River Forest Methodist Church

A beacon of faith and community, River Forest Methodist Church has stood on Lake Street for over a century. It’s a story not just of one church, but five. The River Forest Methodist Church we see today represents the culmination of a long and fascinating journey. Let’s step back to 1860, when Frances Willard and Clara Thatcher began a mission Sabbath School in the Little Red Schoolhouse, right here in River Forest. This simple act of faith would blossom into a Methodist Society in 1869, supported by the Thatcher and Odell families. By 1871, the River Forest Methodist Episcopal Church was officially incorporated. Their first church building, erected in 1874 on land donated by the Thatchers, solidified their presence. A tangible link to that era exists today: the original 1874 tower bell still rings. As River Forest grew, so did the church. In 1912, a new building replaced the original structure, designed in a modified Prairie Style by the renowned architect William Drummond. The church continued to adapt to the needs of the community. The 1950s brought significant changes, including a redesigned sanctuary, a new kitchen, Fellowship Hall, and the Susanna Wesley Library. Between 1964 and 1967, the original Drummond sanctuary windows were replaced with vibrant depictions of biblical scenes. But the story of River Forest Methodist Church is more than just bricks and mortar. Over the years, it has woven together the threads of four other congregations: Austin, Maywood, Forest Park, and Melrose Park. These churches, each with their own rich histories, eventually merged with River Forest, creating a tapestry of faith and community. Imagine the stories held within these walls, the echoes of hymns sung by generations, the joys and sorrows shared over the decades. The River Forest Methodist Church isn’t just a building, it’s a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and the spirit that unites us all.