The First Presbyterian church of Albany was organized at the house of David Mitchell, in December, 1839, by Rev. Mr. Prentiss, of Fulton. The original members were Mr. and Mrs. Samuel M.Kilgour, Mr. and Mrs. David Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Miller, Mr. and Mrs. John S. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Erastus Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Duty Buck, Mrs. Ivy Buck, and Mrs. Francis Buckingham. The first elders were Samuel M. Kilgour and David Mitchell.
From the Church record it appears that the first regular meeting of the Society was held on the 13th of December, 1841, Rev. Enoch Bouton, pastor, when a portion the members withdrew, and formed a Congregational Church. In 1842 Mr. Bouton ceased to be pastor, and during the year 1842, and part of 1843, there was no regular pastor, Rev. Mr. Woodruff, of Rock Island, and Rev. Mr. Waterbury preaching occasionally. In June, 1843, Rev. Silas Sears became pastor and maintained until 1846, when Rev. Oscar Park succeeded him, and continued in the pastorage until 1851. In that year Rev. W. C. Mason became pastor, and upon his retirement in 1856 was succeeded by Rev. Louis Gano. In 1856 and 57 a brick church edifice was erected by the Society in Upper Albany, which was finished and dedicated in 1858. Rev. A. H. Lackey became pastor in 1859, and on the 3d of June, 1860, the church blown down by the tornado. Mr. Lackey went east shortly afterwards and collected about $1,600 with which a frame church structure was built, upon the foundation of the brick one, and was dedicated in 1861. Mr. Lackey remained until 1862. In 1863 Rev. Jacob Coon officiated as supply, remaining until 1870, when Rev. J. Giffin took charge, the latter being succeeded in 1873 by Rev. Josiah Leonard. In 1875 Rev. N. D. Graves was employed, who still remains with the church in connection with the one at Garden Plain.
Source: Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County 1877
