Palatine church strong in faith and history

History is everywhere at First United Methodist Church of Palatine.

Take the striking stained glass windows now prominently displayed as you enter the building.

They were preserved from an original church which was torn down this year as part of a construction project.

The stained glass all around the Palatine church is a subtle reminder of its roots. They show that the site was a recruitment center for the Civil War and how in the early days, circuit riders would meet in Deer Grove at settler's homes.

In 1858, the original church on Plum Grove Road and Wood Street was dedicated. It was a white frame building that served the congregation until it was sold in 1893 to a farmer, moved a couple of blocks away and later used as a chicken house.

That building was destroyed by fire, according to church records.

But in 1895, a brick building known as the North Church was built, but that was recently torn down and replaced with a multipurpose facility called The Wesley Center.

Now, the congregation is celebrating 150 years of Methodism in this spot.

Had first library

First United Methodist Church is the oldest continuous church standing in Palatine and for that, there are big plans for anniversary this month.

"Part of the long-term success is that we cater to all aspects of people who live in the community," says church member Chuck Oswald, who is on the history committee.

That includes everyone from early pioneers to the Palatine area to current residents. The church is known for its Sunday school classes and music program.

The church's reach to the community has gone further than just religion.

During the early 1900s, the church had the only library in Palatine with hundreds of books in the collection.

Parents at the time were putting their kids in Sunday school even if they belonged to another church, just so they could check out books.

The church also started the first area senior center in the mid 1970s, holding meetings for senior citizens. Later, it grew into a separate organization.

Even the names of founding members are historical for this area. There's no doubt Kirchoff, Wood, Slade, Smith, Cutting, Patten and Paddock ring a bell to people living around here.

Those names, which are on street signs and buildings throughout the suburbs, are also some of the influential members of this church.

Moving forward

Leaders say it was a difficult decision when it came to tearing down the long-standing North church. People had looked into grant money to fix it, but it was difficult to update it to current standards.

"Good or bad, people do move forward," said Martha Lindblad, a church member since the 1960s. "It won't be forgotten."

Members of the congregation were actively involved in the process, volunteering hundreds of hours along the way and donating materials for the job.

During the $3 million project, construction workers uncovered a time capsule last summer that had been buried in the cornerstone of the church.

Lindblad was working in the church office when it was discovered.

"I cant imagine anything more exciting than to be there on that day," she said.

The lead box was enclosed in cement. Some of the things inside were kid's names, loose change and a firecracker.

Now, members are collecting things for a new time capsule to be buried. So far it includes things like the names of children at the church, a cook book and coins.

Reunion planned

To celebrate their 150th, there is a weekend full of events coming up in what organizers are calling a "reunion weekend."

Friday night, an original musical will be performed at the church that depicts its history. It was written and produced by local residents. On Saturday, handfuls of current and former pastors are gathering for a dinner.

People are coming in from across the U.S. to honor the church.

"We wanted to do this all at once," said Kate Sterrett, co-chair for the anniversary weekend. "With all the changes here, we are really moving into the future."

The Great Reunion Weekend

First United Methodist Church in Palatine is celebrating their 150th year this weekend, with several events.

Friday: An original musical, written and produced by local writers is at 7 p.m. It tells the story of the church. The event is open to the public

Saturday: A dinner at Hotel Indigo to honor former pastors

Sunday: Regular worship at 10 a.m.

For more information: Contact First United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road in Palatine or call (847) 359-1345