Founded from a merger of two Chicago churches Ascension Lutheran Church stands proudly. Its story begins long before 2015. It weaves together the histories of Our Savior Lutheran Church and St John Lutheran Church. St John’s earliest services were held in a home. This home stood on land now occupied by St Matthew Lutheran Cemetery. Reverend Francis Hoffman presided over these services in 1848 and 1849.
A two-story brick building rose in 1860. This building stands where Ascension Lutheran Church stands today. The upper story served as the church. The lower level functioned as a school and pastor’s residence. Imagine the pastor’s family living amongst the congregation. Their lives intertwined with the community’s spiritual growth.
In the 1920s a new congregation formed in Norwood Park. Families from St John’s in Niles joined this new group. They initially worshipped in St Alban’s Episcopal Church. They later built their own church at Northcott and Nickerson. These separate churches continued their work until a remarkable event.
In late 2014 pastors Eric Carlson and Matthew Gunia began discussions. A merger of their congregations seemed a possibility. The idea gained rapid support. The two churches merged forming Ascension Lutheran Church.
Their first service was on November 29 2015. This was the first Sunday of Advent. It was the beginning of a new church year. More importantly it marked the birth of a unified congregation. Ascension Lutheran Church continues to preach the Gospel. The church continues its mission to this day at its location on Milwaukee Avenue. The story of Ascension is a testament to faith perseverance and the power of unity. A story woven through the lives of two long-standing communities. It is a story of hope and faith in Chicago.