Galesburg Community of Christ
405 N. Pleasant Ave. Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 343-1402
Sunday School: 10:00 AM
Worship: 11:00 AM
Pastor: Carol Carpenter (Contact Carol)
On November 15, 1863 the seed was planted. A meeting was held in Galesburg. A man by the name of Zenos H. Gurley was present at this meeting. He was an active local preacher of this area and for many years had worked under General Church appointment. The outcome of this meeting was the beginning of the organization of several branches in the Northwestern part of Illinois which became the Kewanee District later becoming the Galesburg District. By 1870 Branches were organized in Henderson, Viola, Victoria, Truro, and Dahinda. Prior to this time a branch flourished in Abingdon but by this time had disbanded.
In 1892 Thomas and Susan Cook came to live in Galesburg. They had joined the church in the Eastern United States and traveled west to Kirtland, Ohio where they had worked in helping to build the temple. When perilous times beset the Saints in Kirtland the Cooks moved to Illinois. They purchased two lots in the city of Galesburg upon one of which they built their home. Sister Cook made friends with Mrs. DeSpain, also a member of the church. They were always willing and eager to open their homes to visiting missionaries.
In 1917 Clarence and Leah Denton moved to Galesburg from Beardstown, Illinois. Sister Denton contacted Nina Cook daughter of Thomas and Susan Cook. Together they started a Sunday School in the Denton’s home. Eventually cottage meetings were started and also a building fund. Money realized from the sale of the church building at Soperville, Illinois boosted the building fund. The first church site of the Galesburg Branch at 53 North Henderson Street was deeded to the church group by Nina Cook Barnes, daughter of Susan and Thomas Cook at her parents death.
In spring of 1923 the basement was dug out by members donating time. Teams of horses and a slip aided in the cutting of the hole. The Galesburg Branch was officially organized December 16, 1923 in the basement of the unfinished church. Brother John Garver was the representative who attended from the General Church. The blueprints and much of the construction was done by Ambrose King a building contractor of Victoria also a member. Various individuals pledged to pay for windows, doors, seats, etc. A sign with the name of the church was made and installed by Lerman Holmes above the west door. Harold Corbin and others hauled pews by horse and bobsled. The pews had been purchased from the Swedish Methodist Church in Victoria. Gradually work was completed on the new church. Membership soon grew to about 160. By 1944 the Branch became debt free for the first time since its organization. In 1949 the church home was dedicated with President Israel A. Smith and Apostle D. T. Williams attending.
A dream was born to have a larger church building in the 1960’s. Authorization was given by the General Church. In 1963 an agreement was drawn with Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stinson to purchase the lot at 405 North Pleasant Ave. In 1969 building plans were approved for the new structure. The ground breaking ceremony was held August 2, 1970 with Galesburg District President Al Carpenter presiding. Harold Corbin a Charter Member who had also been present at the ground breaking at 53 North Henderson Street was also present. The first meeting in our new church home was held on Communion Sunday June 6, 1971. The construction work continued with funds available. In 1972 the sale of the building on Henderson Street to Benner Tea Co. assured the completion of the major improvements.
A Consecration Service was held Sunday September 16, 1973 with President Duane Couey bringing the message. After completion of the construction over the next five years and the retirement of the debt to the World Church a Dedication Service was held May 7, 1978 with Bishop Francis P. Hansen giving the sermon for the day.
Again is echoed the hopes and prayers of all who have been a part of this small span of time and eternity that from this place and these people, zionic ideals shall shine. May God’s spirit bless us as we bring a fuller knowledge of Jesus Christ to those around us.
In the past few years we have been involved with the following:
- FISH food pantry
- FEINSTEIN
- Habitat for Humanity
- Galesburg Rescue Mission
