Presbyterians were worshipping in various homes in 1890, when they decided to establish a church. At first, they met opposition on the grounds that the Episcopal and Congregational churches sufficed for the Village. The small congregation went ahead with their plans and received a charter which established the First Presbyterian Church on October 27, 1890. Services took place at the Masonic Hall in the Sackett Building, then later in the Music Hall on Sixth Avenue, and finally upstairs at the Suburban Club on Fifth Avenue.

In 1892, Presbyterians dedicated their first church building on South Madison. It contained a splendid stained glass window known as the "great north window."

The congregation outgrew its building and a new one was constructed in 1911 on the north side of Elm between Ashland and Catherine Avenues.  Pastor Manley F. Albright held services in the Town Hall during the construction.

The building's architect, Frank Jobson, was impressed by a picture of the Llambadarn Church in Wales, which hung in the home of church organist J. Harry Jones. As a result, the new structure resembled a church in the Welsh countryside dating from the 13^th century. The church's tall tower and pointed arches gave it an appearance of quiet elegance.

The directors approved alterations in 1920 and in 1952, and the bell tower was removed during reconstruction in 1962. A fund-raising effort culminated in erection of a Christian Education Building in 1952.

Membership totaled 2,150 in 1965, and 1,627 in 1977 when Reverend Roe H. Johnson served as pastor.

The church in 1978.  Photograph from La Grange Centennial History 1879-1979.

Several sources were used in the compilation of these entries including but not limited to:

• Images of America -- La Grange and La Grange Park, Illinois by RoseAnna and Robert Mueller, Arcadia Publishing
• La Grange Centennial History 1879-1979, William J Cromie, Editor, La Grange Area Historical Society, 1979

Last Modified:  02/19/2003