“Making God’s Love Visible!” That is the motto of Ravenswood United Church of Christ. The church stands as a beacon of faith in Chicago. It is a progressive church that cares deeply. It cares for its members and the world.
Ravenswood United Church of Christ has a rich history. It started in 1887. German immigrants founded the church. They brought their faith and passion for service. The church was first called Evangelishe Johannes Gemeinde. This means St. John’s Evangelical Church.
The church grew quickly. It went from a small gathering to a large congregation. There were 640 adults and 450 children.
In 1895, the church bought property. It was located at Mohawk and Dickens in Lincoln Park. St. John’s Evangelical Church worshiped there for 28 years. The German community then began to move north. This prompted the church to consider relocating.
In 1922, Ravenswood Evangelical Church laid its cornerstone. Reverend Alfred E. Meyer led the congregation for 34 years. The beautiful building at Pensacola and Hoyne became its home. It still stands today.
Ravenswood Church faced hard times during the Great Depression. It sent its sons and daughters to World War II. The church welcomed them and new immigrants after the war. The church hosted many social events. There were theatrical productions and sporting events. It was a vibrant congregation.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the church declined. Families moved to the suburbs. The neighborhood changed. The church became smaller but remained strong. Its members and friends were dedicated. They sacrificed to keep it going.
The 2000s brought a renewal. More young families joined. Attendance and membership increased. This brought new life to the historic church. The recent pandemic affected everyone. Ravenswood UCC looks to build on its renewal.
Ravenswood UCC celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2012. In 2022, it marked the 100th anniversary of laying the cornerstone. The church has been part of Ravenswood for over 100 years.
Today, Ravenswood United Church of Christ remains hopeful. It is confident in its future. Many more chapters are yet to be written. The story of Ravenswood UCC continues.