Reverend Arvid Ohrnell arrived in Chicago from Sweden in 1925. He began a mission that would eventually become Philadelphia Church. That’s quite a journey.
Philadelphia Church started humbly. Ohrnell rented space at 3315 N. Clark Street in November 1925. Other church leaders soon joined him. They included Victor Norlin, Erick Peterson, and Efraim Fraim. Music was vital. Rev. Ohrnell played the accordion and Mary Nelson played the piano.
The assembly officially took the name Filadelfiaförsamlingen on March 7, 1926. Thirty-two men joined the assembly. Rev. Fraim served as pastor until 1930. Services were held at Trumbull School and Carl Carlson’s home. They purchased 3300 N. Sheffield in November. Still, they continued to hold services at various halls. One of these halls was the Verdandi Club on Clark Street.
Philadelphia Church incorporated in Illinois in 1927. Illinois required an English name. They chose Philadelphia Swedish Pentecostal Church. Philadelphia means “brotherly love”. The church’s mission is clear. It brings people to Jesus Christ. It encourages fellowship. The church trains them. It equips them for ministry. All this brings glory to God.
Throughout the next decade, the church evolved. Services were held in Swedish. They started a bible school. The church published a newsletter. Tent meetings took place on Foster Avenue. They joined with the Salem Church of Evanston.
Rev. Joseph Mattson arrived from Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1933. He served as pastor for 18 years. By the 1940s, services were in both English and Swedish. The church participated in war efforts. They sponsored missionary work in India and China. These missions expanded to Mexico, Japan, Brazil, and Africa.
By 1956, services switched to English entirely. Attendance grew to between 450 and 600. Rev. Dr. Meade served as pastor from 1958 to 1966. He held tent meetings at Clark and Roscoe. Many other pastors have served since.
Now, consider the unique “Jesus Saves” sign. It’s an irreplaceable Chicago landmark. This sign helped transform Capital Savings Bank into Philadelphia Church in 1940.
The Capital Savings Bank building was built in 1921. It stands at Clark and Rascher. Axel V. Teisen, a Danish immigrant, designed it. He also designed many bungalows in Chicago. The bank was intended for the Swedish population. They settled in Andersonville around Clark Street.
Capital Savings Bank merged in 1930. It became Builders and Merchants Bank and Trust Company. But the stock market crash closed the bank. Philadelphia Church purchased the property in 1939. They dedicated the church in 1940.
Philadelphia Church continues its mission today. It’s a nondenominational, spirit-filled church. The church brings people to Jesus. It trains them to become Christ-like. The “Jesus Saves” sign stands as a beacon. It reminds everyone of the church’s enduring purpose.