Stephenson County, IL History & Genealogy

Genealogy Trails
Churches of
Stephenson Co IL

Church of the Brethren
South West Avenue &
West Pleasant Street
Near Pearl City

In 1905, the Yellow Creek congregation of the Church of the Brethren near Pearl City asked the district to open a mission at Freeport. Reverend and Mrs. Peter R. Keltner, who had similar assignments at Sterling and Rockford, were asked to come here to start this mission project.
In 1912, an abandoned frame meat market and lots were purchased from George Isaac. This building served as the first meeting place, with eighteen persons gathered to worship. The foundation of the present building, at the corner of South West Avenue and West Pleasant Street, pictured here, was started in 1913. January 1915 witnessed completion and dedication of this structure.
The Keltners served well, and in 1920 the church felt able to organize as an independent congregation. They called Reverend G. G. Canfield to serve as their first pastor. There were forty-four charter members. (Written by James L. Mennech Pastor)
Information from the book "Camera Studies of Freeport IL" by Robert F. Koenig 1954