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A brief history of St. Paul Lutheran ChurchSt. Paul Lutheran Church was established in 1941 as a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Its beginnings were humble, as in its early years worship services and Sunday School were held in a local school and later in a store front on Ardmore Avenue. Due to war-time shortages, the congregation did not have its own place of worship until 1946, and then it was only a basement meeting place on the present site of the church. It was not until 1954 that an actual building appeared on the corner of Washington and Ardmore. And it was in 1962 that the church was expanded to its present size.Down through the years St. Paul has been characterized by a dynamic program of Christian education and especially a program involving adults. Throughout the 1960’s a majority of adult members participated in a Bible study program called “The Bethel Series”. This was followed by other adult Bible study programs that have had a significant influence in shaping the life and mission of the congregation to this day. The congregation has also been blessed by a rich variety of musical opportunities that touch all ages and add beauty to its worship life. Guided by God’s words spoken to Abraham in Genesis 12, that we are “Blessed to be a blessing”, St. Paul Church has always sought to make these words a reality by using its facilities to the fullest extent. In 1975, St. Paul Christian Day Care and Kindergarten was established as an outreach ministry to the community. Adult Day Care for elderly adults also had its roots in St. Paul Church, but uses the facilities of a neighboring Lutheran congregation. The East Parish House has been the site of a counseling center operated by Lutheran Social Services of Illinois for many years. The congregation receives no rent from these organizations, but considers them a vital part of its ministry to the community.
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