From its humble beginnings as several smaller congregations the South Shore United Methodist Church stands as a testament to faith and community. South Shore United Methodist Church wasn’t always the single entity we see today. It’s a story woven from the threads of several churches. The South Chicago congregation organized in May 1881. This was the first ancestor of the church. It was located at 91st Street and Exchange Avenue. This congregation grew and moved several times. Eventually it merged with the Hyde Park Methodist Church in 1926. This merger formed the original South Shore Methodist Episcopal Church. More mergers followed. In 1927 the Parkside and 77th Street congregations joined forces to become St. John’s Methodist Episcopal Church. Finally in 1973 Southfield South Shore and St. John’s merged. This created the South Shore United Methodist Church. The church found its home in the building previously occupied by St. John’s. The year 1978 marked the church’s 50th anniversary. This celebrated the church’s move to its current location at 7350 S Jeffery Boulevard in 1928.
South Shore United Methodist Church isn’t just a building. It’s a vibrant community hub. It’s a place where people gather to worship to fellowship and to serve. The church describes itself as a family. Members are bound together by birth and choice. The church’s mission is to love God. It strives to grow in knowledge and the imitation of Christ. The church aims to develop and share God-given gifts. It seeks to add steadily to the church by bringing the unchurched into covenant with God. The church offers help and hope in Jesus’ name. Everyone is welcome. Whether you are a lifelong Christian new to the faith or simply curious the church extends a warm invitation.
The South Shore United Methodist Church boasts a dedicated leadership team and staff. Eugene Williams serves as Council Chair and NIC Lay Leader. Sharron Johnson acts as the Administrative Assistant. Stephanie Purnell chairs the Staff Parrish Relations Committee. Jewel Herrell leads the Finance Committee. Dorothy Hawkins serves as Finance Secretary. Christel Ward is the Treasurer. John Williams chairs the Trustees. Peggy Brown is the Trustee Vice Chair. Mounia Williams Hardaman coordinates the Food Pantry. William Bell works as Custodial Engineer. A talented worship team supports the church’s services. This includes Eugene Williams Evelyn Carter Barbara Dale Marion Miller Berlina Baker Jewell Herrell and Althea Murry. The church also partners with Common Connections Foundation. Alison Jenkins a member of the church founded this organization.
South Shore United Methodist Church has a rich history. It’s a place of enduring faith. More importantly it’s a beacon of hope for the future. The church continues to serve its community. It seeks to share the love of Christ. It welcomes newcomers with open arms. The best is truly yet to come for this remarkable church. Remember South Shore United Methodist Church is part of the Chicago Southern District now Lake South District of the United Methodist Church. It serves the South Shore area and beyond.