First United Church of Oak Park was formed in 1975 by the merger of
First Presbyterian Church of Oak Park and First Congregational Church
of Oak Park. As the successor of these two congregations, First United
carries on a tradition of ministry in this community dating back many
years.
In February 1863, thirteen Oak Parkers gathered in a little white school-house
to organize the Oak Ridge Church of Harlem. Those early members of the
church, including Mr. and Mrs. Anson Hemingway, the grandparents of Ernest
Hemingway, worshipped in that small, wood-framed schoolhouse. Both First
Presbyterian Church and First Congregational Church trace their roots to
this church.
Over the years, both the First Presbyterian Church and the First
Congregational Church became pivotal forces in the community for social
welfare and for justice. Whether it was advocating for civil rights
during the 1960’s and open housing in the 1970’s, both
congregations were in the forefront of change. In the early 1970’s,
First Presbyterian and First Congregational began looking for more
opportunities for cooperative work. This process resulted in the two
becoming one church in 1975.
The new, united congregation sold one of its two church buildings,
and used the proceeds to form the Special Mission Endowment Fund. The
earnings from this investment are restricted for mission giving. Grants
have supported
many start-up organizations and ongoing advocacy and justice efforts
in OakPark, the Chicago metropolitan area, and around the world.
First United has cherished and been challenged by its heritage of mission
and service. But the focus remains on the future - new forms of ministry
that address and nurture its members and the needs of the world.
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