Perhaps unsurprisingly the story of Morgan Park Presbyterian Church begins with a meeting. Twenty-nine people from Morgan Park gathered on July 6 1890. They discussed the need for a local Presbyterian congregation. The Morgan Park Presbyterian Association formed and petitioned the Chicago Presbytery for a church.
On January 15 1891 the Association became the Morgan Park Presbyterian Church. The members were thankful for their experiences. They looked forward to the future with hope. They trusted in divine guidance and protection.
The Home Missions Committee of The Chicago Presbytery signed a charter on January 25 1891. This act officially created Morgan Park Presbyterian Church. Reverend Edwin R Davis became the first pastor. He had just finished being the Moderator of the Presbytery. The Session enrolled fifteen charter members.
Reverend Edwin Davis left in May 1891 to become Stated Clerk for the Chicago Presbytery. Reverend W R Scarret became the new pastor. The congregation began searching for a permanent place to worship under his leadership.
In 1892 Mr W G Ferguson donated land on Longwood Drive. It was a blessing for the new congregation. The land needed extensive excavation for drainage. The Rock Island train line connected the community to Chicago. Many church members worked for the railroad. The 111th street passenger station was across from the new location.
The original Morgan Park Presbyterian Church building was erected in 1892. It was dedicated on January 15 1893. The church’s charter number was 46. Reverend Scarret left after only four months. Despite his short tenure the first annual report for 1892 showed generosity. Members’ contributions covered the church construction. They also gave to home and foreign missions. They aided denominational colleges. They contributed to hunger relief. They gave gifts to help freed slaves. In the fall of 1892 the congregation expanded its ministry.
Reverend W D McFarland led the congregation for eight months. Reverend Wilson A Eisenhart followed and remained until October 1 1900. Reverend Sherman L Divine served for two years. Reverend Alexander Patterson served for three years. Reverend Clyde Lucas served from 1908 to 1913.
The congregation sought a pastor who would commit long-term in 1913. They called Reverend Samuel Findley. He was installed on February 4 1914. Reverend Findley emphasized benevolence and mission work.
Reverend Findley retired in January 1930. Dr Milford Hall Lyon was called in April. He left after one year due to turmoil. The congregation called Reverend Leason Sharpe in December 1931. He was an Englishman known for his intellect leadership and preaching. His gifts would be important for the church’s future.
The original Morgan Park Presbyterian Church building was destroyed by fire on January 19 1933. Despite the Depression the congregation decided to rebuild. Some advised against it. The majority’s strong faith prevailed. A new place of worship was dedicated on February 18 1934. A stone from the old church was made into a “founder’s stone” marked 1891. Elder William S Kiskaddon laid the stone in the corner of the new church. The cornerstone of the new building marked 1933 rests on the founder’s stone. Reverend Samuel W Findley laid the cornerstone. The lower portion of the church was completed in 1933. The congregation worshiped in what is now Westminster Fellowship Hall.
The Morgan Park Presbyterian Church has been a pillar. It started with a small group and grew. Despite challenges the congregation persevered. It rebuilt after fires and navigated difficult times. The church remains dedicated to its community.