“Growing, Serving, Sharing Christ” is the mission of St. Philip Lutheran Church. This mission reflects its long-lasting tradition in the Chicago community. Founded on November 15, 1892, St. Philip Lutheran Church has been a beacon of faith and community service for well over a century.
In 1893, St. Philip Lutheran Church started as a storefront mission. It was connected to The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint Luke. Reverend William Ganske was the first pastor of this small congregation.
Look at the cornerstone. It was laid at Lawrence and Oakley Avenues in 1896. By 1905, the congregation became self-sustaining. They called Mr. Karnatz to teach the children.
In 1929, St. Philip Lutheran Church moved to its current location at Bryn Mawr and Campbell Avenues. At this site, a church facility was built. It included a parish house and rectory. The congregation decided to close its school, but only temporarily.
The school reopened in 1937. Mr. Milton E. Marten was appointed teacher-principal. Classes were held in the parish house with 23 students.
During World War II, Reverend Edward C. Kuehnert served as Chaplain. Candidate Victor C. Rickman served as vacancy pastor. In 1942, Reverend Victor C. Rickman became the third pastor. Miss Edna Messerschmidt became the first synodically trained female teacher.
St. Philip Lutheran Church started construction on the Parish Activities Building in 1951. It was built across the street from the church. It housed the school, administrative offices, and recreational areas. Mr. Armin P. Gutekunst became the teacher-principal of the school.
In 1955, St. Philip Lutheran Church started publishing “The ECHO”. This monthly newsletter brought the urban church community closer. By 1959, St. Philip began broadcasting worship services to the community. The school became a teaching center for Concordia Teachers’ College.
More classrooms and a chapel were added to the Parish Activities Building in 1962. Enrollment reached over 260 children. Many ethnic groups were represented.
In 1964, St. Philip Lutheran Church started a vicarage program. This helped young men studying to become pastors. In 1967, the Parish Activities Building was refurbished.
Reverend Victor C. Rickman served a special assignment for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in 1971. Reverend Arthur D. Yunker served in his place for one year. In 1975, Mr. Gutekunst retired. Mr. Richard H. Blatt became the principal-teacher.
St. Philip Lutheran Church called Reverend William W. Hessler as its first assistant pastor in 1977. In 1979, Reverend Robert P. Rickman became the first associate pastor.
In 1980, Reverend Dr. Victor C. Rickman passed away. He had served as pastor for over 38 years. In 1981, Reverend Robert P. Rickman became the fourth pastor.
In 1985, St. Philip Lutheran Church expanded its ministry. They purchased a storefront building to include a preschool/child care center. The Preschool/Child Care Center opened in 1986. Mrs. Janis P. Sakai was the first coordinator.
St. Philip Lutheran Church celebrated 50 years of Christian education in 1987. Enrollment reached 285 students.
Reverend Robert P. Rickman accepted a call to another congregation in 1997. In 2000, Reverend Christopher C. Browne became the fifth pastor of St. Philip Lutheran Church.
Mr. Richard H. Blatt and Miss Edna M. Messerschmidt retired in 2004. They had served at St. Philip for many years. Mr. Nick A. Hopfensperger became the teacher-principal of the school.
St. Philip Lutheran Church is more than just a building. It is a community. It’s a place where faith is nurtured, and service is a way of life. The church continues to serve the Chicago community. It encourages others through Christian values.