Church History

Previous pages:

The First Presbyterians in America
The Presbyterian Faith Comes to La Grange

The Building of our First Church

As the fledgling congregation grew rapidly, the need for a “firmer foundation was felt” for a suitable house of worship. Shortly after Rev. Howell came, members pledged $315 to buy a 100-foot lot from Mr. Cossitt on Madison Street just north of Cossitt School (known as Central School at the time). A small stone church was built with two rooms. The sanctuary was 41’ x 71’, basically the equivalent size of our current Westminster Hall,  and the Church School room in the rear was 21’ x 41’. March 4, 1892, marked the dedication of the Sanctuary, with 72 charter members, three Elders and three Trustees. A total of 500 people attended the afternoon and evening dedication services.

The Suburban News heralded the occasion. They reported: “While the exterior of the church is pleasing, the interior arrangements are surprisingly simple and beautiful. The church and rooms—2 only—are handsomely carpeted throughout, and with the electric light produce a warm and comfortable effect.”

The Building of Our Second Church

By 1905 our congregation had outgrown the small church building on Madison. Membership had reached 179 with Sabbath School attendance over 100. The need for a larger church, as well as more room for church school, became readily apparent. In 1907, land at Elm and Catherine Avenues was purchased for $2,350. However, it wasn’t until 1910 that plans began for our second church, which was to be patterned after a church in Wales (square tower and short spire typifying sturdy character and sincere aspirations of the Presbyterian denomination). Construction was started on a cold, snowy Tuesday, January 31, 1911. On April 16, 1911, the cornerstone was laid and the building was dedicated on March 3, 1912. Twenty years had passed since the dedication of the first building on Madison, and membership had increased to 300.

“First Church” offered not only opportunities for spiritual growth but Christian fellowship. Interestingly, The Men’s Association built a bowling alley in the basement under the Sanctuary. Unfortunately, no photos remain, but accounts in Session minutes called for “limited use on Sunday mornings as the noise was disturbing services” (see photo of Session notes below).

read next: The Educational Wing—“If You Build It, They Will Come”