The year 1857 was a hallmark year for Gilman Illinois. That was the year Gilman was laid out as a town and the first homes constructed. A most notable event that year was the celebration of the first Catholic mass in Gilman at the railroad house. By 1859, a 20 X 40 foot building was built as a mission. The congregation grew rapidly and by 1872, the official start date of Immaculate Conception parish, a new building had been built. It was destroyed by fire in 1878. In 1879 the present building was constructed.

The First Pastor was the Rev. John B. Fanning. The next Pastor was Rev. Englebert Blume who was succeeded by Rev. Frederick Von Schwedler, who started the church building we are currently using. It was completed by Father Peter McGair, who also built the Crescent City and Watseka churches.

In 1872, when our parish was very young, Gilman was growing rapidly and the railroad played at big part in the development our community. Trains ran on a regular basis through Gilman on their way to St. Louis and Chicago.

This photo was taken in 1900.

These photos were scanned from the 1872-1952 Jubilee Book. I will scan more photos to show on our site as I get time. If anyone has other Immaculate Conception Church photos you would like to share, please let us know.