Kimball Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church

In 1901, a simple tent meeting marked the humble beginnings of the Kimball Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church. Right here, at the corner of Armitage and Whipple, the seeds of faith were sown. The church quickly took root, moving to Kimball and Medill where a small chapel was built. The Kimball Avenue Church continued to grow, expanding its building in 1904 to accommodate its burgeoning congregation. The church has weathered many storms throughout its 120-year history. It witnessed the turbulent 60s and 70s and the more recent challenges of gentrification. Through it all, the Kimball Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church remained a steadfast beacon of faith and community. Disaster struck in 2010 when a steam boiler ruptured, severely damaging the building. This devastating event presented a unique opportunity. The church deconstructed the building, leaving an empty lot. Pictures of the building and the deconstruction project are available online at www.flickr.com/kimballavenuechurch. The Kimball Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church, however, did not disappear. In partnership with Voice of the City and the Design.Build.Grow.Eat. After School Matters program, the lot was transformed. A community garden blossomed, providing fresh produce for local families and meals for those in need. An ADA-compliant meditation and prayer labyrinth offers a place of solace and reflection. This space, known as The Oasis, has become a sanctuary for individuals and families seeking rest and renewal. Kimball Avenue Church continued to evolve. In 2017, it welcomed Nuestra Señora de las Americas, an Episcopal mission. The two congregations shared worship services and ministries. That same year, Kimball Avenue Church joined the Chicago Metropolitan Association of the United Church of Christ, opening doors for collaboration with over 100 other Chicago area churches. In 2023, after much reflection and prayer, Kimball Avenue Church became an “Open and Affirming” congregation, embracing diversity and full inclusion. Later that year, the members of Nuestra Señora de las Americas joined Kimball Avenue UCC as full and equal partners. Though the Kimball Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church may not have a traditional building, its spirit thrives. The congregation meets under the trees at The Oasis or inside the church parsonage, proving that church is more than just bricks and mortar. It is the people of God, doing the works of God, creating a beloved community.