The First Church of the Nazarene in Galesburg, Illinois was organized and incorporated on June 20, 1920 with 10 charter members. It first met in a rented hall on the southeast corner of the public square (where the First Financial Bank is now). Services were moved to the home of Charles Gooden, one of the charter members, at 762 E. Berrien street during the construction of their building which stands to this day on the corner of South and Pearl street. The new church was dedicated on November 21, 1920.

 

Rev. Charles A. Brown, District Superintendent, appointed Rev. Sheldon Kelly as the first pastor. Rev. Kelly later became president of Olivet Nazarene College.

 

Glen Braden, Claude Ruddell, Rev. Floyd Pounds, Wallace Alderson, Carl Stroops, and Jack Lee helped to break ground on October 12, 1958 for a new church located at Elm and Webster streets. The cornerstone was set Sunday September 25, 1959 with the dedication following on June 5, 1960. The first service held at this location was on Thanksgiving Sunday November 21, 1959.

 

On October 1, 1978 ground was broken for new construction and on September 2, 1979 the new sanctuary was occupied for the first time.

 

Galesburg First Church of the Nazarene Pastors:

 

Rev. Sheldon Kelly 1920

Rev. Clarence Matteson 1920

Rev. A.J. and Clara Laird 1921-1923

Rev. M.R. Fitch 1924

Rev. E.C. Dundas 1925

Rev. Eva Butler 1926-1927

Rev. Earl Stevens 1927-1928

Dr. Nelson Giles 1929

Pastor Anna Branch 1930-1931

Rev. O.E. Nelson 1932-1933

Rev. W.E. Crossman 1934-1935

Rev. Paul Lee 1936-1940

Rev. E.C. Hester 1941-1943

Rev. Harold Bedinger 1944-1947

Rev. Charles Downs 1948-1956

Rev. R.H. Canfield 1957

Rev. Floyd Pounds 1957-1968

Rev. Gerald Parker 1968-1972

Rev. Floyd Suman 1972-1925

Rev. James E. Hazelwood 1975-1995

Rev. Wayland Stewart 1995-1999

Rev. Ron Scarlett 2000-present