Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, Illinois
Published 1885

There are at present three church edifices in the place with as many church organizations.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the village in 1871. Previous to this time meetings were held one mile south, once a fortnight. On removing to the village, meetings were first held in Sheldon's Hall, Rev. L. A. Sanford, of Sterling, officiating. During the fall of 1872, the society erected a house of worship, at a cost of $1,300. On the 6th of June, 1874, the house was totally destroyed by the great tornado. No regular services were held during the remainder of theyear, the pastor being engaged in soliciting aid in rebuilding. The present building was commenced in the fall of 1874 and completed in 1875, at a cost of $2,500. The church has had a fairly prosperous condition, but has been much weakened in the past two years by removal of many of its members. In 1879 a parsonage was purchased. Rev. J. A. J. Whipple is the present pastor, with T. M. Wylie, J. P. Badgley, L. K. Brainard and A. T. Glassburn, Class-leaders. T. M Wylie is Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in May, 1874, with a membership of 45 heads of families. In 1875 a house of worship was erected, at at cost of $2,500. After struggling along for some years, the organization disbanded, the members residing in this neighborhood taking membership with other socieities in neighboring towns.

The Baptist Church was organized in November, 1877, at which time some 26 persons convenanted together to observe the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. The first Deacons were E. A. Hovey, R. M. Bullock, Samuel Johnson and Alfred Smith. The socieety rented for fivee years the Lutheran Church building in which to hold its services, but in January, 1880, purchase the same for $1,200. Rev. H. A. Smith was the first pastor of the Church, serving four years, being succeeded by Rev. F. M. Smith, who remained until December, 1884.  During the winter of 1878-79 a revival was experienced in which there were 100 conversions and baptisms. A Sunday-school was organized at the same time with the Church. Alfred Smith is the present Superintendent. It has an average attendance of 60. The Church numbers about 100 active members.