First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines
Pre-1871: Des Plaines Circuit / Camp Ground
Today's First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines possesses not only a fascinating history, but also a unique tradition of pioneering as well. This tradition began with the peripatetic Methodist circuit riders of the 1830's and 1840's, and continues to this day.
Methodist Circuit Riders were among the spiritual pioneers who first brought Christianity to this area. (This was at a time when Chicago had a population of only sixty people, and consisted of twelve log cabins). These courageous men of God guided their horses, through forest and stream, in all kinds of weather, to track down the sparsely-scattered pioneers who were clearing home-sites in this fresh, new country.
The early settlers built their homes and villages along rivers, and in the groves. Many places were designated by calling them by the first settler's name. The Journals of Jesse Walker, William Royal, Washington Wilcox, and Peter Cartwright, often refer to this or that "Grove."
The Illinois Conference of the Methodist Church was organized in 1824. Illinois had only recently become a state (1818).
In 1828, Jesse Walker was assigned a large section of the Illinois Conference named the Peoria Circuit. He organized a Methodist "Class Meeting" at Walker's Grove (later Plainfield). John Dew was assigned another large section designated as the Galena Circuit. He organized a Methodist "Class Meeting" at Galena. These were the first permanent Methodist "preaching points" in northern Illinois.
As the expansion westward grew, northern Illinois became the gateway to the great plains. More and more settlers found the land between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River to their liking. This influx of people caused Circuit boundaries to be adjusted rather frequently.
In 1831, a Mission District was established to cover all of northern Illinois. One of the charges listed was: Des Plaines - Jesse Walker, Missionary. (This included all the area drained by the Des Plaines River).
In 1836, the Des Plaines Circuit was redefined to include all territory between a line drawn from Chicago to Aurora, and then north to the Wisconsin line.
The first permanent settlers into the Des Plaines area came following the Blackhawk War of 1832, when the fear of Indian uprisings diminished. Indians still passed through the area from time to time, but on a friendly basis.
Given its earliest life by Circuit Riders, from these wilderness beginnings the First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines has grown into what it is today.
[In remembrance of the contribution made by these Circuit Riders, one of the sanctuary windows reflects the classic pose of the Circuit Rider on horseback].
Maine Township was organized in 1850. Part of its area was designated as the Des Plaines Precinct.
In 1852-54, the Illinois and Wisconsin Railroad (later the Chicago Northwestern Railroad) bought the right-of-way and laid a roadbed which crossed the Des Plaines River just south of present-day Miner Street. Scheduled service began in October, 1854, and had the effect of localizing the once scattered community, as well as eventually bringing industry, skilled laborers, and tradesmen to the town.
Originally called the town of Rand, this name was changed to the village of Des Plaines by an act of the State Legislature in 1869. In 1870 the population was 300.
One of the more remarkable events, that greatly influenced the transformation of Des Plaines from an insignificant farming village into the principal community of the Des Plaines River Valley, was the number of Methodist Camp Meetings that were held in Des Plaines during the latter half of the 19th century.
Plans for the initial Camp Meetings were formalized in August of 1860, when... Methodist clergymen arranged to rent a sprawling, well-timbered tract of land (not to be confused with the present-day location of the Methodist Campground) located east of the River near Rand's bridge.
On Wednesday, August 22, 1860, the Chicago Tribune prophesied that: "It (the Camp Meeting) promises to be one of the largest religious gatherings that has ever been held in this section of the country. The Railroad is offering half-fare tickets."
This prediction proved to be accurate. Large numbers of devout Methodists flocked to the meeting site, where accommodations in the form of forty over-sized canvas tents had been erected around a large clearing in the woods.
The meetings were well attended, and by Sunday, September 2, 1860, the crowds had so increased in size that leaders were apprehensive that their request to halt service on the Railroad had been ignored.
By that afternoon, hundreds of wagons and carriages, loaded with visitors from outlying hamlets and isolated farms, had made their way to the Campground. By evening it was estimated that over 10,000 people were in attendance. Much to the surprise of local residents, devout Methodists had put Des Plaines on the map.
An annual Camp Meeting soon became a permanent feature, crowds of Methodists assembling every summer.
New grounds were eventually purchased in 1865 east of the Des Plaines River, and south of what is now the Northwestern Park Forest Preserve.
Through the years, the Des Plaines Campground has weathered numerous financial crises; staved off an attempt to move the camp to Lake Bluff (in 1875); and managed to "stay afloat" during the floods that frequently wash over the site.
A painting by Cal Bonnivier, showing the venerable Waldorf Tabernacle, conveys the sense of tranquility and beauty one finds at the historic Methodist Campgrounds.
Today, the spiritual descendants of those who descended on Squire Rand's Woods during the summer of 1860 continue to serve as the caretakers of a special tradition which has endured for 136 years.
1871-1900: Congregation Established / First Buildings
During the 1870's the population of Des Plaines increased from 300 to more than 800. Some of these people were shopkeepers, craftsmen, and school teachers. Others commuted to other nearby towns to make a living. But for the most part the people of Des Plaines were dependent upon farms or farming for this livelihood.
The first worship services in the Des Plaines area were conducted by young Methodist Circuit Riders.
In 1875, Socrates Rand, reminiscing about the earlier days of Des Plaines, recalled that:
The first preacher we had here was a young man by the name of Colson, a Methodist sent from the Southern part of the State. He was on this Circuit about two years. The Circuit was so large that he came to this settlement but once in four weeks. He held his meetings at Mr. Walton's, one mile north of town. The preacher was a fair specimen of a western man, nothing extra as an expounder of the Gospel, but an excellent judge of a horse.
Next on this Circuit were Mr. Jewett and Mr. Hinman, referred to as two of the most earnest and prominent Methodist preachers.
During the winter of 1870-1871, about twenty residents of Des Plaines were organized, by a Rev. Schwartz, into a Methodist congregation, which proceeded immediately to build its own Church building (on Lee Street near Thacker, where the Immanuel Lutheran school now stands). This was a brick structure that had a seating capacity of about 200. The cost was $4000.
This was the third church in Des Plaines. Now there was the Congregational Church, the German Lutheran Church, and the Methodist Church.
From 1871 to 1879 seven different pastors were appointed to serve the congregation. From 1879 to 1881, when full-time appointments were no longer made, student pastors were supplied from Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston. In 1882, after eight to ten families moved away, the remaining membership proposed a merger with the Congregational Church of Des Plaines. During the time of the union, pastoral leadership was supplied alternately by a Congregational pastor and then a Methodist pastor.
It was intended to use each building on alternate Sundays. When, by 1884 the Methodist building was not being used, it was sold for $1000 to the Immanuel Lutheran Church.
In 1888, it was felt that the merger could be dissolved, since each congregation would be able to support itself. Each congregation resumed its separate and distinct identity. The Methodist Church had 15 to 20 members; the Congregation Church 15 members.
A new building was erected at the intersection of Lee Street and Park Place to accommodate the Methodist congregation; it was across from the elevated bandstand where weekly concerts took place throughout the summer.
This beloved structure served the congregation well for the next sixty-plus years.
Des Plaines first school, North Division School, built in 1874, was located just east of this property on Des Plaines Avenue. With the construction of the Church, commencement exercises for the school were now held in its building.
In 1887 a second railroad line, the Wisconsin Central (later the Soo Line), laid tracks through Des Plaines. A station built south of the city was called "Orchard Place" and became a milk stop. Local farmers brought their milk to the station for transportation to Chicago. The last remnant of this name survives in the call letters of O'Hare International Airport - ORD.
Another kind of commuter service for Des Plaines began in 1896 when Dr. Edward A. Manuel organized the future United Motor Coach Company. By 1950, from a single horse and buggy, the business had grown to become a 50 bus fleet, covering 60 miles of routes in 21 communities.
During those years the curfew bell rang in Des Plaines every night at 10 p.m., for children under the age of sixteen.
For the little congregation of Methodists, however, it must have sounded like the tolling of a new beginning as the years of the 19th century came to a close.
Pastors: 1870-1871 - Rev. Schwartz. 1872-1873 - Rev. J. McCleish. 1874 - Rev. Frank Beatty. 1875 - Rev. McGregor. 1876 - Rev. Doran. 1877 - Rev. Watson Thatcher. 1878- 1879 - Rev. N.A. Sunderland. 1879-1881 - Seminary Students (regular appointments ceased). 1882 - Rev. W.H. Rees. 1883-1884 - Seminary Students. 1885-1889 - Rev. W. F. Atchison. 1890 Rev. J. H. Haggerty. 1891-1893 (records not available). 1894 - Rev. A. F. Conrey. 1895 - Rev. S. H. Wersching. 1896-1898 - Rev. W. M. Ewing. 1899-1901 - Rev. Clifton P. Pledger.
1900-1920: The Congregation Matures
As the century turned, Des Plaines was a farming community of about 1800 persons. Farmers would gather together and pool their equipment to do the planting and harvesting, in true small- town fashion.
There was a thriving blacksmith shop (Pettersons), a sorghum and cider mill, a bowling alley (in the Thoma Hotel on Miner Street), and Winchell's Livery.
The sidewalks along Miner Street and Ellinwood were all built of wooden planks. The kerosene lamp was making way for gas lanterns along the main streets.
There was a thriving milk business along the Northwestern railroad also. At 5 a.m. farmers would bring full cans of milk to the platform south of the railroad tracks at River Road, to be hauled to Chicago, emptied, and returned at 5 p.m. for the farmers to reclaim and refill.
Other business establishments were: the Scharringhausen Real Estate Firm, Lagerhausen's Lumber Co., C.W.M Brown's and Spiegler's General Stores.
A promotional piece printed at the time pictures a tree-lined Lee Street looking north toward Ellinwood. The description accompanying the photograph states:
Des Plaines, bordering the Des Plaines River, sixteen miles northwest of Chicago, is a village of 1800 people, and is favorably known as being the site of the Methodist Camp Meetings for the past forty years. It's well graded and graveled streets are lined with pretty homes and beautiful grounds. . . . There are fine churches. Frequent and fast trains place Des Plaines in the list of convenient suburbs.
In 1902 Maine Township High School was built on Thacker Street. J. Uriah Stotts arranged funerals in the homes of the deceased, and the fishing in the Des Plaines River was good.
In 1905 the first local bank, the Des Plaines State Bank opened its doors on Miner Street.
There were now four churches in town: the Lutheran Church on Lee Street, the Congregational Church on Graceland, the Catholic Church on Thacker, and the Methodist Church at Park Place and Lee Streets.
In the year 1900, Grace Shaw began attending the Methodist Church with her mother. She was two years of age.
Since walking was the most common mode of transportation, the choice of a congregation was somewhat influenced by one's proximity to a church building.
For the Methodists, most of Sunday was spent at the church. There was an early service at 9:30 a.m., followed by Sunday School. The Junior League and Epworth League (youth groups) met at 6:30 p.m., followed by an evening service.
Both the morning and evening services usually were concluded with an altar call, urging persons to come forward to commit themselves to Christ.
The pastors during these years were usually single, and often were present only on Sundays. Following worship, they would have dinner with various members of the church. Since the Goodyear family then lived on the same street as the church, they had more than their share of feeding the pastors. The congregation was still small, though it had grown to include about 30 families.
There is a photograph, taken on a brisk fall day in 1900, which pictures the 25 women of what was then called the Ladies Aid Society, posed on the front steps of the Park Place Church.
As the years passed, the first Des Plaines Public Library was built at Miner and Graceland, and the (then) South Division School was built at Center and Thacker, reflecting the growth of the community.
The impact of the railroad continued with Circus trains, as well as the milk and mail trains, making their appearance in town. Des Plaines had its own roundhouse on a hand-operated turntable.
There was a railroad siding extending from the railroad crossing at Graceland Avenue to Washington Street. During the summer months a dozen or more railroad cars were lined up on this siding to house track maintenance crews. Each crew member was paid $1 per day plus meals.
Laurel Avenue and Graceland Avenue (south of the tracks) became known as the "Silk Stocking District." The homes of many of the most successful merchants, doctors and bankers were located in this area.
As the country entered World War 1, the community oversubscribed its Liberty Bond drive, raising over $250,000. There were American flags in most windows. Some 200 young men from Des Plaines served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Nine were to lose their lives.
The ending of World War I in 1918 was soon followed by the tragic influenza epidemic which struck with sudden and unexpected force (20,000 Chicagoans died in the epidemic).
In 1919, the Volstead Act, passed by the Congress, banned the sale and distribution of liquor. This was the beginning of the Prohibition Era in the United States, though the village of Des Plaines had voted itself dry in 1915, causing some wags to refer to the village as "Dry Plaines."
As the tiny congregation of Methodists approached its 50th year, new vigor was soon to be injected into their midst with the coming to town of some very special people, among whom were Grace Garrett and Dr. Clifton J. Hill.
Pastors:
1899-1901 - Rev. Clifton P. Pledger.
1901 Rev. W. C. Godden.
1902 - Rev. J. H. Alling.
1903 Rev. O. S. Baker.
1904 Rev. J. S. Troxel.
1905-1906 Rev. William Terrill.
1907 Rev. D. B. Magee.
1908 Rev. F. G Henke.
1909 Rev. Ford Pledger.
1910-1911 Rev. O. P. Shenefelt.
1912 Rev. T. H. Jorgenson.
1913-1917 - Rev. Harvey C. Travis.
1918 Rev. Charles Brown.
1919-1920 Rev. Howard Buxton.
1920-1930: Remodeling and Growing
As the "Roaring Twenties" arrived, Des Plaines was a community in transition. There were 192 business firms, and 82 retailers in town. The number had doubled between 1917 and 1922. The main streets of Des Plaines were paved, there was a new water system, and the beginning of a more adequate sewer system. Better fire protection and improved street lighting had also been provided.
In 1920 the population was 3,451. By 1930 it was 8,798. Among the largest industrial firms in the city were Benjamin Electric and Lord and Burnham (growers of roses). The eggs laid at Grewe's Egg Farm were sold across the country.
The '20s were a time when youth rebelled, prohibition was largely ignored, and prosperity seemed to be within everyone's grasp.
At the Methodist Church the Rev. Fred Ingvolstad was appointed pastor in 1920, and served two years. He resided in a house rented for the pastor.
Summer sociables were instituted cake and homemade ice cream sold outside on summer evenings as a way of helping meet the church budget.
The "Art Minnich Hungry Five" provided many a concert at the gazebo across Lee Street from the Methodist Church. Art was an old-time Methodist who had toured the country playing with a railroad band. Around 1927 the "Hungry Five" had a program on WJJD - a station so powerful at that time that some claimed it could be heard in their bedsprings, and even in their teeth. They played a lot of German music.
Jayne Hensch Rode relates that there was always a Christmas Eve service when children had the pleasure of receiving a small box of hard candy and an orange.
Rev. Robert Smith was pastor when the Park Place was remodeled and enlarged in 1924. Members from that time recall how the church struggled with the debt incurred from the remodeling. It was at this time that the front entrance was changed to provide access from the south, off Park Place.
Pastor Smith was followed briefly by Dr. B. B. Evans, and then by the Rev. Harold Taylor. A house was rented on Rose Avenue for his use.
During this time, a piano was purchased for the church, the payments being $15 per month. Grace Garrett, newly arrived in Des Plaines, became the pianist. Margaret Knittle directed the choir of about 15 members.
Church membership was about 100 at this time. Dr. C. J. Hill joined the church in 1923, and soon became an active leader.
In 1925, the residents of Des Plaines voted to become a city.
In 1929, the stock market crash sent the country into an economic depression which had a profound effect upon people and institutions alike.
The era of the '20's began with youth rebelling against the restrictions of their elders. It ended with the basics of food and shelter becoming a daily struggle for many.
Pastors:
1920-1921 - Rev. Fred Ingvolstad
1921-1924 - Rev. Robert J. Smith
1925 - Dr. Blackburn B. Evans
1926-1927 - Rev. Harold K. Taylor
1927-1930- Rev. Wm. Bailey Waltmire
1930-1940: The Depression Years
In 1930 the population of Des Plaines was 8,798.
In the decade of the 'thirties, people learned to "make do" with less. It was a time when Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons found families together playing games, assembling puzzles, and singing around the piano. An occasional movie might be enjoyed, when the 25 cents could be spared.
Many Des Plaines businesses did their best to help families suffering the most from the economic depression. Local milkmen picked up children along their routes and brought them to churches where they were given free chocolate milk and other necessities.
It was a time when people huddled together, and helped each other out. It seemed as if there was no end to difficulties. And, these 'hard times' lasted not for weeks, or for months, but for years.
In 1934 a group of Des Plaines businessmen, (including Dr. C. J. Hill), seeing that a need existed to assist families in home ownership, founded the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Des Plaines.
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded part of the cost of building a new Des Plaines City Hall in 1936. The WPA also built Rand Park, and a water-softening plant on the west side.
When Lee Street was widened in 1937, the city held a street dance between Prairie and Ellinwood. Later on there were three-day summer carnivals along Ellinwood from Pearson to River Road.
The Rev. George Carswell became the pastor of the Methodist Church in 1930. He was described as being an older man, and married, though without children.
The church had a good choir, which included, among others, Jayne Hensch (now Rode), Bill Hensch, their father (the bass soloist), Walter Pflughaupt (later to become Mayor), and Fire Chief Axel Petterson. Margaret Knittle directed the Choir. Grace Garrett was the pianist.
When the Immanuel Lutheran Church replaced its organ, the Methodist Church obtained their discarded pump organ, and "Tootie" Lueth became the organist.
The Rev. Philip Bohi became pastor in 1933, and remained throughout the rest of the decade. He was an excellent pastor, always ready to do whatever he could for anyone.
Under Rev. Bohi's guidance, the Epworth League thrived; it grew to include some 30 members. The youth would sometimes have roller skating parties in the church basement. Pastor Bohi fostered tolerance and understanding; on occasion he took the youth to socialize with other youth groups in the heart of Chicago.
In addition to the Epworth League and the Church School, other organized groups were the Women's Group (Ladies Aid Society), Men's Club, and Boy Scouts. There were also many luncheons and dinners planned - some for fellowship, others for fund-raising purposes.
Bill and Fred Hensch, as teen-agers, served as janitors for $10 per month. Sometimes, they would not receive their salary on time because there was no money to pay them. Once, in response to their questioning, the treasurer informed them that the pastor hadn't yet been paid either.
Charlie Mack recalled the closing years of the decade as being the "low point" of the depression years. The Annual Conference was in such difficult financial straits, that there were repeated pleas for apportionments to be paid. Some among the membership were comparatively well off. Yet even these folk were helping other family members to survive.
Cash was hard to come by, so the $600 apportionment was borrowed from the bank. When the note came due, Charlie attempted to obtain fifty pledges of $1.00 a week. There were less than fifty responses, but some gave more and the loan was repaid.
An organized list of the membership was not available (in these depression years there were no funds for a secretary). Some of the members, together with the pastor, put together such a list. This enabled a more systematic visitation of the entire membership, to enlist support for the church.
The Hoovers, Housers, Sundblooms, Hopps, Henrichs, Paynes, Pflughaupts, Vavrineks, Herons, and Churchs were some of the mainstays of the congregation.
While funds were in short supply all around, this was another decade of advancement, which provided many pleasant memories.
Pastors:
1930-1932 Rev. George Carswell
1933-1941 Rev. Philip T. Bohi
1940-1950: Post War Growth / New Property Purchased
In 1940 the population of Des Plaines was 9,518.
With World War II beginning, first in Europe, then in the Pacific, the decade of the 40's began on an uneasy note. A booming economy, however, was soon created by the production of military equipment of all kinds, and the years of the depression were soon only a memory.
The demands of all-out war, however, led to the rationing of many commodities, including: sugar, shoes, oils, fats, canned and processed foods, meat, butter, gasoline, fuel oils, cheese, and coffee.
The Office of Price Administration Rationing Board, situated on the second floor of City Hall, distributed ration coupons to Des Plaines residents.
Some 1,500 residents served in the Armed Forces during World War II. Twenty-two of them lost their lives.
The sobering realities of war caused people to turn to their roots of faith to help them through. At the Methodist Church, a "Roll of Honor" was soon placed in the church to acknowledge those who had entered military service. The Woman's Society was busy knitting, and rolling bandages. One Circle purchased a flag for the church.
In March, 1941, the Official Board authorized the purchase of a house across the street from the Park Place building for use as a parsonage at a cost of $3,500. The Woman's Society agreed to pay $35 per month toward the parsonage debt.
Later in 1941, the Rev. William Manny was appointed pastor. The next year, Rev. Manny enlisted in the Navy as a Chaplain. The Rev. William Whipple completed this assignment, and was succeeded by the Rev. Theodore Potter, who faithfully served the congregation for the next 14 years, a time of sustained growth. [In 1981, the cross above the altar, in the present building, was dedicated in Rev. Potter's memory].
In July of 1941, the first C47 (the military version of the DC 3) was flown at the Douglas Aircraft Plant, just south of Des Plaines (at Orchard Place), in the area now known as O'Hare Field.
Hundreds of Des Plaines residents were to be employed there throughout the war, mainly on assembly lines.
Early in 1946 the City of Chicago acquired this land from the War Surplus Administration. From this beginning there soon developed O'Hare Field, now the world's busiest airport, providing air transportation to any place in the world.
G. Walter Pflughaupt assumed the office of Mayor of Des Plaines in 1945, and served one four- year term.
The ending of World War II brought an explosion of population and industry to Des Plaines. This was to become the fastest and greatest population increase the city would ever know.
The facilities of the Park Place church soon became inadequate. The worship schedule was changed from one to two services. North School was rented for use of the church school. And on Easter Sunday services were held in the Des Plaines Theater.
Meanwhile, the then-vacant property (200' X 216') at Graceland and Prairie, (on which had been located the home of the Whitcomb family), became available and was purchased as the site for a new church building. The cost, negotiated by Dr. C. J. Hill, was $10,000. A Building Fund Crusade raised $50,000 on two Sundays to begin the project.
Extraordinary support was given to this project by the Men's Club and the Woman's Society. The women utilized every conceivable resource to help. They served a monthly luncheon for the Lions
Club, held Mother's Day Banquets, provided Salad Bar Luncheons, quilts were made to order, and Christmas cards were sold, as well as stationery, Stanley Brushes, and Vanilla.
The present church was literally built on quarters, half-dollars, and dollar bills." For women saved all they could save to help toward the building of the new church.
The Men's Club was active also. Meeting once a month to conduct business and provide a social outlet, the men assumed responsibility for painting and fixing up the existing church, as well as pledging to provide the "extra touches" needed when the new building was built.
In 1947 the Woman's Society also pledged $1000 toward an Organ Fund. The following Easter, a new Hammond organ was used for the first time.
In September, 1949, groundbreaking services were held at the new location. Construction of the church building began soon afterward, and the congregation was on the threshold of a new day.
By the end of the decade, Des Plaines was no longer a farming community, where everyone knew nearly everyone else in town. Veterans had bought homes and settled down with their families. O'Hare Airport had begun commercial operations. Farming had declined as other businesses grew. The prairie town had grown up, and was rapidly becoming another sprawling suburb.
Pastors:
1941-1942 - Rev. William Manny
1942-1942 - Rev. William L. Whipple
1943-1958 - Rev. Theodore Potter
1950-1960: New Buildings Constructed / Annual Building Fund
The so-called "baby boom" was taking place all across the country as the 50's began. In Des Plaines, schools were bursting at the seams, and many new school buildings were being built.
It was a time of extraordinary growth for the churches in town also, and many new church buildings were being built as well. Among these, (in addition to the Methodist Church) were, St. Stephen's Catholic, Immanuel Lutheran, Good Shepherd Lutheran, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox, and the Des Plaines Bible Church.
In addition, Maine Township High School West, at Wolf Road and Oakton Street was opened in 1959. Ground was broken for the Northwest Suburban YMCA on Northwest Highway, and for Holy Family Hospital along Golf Road, on the north side of the city.
On another note, the first McDonald's Restaurant was opened by Ray Kroc on Lee Street, north of the tracks.
The population of the city grew from 14,994 in 1950, to 23,500 in 1954, and to 30,000 by the end of the decade.
The lives of many in the church and community were dramatically changed during this time also by the invasion of South Korea and the beginning of the Korean war. Families were disrupted as veterans and reservists were called back into service.
Among the residents of Des Plaines who paid the supreme price during this conflict. This included Lt. Sam H. Wakefield, whose life is permanently memorialized with a headstone on the grounds of the church building.
The Cornerstone Laying Ceremony for the new Methodist Church (at Graceland and Prairie) took place in February, 1950. Dr. C. J. Hill had agreed to serve as the General Contractor for the building. Under his watchful eye the building was completed in April, 1951.
At the Service of Consecration on April 26, the new building was referred to as "a symphony of stone, mortar, glass, wood and steel; given deep resonance by sincere prayers, sacrificial offerings, determined faith, and willing labor."
At an "Open House" the following Sunday, Dr. Hill presided while representatives of many Des Plaines civic and fraternal organizations brought greetings and well wishes from the community. The Woman's Society served refreshments to about 450 people.
In June, 1951, a letter was sent to the congregation from the Finance Committee suggesting several goals for the following year. Among these were: a 30% increase in church membership; family devotions in every home every day; church attendance of at least 3 times a month; and every member pledging to current expenses, benevolences, and the Building Fund.
In August this same year, the 4th Annual Building Fund Crusade was implemented to obtain $40,000 in cash and pledges (to be applied to the $68,000 of remaining indebtedness).
In December, 1951, the completely furnished and decorated parlor, another project of the Woman's Society, was dedicated.
The Methodist Men furnished the church office, and contributed many hours toward the preparation of the new building for occupancy. Many Saturdays were spent moving furniture, laying tile, and doing clean-up work.
In 1953 a Nursery was provided during the 11 o'clock service, in a room behind the balcony, for children up to two years of age.
That December, in one month alone, 59 people joined the church, and 14 children were baptized. The membership of the Woman's Society was 187, and the Methodist Men averaged about 90 in attendance each month. In 1954, worship attendance averaged 457 per Sunday.
The new building did not have sufficient space for the children attending church school, so the two story house across Graceland (known as the "Charm House") was rented for church school use. This was the historic Sigwalt House located at 655 Graceland.
It was not unusual to have 125 preschool children crowded into the first floor of this building. The church's plan to purchase this house ended when the City of Des Plaines decided to buy it instead, to provide for a city parking lot. Even though the house could still be rented for a short time, it was apparent that an Educational Building was needed, and a plan was developed to do so as soon as possible.
In April, 1954, the frame residence at 1525 Park Place was sold for $13,000. It had served as a parsonage since 1941. The following month, a contract was signed for $24,350 to build a new parsonage at 702 Laurel Avenue.
In 1955, construction began on the new Educational Unit to accommodate the expanding Church School. This building was completed and consecrated in June, 1957.
In 1958, Dr. C. Wesley Israel was appointed as pastor.
The 1950's brought tremendous accomplishments by the people of this congregation. A beautiful new sanctuary was built, a large addition was added to it (within six years), and a new parsonage was erected.
Even more significantly most of the indebtedness incurred had been retired, by the end of the decade. In addition, all other obligations were being met as well: Conference apportionments, the support of mission projects, and the continued funding of local programs.
The city of Des Plaines had expanded beyond what anyone could have imagined. And its residents were more mobile than ever before. They no longer worked down the street or next door, but miles away in other cities, and needed expressways or commuter trains to get there.
A great deal had changed during the decade. But the church had made the necessary adjustments and was ready to deal with whatever lay ahead.
Pastors:
1943-1958 - Rev. Theodore Potter
1958-1962 Dr. C. Wesley Israel
Associate Pastors:
1953-1955 - Merris Brady
1954-1956 - Duaine J. Lunemann
1957-1958 - Arthur Peterson
1958-1960- Robert Biddick
1960-1970: Growth in Membership and Church School Beginning of Nursery School
As the new decade dawned, the explosive postwar growth of Des Plaines continued. In 1960 the population was 30,000. By 1965 it had reached 50,800. In 1970 the population was 57,237.
In addition, the development of a nationwide network of superhighways had a strong impact upon the city. New toll-roads were built traversing Des Plaines from north to south, and from east to west, adding to its superb location as a transportation hub.
The need for landfill necessitated by these construction projects created several recreational lakes in the city most especially Lake Opeka, which was opened in 1964 for use by residents.
In 1969, Oakton Community College was established. Three years later, its primary campus was relocated to Des Plaines, north of Golf Road.
Noteworthy as well was the addition of new bilevel coaches to the Chicago and Northwestern suburban commuter line.
But the decade of the 60's was primarily a time of turmoil as the United States became involved in the Vietnam War. It was a time when youth radically questioned the values of prior generations, and of authority in general.
Disruptive demonstrations were commonplace. There were protest marches in Des Plaines, and the Selective Service office on Miner Street was severely damaged.
Within the congregation, the membership was now 1698, and the Building Fund had been oversubscribed.
To accommodate its first Assistant Pastor, a three-bedroom brick ranch-style home located at 995 S. Third Avenue, was purchased in June, 1960, for $22,250.
The MYF was involved in two softball leagues, and sponsored a Hawaiian Luau to raise funds for the summer camp program.
The Couples' Club was a going group of 30 to 35 people that provided good fellowship for its participants. Progressive dinners were favorites, but there also was opportunity for square dancing, bowling, Halloween costume parties, and parties for other occasions.
There were eight circles in the Woman's Society, and an Evening Guild, for a total of 242 members. In 1973, 70 additional members joined the Woman's Society.
Becoming weary of the many fund-raising projects, the WSCS inaugurated a pledge system in 1961, although bazaars (then called Spring and Fall Festivals) continued to be held.
Some of the funds raised were used to buy the dishwasher for the kitchen. The number of Circles grew to 12 by 1965, and the Woman's Society helped bring Bible School to children of migrant families (there were nearly 100 Latino families living in the area), as well as providing support to the USO.
In addition to the Chancel Choir there was a Chapel Choir, a Wesley Choir (6th to 8th grade girls), a Shepherd Choir (6th to 8th grade boys), and a Carol Choir (3rd to 5th grade children).
In 1963, the congregation sponsored an Indonesian refugee family the Stobberinghs, who were integrated into the life of the church.
A significant step also taken in 1963 was the beginning of a Weekday Nursery School (then for 4-year olds only) in the church. This valuable community service would continue to be effective for the remainder of the century.
The Rev. Robert Bruehl became pastor in 1962, remaining as pastor until 1972. During his tenure the 2000th member joined the church. [In 1981, the eternal light at the front of the chancel was dedicated to his memory].
In 1965 the average worship attendance was 575. In 1970 worship attendance was 413, and church school attendance 404.
The fear engendered by the Cold War brought into being the Civil Defense Warning System, as well as the designation of 18 Civil Defense Shelters in the city of Des Plaines, the Methodist Church being one of the designated sites.
On the national level, the former Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968 to form the United Methodist Church.
Despite the tensions related to the Vietnam War, and the fear of nuclear attack, the decade of the 60's continued to foster remarkable church growth. The church was thriving despite the turmoil surrounding it.
Pastors:
1958-1962 Dr. C. Wesley Israel
1962-1972 - Rev. Robert A. W. Bruehl
Associate Pastors:
1960-1961 Edwin F. Rode
1962 - Richard L. Betts
1963 - James M. LeGro II
1964-1969 Robert T. Prater
1969-1970 George F. Lockwood III
1970-1980: Aftereffects of Vietnam War
As the new decade began, the growth of Des Plaines and all its institutions began to slow dramatically. While the population in 1970 was 57,237, by 1973 it had dropped to 55,573. Schools, churches and business establishments began to feel the effect of this very quickly.
In 1970 church membership was 1,765, worship attendance was 413, and church school attendance 404.
Though the involvement of the U.S. in Vietnam ended in 1973 allowing healing to begin, it was years before tensions subsided, and veterans of Vietnam were given recognition.
Amid the turmoil of this era, the congregation observed its 100th Anniversary in 1971. In celebration of the blessings enjoyed, a gift was given totaling $2,500 to two United Methodist agencies: United Methodist Youth Services and The Methodist Home and Community Services.
A Potluck Dinner on Sunday, October 17, honored the members of longest standing, Edith and Clifton Goodyear (who had joined the church in 1916). Dr. and Mrs. C. J. Hill were also honored for their service to the church.
The following Sunday, October 24, Bishop Pryor was the preacher for the morning worship service. Later there was an "Afternoon of Reflections" to climax the centennial celebration.
In June, a further celebration honored Dr. C. J. Hill's 50 years of dedicated service to the church, during which the Chapel was dedicated in his name. [There remains a plaque just outside the Chapel identifying it as the Dr. C. J. Hill Chapel].
During the early years of the decade, the Weekday Nursery School was expanded to include both 3- and 4-year olds.
Dr. Carl Mettling was appointed pastor in 1972, coming to Des Plaines after six years of service as Superintendent of the Chicago Northern District. Dr. Mettling had served as a Navy Chaplain during World War II. Both Carl and Fran were very strong opponents of the Vietnam War. Some in the congregation objected to their strongly expressed views.
In 1973 the former Woman's Society of Christian Service officially became the United Methodist Women. The new name brought no change in their ongoing commitment to spiritual growth, fellowship, and support of missions around the world.
In 1975, church membership was 1136, worship attendance was 242, and church school attendance was 90.
A unique addition to the music program was the addition of English Handbells (by means of contributions to the Memorial Fund), and the creation of a Handbell Choir. Additional bells have been added from time to time as memorials also.
In the late '70s, three musicals, directed by Barbara Kunkel-Meier, were offered by the adult, youth, and children's choirs.
Rev. Ronald Graham was appointed pastor in 1977.
The decade ended with church membership at 896, worship attendance of 181, and church school attendance of 97.
Throughout a decade of turmoil, the church had remained faithful, and healing was being experienced. The congregation was therefore prepared to face the fresh demands of a new decade.
Pastors:
1962-1972 - Rev. Robert A. W. Bruehl
1972-1977 - Dr. Carl Mettling
1977-1982 - Rev. Ronald R. Graham
Associate Pastors:
1969-1970 - Rev. George F. Lockwood III
1970-1972 - Rev. Charles L. Kepler
1971-1972 Rev. Paul Grimes
1972-1977 - Rev. Raymond K. Rhoads
1977-1978 - Rev. William J. Kuntze
1978-1981 - Rev. Laura C. Truby
1980-1990
The population of Des Plaines dropped a bit more as a new decade began, and then stabilized. In 1980 the figure reported was 53,568.
However, the 'gradual graying' of church and community started to change as younger families began to move into the city. A fair number of these families were attracted to the Methodist Church. The Weekday childcare programs, as well as the vitality generated by broad participation in the Disciple Bible Study program, had much to do with this.
In the '80s, the congregation undertook unique efforts in ministry, both to the local community and to people from many parts of the world.
Late in 1980, the Bethany Korean United Methodist Church, previously located in Chicago, was welcomed to Des Plaines with First Methodist serving as the host congregation. The Rev. Chang Soo Lee led worship services in the Chapel each Sunday (in the Korean language). After a short time this effort had to be disbanded.
Also in 1980, an agreement was entered into to participate in the resettlement of a refugee family to Des Plaines. This ultimately resulted in the arrival of the Somjet family, a Vietnamese family (two parents and three children), who had lived in refugee camps for five years. After three years of assistance and supervision, the family was secure enough to move to Philadelphia where other relatives resided.
In 1982, the congregation endorsed the beginning of a Hospice program, headed by Betty Brosius and Barbara Flauter. This was the start of Rainbow Hospice, Inc., now a quite large consortium providing many levels of care for the terminally ill and their families in the Northwest suburbs.
The Rev. Russell Carlson was appointed pastor in June, 1982.
A focus upon Pastoral Counseling was developed in the mid-80s, with Dr. Merlin Mather (who was Associate Pastor) providing service as the therapist.
In 1984, a major renovation of the first floor of the education unit was undertaken, creating the Resource Center, three classrooms, a conference room, and handicapped accessible washrooms.
This new area was designated as Goodyear Hall, honoring the many contributions of Edith and Clifton Goodyear to the congregation.
At the same time, as a result of this same bequest, ceiling insulation was installed in the sanctuary, and lexan storm windows were installed outside of the stained glass windows reducing heating costs dramatically.
A Seminary Student Fund was instituted in 1984 (to 1989), providing support for our current Seminary student, Gary Barber - then to George Hooper for two years and to George Dorado while he finished his work at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
Heritage Sunday was celebrated in April, 1984. Bicentennial Banners were made and displayed acknowledging 200 years of American Methodism. All those who had been members of the congregation for 25 years or more were specially honored.
A Prayer Chain, started in 1982, made a vital contribution to the life of the congregation. The addition of Pew Bibles, and the purchase of new Hymnals also made a significant contribution to worship. But the most profound impact of all was made by the Disciple Bible Study venture (a 34 week concentrated study of scripture as it applies to today's needs).
In January 1987, a Mission was organized to minister to persons of Hispanic background who were living in the Des Plaines area. The Rev. George Dorado was assigned to serve as pastor of this Mission, the goal being to become an independent congregation as soon as practical. Worship services were conducted in the chapel, but the entire building was put at the disposal of the Mission.
Church membership was 786 in 1985. Worship attendance was 178, and church school attendance was 43. In 1990, church membership was 718, worship attendance was 160, and Church School attendance was 62.
It is interesting to note, that while membership decreased during the '80s, many exciting and successful outreach and discipleship programs were implemented, while previously existing programs continued as well.
As the decade ended, the congregation was no longer looking back toward what had seemed to be the "best years," but rather was looking ahead with anticipation to what the years ahead might bring.
Pastors:
1977-1982 Rev. Ronald R. Graham
1982- Rev. Russell L. Carlson
Associate Pastors:
1978-1981 - Rev. Laura C. Truby
1981-1989 - Dr. Merlin R. Mather
1989-1993 - Rev. George A. Dorado
Administrative Secretary:
1983- - Addie Romano
1990-2000: Disciple/Family Entrance/ESL
As the new decade began, the population remained stable in both the community and the church. The population of Des Plaines in 1990 was 53,223. Church membership was 715.
A change began to be felt in the life of the congregation, however.
The church building, rather than being only a Sunday meeting place, had evolved into a seven- day-per-week operation, with a variety of groups meeting during the daytime and during the evening.
On week days there was the Nursery School program, the Mom-Tot program, Mother's Day Out, Good News Choir practice, and English as a Second Language classes. Week nights there were Disciple Bible Study classes, Choir rehearsals Tuesday and Thursdays, Boy Scouts, and A.A. meetings, as well as the regular Board and Committee meetings.
Continuing the emphasis of the 80's upon ministry to persons of differing ethnic backgrounds, the ESL program, in cooperation with Oakton Community College, proved to be a quite significant undertaking. Asians, Hispanics, Eastern Europeans, and others filled the program to capacity year after year.
The ecumenically developed "Callers for Christ" venture in 1990 was a major effort to make contact with the estimated 25,000+ residents of the community who were not related to any local congregation. The leadership provided by the Methodist Church in this effort was crucial.
The need for additional parking motivated the purchase of a house on Webford Avenue early in 1991 and its demolition the following summer. An additional 18 spaces were provided with the construction of a parking lot on the site.
This led to the development of the Family Entrance Project creating an entirely new west entrance to the church building. The full-scale elevator which was a part of the project made the entire building wheelchair accessible. (The New Family Entrance was dedicated in November of 1994).
The addition of a concert grand piano (in memory of the Brubaker girls) was another important development in 1994. This coincided with the beginning of the Fine Arts Concert Series, a successful venture which brought exceptional music and musicians into the community.
To provide a needed focus upon youth, the congregation also took the step of providing a housing allowance for the Senior Pastor so the Laurel parsonage could be made available to a new Youth Leader. Bruce and Shayne Smith came on staff in August 1994 as a result, and the response of the youth to their leadership was quickly made evident.
In autumn 1994, another community issue was the effort by Prima Donna Resorts (a Nevada gaming corporation) to obtain approval to locate a casino gambling enterprise in Des Plaines. Methodist leadership was again crucial in requiring that this be made a Referendum issue, and in the sound defeat of the Referendum by the voters of the community (despite a very substantial financial investment in the matter by Prima Donna Resorts).
In 1995 the initiation of the Vision 2000 program, and the development of plans for the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the congregation, continued to cause the focus to be on the future rather than on the past.
Vi Bond put the life of the church in good perspective in a 1979 issue of the Messenger:
For over a century, ministers have come and gone. Not everyone has totally agreed with all of them. But a nucleus of members has worshipped together, contributed countless hours of physical labor, served on committees, and were the 'cement' that kept the church growing.... (We owe our) personal gratitude not only to the ministers, but to the 'endless line of splendor' exemplified by our lay leadership and supportive membership.
Pastors:
1982- Rev. Russell L. Carlson
Assoc. Pastors:
1989-1993 - Rev. George A. Dorado
1994 - Rev. Roger Zavala (Hispanic Mission)
Administrative Secretary:
1983- Addie Romano
2000 and beyond: Vision 2000 Goals Achieved
"The Church is of God, and will be preserved to the end of time, for the conduct of worship and the due administration of Christ's Word and Sacraments, the maintenance of Christian fellowship and discipline, the edification of believers, and the conversion of the world. All, of every age and station, stand in need of the means of grace which it alone supplies."
The words of this long-used liturgy express well the confidence in the future which is held by that family of faith identified as the First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines, Illinois.
This is not a tenuous sort of hope. It is bold, assertive, and dynamic. In a very real sense - great as have been the years gone by - what is past is considered to be prologue. The best is truly yet to be.
The goals adopted for accomplishment by the year 2000, are expected to be met. The Dreams and Visions shared, it is anticipated, will lead to a broadened vision and even bolder dreams.
We are positioned to advance into a new century with confidence, equipped as never before to 'fight the good fight of faith,' and be a force for good in our community and in the world.
We shall be limited only by our determinations. Whatever we decide to do and be as a people shall be ours to accomplish.
When the year 2021 arrives, and we celebrate our 150th Anniversary Year, we shall be able to clearly discern how the hand of God has led us into the 'promised land' of opportunities which shall then surround us.
Thanks be unto God for allowing us the privilege of sharing in the story of faithfulness which shall continue to inspire the faith of generations to come.
Bibliography
- Brown, Millie, "a Decade by Decade History of First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines, 1988.
- Congregational Centennial, First Congregational Church of Des Plaines, James Spicer and George Wolfram, eds.
- Des Plaines Centri-Quad-O-Rama, Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, 1969.
- Des Plaines Sesquifest, Suburban Times Newspapers, 1985.
- Henkes, Mark, Des Plaines: A History, 1975.
- "Historical Documents of First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines."
- Johnson, Donald, Des Plaines: Born of the Tall Grass Prairie, 1984.
- Melton, Gordon. Log Cabins to Steeples (Methodism in Illinois), 1974.
- Smith, Murray. The Webster House unpublished monograph, 1974.
- Whitmal, Angela, Greetings from Des Plaines, Des Plaines Historical Society, 1995.
