The Cabin

It’s Who’s INSIDE that counts.

The Cabin’s Story

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The Cabin began with a group of young people that met in the Tremont Park and held informal worship services during the summer of 1971.  As the weather turned colder Harlan and Eloise Pflederer offered their living room as a meeting place.  The group quickly outgrew these accommodations and the need for a permanent facility became apparent.  It was at this time Harlan and Eloise’s son first came up with the Cabin concept.

                 God began to work through many people to bring to reality the building of the existing Cabin.  In 1972, construction began on a lot donated by Harlan and Eloise Pflederer.  It was largely built by volunteer labor from students as well as many local contractors who donated or discounted labor and supplies.  The Cabin as a ministry continued to grow, bringing many young people to the Lord and providing a place for young people in the area to fellowship and worship together on Saturday nights.

                 Legend has it that the Cabin was so crowded in the late seventies that on some nights people had to stand outside, leaning in the windows to see the program.  Late in the summer of 1980 construction began on an addition to the Cabin.  During the building project the program took place each week outside in the yard.  Not once was the program cancelled due to rain.

                 The draw of the Cabin in those early years was more a result of the people than the place.  Many people, old and young, have given countless hours to ministry at the Cabin.  Two couples, however, have given more of themselves to the Cabin than any others.  Harlan and Eloise Pflederer gave not only of their resources but also their time, spending countless hours counseling, teaching and discipling young people.  Eloise passed away in 1988, a plaque still hangs in the Cabin honoring her dedication and heart for young people.  Harlan and current wife Rosalie, still have a heart for young people and the ministry of the Cabin.  Two others who have truly served young people throughout the years at the Cabin are Dwayne and Carol Stuber.  Dwayne and Carol put in an excess of 20 years of service at the Cabin, unselfishly serving a generation of young people, many of who still wear the imprint of them on their lives.  Dwayne, affectionately known in earlier years as “Big Buddy” continues to occasionally speak at the Cabin.  Despite the many years that separate him from his audience, he still engages and challenges them as though he were their peer.

                 The Cabin continues to provide a place for Central Illinois youth to gather and worship the Lord every Saturday night.