A look to the past and the future at Vineyard Church of Elgin

Just 10 years after moving into its present location at 220 Division St., Vineyard Church of Elgin recently paid off the mortgage and celebrated with a reception.

The downtown Elgin building was constructed in 1905 by St. Paul's United Church of Christ and purchased by the Vineyard in 2009. Since then, the Vineyard family has enjoyed having a home of its own for worship, conferences and events. The church has opened its doors to the homeless community daily, serving more than 120,000 breakfasts in partnership with other churches and businesses.

The congregation has seen the hand of God in countless ways. Lightning struck the church steeple in 2011, but that resulted in a much-needed new roof. In 2009 and 2019, Elgin Vineyard experienced the blessing of multiplication, when it sent out groups of 40 and 50 congregants to plant new churches in Palatine and Streamwood.

A capital campaign in 2017 exceeded the goal of $400,000 needed to renovate the sanctuary, replace the 100-year-old boiler and pay off the mortgage.

"With all three campaign goals now completed," said the Rev. Tom Severson, "Elgin Vineyard is grateful for the Lord's provision, and we're looking forward with great anticipation to what he has for us in the future."

Guest speaker Daniel Mercado will bring the message this Sunday at Elgin Vineyard. Originally from Mexico, Mercado and his wife, Leticia, are founding pastors of a Spanish-speaking Vineyard church in Gurnee.

The service begins at 10 a.m., and all are invited to attend. Those who come early can grab a free cup of coffee from the wide selection available a half-hour before each service begins.

For more information, call the church office at (847) 697-8001, visit www.elginvineyard.com or www.facebook.com/ElginVineyard.