A beacon of faith overlooking the Des Plaines River. That’s Riverside Presbyterian Church for you. Right before your eyes stands a building steeped in history, its roots entwined with the very birth of Riverside itself. Imagine, a village envisioned as a peaceful retreat from the clamor of Chicago. Riverside Presbyterian Church was at the heart of this vision. Back in 1869, the Riverside Improvement Company constructed a simple “Stone Chapel” to serve the fledgling community. This wasn’t just a Presbyterian endeavor. It was a testament to unity, hosting Episcopalians and other Protestant denominations.
Sadly, disaster struck in 1879. A fire, sparked by a faulty flue, almost completely devoured the Stone Chapel. Undeterred, the community rallied and rebuilt, this time in the elegant Gothic style you see today. Take a moment to admire those curved pews. Those were installed in 1896, a testament to the church’s growth under Rev. C.C. Snyder. Did you know that Riverside Presbyterian Church played a crucial role in the lives of families who called this village home? One such example was the Ames family. Professor A.F. Ames, the first Superintendent of Schools, along with his wife, became pillars of the church in 1888. Their legacy continued through generations, with their daughter, Harriet Ames Carlson, remaining a devoted member for an incredible 84 years.
Riverside Presbyterian Church wasn’t confined within its walls. In 1925, Rev. Waldo, recognizing the need for spiritual guidance in the growing community, established the North Gate Sunday School. This initiative, initially held at A.F. Ames School, eventually brought 95 new members into the Riverside Presbyterian Church family. As you stand here, appreciating the serenity of Riverside Presbyterian Church, remember, you’re witnessing more than just bricks and mortar. This is a testament to resilience, community spirit, and enduring faith.