Did you know Windsor Park Evangelical Lutheran Church began with a missionary call? It was back in 1912. Rev. Arthur Kaub answered the call to serve the Windsor Park territory of Chicago.
Pastor Kaub was officially installed on June 8 1913. He served at Immanuel Lutheran Church of South Chicago. This was their mother church. The newly created church initially held services at Immanuel Lutheran. Later, they met at a storefront and hall on 75th Street.
The initial Windsor Park Evangelical Lutheran Church building was completed in 1914. It included meeting space a Sunday school room and a parsonage. The current sanctuary fellowship hall and kitchen were added in 1924. Chatham Fields and Markham Lutheran Churches were established. They were an outgrowth of the Windsor Park ministry and Pastor Kaub.
Pastor Kaub served Windsor Park until his retirement in 1948. Membership grew from 57 to over 1200 members. Windsor Park Evangelical Lutheran Church experienced changes in the 1960s. The first African American families joined the church during this time. In 1976 the congregation left the Missouri Synod. They joined the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Church. This later merged into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ELCA.
By 1980 membership was about 119. Rev Robert S. Gant became the first African American pastor. He served from 1989 to 1993. Beginning in the late 1990s many property maintenance issues were completed. Rev. James Simms served as pastor from 1997 until 2005. In the interim of 2006 and 2010 Rev. Rebecca Thomas-Templeton supplied spiritual leadership. She served as a part-time interim pastor. In 2010 Pastor Lawrence Clark began his service as Vice Pastor.
Windsor Park Evangelical Lutheran Church is still active today. Sunday worship service is back in person. The church follows safety protocols including safe distancing. Masks are required. You can also join the service via conference call Facebook and Zoom.
Windsor Park Evangelical Lutheran Church received the 2021 Green Team Award. This was presented by Faith in Place. It recognized their Community Garden and Community beautification efforts. The church considers itself an integral member of the South Shore Community since 1913.
One of Windsor Park’s major services is its Food Pantry. It has been essential for the South Side of Chicago for over 50 years. The pantry serves all individuals. This includes regardless of race ethnicity gender sexual orientation or economic status. Due to increased need the pantry has expanded its hours. It is open Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Windsor Park Evangelical Lutheran Church stands as a testament to faith and community.