Church Named to National Register of Historic Places
The First Congregational Church of Des Plaines is pleased and proud to announce that its nearly 90-year-old church building is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s a distinction overseen by the National Park Service that identifies historic buildings, sites and structures across the country that are deemed worthy of admiration and preservation. The honor comes as the First Congregational Church of Des Plaines – at 766 Graceland - is about to celebrate its Sesquicentennial next month.
Church Moderator Rhonda Yost said, “It is very exciting for the congregation to have our building recognized for its historical value. The fact that the recognition comes in concert with our 150th year as a congregation makes it even more meaningful. Our thanks go out to Brian Wolf for all the work he did.”
Church Moderator Rhonda Yost said, “It is very exciting for the congregation to have our building recognized for its historical value. The fact that the recognition comes in concert with our 150th year as a congregation makes it even more meaningful. Our thanks go out to Brian Wolf for all the work he did.”
Local historian and volunteer Brian Wolf spent many months researching the history and architecture of the church building. On behalf of First Congregational he presented a formal nomination to the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council in late June and its members voted unanimously to recommend to the Park Service that the church building be placed on the National Register. Wolf says he’s proud that his efforts were successful and hopes that “more eyes will focus” on a beautiful building with a very interesting history.
|
The cornerstone of the church was laid in December 1928. The dedication of the congregation’s new home came just 11 months later. The architects - Pond & Pond, Martin and Lloyd - were a well-known firm in the early 20th century and were contemporaries of noted architects Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright.
|
The First Congregational Church building they designed is considered among the best local examples of what’s termed the “Arts and Crafts” style of architecture. The “Arts and Crafts” movement was born in late Victorian England and was meant to emphasize the beauty of craftsmanship and simple forms. It was as much about social reform as it was design.
|
First Congregational was designed to accommodate not only a large and growing congregation, but a rapidly expanding community as well. A large gymnasium with a stage - later to become known as Webster Hall - would serve as a frequent gathering point for community and sporting events, as well as stage plays. The work of the church play crafters later gave birth to the Des Plaines Theater Guild.
|
|
|
Just four years after the Civil War, nine families joined to form the First Congregational Church of Des Plaines. Current members will celebrate its rich history and 150th birthday October 26th.
The First Congregational Church of Des Plaines is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. There is only one other location in Des Plaines that’s on the National Register of Historic places. The Methodist Campground on Algonquin Road was so honored in 2005. Placement on the Register does not prevent alteration or demolition, but it does provide some protections and most significantly, it recognizes and. salutes historic importance. For more information, contact Debra Walusiak at 847-299-5561 |
