Beneath the vast sky stands Pilgrim Congregational Church ready to tell its tale. This isn’t just any building. It’s a landmark with a story etched in its very stones.
Imagine yourself transported back to the late 19th century. A group of dedicated individuals in Oak Park, Illinois, laid the foundation for something special. Pilgrim Congregational Church was founded in 1874. The Ridgeland Congregational Society held its first meeting in the Ridgeland Avenue railroad station. The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad served as an initial meeting point.
Fast forward to 1889. The church building began to take shape. By 1900 it reached its final, beautiful form. This makes it the oldest structure continuously used for worship in Oak Park. Pilgrim Congregational Church celebrated its 125th anniversary in 1999.
In 1996 the church received a special designation. It became an Oak Park historic landmark. The Hasbrouck-Sprague survey recognized its architectural significance. It is an outstanding example of the Queen Anne Revival Style. Its importance extends beyond Oak Park.
Pilgrim Congregational Church has deep roots. Its religious ancestry traces back to the early Puritan Congregationalists. These Pilgrims sought a new world. They came to the new world for religious freedom. They wanted the ability to self-govern within each congregation.
The church joined the United Church of Christ in 1962. This continued its affiliation with sister churches. The merger of Congregational Christian Churches and Evangelical and Reformed Churches happened in 1957. As a UCC member Pilgrim maintains the free church tradition. This gives local congregational autonomy in all matters.
Let’s jump ahead to Pomona. Pilgrim Congregational Church celebrated its 135th anniversary on February 27 2022. A small band of 36 Congregationalists formally organized the church on May 26 1887. The meeting took place in the Taylor Opera House. Grover Cleveland was in the White House. Pomona was still eight months away from incorporation.
Pilgrim Church played a role in Pomona College’s founding. The founding minister Rev. Charles Sumner became the first president of Pomona College. Rev. Lucian Frary the second minister is memorialized in Frary Dining Hall on the campus.
Pilgrim Church’s first chapel was enlarged in 1897 adding a bell tower. By 1910 membership soared to 500. Plans for a new site were made. The present site was acquired. In May 1911 a cornerstone was laid for a new building. The new complex was dedicated on May 26 1912 the church’s 25th anniversary.
In September 1925 a fire badly damaged the church. Repairs and improvements were made. In 1926 the church was restored. The memorial chimes were dedicated. The gymnasium was built in 1926. It was the first one built by a church west of the Mississippi River.
The story of Pilgrim Congregational Church is one of faith community and architectural beauty. It continues to evolve. It welcomes all who seek its embrace. As you stand before it remember its legacy. Think about its enduring spirit.