Evangelical Lutheran Lebanon Church
The Evangelical Lutheran Lebanon Church, a member of the Augustana Synod, was organized in 1904 out of mission efforts begun in the Cragin area of Chicago in 1900 by women of the Saron Lutheran Church. Known as St. John's Mission, the group coalesced into a congregation, changed its name to Lebanon and purchased lots at 4857-59 Homer St.
A church building was constructed, with dedication held on Oct. 27, 1907. A basement was added in 1914-1915.
On March 17, 1921, Lebanon merged into Gethsemane Evan. Lutheran, also known as First Gethsemane. Services of the merged congregation were held in Lebanon's building until January 1, 1923, when the building was purchased by St. Paul's German Lutheran Congregation of Cragin.
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Pastors |
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Oscar N. Olson (vice pastor) |
1905-1911 |
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Ernest T. Smith |
1911-1917 |
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J.A. Nordling |
1917-1921 |
Original records
Original record books should be located at United in Faith Lutheran Church, 5447 W. Addison, Chicago, IL 60641-3292. Microfilm of the records has been produced and is available from the ELCA Archives and from the Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. The film, Augustana #A20, has church minutes from 1903 to 1921 on reel 1, and membership records from 1906 to 1921 on reel 2, along with records from Gethsemane. The ELCA Archives also has congregation histories and other materials from First Gethsemane.
Sources
First Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sixtieth Anniversary Souvenir and Annual Directory, 1930.