“A cabbage field?” you might ask, eyebrows raised. Yes, you heard right! Before Saint James Evangelical Lutheran Church graced this spot, it was a humble cabbage field. It all began in 1869, when a group of German Lutherans, feeling a bit lost north of North Avenue, decided they needed their own spiritual haven. They yearned for a place to call their own, a place to worship in their own language. So, with the blessing of their mother church, First St. Paul, they established Saint James Evangelical Lutheran Church. Now, back to that cabbage field! This patch of land, at Fremont and Dickens, became their sanctuary’s future home. Imagine their dedication as they laid the cornerstone in June 1870, their hopes and dreams taking root alongside those cabbages. By November, their simple frame church, with its high pulpit and charming balconies, stood ready. Then, tragedy struck. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 ravaged the city. While Saint James Evangelical Lutheran Church miraculously survived, their mother church, First St. Paul, wasn’t as fortunate. The resilient congregation of Saint James, moved by the devastation around them, opened their doors to those left homeless by the fire, showcasing their compassion and faith. Despite facing their own challenges, they became a beacon of hope amidst the ashes. Saint James Evangelical Lutheran Church continued to grow, becoming a cornerstone of the community. Their story reminds us that even amidst a humble cabbage field, faith can flourish and a community can find its home.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one