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Church celebrates its place in Algonquin history

Erna Houdek, who has been a member of the Congregational Church of Algonquin for 75 years, walks on a handmade runner to the front of the church Sunday during a rededication service for the building. The 164-year-old church has been using the same sanctuary since 1868, more than two decades before the village of Algonquin was incorporated. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

Congregants cross Washington Street in downtown Algonquin Sunday for a rededication service for the 164-year-old Congregational Church. The church has been using the same sanctuary since 1868, more than two decades before the village of Algonquin was incorporated. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

The Congregational Church of Algonquin sanctuary was used as a silent film theater in the 1920s, and also a gymnasium for decades while also used on Sundays for church services. It was refurbished on the inside and outside over the summer, and on Sunday, the 164-year-old church was rededicated. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

Posted November 02, 2014 12:01 am

Daily Herald report

One of McHenry County's oldest churches, Congregational Church of Algonquin, rededicated its 146-year-old building Sunday with a service attended by some of its longest-standing members.

The church, located on Washington Street in the village's downtown, has been a part of the Algonquin community for 164 years. The church building, opened in 1868, has been used not only as a worship center, but a community center that's hosted basketball games, concerts and even silent movies.

"We have a legacy here," the Rev. Brian E. Cope told congregation members Sunday. "We have a tradition."

This summer, the exterior of the building and the inside of the sanctuary were completely restored.

"Thanks to a lot of elbow grease from everyone in the congregation who pitched in," said member Sally Cope.

During the rededication service, the congregation celebrated the 94th birthday of Erna Houdek, who's been a member for 75 years. Sunday's program also listed 23 people who have been church members for more than 50 years, and more than 110 people have been members for more than 25 years.

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