METHODIST CHURCH

The Dodgson family, coming from Yorkshire, England, in 1821, were the pioneers of Methodism here. They settled about two and a half miles north of Carrollton, and a year or two later formed a society called Hopewell Class, which was the first organization of Methodists in the county. A few years later, this society built a brick church a little north of Daniel Morfoot's, and that continued a preaching place for many years.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Carrollton was organized in 1832. The congregation first worshipped in the courthouse, and afterward in a school house on the east side of the square. In 1836, a brick church building was erected, and this was torn down to make room for a better and more sightly structure, which was built in 1850-51. This was later a blacksmith shop, southwest of the square. The building in which the congregation now gather was erected in 1883.

BAPTIST CHURCH

The Baptist Church was organized in 1821 by Elder Jones of Madison County. Their first meeting house was a log cabin not far from the residence of Dr. J. F. Simpson. Among the original members of this church was Thomas Carlin,the founder of the town, and afterward the governor of the state. In the course of time, it moved eastward, and is now Providence Church. On the 28th of April 1827, at the house of Justus Rider, in the town of Carrollton, was founded the present Baptist Church of Carrollton.

OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH

When still stationed as a missionary in Jerseyville, Illinois, the late Rev. Norman G. Schumm canvassed the town of Carrollton, Illinois, and decided to conduct Lutheran services there. The first service was held in the Episcopal Church in Carrollton on January 15, 1933. After some time, Pastor Schumm took up residence in Carrollton, renting the building at 116 North Seventh Street, which later was purchased by the congregation and used as a residence by our teacher.

During the pastorate of the Rev. A. 0. Kaul, in 1945, the Lutheran Mission in Carrollton adopted a constitution and became formally organized.

Pastor Kaul, during his pastorate in Carrollton, originated the publication, "The Lutheran Evangelist," which later came to be known as The World Wide Evangelist. In 1948 the Carrollton congregation, now known as Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, joined the Synod.

At present Pastor Duncan Stevenson of Dorsey, Illinois, is serving as vacancy pastor.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

The Christian Church was organized in 1832, under the ministry of Elder B. W. Stone, with approximately 120 members. After a time there was dissension among some of the members and early in 1841 this church passed out of existence. In September of the same year, the church reorganized with 28 or 29 members. D. W. Kennett was chosen as elder. From that time on this church has had a very prosperous existence.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

On the 30th of April 1823, a little knot of people, among whom were Rev. Oren Catlin and Rev. D. G. Sprague, met at the house of Zachariah Alien, in Carrollton, to confer upon the subject of organizing a Presbyterian Church. A second meeting of the kind was held soon after, and, finally, upon the 4th of May 1823, at a meeting held at the old courthouse, was instituted a church of this denomination, with a membership of twenty-one in number. The infant church could not have a shelter that it could call its own, but meetings were held, as circumstances would permit, sometimes in the courthouse, sometimes in a blacksmith shop near the northwest corner of the square. In 1837, a church building was erected. The present imposing church edifice was erected in 1867-68.

ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH

A Pentecostal Church was organized in Carrollton about fifty years ago, and a frame building was erected, north of the public school building, about forty-eight years ago. It is now known as the Church of God, and has been served for brief periods by quite a number of pastors and evangelists.

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Prior to 1871, the members of the Episcopal congregation in Carrollton held their services in the courthouse. Judge C. D. Hodges donated a lot on which to build a church. A frame structure was erected and was dedicated March 10, 1872. It was destroyed by fire August 19, 1886. It was replaced by a brick building, gothic in style, and was opened October 2, 1887. The congregation later disbanded and, after periods of occupation by other denominations and, vacancy, and as a teen center, the premises were sold to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Price, who dismantled the the church and replaced it with a modern brick home.

ST. JOHN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

In 1853 the Catholics of Carrollton were occasionally visited by the Alton Clergy; then by priests from Jersey-ville and other points. They first met for worship at the log cabin of Thomas Butler, later in what had previously been the Christian Church building. In 1860, Rev. J. B. Meri, a German priest, called at stated times. Rev. Adol-phus Laurent, a French priest succeeded him. After difficulties and disappointments, they built a little brick church in 1863, when Father Klein took charge as resident pastor. Rev. John Sheridan was resident pastor in 1864-1865, and was succeeded by Rev. T. J. Clifford, whose heroic efforts during the cholera epidemic edified the community. One of his successors, Rev. A.J.Sauer, built an addition to the church in 1882 in the form of a cross wing, giving it a seating capacity for 550 persons. Father Sauer was pastor from 1877 to 1892. Rev. H. J. Hoven, a German, 1892-1903, was widely known as an accomplished musician and skillful organist. During Rev. J. J.Driscoll's term of office, the parochial school which was in use until May 1968, was built. He was an American and.remained from 1903-1907, when Rev. D. J. Moroney took charge. Other pastors following them were: Rev. Michael Sheehy (1920-21), Rev. T. E. Cusack (1921-25), in whose term St. John's High School was originated, Rev. Thos. Cos-tello (1926-37), Rev. Michael Enright (1937-1966), sand the present pastor, Rev. Francis Cunningham.

CARROLLTON FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH

The Carrollton Faith Baptist Mission had its beginnings in January 1955, and was organized as a church on January 26, 1958. The church was founded by the Rev. Francis Varble. The congregation met in the former Episcopal Church where they continued until a new church was built on South Third Street in 1960.

The present pastor is the Rev. Charles Barnes who recently moved to Carrollton from East St. Louis.