A local church has been added to Landmarks Illinois’ list of the Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois for 2018.
Landmarks Illinois President and CEO Bonnie McDonald led a press conference in Springfield to reveal more than a dozen historic places around the state that are the most threatened by demolition, deterioration or improper development.
Making the annual list for this year was Galesburg’s Central Congregational Church. Built in 1898 and designed by C.E. Gottschalk and Beadle Architects – and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In it’s lifetime it has been host to prominent figures like Galesburg native Carl Sandburg, who celebrated his 75th birthday and the release of his autobiography at the church.
The congregation has looked into securing the long-term preservation of the landmark church through new partners, funding sources, or even by selling the historic church.
Other historic landmarks in the state that made the list included the Rock Island County Courthouse, James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, and the State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin and Springfield.
