Willard Methodist Church

Frances Willard, a name synonymous with social reform and the temperance movement, also played a pivotal role in the story of Willard Methodist Church in River Forest, Illinois. In 1860, within the humble walls of the Little Red Schoolhouse on Lake Street, Frances Willard and Clara Thatcher ignited a spark that would blaze into a beacon of faith. They began a mission Sabbath School, nurturing the spiritual growth of the community. This small seed, planted by Willard and Thatcher, blossomed in 1869 into a Methodist Society, supported by the Thatcher and Odell families. By 1870, a preacher was assigned to shepherd the growing congregations in Oak Park, Austin, and Thatcher, the area now known as River Forest. Willard Methodist Church, officially incorporated on February 14, 1871, solidified its presence. The first church building, a testament to the community’s devotion, was erected in 1874 on land generously donated by the Thatcher family. A tangible link to this early history resonates even today. The original tower bell, cast in 1874, continues to call the faithful to worship. The church evolved with the changing times. In 1912, the original structure was replaced by a modified Prairie Style church, designed by William Drummond. The accompanying parsonage at 513 Thatcher was built in 1927, providing a home for the church’s spiritual leaders. Further transformations took place in the 1950s. The sanctuary was redesigned, a new kitchen was added, and the Fellowship Hall and Susanna Wesley Library expanded the church’s capacity to serve the community. Finally, between 1964 and 1967, the church’s stained-glass windows, originally installed in 1912, were replaced with vibrant depictions of biblical scenes. These windows, filtering light through their colorful narratives, offer a quiet reflection of the church’s enduring message.