“Our holy and our beautiful house is burned with fire.” These words echoed through the congregation of First Congregational Church after a devastating fire in 1916. Today we stand before First United Church of Oak Park. It rose from those ashes.
First United Church of Oak Park has a rich history. It reflects the community’s evolution. The story began in the 1860s with the Oak Ridge Church of Harlem. Believers from different denominations gathered in Temperance Hall. In 1871 it became First Congregational Church.
James W. Scoville a founding member donated land at Kenilworth Avenue and Lake Street. In 1874 the first stone church in Oak Park was dedicated. Over time other denominations formed their own churches. First Congregational remained in the original building.
Meanwhile Presbyterians gathered as early as 1861. But the First Presbyterian Church wasn’t officially organized until 1883. Their first building was replaced in 1901. This building is now home to Calvary Memorial Church.
Tragedy struck First Congregational Church on September 5 1916. Lightning ignited a fire that destroyed the church. But the congregation was resilient. They resolved to rebuild. Stones from the old church were used in the new building. The bell was saved and installed in the new belfry. The present building was dedicated in 1918.
In 1924 a gym wing was added. The Memorial Chapel followed in 1955. It provided space for smaller services. A church school area was added in 1964. Renovations and expansions continued in 2006 and 2018.
The 1960s and 70s brought community change. First Congregational and First Presbyterian collaborated on projects. They shared a vision of an integrated Oak Park. This led to their union as First United Church on May 5 1975.
First United blended the governing ideas of Presbyterian Church and United Church of Christ. All faiths are welcome. For a few years First United used both buildings. In 1979 the Presbyterian building was sold. The proceeds formed the Special Mission Endowment Fund SMEF.
Until the 1980s pastors were all men. Rev. Bobbi Wells Hargleroad became the first female associate pastor in 1989. In 2008 Rev. Julie Ruth Harley became the first female senior pastor.
A significant decision in 1995 made First United an Open and Affirming congregation. This meant full inclusion for LGBTQ individuals. Some members left but many more joined. They saw First United as a welcoming place.
First United Church of Oak Park expanded its mission. In 1992 it co-founded PADS. This offers shelter to homeless individuals. The Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry found a permanent home here in 2004. In 2005 Cluster Tutoring began meeting here.
The church also supports Housing Forward. It helps transition homeless individuals. They also offer space for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Members knit and crochet prayer shawls. The church sponsored a refugee family from Iraq. It has partnered with people in crisis regions. Members address issues like affordable housing and climate change.
For over a century women of the church met as Evening Division. They expanded their knowledge and funded mission projects. The group welcomed all women and eventually men too. In 2013 they celebrated their centennial.
First United Church of Oak Park stands as a testament to resilience unity and social consciousness. It embodies a welcoming spirit. It continues to evolve with the community.