“Keep quiet” echoed in the ears of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church’s founding pastor. This command was a turning point. It led to the birth of a new congregation. Let me tell you the story of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago.
Our story begins in 1950. The pastor of a Missouri Synod congregation raised concerns. He testified to his flock about heterodoxy within the church body. He presented numerous official protests. These protests represented the efforts of many concerned pastors and laymen.
Synodical officials warned him to “keep quiet.” They told him to stop “making trouble.” But he stood firm. In November 1951, he was unscripturally deposed. A secret plot orchestrated by local members and district officials led to this.
However, a faithful remnant recognized his calling. They reorganized as Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church. They chose this name. It reflected the unity they shared in the Spirit. This is mentioned in Ephesians 4:3.
The fledgling church joined the Orthodox Lutheran Conference. The pastor co-founded this conference. In 1955, the Concordia Lutheran Conference emerged from it.
From 1951 to 1964, Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church met in temporary spaces. Initially, they gathered in members’ homes. Later, they used the parsonage. The parsonage was built in 1952. A parochial school operated there until 1956. It had eight grades.
In the fall of 1963, the small congregation embarked on an ambitious project. They decided to build a permanent church building. They had acquired acreage in 1952. On April 4, 1964, the new church was dedicated. From 1969 to 1984, it housed the Concordia Theological Seminary. Today, it remains the congregation’s sanctuary.
In 1990, the need for Christian education grew. The congregation decided to expand. They added Sunday School classrooms and meeting rooms. They also constructed washrooms and a large fellowship hall. A church office and pastor’s study were included. All of this was built over a full basement. The addition was dedicated in September 1991.
In 1987, the current pastor’s father retired. The present pastor stepped in. Another congregation in Midland, Michigan, suddenly lost its pastor. They couldn’t find a replacement. Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church extended its help.
Initially, it was a temporary measure. The Michigan group soon joined Peace. They established regular services and classes for all ages. In early 2006, the Midland chapel closed. After 18 years of bi-weekly trips, the members transferred. They joined a closer congregation.
Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church’s records are preserved. These records include baptisms from 1902 to 2001. Confirmation records span from 1903 to 1998. Marriage records cover 1902 to 2000. Death records go from 1902 to 2002.
Other items are also kept. These include officer’s handbooks from 1985. There are newsletters and Voters and Council Minutes. Official documents, cornerstone contents, and photos are there too. Large photos of the school, confirmation classes, and church are also preserved.
Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church stands as a testament. It shows resilience, unity, and commitment to faith. From a small group facing adversity, it has grown. It continues to serve its community. Its history is a reminder of the power of conviction and the importance of fellowship.