Lovington Church Gets Another Chance Pastor Sparks Revival

By Nick Fiala For the News Progress (published December 30, 2015)

With God, all things are possible. It is not only a Bible verse but the driving force behind efforts to restore a century old Lovington church. A preservation and remodeling project is taking place at the Revival Church building in Lovington. It is spearheaded by Pastor Jill Walker, former volunteer senior pastor of the Revival Church of Lovington and Mattoon and the head of Jill Walker Ministries. JWM repurchased the building in mid-October. Constructed in 1915, the church was first used for worship by the Catholic Church until the late 1980s. JWM had originally purchased the building from the Catholic Diocese in 1989. Pastor Walker preached there until May of 2010. JWM gave away the building to a major denomination with everything in it as a gift. But last September, Pastor Walker became determined to get the building back when she found out it had been sold to a third party who planned to use it for something other than ministry. Despite originally turning down the first offer to sell the building back, the owner reconsidered only eight days later and accepted, allowing Pastor Walker and her ministry to begin remodeling and preserving the century-old church. According to her website, TheRevivalChurch.com, “Nothing was left but a refrigerator, wheelchair, a sweeper, some light bulbs, and trash.” “We’re improving it literally by the day,” she said. “I’ve been paying thousands in ministry and personal money.” Though she has no hard feelings about those to whom she gave the building, she is more determined than ever to see it preserved, specifically for ministry as long as it is standing. “When I pass away some day, don’t sell the church. Keep the church open,” she said with a chuckle. “I’m determined to see it stay a church and stay open.” Pastor Walker also has a deep interest in the building’s origins and history, remarking on notable details as she led this reporter on a tour through its cozy rooms and high balcony, below the soaring bell tower. The stained glass windows, for example, are from 1915, complete with the original color. Though there are a few cracks and holes to be found in spots, the beautiful light of the setting sun still makes them glow and liven the large sanctuary. Pastor Walker mentioned a variety of people who have attended the church, many of whom were probably immigrants in its earliest days. She wondered what they would think of where it’s ended up now. “I feel like God’s happy, and I also feel like if those people knew, they’d be happy too,” she said. “To me, it’s almost a historic landmark.” The remodeling staff includes help from Leo Self and Mike “Mikey” Brandt of Lovington. Also hired is Freeman Brandt, Mike’s father, who is a Mattoon church board member, a retired painter, and a Korean War veteran of the Fifth Air Force. At the age of 85, Mr. Brandt has been working tirelessly to hand paint large sections inside the building. Compelled to preach from a very young age, Pastor Walker’s faith and perseverance have allowed her to preserve a precious treasure for herself and the community of Lovington.