The Pawnee branch of the First National Bank of Raymond (FNB) has roots stretching back to 1992. This is the year that the contractor, the late Cecil Herpstreith built the building for the new bank!
However, the bank itself can claim history dating back over 100 years to 1903. “We first opened in Raymond, Illinois,” Stephanie Richeson, Assistant Vice President of the bank explained.
According to their website, “The First National Bank of Raymond was formed on October 1 with a capital structure of $25,000.”
They built a larger building in 1922, then, the First National Bank purchased the Raymond State Bank, which was the first bank in Raymond. They bought the Raymond State Bank in 1928. The Raymond State Bank was established in 1881, by John Green and was built where Sorrells Farm Supply sits today.
The bank has continued to grow. “In 1993, The State Bank of Girard and The State Bank of Virden were consolidated into The First National Bank of Raymond, and the Morrisonville Banking Center was established in 1994.”
The Pawnee Branch is a full-service bank which offers a wide range of banking services. “We offer deposit services including; checking, savings, CD’s and IRA’s and lending services including: personal loans, as well as auto, residential, home equity, agricultural, commercial, and municipal loans.”
Municipal loans are loans to municipalities. “We also offer 24/7 services like online banking, ATM’s and night deposits,” Stephanie added.
They also offer online bill pay as well. Customers can also rent safe deposit boxes to store their valuables and important papers in. FNB also always offers license sticker renewals, wire transfers, notary services and cashier’s check for our customers.
The First National Bank staff likes to be involved with the community they serve. “A lot of our employee’s volunteer in community organizations.”
On their website they share, “The First National Bank of Raymond believes a community is not simply a place to work or live, but a place where families are raised, and lifelong relationships are formed. For those reasons we believe giving back is more than a service, it’s a commitment.”
Online they share a long list of non-profit and charitable groups that they work with to help make the communities they serve better places to live and work.
Stephanie will have been with the First National Bank of Pawnee for 25 years this August. “We have employees that have been here for over 40 years,” she said speaking bank wide. “Our President, Neil Jordan has been here for 29 years.”
Along with the longtime employees, First National Bank celebrates the fact that they also have several customers that have been with them for many years as well. “We have customers that have been with us for generations. We know our customers by name.”
When asked about what changes she sees in banking over time Stephanie said, “A lot more people are moving towards technology rather than coming in. Less people are using cash.”
To ensure that customers on the move can still use their services Stephanie added, “We offer debit cards and online banking so if someone moves, they can still bank with us.”
This is also true for customers at college, in the military, or away for short stints of time.
With so much cyber danger, Stephanie said customers should always feel free to come in and talk to them if they have concerns. “We are always here to lend a helping hand, asses the situated and protect our customers financial well-being. Everything is always kept strictly confidential.”
The bank lobby for the First National Bank of Raymond is open from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday. The drive up is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday the drive up is open from 8:00 a.m. until noon.
For more information about the First National Bank of Raymond, check out their website at www.fnbraymond.com. You can also call toll free at 800-500-3621, or 217-625-2311.