Churches

Keithsburg has five churches: Methodist, Presbyterian, Christian, United Brethren and Catholic.

The first services under the auspices of the Methodists were held by Rev. Asa McMurtry at the home of John W. Nevius, in 1838. In 1842, Rev. S. Burr held meetings every four weeks at the home of B. L. Hardin. The Keithsburg class was organized at B. L. Hardin's home in 1843. In 1846 the Revs. Whitman and Giddings preached at the home of John McH. Wilson. The first circuit preacher was the Rev. Pierce T. Rhodes, who came in 1849. In 1851 a brick church building was erected at a cost of $1,000; this was dedicated by Rev. Chandler, of Peoria. In 1865 a great revival added many to this society under the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Stewart. Under Rev, Stephen Brink a new church building was erected at a cost of $10,000, and dedicated by Bishop C. C. McCabe. It was destroyed by fire in 1890, when the present church was erected at a cost of $7,000.

Among those who have ministered to this society have been Revs. John Morley, Woodruff, Taylor, Job C. Mills, C. M. Wright, J. M. Stewart, J. L. Pbares, O. B. Stafford, G. W. Brown, J. A. "Windsor, Stephen Brink, A. R. Morgan, L. B. Dennis, Jesse Smith, Richard Haney, G. W. Martin, C. B. Couch, H. S. Humes, G. W. Bassett, C. C. Cady, O. M. Dunlevy, E. Wasmuth, S. P. James and W. H. Whitter

. The present pastor is the Rev. J. A. Alford.

Presbyterian

The Presbyterians first held their meetings in the old brick school-house, which was after­ wards purchased and converted into a parson­ age by the Methodists. This society erected a brick church building, 36x54 feet, in 1855. The Rev. Mr. Smith was the first resident pastor. In 1857 a permanent organization was effected and named the First Presbyterian church. Joseph P. Wycoff and Paul Sheriff were elected elders and Dr. I. N. Anderson deacon. Many good men have occupied its pulpit and, at the present time, it is in a prosperous condition.

Catholic

St. Mary's Catholic Church commenced the erection of their church building in 1869. Father Lorimer of Monmouth had established stated services here in 1865. Its membership comprises many families in the town and surrounding county. A parsonage was erected in 1877 at a cost of $2,000.

The first United Brethren Society was organized in 1849, Rev. St. Clair Ross being instrumental in its establishment. It was a pioneer religious body and, at one time, had many members.

Christian

In 1856 a Christian Church was organized. They now have a large church building on East Main street. Among the pastors who have ministered to this society are: Revs. Davidson, Shortridge, Wallace, Warren, Fisk, Royal and Walker.