Genealogy Trails
Churches of
Stephenson Co IL

First Baptist Church
West Empire & South Blackhawk Streets
Freeport


In 1845, fourteen Baptists under direction of Reverend J ames Schofield organized Freeport's First Baptist Church. The first meeting place was the old wooden courthouse. In 1846, a storeroom in the western part of town was secured. In 1848, D. A. Knowlton Sr. donated a lot, and on Christmas morning 1850 a new church, on the site of the present St. Joseph's Catholic Church, was dedicated.

In 1862, property was purchased on West Stephenson Street and a new building erected. February 1950, the congregation voted to relocate at West Empire and Blackhawk Streets. The new edifice erected there was dedicated April 25, 1954. First Baptist Church is known as "typically American." Its building is colonial in design, with all the conven­iences that American architecture provides. Its people come from all walks of life and represent "the melting pot" of the world. Their motto is: "the church with a glad hand and a warm heart." (Written by N.A. Wiens, Pastor)

Information from the book "Camera Studies of Freeport IL" by Robert F. Koenig 1954

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