.3-mile, 3.9-mile and half-mile races followed by a mountain bike race. The event is expected to take place regardless of weather, giving athletes an opportunity to compete in unique conditions.
The Fay Pickering Memorial Trails system is considered one of the best in the state. It is about a 20-minute drive from I-70 in Clark County and features a restroom and pavilion at the trailhead near the dam at Mill Creek. For more information, call 217-889-3901.
Baby, it’s cold outside! Fun family winter events in Illinois
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When the weather gets cold we tend to find ourselves spending more time indoors, snuggled up with a hot beverage. Although that sounds like bliss, getting out and enjoying events that only happen during the winter season can be just as fun, and support a good cause!
If you have never experienced ice sculptures or ice sculpting competitions, Rockford holds the High School and State Competitions. You can walk through and watch the ice sculptors, or you can drive through and view from the warmth of your car. The competitions are held at Sinnissippi Park. Admission is free and you can see ice sculptors creating their master pieces from sunrise until about 10:30 p.m. This is an activity the entire family can enjoy.
The High School Competition is held Jan. 18-20 and the State Championship will be held Jan. 17-20. For more information about this event, click here.
Another fun winter activity that you may have heard of is the Polar Plunge. This event supports the Special Olympics in Illinois by raising money for the events and programming the organization provides for the 42,000 athletes across the state. Participants raise a minimum of $100 in exchange for jumping into cold waters in the middle of winter. All the proceeds benefit the Special Olympic Athletes.
Lewis University ranked fifth best college for veterans in the U.S.
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Lewis University has been named one of the best colleges for veterans, ranking fifth in the United States and first in Illinois, by College Choice, an independent ranking organization that utilizes data-driven research and methodology to help students and families find the best schools.
College Choice reviews a number of factors including institutional excellence, student satisfaction and return on investment to help develop its rankings.
Located in Romeoville, Lewis University offers more than 80 undergraduate majors, including options for Air Force ROTC through the Aerospace Studies program and Army ROTC through the Military Studies program. The university has also partnered with the Department of Defense to provide affordable, high-quality education globally.
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