Imagine Easter Sunday in 1929. Community Presbyterian Church began as a mission. It started with just 34 people. They were sent by the Presbytery of Chicago. This marked the humble beginning of a church.
Community Presbyterian Church grew. In 1932, Reverend Robert King Bell became the first full-time pastor. At the time, the village had only one church and one school. These served 300 residents.
Fast forward to 1936. Reverend Malcolm S. Sweet became the second pastor. Plans started for the first church building. The cornerstone of Community Presbyterian Church was laid June 26 1938. The original church was a white frame building. It was built in colonial style. It stood where the current sanctuary is now.
Dr Glen J Schillerstrom became the third pastor in 1942. From 1944 to 1954, the church acquired land. Construction on the building continued. In 1954, a building fund campaign was approved. It totaled 74000 dollars. To celebrate the church’s 25th anniversary, groundbreaking took place. The cornerstone was laid for the current sanctuary. It has 300 seats.
The church kept growing. In 1958, Reverend John David Burton became the fourth pastor. By 1960, the education wing was dedicated. Sunday School enrollment reached 700 students. Throughout the 1960s, Community Presbyterian developed many programs. These included youth programs that are still in effect.
The early 1970s through the 1980s saw more growth. Programs and Christian fellowship were strengthened. Ross Ludeman became the first Associate Pastor in 1971. A two-pastor staff has been an important part of the church ever since. Dean McGormley, Paul Alcorn, Dick Reynolds, and Joan Reiner provided strong staff leadership. They helped develop Christian Education for children and youth. This became one of the church’s defining characteristics. Along with worship and service to God.
In 1985, Zane K Buxton became senior pastor. In 1988, David Neff came as Associate Pastor. He served until 1991. Under Buxton’s leadership, Community Presbyterian members met community needs. The church became a PADS site to help homeless people. PADS Public Action to Deliver Shelter continues to be an important part of the church’s mission. May Hertel and Deb Helms also provided strong staff leadership with the youth programs.
Reverend Christine Chakoian was called as senior Pastor in May 1996. Patrick Day was ordained Associate Pastor. He served until 2000. The late 1990s saw program development and excitement. Membership reached 900. A capital campaign was approved. The church sanctuary was remodeled. A Martin Ott Organ was installed. Cyndi Frost replaced Joan Reiner as Director of Children’s Ministries in 2001. That same year, Elizabeth Merrill came as Associate Pastor. She served until 2004. Corey Nelson followed her. He served as Associate Pastor from 2005 to 2007. Reverend Dean Lindsey was called in September 2007 to be senior pastor. He led the church until 2013. Beth Hilkerbaumer became designated associate pastor in December 2008. She served until December 2010.
In the Summer of 2013, Community Presbyterian Church welcomed Lauren Cochran. She served as Associate Pastor until Fall 2020. Reverend Beth Freese Dammers began her service as pastor in May 2015. She loves being active in the community and is passionate about mission.
In 2018, Cyndi Frost and Deb Helms retired. Lisa Henderson became the new Director of Children and Family Ministry. In 2020, Allison Billings became the Director of Youth and Family Ministries. In 2021, the CPC Preschool and Child Care Center combined. They formed the new CPC Kids’ Academy. In August 2022, Kristin Duy became the new Director of Children and Family Ministry.
In the summer of 2022, Avery Rigazio chose Community Presbyterian Church for her Girl Scout Gold Award project. She created and painted a 20-foot mural celebrating the roots of Clarendon Hills in Fellowship Hall.
Today, Community Presbyterian Church is a diverse community. It has nearly 450 members. The members include young and old people. They also include single and married people. The church consists of lifelong Presbyterians and new Christians. The congregation includes people from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions. The members are excited about their future life of worship and service together. Community Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to faith. It also highlights community and dedication. It continues to evolve.