Hillside Free Methodist Church

Tucked away on Crawford Avenue in Evanston, the Hillside Free Methodist Church has a remarkable story to tell. It’s a story of faith, community, and unwavering commitment to serving those in need. Hillside Free Methodist Church isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring spirit of giving. The church’s history stretches back to 1879, starting with a humble tent meeting led by traveling evangelists at the corner of Lyons and Ridge in Evanston. A small group of believers, including Jacob Franz, Edward Foster, and the Kline family, saw the potential for a permanent church. Eliza Pratt, a convert from the tent meetings, generously donated the land, and within a year, the First Free Methodist Church was established with 54 members. Mrs. Pratt’s generosity extended further two years later with a donation for a parsonage. This first church building served the congregation until 1922 when they acquired the Delano Chapel from the Baptist Church on Maple Avenue and Simpson Street. Fast forward to 1954, a generous donation from John Bell sparked the dream of a new church. Land was purchased on Crawford Avenue, next to Hillside Village. The congregation voted to rename their church the Hillside Free Methodist Church, and in 1961, they finally moved into their current home. An interesting side note: the City of Evanston bought the former church building and land in 1964 to create Fireman’s Park. Today, the Hillside Free Methodist Church stands as a vibrant community hub. It’s home to the Hillside Food Pantry, a vital ministry that began in 2009. The pantry embodies the church’s dedication to showing God’s love in practical ways. What began as distributing rescued food has blossomed into a community of people helping people. With over 90 volunteers, the pantry serves over 1,500 people every week. It’s a place where smiles and hugs are as common as bags of groceries, a testament to the belief that it’s about more than just the food. The Hillside Free Methodist Church’s journey, from a tent meeting to a bustling community center, showcases the transformative power of faith and service.