St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

In 1919, a seed of faith was planted in Evanston, giving rise to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. This wasn’t just any church. It was a sanctuary born from a longing for a place where Black worshippers could experience faith freely and without prejudice. Prior to St. Andrew’s, Black Episcopalians in Evanston faced discrimination at another local church. One Sunday, the racism escalated, denying them access to worship. This painful experience fueled their determination to create their own spiritual home. Three remarkable women, Mrs. Esther L. Bryant, Mrs. Mary V. Jackson, and Dr. Louise Scott, spearheaded this vision. They petitioned the Bishop of Chicago for mission status, their request bearing the signatures of 21 hopeful souls. In September 1920, their dream took root. St. Andrew’s Church, Evanston was officially established as a mission. It became the fourth Episcopal church in Evanston, a beacon of hope and inclusion. The church’s first services were held at the Emerson Street YMCA, led by the newly appointed Reverend H.B. Browne. While the Emerson YMCA became their Sunday sanctuary, weekday services and meetings often found a temporary home in the chapel of St. Mark’s Church. The congregation at St. Andrew’s, however, yearned for a permanent home. With the support of the Bishop and Council, a two-story house on Darrow Avenue was purchased. This building became a multifunctional space, serving as a parish hall, rectory, and church. As the congregation grew, the need for a larger, dedicated space became evident. St. Andrew’s purchased land, also on Darrow Avenue. In 1926, a fundraising campaign was launched to build a new brick church. This dream was realized on Advent Sunday, November 27, 1935, when the new St. Andrew’s Church was consecrated. St. Andrew’s flourished, achieving parish status by 1945. This status was maintained until 1985, when changing demographics and declining membership led to its reversion to mission status. Years later, a new chapter unfolded. The Church of the Pentecost, a diocesan mission serving African and Nigerian Anglicans in Chicago, faced its own set of challenges. Many within this community were unfamiliar with the Episcopal Church. Some perceived it as too Catholic, while others were unaware of its connection to the Anglican Communion. Reverend Nwachuku, recognizing this disconnect, initiated discussions to address the spiritual needs of these Anglicans. In a remarkable turn of events, St. Andrew’s and the Church of the Pentecost merged in 2006, forming St. Andrew’s Pentecost Episcopal Anglican Church. This union created a vibrant, diverse community known for its hospitality and commitment to service.