The Church's Founding and Building History
Since 1831, First Presbyterian Church of Alton has continued to faithfully serve the greater Alton community. The following video was made to commemorate the 175th Anniversary.
First Presbyterian of Alton began on June 19th 1831 by Thomas Lippincott. This ordained Presbyterian Minister was originally the clerk who made a map of Alton in order to sell lots. At the church’s beginning there were 8 members.
In 1833 Benjamin Godfrey (the man who founded the town of Godfrey) and Winthrop Gillman (a wealthy New York lawyer married to Lippincott’s daughter) joined the church. Godfrey built a church building at Third and Market (now St. Paul’s Episcopal church) and donated it’s use to the First Presbyterian Church. Gillman’s Mother gave the gift of a bell, which was hung in the church’s spire.
First Presbyterian of Alton began on June 19th 1831 by Thomas Lippincott. This ordained Presbyterian Minister was originally the clerk who made a map of Alton in order to sell lots. At the church’s beginning there were 8 members.
In 1833 Benjamin Godfrey (the man who founded the town of Godfrey) and Winthrop Gillman (a wealthy New York lawyer married to Lippincott’s daughter) joined the church. Godfrey built a church building at Third and Market (now St. Paul’s Episcopal church) and donated it’s use to the First Presbyterian Church. Gillman’s Mother gave the gift of a bell, which was hung in the church’s spire.
Eventually the building was donated into the hands of Monticello Seminary. The school needed money and put the church up for sale. At this time, 1st Presbyterian decided to build their own building. Their ladies group raised $600 to get started. In 1846 a brick building with corinthian columns was erected at the corner of Market and Second. Within it hung Gillman’s bell. In 1853 the building was expanded, requiring the removal of the columns.
First Presbyterian continued to grow and a new building was once again needed. In 1890 the Ladies’ Aid Society purchased a lot for the new location at today’s 4th and Alby. New ground broke in Jan. 1897 and the cornerstone laid July 5th of that year. Finally the church, costing $26,000 was dedicated on Dec. 8th with it’s bell nestled safely in the new tower.
A Written History
First Presbyterian Church of Alton was written by Rev. Kenneth C. Dobson and covers years of the church from its humble beginning in 1821 until after the fire of 1990. Click to the links below to download and read the PDF versions of the book.
Chapter 1
The Nineteenth Century
Chapter 2
The Twentieth Century
Chapter 3
Fire & Reconstruction
Chapter 4
Stained Glass Windows
Chapter 5
Memorials, Honoraria, & Designated Gifts