White Swan Baptist Church
Pastor Sean J Hicks
Sunday Service Times:
9:30 a.m. Sunday School 
10:30 a.m. Morning Worship  

Submitted By: White Swan Baptist Church

White Swan Baptist Church located in Jefferson County, about
a mile east of the Washington-Jefferson County line was organized under 
the name of the Union Freewill Baptist church on October 13, 1891. 
Meetings were held in the White Swan School building that then stood
just acroos the road from where the church now stands.
 
Charter members were: 
William Gray 		Mrs. Rebecca Gray	Amos Downes
Mrs. Sarah Downes	J.I. Gray		Mrs. Sarah C. Gray
Mrs. Susan Henderson	J.L. Gray

	On March 31st, 1892, the members decided it was time to start a
church building so all could come and worship together. A building 
committee was chosen consisting of:
D.A. Foster		William Gray		G.C. Benjamin
Brother McKinzie	A.W. Downens

Rev. J.F. Kirk and Mattie Deets were also instrumental in the organization
of the church. Land for the building site was donated by Amos Downes.

	The first Deacons were Amos Downes and J.I. Gray. The first Pastor
was Rev. Riley Fox. Amos Downes was the first church clerk.

	On September 8, 1894, the members of the Union Freewill Baptist 
Church voted to change its name to the White Swan Freewill Baptist Church.
Late in 1894, the first church building was completed, painted and ready
for services. On October 12, 1895, it was dedicated by Rev. J.F. Kirk, 
assisted by Brother Skaer and Brother Morgan.

	On September 12, 1914, our church joined the Southern Illinois
Baptist Association of Freewill Baptists with admitttances to the 
Judson Association. In 1931, the church was remodeled changing the two 
narrow front doors into one large double door. The outside was covered
with white shingles. In 1953, we left the Judson Association and joined
the Northern American Baptists as a National Association of Baptist. In 
1968, a foyer was built, a steeple and a bell were added to the front of
the church. A large all purpose room has also been added which gives us
plenty of space for serving dinners. It is also used for classroom space
for the younger children for Sunday School. We also enjoy central heating
and air conditioning. In 1982, new carpeting was installed and new pews
were added.

	The church was had a time when attendence was low, now average
attendence about 20. They still have church in the orginal building and
use the side room for dinners.