OUR HISTORY
A Story of Faith Since 1891
Morgan Park Presbyterian Church has been a part of the Morgan Park community for more than 135 years. Our history is one of faithful people who trusted God’s leading through seasons of growth, challenge, renewal, and transformation.
Our story began on July 6, 1890, when twenty-nine residents gathered to discuss the need for a Presbyterian congregation in Morgan Park. Meeting first in Blake Hall at the Morgan Park Military Academy, they organized the Morgan Park Presbyterian Association and petitioned the Chicago Presbytery for a church.
On January 25, 1891, the Home Missions Committee of the Chicago Presbytery officially chartered Morgan Park Presbyterian Church.
The first members expressed their hope with these words recorded in the Session minutes:
“Thankful for the pleasant experiences we all have enjoyed… we look forward hopefully to the future, trusting in the Beneficent Wisdom under whose guidance and protection we are.”
That spirit of faith continues to shape our congregation today.
Building a Church Home
In 1892, W. G. Ferguson donated land on Longwood Drive for the congregation’s first permanent home. The original church building was completed and dedicated in January 1893. Even in those earliest years, the congregation demonstrated remarkable generosity, supporting home and foreign missions, hunger relief, denominational colleges, and assistance for formerly enslaved people while also funding construction of the church.
Throughout the early decades, Morgan Park Presbyterian Church became known as a congregation committed to worship, education, and service.
Faith Through Adversity
Our history has twice been marked by devastating fires—but each time God’s faithfulness was evident.
On January 19, 1933, the original church building was nearly destroyed by fire during the depths of the Great Depression. Although rebuilding seemed impossible, the congregation chose faith over fear. Westminster Hall was completed and dedicated in February 1934, allowing worship to continue while the remainder of the church was constructed.
The beautiful limestone sanctuary that stands today was dedicated on April 20, 1941. Built in the English Tudor Gothic style, it features handcrafted woodwork, Gothic arches, and stunning stained-glass windows created by renowned Philadelphia artist Henry Lee Willet. A stone from the original church remains in the building as the congregation’s “Founder’s Stone,” connecting today’s church with those who first established this ministry.
Nearly sixty years later, in December 1992, a second fire severely damaged the south wing and affected portions of the sanctuary. Once again, the congregation returned to Westminster Hall for worship while restoration took place. The sanctuary was rededicated in December 1993, and the south wing reopened in June 1995—a powerful reminder that even in difficult times, God continues to make all things new.
Growing Together
Following World War II, Morgan Park experienced tremendous growth under the leadership of Rev. Dr. William C. Graham. As young families filled the neighborhood, the church expanded its ministries with children’s choirs, youth music programs, Boy Scouts, Sunday School, and vibrant worship.
To support this growth, the Christian Education Wing was added in 1954 and expanded again in 1967. During these decades, the congregation strengthened both local and global mission efforts, supported Presbyterian missionaries, provided medical equipment loans through the Deacons, and served neighbors through Presbyterian Women and many community partnerships.
As the Morgan Park neighborhood changed over the following decades, the church chose to embrace people of color, and continues as a diverse congregation. We have had conversations about racial realities in our nation and our community, and aim to model an honestand loving community.
Continuing Christ’s Mission
Throughout our history, Morgan Park Presbyterian Church has sought to respond to the needs of each new generation.
Today our ministries continue that tradition through worship, Christian education, music, community partnerships, and compassionate service.
Our congregation supports ministries that include:
- The Garden Ministry, providing fresh produce for neighbors.
- Community food and toiletry assistance through local partnerships.
- The Burrito Brigade, preparing hundreds of meals each month for people experiencing food insecurity.
- Hosting community organizations, neighborhood meetings, and outreach events.
- Our annual Multicultural Concert Series, celebrating music and the rich diversity of our community.
- Partnerships with neighborhood organizations that allow our historic building to become a place of welcome, service, and hope.
While our congregation has changed over the years, our calling remains the same: to worship God, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, care for one another, and serve our neighbors with compassion.
Looking Ahead
Every generation of Morgan Park Presbyterian Church has faced new opportunities and challenges. From our founding in 1891, through two devastating fires, seasons of tremendous growth, and times of transition, God has remained faithful.
As we honor those who came before us, we continue to look forward with hope, trusting that God is still writing the next chapter of our story.
We invite you to become part of it.
The story of Morgan Park Presbyterian Church is still being written. Every new member, every baptism, every meal shared, every hymn sung, and every act of service becomes another chapter in God’s continuing work.
Morgan Park Presbyterian Church 