ST. MICHAEL'S

St. Michael's Church as it
appeared in 1906.  Built in 1870,
it is the oldest church building in
West Chicago and designated
a historical site by the
West Chicago Historical Society.

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St. Michael's was originally chartered as German United Evangelical St. Michael's Church in 1869.  The church building was built the following year at a cost of $2,325.  St. Michael's was the fourth Christian church built in Turner Junction (now West Chicago).  The first three have since been torn down and replaced, leaving St. Michael's as the oldest church building in town.

In 1890 the belltower and steeple with a 5' tall copper spire were added to the church, and the 1,050 pound bell was raised into the tower.  The 115 year old bell stills calls us to worship each Sunday morning.

The intricately carved free-standing pulpit and altar still in place today were given to the church in 1906 by the Sunday School and Young People's Society.  The existing arched stained glass windows were added in 1911, along with the wooden pews (now with seat cushions). 

The 1934 merger of the Evangelical and Reformed denominations resulted in the name of the congregation being changed to St. Michael's Evangelical and Reformed Church.

In 1958, the educational building was built to the south of the church sanctuary.  This multi-purpose building has been the home to various groups and organizations for almost a half a century.  In 1979 this building was named the "Rockwell Memorial Building" in memory of Rev. Trent Rockwell, the congregation's 18th pastor who served from 1953 to 1963.

In 1961, the merger of the Evangelical and Reformed churches with the Congregationalists resulted in a new name for our congregation, St. Michael's United Church of Christ.  

Following the celebration of our Centenial Year in 1970, the congegation called the Rev. Gene Birmingham as it's 21st pastor.  Pastor Gene provided 25 years of enlightened service to St. Michael's, and was honored with the title Pastor Emeritus following his retirement in 1996.   

Also in 1996, a grade access and elevator were added to our church building, providing equal and easy access to all levels of the church building for all. 

Through 137 years and 23 pastors, our members have remained rooted in the traditions of our ancestors, while maintaining an outlook of contemporary thinking that keeps us searching for the most meaningful ways to share God's love, and message of peace and hope, with all people.