Palestine in Crawford County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Old Christian Church

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 1, 2025

1. Old Christian Church Marker

Inscription.
Built in 1874 by the members of the First Christian Church of Palestine, the steeple bell came from a steamboat which had sunk in the Wabash River. The building was used as a church until Oct. 1916. It was also used as the first indoor gym for Palestine Grade School during 1918-1919. The first indoor basketball game was played here that year. The building was purchased by Fred Todd in 1920 and used as the office for the Palestine Register until Dec. 31, 1964.

Erected 1983 by the Pioneer City Jr. Historian Club.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is December 31, 1964.

Location. 39° 0.101′ N, 87° 36.658′ W. Marker is in Palestine, Illinois, in Crawford County. It is on East Grand Prairie Street east of South Lincoln Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is in front of a private residence. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 E Grand Prairie St, Palestine IL 62451, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois

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and in the Wabash Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Houston-Dickson Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Cullom Homestead (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Auntie Gogin's Store (about 500 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); You Are Not Forgotten (about 500 feet away); Dubois Tavern (about 600 feet away); The Fife Opera House (about 600 feet away); United States Land Office (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palestine.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 1, 2025

2. Old Christian Church Marker

Marker is in front of a private residence.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.