History

The First Church of the Nazarene (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.

On October 1, 1978 ground was broken for new construction and on

September 2, 1979 the new sanctuary was occupied for the first time.