Barrington church celebrates 1847 birth

The Rev. Zina Jacque says the Community Church of Barrington reminds her of an old, majestic oak tree.

"It has deep roots," Jacque said.

The church, which is older than the village of Barrington itself, will celebrate its 160th anniversary Sunday with a special worship service.

Jacque, the church's first female pastor, said parishioners have been working hard to plan the celebration, which also will feature a dinner for church members.

"There is a lot of enthusiasm," she said.

The anniversary worship service, which will include a proclamation by Barrington Village President Karen Darch, will start at 10:30 a.m. An anniversary meal for members will follow.

The congregation was started in 1847, although services were held in members' homes.

In the 1850s, members decided the time was right to build a church.

So, at a cost of $2,250, the first Community Church of Barrington was erected at Lincoln and Grove avenues -- where it's been ever since.

The original church remained for nearly a century until the present sanctuary and Fellowship Hall were built in 1950. The addition of the Christian Education Building came in 1964.

Throughout the years, Jacque said, it's been the church's members who make it a special place.

While officially Baptist, Jacque said the congregation welcomes people of all faiths. Currently, 14 different faiths are celebrated at the church.

Jacque said members come from across the Northwest suburbs, including the Barrington area, Palatine, Cary, Algonquin and Crystal Lake.

While a small congregation with about 75 active members, everyone has a strong devotion to charitable giving, Jacque said.

The church, she said, is helping to fund a school in Africa and a reading program in Russia.

"Those who are here are just amazing," Jacque said of the membership.

For more information on the church, visit ccbarrington.org.