Galena United Methodist Church - Galena, Illinois - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

This is one of several churches that are along Bench Street. Bench Street is half-way on the bluff above the Galena River and gives people overlooking the town a great view from the other side of the river, especially the great steeples rising from these older churches.

The Oldest Methodist Church in Northern Illinois:
In 1829 the first regularly appointed Methodist minister arrived in Galena. By 1832 a plain frame church was erected on Bench Street, but was lost to fire in 1838. A new building was built in 1841, and by 1856 the congregation had grown so that yet another new brick and stone church needed to be built. The present church was dedicated in 1857.

Ulysses S. Grant worshiped here regularly from 1859 to 1861.

Twelve (12) Historic Stained Glass Windows:
When the new church was built in 1856, members of the congregation donated several of the 12 stained glass windows outlining the church.

Between 1984 and 1987, the fellowship committed to restore ten of the windows. The final two were restored in 1991.

1880's Moline Pipe Organ:
Behind the alter you will find the 18-rank, 1880's Pipe Organ. In 1959 the organ was totally rebuilt and once again in 1999, the organ underwent major restoration.

- Galena First United Methodist Church

Current name: Galena United Methodist Church

Architect: Oliver Marble

Builder: Stone mason - Strott and Recht.
Brick mason - Thomas Scott and Company

Developer: Marble and Smith

Style: Gothic Revival. Steeple

Historical Summary: The 1,200 pound bell was installed in 1868. U.S. Grant and family attended church here.

Architectural Description: This is a 2-story church in the Gothic Revival style built in 1856. The foundation is not visible. Exterior walls are brick. The building has a front-gable roof clad in asphalt shingles. Windows are original wood 1/1 double- or single-hung, stained glass, round arch, stone sills and lintels. Doors are historic wood paneled.

- ruskinarc.com Historic Architecture Survey Database

National Register Building Details
ADDRESS	HIST. PROPERTY NAME	C or N/C	DATE	STYLE, FORM, TYPE
125 S. Bench Street	First Methodist Episcopal Church	C	1856	Romanesque Revival

- National Register Application

Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1858 Age of Church building determined by?: Historical Society If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Methodist If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 10:30 AM Street address of Church: 125 S Bench Street Galena, Il USA 61036 Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed

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