The year is 1957. The rumble of construction fills the air in Chicago. The Dan Ryan Expressway, a behemoth of a project, is underway. It’s this very project that brings us to the doorstep of the Englewood Mennonite Church. You see, the church wasn’t always located here. The congregation had to relocate from their previous home, the Mennonite Home Mission, to make way for the expressway. Imagine, a church uprooted, forced to find new ground. But the Englewood Mennonite Church wasn’t just going to be a place of worship. It was a symbol of resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of its congregation. On October 6th, 1957, the church opened its doors at its new location in the Englewood area. However, a twist of fate, or perhaps a delay in construction, meant that services continued at the old Union Avenue location for another two years. This period marked a unique time for the church, a time of transition and dual existence. The Englewood Mennonite Church’s story, however, is not just one of relocation. Over time, the church witnessed a transformation in its community. Originally a predominantly white congregation, it gradually evolved to become majority African American. This shift reflected the changing demographics of the Englewood area and spoke to the church’s embrace of diversity. Sadly, the story of the Englewood Mennonite Church doesn’t have a fairy tale ending. Due to dwindling membership, the church held its final service in 2015. As of 2022, the building still stood, a silent sentinel to a vibrant past, a poignant reminder of a community dispersed.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one