Have You been by Illinois Most Haunted Church?

I’ve stayed overnight in many haunted locations during Halloweens past. I lived in a haunted house for seven years. But I haven’t been to the most haunted church in Illinois. And it’s not that far away.

What still lurks within this church?

Alton, Illinois famously is quite haunted. There are paranormal groups, haunted tours, and tales of ghostly activity all over the river town. Downtown, right across from city hall in Alton, is the old First Unitarian Church. It is considered the most haunted church in the state of Illinois.

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The current structure was built on top of the ruins of an older church 120 years ago. Then in 1934 the minister at the died by suicide in the pastor’s study. No note, no obvious reason was ever found, but that minister, Phillip Mercer is said to still be lurking throughout the church. His footsteps and voice can be heard. The piano will be heard playing with nobody sitting at it, and Mercer’s image will be seen walking around the church. He’s been identified as there are pics of Mercer that people have found, and they recognize him as the person they witnessed at the church.

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For its size Alton may be the most haunted city in the state of Illinois. Take a walk along the hilly downtown streets of this river town and you’ll sense the history and the hauntings.