Established:1833
Community:First Presbyterian Church first worshiped in the carpenter shop of the second Fort Dearborn and was organized prior to the founding of the village of Chicago. The first public school in Chicago met in the First Church’s building and was founded by Eliza Chappell who became the first pastor’s wife. In 1965 First opened the first Head Start program in Chicago, earlier the church had supported free kindergartens as part of their local missions to poverty stricken areas. The church has a great tradition of attacking the social issues of the day, Frederick Douglas preached at First Church as did Martin Luther King, Jr. Members were leaders in the abolition movement and in 1960’s the congregation attempted to mitigate the gang problems by working with the Blackstone Rangers. We have a very interesting history, one that is grounded in God’s call for justice for all people. At the present time we are in the process of working on three mission goals:
The Revitalization/transformation of our congregation that once numbered some 2500 members and now is barely 100 in number.
The continuance of our hunger programs including the weekly food pantry, the weekly Food for Life hot meal program, our community gardens, and our solar greenhouse. The congregation is exploring new ways to serve a changing community including new uses for our church house.
The refurbishing of our large Gothic Church building, both for worship and for programs.
The seminarian will have the option to work in a number of different programs, wherever they have the greatest strength or interest, from adult bible study to leading discussion at film and faith gatherings. Seminarians are encouraged, if their schedule permits, to participate in the hunger ministry including leading grace on Tuesdays. There will be plenty of opportunities to participate in the worship life of the congregation, as well as visitation, and involvement in community activities.
Go south on Woodlawn Avenue to 64th Street. Go left one block to Kimbark Avenue. The church is on the corner of 64th and Kimbark Avenue. The entrance is on Kimbark Avenue through the Garth.
This site recently called a new pastor. Please check back for more information.