201 North Franklin Street

The Pioneer Gothic Church was built in 1857. This is a fine example of Carpenter Gothic Architecture. Pointed arched windows and doors as well as board and batten frame construction characterize this style. The steeple is 80 feet high. The land for the church was donated by Richard P. Morgan, Jr. The cost of the building, which became the Presbyterian Church until 1890, was $2,650.

From 1891 to 1893, the Keeley Company used the church as a club room. In December 1893, the Danish Methodist Episcopal Church bought the building for $700. The building was then sold to the Christian Science Society in 1924, and was sold in 1956 to the Calvary Baptist Church who sold it in 1964 to Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Jensen. They sold it to Charles McWilliams, who gave the building to the Dwight Historical Society in memory of his uncle Edward.

The Historical Society raised $29,000 to completely renovate the building. In order to ensure the future of the building, the Historical Society gave the church to Dwight Township to be used as their town hall. On July 1, 1977, James H. Oughton, president of the society, presented the deed to Clement J. Steichen, township supervisor.

The Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, King of England, worshipped here during his hunting trip to Dwight in 1860.

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