North Park Covenant Church

In 1898, a small group of Swedish Mission Friends gathered in Old Main at North Park University. This humble beginning marked the birth of North Park Covenant Church. North Park Covenant Church officially started with 17 charter members on February 9, 1898. Their first church building, located at the corner of Christiana and Berwyn, opened its doors in 1912. The construction cost $12,226. The first pastor, Otto Högfeldt, whose descendants are still members today, led the congregation until 1916. North Park Covenant Church thrived and grew. By 1929, the congregation had expanded to 252 members. They needed a larger space. The old sanctuary held its final service on June 30, 1929, and was then demolished. The cornerstone for the current building was laid on September 8, 1929. The stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression created immense financial challenges. Church members showed their dedication by taking out second mortgages on their homes to fund the construction. The new North Park Covenant Church was dedicated in April 1930. The church has seen two more construction projects since then. In 1958, an educational unit was added. In 2003, an elevator, offices, a playground, and a columbarium were added. North Park Covenant Church has always been a community-focused church. From its “Alley Walks” to the “Broken Wall” coffeehouse, and from establishing a food pantry to founding an accredited preschool, it has served its neighbors. North Park Covenant Church continues to be a place of worship, service, and community. Today, the church describes its Sunday services as traditional yet welcoming and family-friendly. They value both hymns and contemporary worship music. North Park Covenant Church is committed to its mission: “for God’s glory and neighbors’ good.”