Did you know that the United Church of Christ’s story began with German immigrants? Since 1887 the Ravenswood United Church of Christ has been a witnessing community of faith in Chicago. German immigrants founded it. They brought their faith in God. They also brought their passion for service from Germany.
Initially the church was named Evangelishe Johannes Gemeinde. That translates to St. John’s Evangelical Church. The church grew quickly. It went from a small group in a borrowed chapel to a large congregation. It eventually had 640 adults and 450 children.
In May 1895 the congregation bought property. It was at the southeast corner of Mohawk and Dickens in Lincoln Park. St. John’s Evangelical Church held services there for 28 years. The German community moved north. This prompted the church to consider moving too.
In 1922, Rev Alfred E Meyer led the congregation. He served for 34 years. A cornerstone was laid for Ravenswood Evangelical Church. The community built a beautiful building. Today it stands on the corner of Pensacola and Hoyne. That is still home today.
Ravenswood Church faced hard times during the Great Depression. It sent its sons and daughters to serve in World War II. After the war it welcomed them and new immigrants. During this time, the church was very active. It hosted social events and theatrical productions. The church also held sporting events in its gymnasium. It became a dynamic congregation in the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square area.
The 1970s and 1980s brought a decline. Families moved to the suburbs. The neighborhood changed. The church became smaller. But dedicated members and friends sustained it.
The 2000s saw a turnaround. Young families joined the church. Attendance and membership increased. This renewal brought new life to the historic church. The Pandemic affected everyone. All churches felt the impact. The church looks to build on the renewal of the past few years.
In 2012, Ravenswood UCC celebrated its 125th Anniversary. In 2022, it marked 100 years since laying the cornerstone of its sanctuary. It has been part of the Ravenswood neighborhood for over 100 years.
The United Church of Christ moves into the future with hope. The church has confidence that there are many more chapters to its story. The United Church of Christ continues to evolve. It remains a vital part of Chicago’s religious landscape. It welcomes all who seek faith. The church embraces service and community.