First Reformed Church of Berwyn

Gazing at the First Reformed Church of Berwyn, one can almost hear echoes of sermons past. This church, a cornerstone of the Berwyn community, has a rich history intertwined with the larger narrative of Dutch Reformed immigrants in Chicago. The First Reformed Church of Berwyn wasn’t always in Berwyn. Its story begins in 1847 in Chicago, with a small group of families gathering in homes for “lees kerk,” a reading church. Led by the Reverend Albertus Van Raalte, a pivotal figure in Dutch immigration, the First Reformed Church of Chicago officially joined the Reformed Church in America in 1853. The church’s early years were marked by devout pietism and strict adherence to tradition. The elders played a vital role, leading services, visiting families, and even resolving disputes among members to keep matters out of civil courts. The original church building was a humble wooden structure. As George Birkhoff, an early member, recalled, it was a simple space, “raw planks without plaster.” Yet, within those walls, a strong sense of community thrived. The congregation grew, eventually constructing a new frame building on Harrison Street. The First Reformed Church of Chicago played a significant role in the evolving religious landscape. It navigated the sometimes turbulent waters of Americanization, balancing the preservation of Dutch heritage with the adoption of American evangelical practices. The church wrestled with the introduction of English services, a gradual process that spanned decades. The “language question,” as it was known, reflected the tension between generations. The shift to English ultimately began in the Sunday school and youth societies, eventually reaching the main worship services. The church’s history also includes a move to Ashland Avenue in the 1890s. This relocation mirrored the westward migration of many Dutch families in Chicago. As the 20th century progressed, further westward movement continued. The congregation, along with its sister church, Calvary Reformed Church, eventually found its home in Berwyn after World War II, becoming the First Reformed Church of Berwyn. The building we see today stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of this community, a congregation that, through change and relocation, continues to serve as a spiritual anchor.