Our Saviour Lutheran Church of Norwood Park

Ninety-five years of faith and community. That’s the legacy of Our Saviour Lutheran Church of Norwood Park in Chicago as it stood on the cusp of a major change. Our Saviour Lutheran Church, located on Northcott Avenue, was preparing to merge with St. John’s Lutheran Church in Niles. This merger, culminating in the creation of Ascension Lutheran Church, marked a new chapter in the story of these two congregations. Both Our Saviour Lutheran Church and St. John’s were part of the Missouri Lutheran Synod. This shared heritage, rooted in German language services and a tradition of supporting Christian-based schools, formed the bedrock of their union. Our Saviour Lutheran Church began its journey in 1920. The initial services were held in a house, with a small frame church constructed behind the Norwood Park Home. Over time, a school was established. The old church building was incorporated into the school, with offices and a gym added later. The current church building, situated at Northcott and Nickerson, lacked some modern amenities. This eventually led to the church selling the school property and the congregation facing difficult decisions about its future. The merger with St. John’s offered a solution. The Niles location provided better accessibility, ample parking, and a gym, making it the practical choice for the combined congregation. The Norwood Park church building was slated to be sold, although some features, like the pipe organ, might move to the new location. The combined congregations anticipated a weekly attendance of 75 to 80 people. The two pastors, recognizing the financial realities, agreed that one would seek a new call elsewhere. The future Ascension Lutheran Church planned to focus on several priorities. Improving the Niles building for wider community use, including renting out the gym, was high on the list. Re-establishing a grade school was another important goal, though it presented challenges due to changing educational needs and building codes. As Our Saviour Lutheran Church of Norwood Park prepared to close its doors, it carried with it a rich history. The merger, while bittersweet, offered a path forward. It promised a continuation of faith and service under the new banner of Ascension Lutheran Church.