EMBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH Named for the first Methodist minister in America, is located on Exchange Street, south of Williams; was organized in the fall of 1864 (an error) by members of the sect residing in the southern part of the city, who had previously acknowledged allegiance to the First Church. These consisted of the Rev. F.C. Winslow, the Rev. Mr. McCutcheon and wife, Hollis Jewell and wife, John Barnes and wife, Joseph Carey and wife, the Rev. Joseph Best and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham German, Williams Sells, Mrs. Secrist, MRs. J.H. Staver, Mrs. Naylor, Cornelius Furst and George Swentzell. Ten of the congregation subscribed $1,000 each for the purchase of a lot and building the church, and, on thursday June 30, 1866, the corner stone of the present church edifice was laid, at the northwest angle of the main tower, in the presence of a considerable attendance. The building which was pushed to completion rapidly is 64, 100, built of brick, with stone facings, the interior handsomely decorated, surmounted with two towers and presenting an appearance both attractive and substantial. It was dedicated in September of the same year, the Revs. J.F. Yates and S.A.W. Jewett officiating, and cost $24,000 - the balance of which amount unprovided for was subscribed on the day of dedication. Ministers to the present day are - Revs. J.Reeves, Mr. McCutcheon, F.A. Read, F.a. Hardin, Hooper Crews, Isaac Springer, G.S. Young and Samuel Washburn. The congregation numbers 175 communicants, and the property valuation is $20,000. Embury M.E. Church was organized in 1865, by a few people, who for some minor dissatisfaction had withdrawn from First M.E. Church. The first church structure of Freeport brick was erected in 1866 and dedicated in 1867. It had two towers with the belfry in the taller one at the north front corner. The church was remodeled in 1895, with a large gallery and pipe organ installed. It was demolished in 1911 to make way for the present large stone edifice. At the time of this writing (1967) the writer, Mr. Leslie T. Fargher was the only member left of the Official Board at the time of its erection and the only person who had any official part in the planning and construction of the new church. Life and Times in Freeport Illinois by Leslie T. Fargher 1967 Mildred March indicates the current building was built in 1915, so this building would have been before that time. This note was was accompanied by the postcard) Embury Methodist Church was started by a few members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. The cornerstone was laid in 1866 for the church in this photograph and the building completed in 1867. The building served for 44 years, then it was demolished in 1911 and a new Embury Methodist Church built, which was completed in 1913. That building is still standing (as of 2008).