Pioneer Gothic Church

The Pioneer Gothic Church is located at the corner of Franklin and Seminole, it 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' high.  Richard P. Morgan, Jr. donated the land for the church.  The cost of the building was $2,650 and became the Presbyterian Church, which maintained a congregation until 1890.  From 1891 - 1893 the Keeley Company used the church as a clubroom.  In December of 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 again sold in 1956 to the Calvary Baptist Church who sold it in 1964 to Mr. &  Mrs. Oscar Jensen.

Mr. & Mrs. Jensen sold it in 1966 for $6,264.00, given by Charles McWilliams in memory of his Uncle Edward, to the Dwight Historical Society.  The Historical Society raised $29,000 to completely renovate the building.  In order to insure 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 Historical Society, presented the deed to Clement J. Steichen, Township Supervisor. 

The Prince of Wales, son of Queen Victoria and later to become King Edward VII, arrived in Dwight on September 22, 1860 and visited the church.  The Prince spent a week in Dwight "shooting on the prairie." 

Weese Blacksmith Shop

The Weese Blacksmith Shop is located at 100 North Franklin Street.  For many years it was the Reeb Monument works.  Peter Riccolo worked here as a stonecutter.  The building currently houses Grieff's Precious Monuments.

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