Jim Klaus Sr. Tractor Drive – Nilwood Baptist Church

Besides the joy of the drive, the Jim Klaus Sr. Tractor Drive that took place on June 6th, has a purpose. The drive raises money for the maintenance of the Nilwood Baptist Church. Built in 1878, the church is almost 150 years old.

Drive story

Pastor Ron Schaaff shared the drive is special raising funds for church upkeep. Church members provide a dinner, and tractor drivers offer up a donation. My husband Keith raved about the meal they received that included chicken and noodles and several amazing salads.

The drive went along part of Route 66 and the surrounding countryside. A drive with a cause! Pastor Ron shared the next church project they hope to tackle is to add laminate flooring in the hall. They also wish to make bigger, more accessible bathrooms.

Anyone that wants to donate to this historic church, donations can be sent to the Nilwood Baptist Church, 36 Judd Street, Nilwood, Illinois 62672.

The Nilwood Baptist Church story

Pastor Ron said the church was built in 1878 and opened in 1879. “Three missionaries came from Alton and chose this spot. They thought it was a growing town,” Pastor Ron said.

Forming a group for a year the congregation met in the basement of the then Methodist church basement. “Then they bought the five lots the church sits on and started building. They opened their doors on a cold blistery winter day in December of 1879.”

There were two pot belly stoves, Pastor Ron shared that the parishioners would put steel stools in the stoves to warm them up on cold winter days. At times those hot stools would be placed in the baptismal water to warm it before baptisms.

In 1953 the church expanded north, and in 1954, they added bathrooms and got rid of the out houses. During the fifties the parishioners hand dug a basement adding a kitchen and dining area.

In the 1950’s they also took down the belfry and put the bell in a stone monument in front of the church. The former belfry now has two pews upstairs offering a lofty view.

Pastor Ron credits former pastor Herschel Laxton and the congregation with many of these accomplishments expanding the comfort of the historic church. He was a pastor for 25 years. Pastor Laxton’s wife’s passion was the nursery and under her supervision, a very special children’s bathroom was built for the little ones.

Eight years ago, Pastor Ron and Deacon Stevens got together to move the kitchen and dining upstairs. Through the efforts of Carpenters for Christ, they turned three upstairs Sunday school rooms into a kitchen and lovely dining room. “We got the supplies, and they did it all. They did it in two weeks and worked every day.”

Pastor Ron’s story

“I came to the church nine years ago,” Pastor said. The congregation at the time had only nine parishioners. Today they have 20, but at one time the thriving church had around 150 and still fill the church when they have events.

Before being a minister, Pastor Ron was a chaplain. “I was a chaplain and learned preaching, then took on a jail ministry. Today the church works with Relentless Prison ministry.

Before serving at the Nilwood Baptist Church Pastor Ron said, “I would take pastors places, then eventually I was asked to come here.”

The pastor in his sermons shares the testimony of healing and love. “Ours is a loving church,” he added.

Memorial Garden

“We have a memorial garden,” Pastor Ron added about the lovely area to the right of the church. “I had a dream of benches for people to come and rest.”

His dream has become a reality, and three years ago they started the garden which honors former members of the church. This has a special meaning to Pastor Ron because he lost his son Ron Jr. in a motorcycle accident in 2022 and the cross behind the garden was one that he crafted along with neighbors. Pastor Ron told a moving story about his son and faith that brought tears to my eyes and showed the healing power of this beautiful faith filled spot. “Because of his faith, he is in Heaven.” Pastor said.

Jim Klaus Sr’s drive

“I live here in Nilwood,” Jim said. “This is my church and this is our 8th tractor drive.

He said there are usually around 10 to 20 tractors participating in the drive. “We go 20 miles through the country and come back for lunch. There is no charge. We accept donations and it goes to the upkeep of the church.”

Jim brought two tractors to the event. “I have my Allis Chalmers D20 and a Ford NAAA. I also have a Ford 8N, but it is in the shop.”

This is a family event. “My grandson drives one tractor, and my sister’s son usually drives my the one. They are from Arizona, but they are here for the summer.”

The idea for the drive came after participating in several tractor drives Jim decided he wanted to have one of his own. The drive, and supporting the church he loves just go hand in hand. “Years ago this church was filled every Sunday,” he said hoping to see that again.

Jim’s wife is remembered in the memorial garden. “She passed away five days before Christmas five years ago and I miss her every day,” he added.

The Drive

The drivers took to the countryside and stopped at the Boston Chapel Christian church for a water break before returning to the church for lunch.

From all accounts as they used to say in our local hometown paper, “A good time was had by all.”

A day out for a good cause, faith, tractors and fun all go together!