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Finding New Uses for Historic Church in Galesburg

T.J. Carson

One of Galesburg’s historic buildings is in need of repairs, and one local group believes outside-the-box thinking could help fund some of the work.

Central Congregational Church sits on the Public Square. The Romanesque building was constructed in 1898. It features numerous stained glass windows and a bell tower that stands over the downtown area.

“We have worked very hard at doing upkeep and making sure it stays in good condition," said Steve Murmann, the church's moerator.

"But our ability to do that is over the amount of money that’s necessary, just to secure the envelope is way above what any congregation can provide.” 

Murmann said repair work to the roof, windows, and boiler will cost at least $2 million. The building also needs repairs to the exterior masonry and areas damaged by water. In addition, it costs around $50,000 a year for utilities and small repairs. 

Murmann said there is another issue with the building: it's so large that his congregation can't fill it. And in his other role as head of the 60 Public Square Committee, his mission is to find how to use the estimated 3/4ths of the church that sits empty.

Credit T.J. Carson
Steve Murmann looks at a board filled with pictures and descriptions of repair work and historical facts about the Galesburg Congregational Church.

Murmann said accomplishing that mission could play a big role in helping maintain the church.

“It’s going to come down to the community and whether we can find enough good reasons that they feel it’s important enough to put their dollars in,” Murmann said. “Because we can’t do it. If we can come up with a good enough reason, I’m confident it’ll be funded.”

As part of the process, the committee is holding meetings at the church with community members to brainstorm and discuss potential uses. Five meetings were held Monday and Tuesday. Carrie McKillip, who attended one of them, suggested the church could host conventions.

“It has the capability of breakout rooms. It has a sanctuary that has phenomenal acoustics so you could have keynote speakers there,” said McKillip, who feels the city lacks adequate meeting space for conventions.

Other suggested uses  include a religious studies center for Knox College, office space for non-profit groups, and a genealogy center.

Murmann said a feasibility study will be conducted, which could be done late this summer or in the fall.