Curious about how a simple survey led to something significant? In 1883, Pastor Louis Lochner surveyed the Brighton Park neighborhood. This survey helped establish what we now know as Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church.
Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church has a rich history. It began as a school at 36th and Wood. Mr. W. F. Diener was the first teacher. There were 35 children initially. The school grew quickly. People wanted Saint Andrew to become an independent congregation.
In 1888, Saint Andrew Lutheran Church became official. Rev. W.C. Kohn became its first pastor. The congregation and school needed more space.
In 1891, construction began on a new church building. It was at the corner of 37th and Honore. The cornerstone was laid on August 16, 1891. Imagine the items sealed inside. There was a history of the congregation. A hymnal was included too. Copies of school texts were added. The church constitution was placed inside. A list of members and school children was there. Local newspapers completed the collection.
On January 24, 1892, Saint Andrew Lutheran Church was dedicated. The first services were held in the new building. Saint Andrew Sunday School started in 1920. It was a continuation of the church and school. It still operates today.
Over the years, the congregation grew. More school space was needed. A new school building was erected across the street. It was dedicated in 1930. The new school had eleven large rooms. It also had a gymnasium with a stage. A large Fellowship Hall completed the picture.
In 1963, the church interior was renovated. A new altar was installed. The “Christus Rex” cross was added. New lighting enhanced the space.
Saint Andrew was part of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. In 1973, it left due to doctrinal reasons. It briefly became independent. Then, Saint Andrew joined the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod or WELS.
1992 was a special year. Plans were made to celebrate the church building’s 100th birthday. The interior was repainted. A new lectern and pulpit were added. New carpeting completed the renovations.
Sadly, in December 2013, the school closed. Declining enrollment was the reason. The final classes were in June 2014. Saint Andrew Lutheran School served the area for over 125 years.
In 2014, the church parsonage was converted. It became a new Ministry Center. This new center now houses Saint Andrew Sunday School.
Today, Saint Andrew is one of four WELS congregations in Chicago. For over 125 years, Saint Andrew has been grateful. The message remains the same. Saint Andrew teaches people to know Jesus. It helps them grow in faith. It encourages them to show Jesus to others. The building may have changed. The core mission of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church has not.