Alton in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

College Avenue Presbyterian Church

1837

Photographed By Jason Voigt, November 3, 2019

1. College Avenue Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. College Avenue Presbyterian Church, established 1837, formerly Upper Alton Presbyterian Church, heralds Elijah Parish Lovejoy, editor and martyr to freedom, as its first pastor.

Emerson wrote, "The brave Lovejoy gave his breast to the bullets of a mob, for the rights of free speech and opinion, and died when it was better not to live."

The people of this congregation continue to strive to dismantle the prejudicial barriers that separate our churches, businesses and community. Elijah's mantle is cast upon all who will keep the vigil and ensure that Lovejoy's legacy will live on.

"…let us do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." Micah 6:8

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Churches & Religion • Communications. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 38° 54.204′ N, 90° 8.805′ W. Marker is in Alton, Illinois, in Madison County. Marker is at the intersection of College Avenue (Illinois Route 140) and Clawson Street, on the left when traveling east on College Avenue. Marker is located to the right of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1702 Clawson Street, Alton IL 62002, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Elijah Parish Lovejoy (here, next to this marker); College Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Old Rock House

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); John Mason Peck (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Robert Pershing Wadlow (approx. 0.2 miles away); A National Cemetery System (approx. 1.3 miles away); Alton National Cemetery (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Cost of Freedom (approx. 1.3 miles away); a different marker also named Elijah Parish Lovejoy (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alton.

Regarding College Avenue Presbyterian Church. As of November 2019, the church is permanently closed. In the Summer of 2015, it was announced that the church was for sale. This was due to membership decline, plus the expenses of upkeep and insurance. By November 2015, the church merged with The United Presbyterian Church (2550 Rock Hill Road in Wood River, Illinois). In September 2016, the church in Wood River was renamed LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church.

College Avenue Presbyterian Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, November 3, 2019

2. College Avenue Presbyterian Church

Marker can be seen on the far right

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 514 times since then and 120 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.