CHURCHES

 

At Brownsville, on fractional section 27, a small church building was erected about 1850, by the Methodist society. Many years ago, the building was abandoned, and removed. Browns­ ville is extinct. Where stood the church and three or four rough houses, stock feed on the rich pasture land belonging to the 1,600 acre farm of Hon. C. J. Searle of Rock Island.

Samuel Marple, a resident, donated the plot of land on which was erected the Union church at Buffalo Prairie Center, under the direction of trustees representing the Presbyterians, Methodists and "outsiders." The building was erect­ ed about 1871, and named the Buffalo Prairie Union church. It is used by the Presbyterians and Methodists.

The Methodist church at Illinois City was organized as a Mission church in 1854; was made a circuit church in 1857. The present church edifice was erected about I860.

The German Lutheran church was erected about the year 1850, on section 14. This church building was used by all denominations, or by traveling preachers, who asked for its use. Some differences arose and the building was removed across the highway. Then another building was erected, on the site of the old church. The latter is given the name of the German Re­ formed church, but the differences which arose, have long since been forgotten. The German Lutherans control and services are held at stated intervals at one of the churches. The immediate neighborhood surrounding these churches, is filled with those of German descent, and is called Germany. Ladies' Aid Societies exist in connection with the churches at Buffalo Prairie Center and Illinois City.

 

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