St. Mark's English Evangelical Lutheran Church

St. Mark's English Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 1922 as a member of the United Lutheran Church in America. It was located originally at Peterson and Talman Aves., and later at N. Rockwell at Glenlake. In 2000 it merged with Rogers Park Lutheran to form Light of Christ.

A survey was made in the Spring of 1922 and revealed a number of prospects for a new church. The Illinois Synod and the Home Mission Board of the United Lutheran Church in America purchased a portable chapel (pictured below) from Belmont Park Lutheran Church, and moved it to Talman Ave and Peterson Road.

Dr. T.B. Hersch, the Synodical Home Mission Pastor, was sent to the new field and began a systematic search for new members. The organization meeting was held October 15, 1922 and the name "St. Mark's English Evangelical Lutheran Church" was chosen.

The property on Peterson Road was wanted by the Chicago Park Board. The property was condemned and purchased by the Park Board, giving the congregation enough to pay back the Home Mission Board for the property and to purchase five lots on the corner of Rockwell and Glenlake. A building program was begun and formal dedication of the new brick chapel (pictured below with parsonage) took place on October 10, 1926.

By the mid 1940s, the church needed more room. In 1944 another Building Fund was started, and in 1947 plans were approved. The cornerstone was laid in 1953 and the building (pictured at top) dedicated on March 28, 1954.

In 2000 the congregation merged with Rogers Park Lutheran Church to form Light of Christ Lutheran at 7045 N. Western Ave.

Original records
Original record books should be found at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 7045 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60626. The ELCA Archives has congregational histories and other materials relating to St. Mark's.

Sources
A History and Directory of Saint Mark Lutheran Church, Golden Anniversary -- October 15, 1972, 1972.