Did you know that Saint Marks Evangelical Lutheran Church’s story begins not in Chicago but in Mount Prospect? In 1945 five families answered a call from Chicago pastors. They were asked to start a mission church. This wasn’t just any church. Existing Lutheran churches in Mount Prospect were German and part of the Missouri Synod. Saint Marks however was founded in a more Scandinavian tradition. This reflects the ethnic divisions within Lutheranism at the time. Today those distinctions are gone. The church is now part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They interpret scripture differently than the Missouri Synod churches.
Early services were held in members’ homes. Formal organization came on June 21 1946. Thirty-seven members signed the charter at Daniel and Thoresse Borgen’s home. Imagine the excitement and hope. The basement of the Central Standard School became their first meeting place. This is now the site of Mount Prospect Public Library.
Soon the congregation needed its own building. Land was secured at Pine and Evergreen streets. A square white cement block building was constructed in 1948. This was the first home of Saint Marks. Growth continued. A new sanctuary was added in 1954. The church officially changed its name to Saint Marks Lutheran Church.
More expansions followed. An education building was added in 1957. A transept was added in 1963. The St Mark Center opened across the street in 1970. This included a gymnasium and activity space. In 1998 an ADA-accessible great room was added. It provided fellowship and meeting space.
Saint Marks isn’t just a place of worship. Since the 1980s it’s hosted Public Action to Deliver Shelter. PADS provides dinner showers and sleeping space for the homeless. Saint Marks partners with St Raymond Catholic Church for this ministry. They work together on joint services and community events. They even share a food cart in the Fourth of July parade. Their partnership extends to Holy Family School in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. Saint Marks provides donations and volunteers. In 2015 they helped settle a Syrian refugee family. They are preparing to welcome another one.
Saint Marks has a vibrant youth program. The King’s Players summer youth theater group is well-known. High school and junior high students participate. They practice and build sets at Saint Marks. Their performances have grown. Now they use the Forest View Educational Center in Arlington Heights.
Today about 175 people attend two Sunday services. An after-school religious education program runs every Wednesday. A dedicated group of high school students cooks for monthly church dinners. They also help the refugee family and document church activities. Saint Marks is truly a place of worship meaningful ministry community and faith. It’s a place that nourishes God’s people body mind and spirit.