United Church of Rogers Park

United Church of Rogers Park Soundex Code C620

1545 W. Morse Avenue and 6927 N. Ashland Avenue

Circa: 1925

The church was a featured location during 2011 Annual House Tour and openhousechicago 2011 and 2012.

United Church of Rogers Park donated the U006 series of photos to the Society.

Listed in: Rogers Park 2016, page 31.

This grand edifice with classical pillars and a towering dome, which is currently home to the United Church of Rogers Park, is the product of the evolution of several churches dating back to the earliest days of Rogers Park.

One of the first churches built in Rogers Park was a Methodist church, erected in 1874 at Greenleaf Avenue and Clark Street. In fact, several Protestant denominations worshiped in the church before growing their congregations enough to build churches of their own. The First Congregational Church was built in 1889 at 1701 W. Morse Avenue. Soon, the First Congregational Church acquired the property at Morse Avenue and Ashland Avenue, and sold their church to the Lutherans.

Fire destroyed the new building at Morse and Ashland in 1905. The present edifice, closely resembling the earlier building, was built in 1925. In 1969 fire again destroyed the church. During the renovation, the Methodist congregation merged with the Congregational church and became the United Church of Rogers Park.

The parish has undergone some important restorations in the past few years, repairing some damage caused by water from a leaking roof. The church has a neo-classical portico The interior is illuminated by both classical and modern stained glass windows. The highlight of the interior is the painted, interior domed sanctuary with in-the-round seating, which is ornately decorated, and features details of the four evangelists. The United Church of Rogers Park plays a vital and active role in the community today. For over twenty-five years, it has sponsored the Community Feast, offering free hot meals for those in need. In addition, they offer social advocacy and fellowship for many diverse groups making up the Rogers Park community.