What began as a small Sunday school evolved into the Kenwood United Church of Christ. It stands as a testament to faith and community.
Kenwood United Church of Christ first emerged in 1885. It was initially known as Kenwood Evangelical Church. A dedicated group from diverse denominations united. They formed The Lakeside Sunday School.
On April 9 1885 they broke ground. This first meeting house stood near 45th Street. It was at the intersection of Woodlawn and Lake Avenue. Membership grew swiftly. A large wing was added. It was named the Kenwood Chapel.
The neighborhood was ready for a church. Kenwood Evangelical Church officially formed on November 17 1885. Thirty-seven members were its foundation.
By November 26 1887 the cornerstone was set. This marked the start of the present building. It showcases Romanesque style. The architects were William W. Boyington and Otis L. Wheelock. Kenwood United Church of Christ became a Chicago Landmark. It earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
Over the years Kenwood United Church of Christ has had many pastors. Rev. John P. Hale was the first. He served from April 1886 to 1898. Rev. R. Crosser followed. He served from December 1898 to June 1910. Rev. Albert Joseph McCarney then led. His service spanned from April 9 1911 to May 8 1927. Rev. Alfred Lee Wilson took over. He served from March 18 1928 to 1949.
Many more followed. Rev. William Charles Malloy Jr. served briefly in 1949. Rev. George Nishimoto served from 1949 to February 28 1961. Rev. Dr. Samuel Gandy led from September 1961 to December 1964. Rev. Herbert Eaton served from 1964 to 1966.
There were also interim and short-term pastors. Rev. Dr. Clynde Miller served as interim. Rev. Marion Phillip and Rev. Byron Hood also served. Rev. Thomas Davis served from October 27 1974 to 1976. Rev. Alexander Yuille served from July 1977 to December 1979. Rev. Barron Brandon was an interim pastor. Rev. John McFarland also briefly served.
Rev. Dr. Leroy Sanders became senior pastor in August 1980. Under his guidance the church thrived. It grew spiritually and numerically. Ministries such as the Feed the People soup kitchen emerged. The Norma Jean Sanders Free Clinic was established. It honored Rev. Sanders’ late wife. Rev. Sanders retired in 2015. Rev. Damon Jones briefly succeeded him.
In June 2017 history was made. Rev. Lisa Goods was called. She became the first woman to serve as Senior Pastor. Her installation occurred on October 15 2017. The Chicago Metropolitan Association of the Illinois Conference United Church of Christ officiated.
Today the Kenwood United Church of Christ continues its mission. Rev. Jamar A. Boyd II now leads as Senior Pastor. He was appointed in November 2022.
The Kenwood United Church of Christ building stands as a Romanesque landmark. It is a testament to community. It shows faith in action. It is a beacon of hope.