A breif history of the Church of Our Saviour in Lincoln Park Parish History Including excerpts - A Brief History of the Church of Our Saviour, Chicago by Jean Ross In the Beginning (1867 - 1868) The Church of Our Saviour was born, like the Saviour himself, in a barn. That barn stood at Belden and Cleveland Avenues and was donated by a devoted man by the name of R.D. Van Wagenen (who would later become the first Senior Warden of COS), who also gave $630 to fit it with a chancel, pews, and a tower. The first service of public worship of what was then known as The Chapel of Our Saviour took place on the evening of Easter Sunday, 1867, by the assistant pastor, The Rev. Edward C. Porter, and the choir of St. James Church (later to be known as St. James Cathedral). In October, 1867, the little congregation called it's first rector, The Rev. Charles Ritter, and with the help of diocesan funds, offered him a stipend of $775 a year. And in September, 1868, the congregation of The Church of Our Saviour, numbering about 28 communicants and 72 souls, was admitted to the Diocese of Chicago. The 'Chapel' of Our Saviour at Belden and Cleveland, 1867 A New Church Building (1869 - 1889) The Chapel of Our Saviour, from 1869-1889. The parish was rapidly outgrowing their little barn-chapel space. It was during the rectorship of The Rev. Albert E. Wells that plans for a new wood-framed church building at the intersection of Lincoln, Belden, and Orchard came to fruition. Alas, Wells would leave the parish before the new building was completed. The Rev. William F. B. Jackson was called as the third rector and he was present at the final service held in the 'barn'. It was with mixed emotions that the parish said goodbye to the little barn, but the new church building was opened to worship by the winter of 1869. It was more than a year after this that Jackson was compelled to resign due to ill health. The Great Chicago Fire (1871) The Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871 and burned for 36 hours, spared the new church building but burned the barn where the parish began. In this year (April 17, 1871), the parish called as its next rector The Rev. William Jacob Petrie, who served until July of 1895. During the fire, the church served as a shelter for victims and a note in the Diocesan Journal of 1872 states that Petrie suspended pew rents for six months and refused to accept any salary during the civic emergency-- a most characteristic action on his part. By 1884 the city and the parish had greatly recovered from the fire and the financial panic of the 1870s. The prosperous parish bought a new pipe organ for $1,800 which they would continue using over the next 80 years! Interior of the old church with the 'new' organ. A More Permanent Church on Fullerton Parkway (1888 - 1900) Church of Our Saviour ca. 1890s The parish continued to worship in this wood-framed church until 1889 when, again, they had grown too large to gather comfortably. Once the remaining mortgage was paid off with the Easter collection in 1888, the old church was sold for $15,500 and land for the current church building was purchase for $13,000 from the Fullerton Avenue. The new property came with the purchase of an older wood-framed building which had been a Presbyterian Church, enabling them to build a new church as well. This remaining building, built around 1863, was incorporated into the design of the new church, serving as the parish house, to save on costs. Clinton J. Warren, a well-regarded local architect also known for the Congress Hotel on Michigan Avenue, was selected to design a new church and rectory for $23,776.50. The cornerstone of this church was laid by Bishop William Edward McLaren, November 4, 1888, and the first service was held on Easter Day, 1889, twenty-one years to the day from the time of the first service in Mr. Van Wagenen's barn. The parish growth during the first forty years was remarkable, and the work accomplished was noteworthy. By 1907 there were 521 communicants. The parish could point with pride to notable vocations from its ranks, including The Right Rev. Frederick William Keator, Bishop of Olympia, who was confirmed at COS, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir. The Right Rev. Samuel Cook Edsall, Bishop of Minnesota, grew up in the parish and sang in the choir. The Rev. Henry Edward Chase, youngest grandson of the first Bishop of Illinois was also confirmed here. The interior of the church continued to developed as well. The bright, geometric, stained glass windows first installed in the church by the Chicago Stained Glass Company, were originally meant as placeholders until custom windows might be commissioned by parishioners. During this period five memorial stained glass windows were commissioned before a recession and a market crash changed the economic landscape. The first and fourth of these were created by the Tiffany Studio and the other three were designed in the style of Tiffany. The two Tiffany-designed windows Church of Our Saviour 's trademark multi-colored windows The Grand Days & Dorothy Day (1900 - 1920) Soon after the turn of the 19th century, the plush days on Fullerton Parkway were drawing to a close. The Rev. Edwards, writing in 1907, observed that apartments were crowding out the homes of the neighborhood. No longer was it possible for a few well-to-do people to support the parish. Contributors in 1907 numbered three or four times as many stated contributors just twelve years previously. Under Rev. Edwards the parish became integral part of the diocese, after a prolonged period of virtual total isolation. A vested choir was introduced (which cost the parish a few families, he observed wryly) and mission-giving was increased to the point where the parish won honors for its generosity. It was also during Edwards' tenure that a young girl of only ten moved to the neighborhood with her family. Her name was Dorothy May Day and, though her parents were not regular church-goers, she joined the Christian formation programing at the church and her brother joined the choir. She was then baptized and confirmed at Church of Our Saviour in 1911 before eventually joining the Catholic Church and becoming a world renowned American journalist, activist, and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. Unnamed girl on Fullerton in the 1900s, in front of Church of Our Saviour Dorothy Day and sister Della in Lincoln Park, circa 1910 Father Gratiot: Modernization & The Anglo-Catholic Movement (1921 - 1940s) New high altar and painting, 1926 In early 1921, The Rev. Frederick L. Gratiot became rector. He had served previously as curate at Trinity, Highland Park, St. James, Chicago, the Church of the Holy Spirit, Lake Forest, and as instructor at the old Western Seminary Chicago. With great zeal and cheerful determination, he set about to guide the parish to great achievements both materially and spiritually. It was under Fr. Gratiot that a central steam heating system was installed and gas jets were replaced with electric lights and all the woodwork in the church was refinished. The sanctuary was improved and redecorated; a new altar was installed in 1926, and a painting was commissioned for above the high altar portraying the eternal priesthood of Christ. In the period of 1921 - 1926, about $20,000 was spend in modernizing and decorating. The same energetic approach was also applied to the parish's spiritual life. In the early twenties a missionary church school, St. George's, was established at 1503 West Fullerton Parkway to provide the neighborhood children with a proper religious instruction. It must be noted that it was Fr. Gratiot who brought the first definitely Catholic teaching and practice to the Church of Our Saviour. From the beginning of his rectorate the full Catholic piety, found in the Anglo-Catholic movement of this era, was openly taught. The Parish Monthly, begun in the summer of 1923, was used for this The playground east of the church, 1950s public Confession came with other advances in the 1920s as well. The year 1926 was a year of tragedy too, when the apartment building directly to the East of the church, which the parish rented out, was badly damaged in a fire and was forced to be razed. Thus the parish lost a valuable source of income. Later that lot would be turned into a successful playground for the neighborhood. Two World Wars and the Great Depression played a direct role in the economic and social experience of the neighborhood around the church. In the early 1940’s membership and parish finances had declined so significantly that Church of Our Saviour became a “mission” of the diocese for several years. After World War II, new residents gradually returned to Lincoln Park and reclaimed its Victorian legacy. purpose. When the new high altar and first tabernacle were dedicated in March of 1926, the practice of Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament was begun. Later in 1926, Fr. Gratiot introduced the use of proper Eucharistic vestments. At Christmas, 1926, the first Midnight Mass was celebrated. In 1927, having procured the aid of a curate, the Rev. Charles Evans, the daily offerings of Morning and Evening Prayer as well as Daily Mass were begun. Mass at 11 o'clock on Sundays became more frequent than the first of the month which had been the parish custom, and by the early 1930s the Mass had been restored as the principle Sunday service. The posting of A wedding in the church ca. 1926 A Vibrant Spiritual and Social Community (1950s - 1970s) Fr. Witherell offers Christian Formation ca. 1950 The 1950s and 60s saw a continued growth in the parish again as financial stability returned more broadly. Under the rectorate of The Rev. William Witherell, formation programming continued to climb, weddings and other sacraments also continued on an upward trend and new families joined the parish. Church of Our Saviour continued to operate at the forefront of radical hospitality; sheltering 1968 Democratic National Convention protesters in the wake of the violent crackdown on their organizing; electing the first woman as Senior Warden to the Vestry in the diocese; supporting the nascent efforts of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter: welcoming women priests; and embracing LGBTQ Christians, all while preserving Episcopalian traditions and heritage. From elaborate festivals like the Renaissance Fair to neighborhood-wide events like the Antique Fair, COS has definitely made a mark on the northside of the city, and proudly continues a tradition of celebration and hospitality any chance it gets. The skills and gifts of the whole community, including its priests helped shape the unique and colorful expression of community life at COS. The Rev. Wilson Reed who was rector from 1965-1995 was also a musician and actor and helped organize the Parish Players. Fr. Reed celebrates his final Eucharist with his usual joy, 1995 This theater troop went on to produce over 20 plays and musicals at the church. Reed's time oversaw a stable period of community life and the incorporation of what was then called "the new" Prayer Book of 1979. The liturgical reforms of this period refocused common worship on the role of the laity as central to our Christian worship. Reed's charming and gregarious personality was a natural fit for this pivot in how COS welcomed people into the heart of the parish. A New Church Bell (1974) In 1974, the Vestry wanted some special way to honor The Rev. J. Wilson Reed on his tenth anniversary as rector in 1975 and decided upon the dedication of a church bell to the church's tower which had never housed a bell. The Vestry was referred to an advertisement from St. Mary's Everton, a church in England who's bell tower had been damaged in a storm. St. Mary's was selling four of their five bells to pay for the repairs. In October, 1975, Church of Our Saviour bought the largest bell, which was cast during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, for £250 ($500). Before the bell could be installed, the 1888 decorative bell tower had to be reinforced with two steel beams to support the 625-pound bell, but on December 10, 1976, Bishop James Winchester Montgomery blessed the bell and neighbors watched in wonder as the bell was lifted 90 feet to its new home. The first time it tolled was for the death of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley on December 20, 1976. Three church bell authorities have confirmed this Elizabethan bell is the oldest bell in the Chicagoland area. Bishop Montgomery blesses the newly acquired bell, 1976 A Brave New World (1996 - 2019) The Rev. Linda Packard (rector from 1996 - 2007) was the first woman rector at Church of Our Saviour but not the first woman clergy at the parish. She brought a strong sense of spiritual renewal and helped fostered new family programming, such as the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, along with parishioners and clergy, such as Carol Cade and The Rev. Patrick Raymond. Programs like these would quickly become a new cornerstone of spirituality for the parish and attract a whole new generation of families and formation. The parish also expanded its mission work, including efforts in Chiapas, Mexico, and youth service projects in the Appalachian region. The Rev. Brian Hastings was the third-longest serving rector (2008 - 2023), not including his time as associate rector. His tenure was marked by a continuation and deepening of Linda Packard's spiritual renewal along with a strong sense of lay-empowerment. His approach to spiritual development, soulful liturgy rooted in the catholic spiritual renewal era found at the heart of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, and his desire to see parishioners truly lead within their parish greatly shaped the church community of today. Fr. Hastings celebrates mass, Eastertide 2015 The Dark Days of the Pandemic The Pascal Candle was lit in the church's darkened archway as a sign of hope during the pandemic closure, 2020 In January of 2020, the first officially reported cases of the COVID-19 virus began surfacing globally. By March, the United States had become the country with the highest number of confirmed infections and not long after that it was determined that large public gatherings should be minimized for public safety. Churches in Chicago and other cities were eventually closed for safety measures. It was the first time that Church of Our Saviour had closed to the public in its history and it remained closed for over nine months. While the pandemic raged, the Vestry and staff worked tirelessly to ensure the services continued, being broadcast online to parishioners and visitors. In spite of limitations in gathering, even for funerals, COS continued to find new ways of deepening community through online programming, prayer, and worship. By the time COS reopened its doors to the public in 2021, online worship experiences had become normalized in churches around the world. The darkest time of the global pandemic was a challenging period for COS but it highlighted the resiliency of our community. Countless examples of lay-led pastoral care emerged during those days and COS learned anew what it means to be a People of God being led through a wilderness. The Next Chapter (2023 - Present) The long line of dedicated rectors, assisting clergy, deacons, wardens, vestry-persons, and deeply devoted parishioners have allowed this parish to not only weather great challenges but continue to grow into the thriving, faithful, spiritual community it is today. In 2023, as COS said goodbye to The Rev. Brian Hastings, upon his retirement, it began the physical process of replacing its parish hall with a new Parish Commons building. With COS's community partner, Care For Friends, construction began in 2024. During this time of transition, the parish turned to another long-time community partner, Salvatore's Wedding and Event Venue on the Arlington block to the North, as a place to hold its worship services while construction continued. On October 18, 2025 the new Parish Commons were dedicated with special guests that included Sen. Sarah Feigenholtz, Alder Timmy Knudsen, representatives from the Mayor's office and several media outlets. COS with the new Parish Commons, 2025 2025 also saw the commissioning of COS's new columbarium as a place to inurn parishioners and their immediate family. This was a project a long time in the making and marks a major milestone in how COS offers care for it's members after death. COS also called it's 15th rector, The Rev. Charlotte Johnson, who began her ministry here on April 22, 2025. COS is looking to the future and ready to write its next chapter together-- with God's help! The Rector's of Church of Our Saviour Rev. Charles Ritter 1867 - 1868 Rev. William Jackson 1869 - 1871 Rev. Albert E. Wells 1868 - 1869 Rev. William J. Petrie 1871 - 1895 Rev. John H. Edwards 1895 - 1912 Rev. John McLauchlan 1913 - 1920 Rev. Frederick L Gratiot 1921 - 1942 Rev. Donald B. Kline 1942 - 1946 Rev. William Wetherell 1946 - 1957 Rev. James E. Tripp 1957 - 1959 Rev. John C. Mainer 1959 - 1965 Rev. J. Wilson Reed, Jr. 1965 - 1995 Rev. Linda Packard 1995 - 2008 Rev. Brian Hastings 2008 - 2023 Rev. Charlotte Johnson April 22, 2025 -

Information about formation progamming related to young people at COS including Sunday School, Youth Group, youth formation, and youth outreach programs Youth Formation & Programs Church of Our Saviour has a rich history of formation and programming for children and families. From our beloved Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Sunday School), to Youth Group, to fun activities like Spooktacular Sunday and Family Movie Nights, COS is not only a parish to safely raise children but a loving place that generations have called their spiritual home. You can learn about some of our youth and family programs below, and you can contact the Director of Ministry for more information. Sunday School registration information is also found below. COS Sunday School - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium Level I 3-6 Year-Old Receive and Enjoy the most essential elements of our faith—the announcement of God’s love especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen. Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Enter the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection. Atrium Level II 6-9 Year-Old Reflect on the image of the True Vine. “I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” The proclamation responds to the deep need of these children to better know his or her relationship with God, family, friends, and the larger community. Moral parables offer a model for comparing their behavior with that of the Pharisee, the Tax Collector, or the Good Samaritan. The elementary children see the parts of the Mass—the Liturgy of the Word, the Preparation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the Communion—as one unified prayer made of many smaller prayers. Children prepare for the celebration of First Communion (or Solemn Communion) through a series of communion meditations focusing on the relationship with Jesus. Preparation of personal missals filled with illustrations and prayers is also part of this preparation which helps to deepen their love and understanding of the Eucharist. Atrium Level III 9-12 Year-Old Learn the history of salvation focusing on the plan of God as a plan of communion, a plan which links all people together through God’s love delight the older child. The emphasis is on our response to this unfolding generosity of God and recognition of the responsibilities that come with receiving God’s great gifts and seeing oneself as a collaborator with God. “What is the kingdom of God and my place in it?” is a cosmic query which lays the foundations for a life commitment in relationship with God. Materials on the Prophets of the Old Testament, the Gifts of God, the Miracles of Jesus, and expanded presentations on Liturgy and Scripture can also be found in the Level III Atrium. What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a religious formation approach based on scripture and liturgy that uses the educational and pedagogical principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. The CGS roots are in the Roman Catholic tradition and have been adapted for the Episcopal Church. The Catechism of the Episcopal Church, found in the back of the Book of Common Prayer, is a series of questions and answers that outline our faith. In comparison, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is framed to where children are encouraged to ask the questions and to discover the answers through work with specially crafted presentations and materials. The content corresponds to the liturgical seasons and the life of the church. What is an Atrium? The atrium is an environment prepared to nurture the already present spirituality of children. Dr. Montessori borrowed the term “atrium” from the early church, as it was the space where the catechumens were prepared for Baptism. The atrium contains a variety of hands-on materials that are developmentally appropriate for the age range of children that they serve. The catechists and other parishioners make made many of the materials as part of their own personal formation experience. What is a Catechist? The catechist is the adult who has undergone a personal formational experience with preparation in the Biblical and liturgical themes that correspond with the developmental stages of the children. The adults who work with children are called, not recruited. They take on a servant leadership role, using facilitation instead of direct instruction techniques. In addition to their formation and training, the catechists are vetted with background and security checks. Sunday School Registration We believe that formation at Church of Our Saviour is a life-long journey. We take special care of our youngest members by nourishing them to begin, form, and strengthen their relationship with God. If you would like more information about our Sunday School programs, you can reach Betsy Peterson, the vestry lead for Christian Formation, by contacting Gregory Peebles , Director of Ministry. You can register your children for Sunday School by using this form . Important Sunday School Dates 2025-26 There will be no Sunday School on the following dates in the 2025-2026 program year: October 12, 2025; November 30, 2025; December 28, 2025; January 4, 2026; March 22, 2026; and April 5, 2026. The last day of Sunday School for the 2025-2026 program year will be May 17, 2026. Junior & Senior High Youth Group Our junior and senior high youth (grades 7-12) meet monthly after Sunday services for combined programming led by the Youth Leadership Team: Clare Nolan, Alice Kovacik, Davi Bambino, Peter Civetta, Deacon Jess Elfring-Roberts, and Rebecca Elfring-Roberts. Each gathering incorporates spiritual, social, and service components to build community and serve the community. Contact Rebecca Elfring-Roberts for more information. Nursery for Infants & Toddlers and Prayspace Our staffed nursery space is available each Sunday from 8:45am - 12:00pm on the second floor of the Parish Commons. Our trained nursery staff will provide a safe and engaging space for your children during the service. There are always two staff present at all times with any children. If you wish to keep your littles ones with you in the church service, there is a soft space near the front right side of the nave where parents can sit with their children and where children can engage with books and coloring materials while interacting with the beauty and movement of the liturgy.

Find the COS church calendar of events and activities here. Parish Calendar

Information on planned giving and the Church of Our Saviour endowment. Planned Giving & Endowment Everyone leaves behind a legacy. They're made by the positive impressions we leave on others. Thoughtful estate planning and drafting a will are some of the means that we have to touch the life of others. Planned gifts provide a remarkable way for parishioners to continue to make a difference towards God's kingdom. A planned gift to Church of Our Saviour makes a lasting contribution to the COS mission and ministry, ensuring the work that brings heaven on earth will endure, as it has done for more than 150 years. Planned giving comes in many forms. Consult with your financial or legal advisor to ensure your wishes are well planned and that you fully understand any legal and tax implications. Some options for Planned Giving Include: Bequests Name Church of Our Saviour as a beneficiary in your will. You may specify an outright gift of cash, securities, real estate, or personal property. You may also consider a gift in your will of a certain percentage of your estate rather than a fixed sum or asset. Your assets remain in your control during your lifetime and can be modified as needed. Life Insurance To receive a charitable deduction, name Church of Our Saviour as both the owner and beneficiary of the policy. If the policy is paid in full and has a cash value, you may take a charitable deduction approximately equal to the cash value at the time of the gift. If annual premiums are still to be made and you continue to pay them, those premiums will become tax deductible each year. IRAs and Other Retirement Benefit Plans Designate Church of Our Saviour as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of your IRA or other retirement benefit plans. By doing so you may reduce the amount of income taxes owed when withdrawing your funds. Charitable Trusts or Charitable Lead Trusts Name Church of our Saviour as the beneficiary of your trust. The trust can pay either a specified annual amount to Church of Our Saviour or a one-time amount of any remaining funds. Click here for Instructions for Gifts of Stock and Other Securities, and Money Contributions to the Endowment Fun d *The examples and information provided are for illustrative and informative purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult with your financial or legal advisor about proceeding with your gift plan.

Use this form to submit your Annual Pledge and learn how to support the COS mission and ministry. It has been a remarkable year in the life of COS. After a period of betwixt and between, we now face the open road of possibility: the possibility of how we can utilize our new building, the possibility of engaging positively and proactively in our broken world, the possibility of deepening our own spiritual path and connection to God. Our stewardship campaign encourages all members to make a pledge; in other words, to commit to offering financial backing to the church over the coming year at whatever level is comfortable for them. Some people choose to do that through monthly donations (electronically or through checks), while others do so through gifts from retirement accounts or stocks/securities. Some people choose to use the biblical notion of tithe, donating 10% of their income to the church, but any and every gift is warmly appreciated. We want your spiritual practice of generosity and gratitude to be supported by Church of Our Saviour. Pledges can be fulfilled by: Cash, Credit/Debit Card, Automatic Bank Draft, Check (include 'PLEDGE' in the memo), Donor Advised Fund or Stock Transfer (instructions) . You can contact the office if you require assistance in setting up your online payment or contact the treasurer with questions about Stock or Fund transfers. Click here to set up your online pledge payment. Click here to learn about other ways you can give to COS.

Use this form to notify us of your interest in volunteering and what your skills may be.

Church of Our Saviour's Vision, Mission, and Values What We Believe Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As constituent members of the Anglican Communion in the United States, we are descendants of and partners with the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church, and are part of the third largest group of Christians in the world. We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. We seek to be an inclusive Church, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; all genders serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our Church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our Church, regardless of gender or sexual identity or orientation. We believe that God loves you – no exceptions. What is our Mission? The mission of Church of Our Saviour is to nurture a vibrant Christian community, where all are welcome to embrace love for God, love for self, and love for neighbor. What is our Vision? On Earth as in Heaven. What are our Values? Faith - We live in relationship with God by following Jesus, proclaiming the Gospel, and promoting justice, peace, and love. Service - We are committed to being in dialogue with Chicago and lovingly engaged with the world beyond ourselves. Community - We cherish the compassion, encouragement, and liveliness that community produces. Inclusion - We welcome various interests and expressions of Christian community and ministry, while treasuring our Episcopal traditions and heritage. Inquiry - We believe in the importance of asking questions as a way to learn, grow and share. Joy - We aim to express joy and gratitude in all that we do. The Bible click to learn more The Book of Common Prayer click to learn more The Creeds click to learn more The Catechism click to learn more The Sacraments click to learn more Holy Baptism click to learn more

Sunday School Registration

Use this form to record your non-cash gift/donation. Gift In Kind (Non Cash Donation) Form

General information about the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, the Episcopal Church USA, and the worldwide Anglican Communion The Larger Church Church of Our Saviour is part of the Diocese of Chicago which includes more than 30,000 Episcopalians in 122 congregations spread across 21 counties in northern and west central Illinois. The bishop of our diocese is The Right Reverend Paula E. Clark who was elected on December 12, 2020 and ordained and consecrated on September 17, 2022 as the thirteenth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. The Rt. Rev. Paula E. Clark Bishop Clark, who previously served as Canon to the Ordinary and Chief of Staff in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington (DC), was chosen unanimously on the fourth ballot in an election conducted on Zoom from a slate originally composed of four candidates. She received 229 clergy votes and 284 lay votes. Bishop Clark was baptized into the Episcopal Church at age 10 by Bishop John Walker, the first Black dean of Washington National Cathedral and first Black bishop of the Diocese of Washington. She received her undergraduate education at Brown University and earned a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Before entering the seminary, Bishop Clark served as public information officer for the Office of the Mayor and the District of Columbia’s Board of Parole for nine years and spent five years as director of human resources and administration for an engineering and consulting firm in the District.In 2004, she received a Master of Divinity degree from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, and served at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D. C. and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Beltsville, Maryland, before joining the staff of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. Her work for the diocese focused initially on clergy development and multicultural and justice issues. The bishop describes herself as “the proud matriarch of our blended family of five adult children and seven grandchildren.” Her beloved husband, Andrew McLean, died in 2021. Christ-centered, inclusive, sustained by prayer and committed to service, the Diocese of Chicago devotes itself to three simple goals: Grow the Church. Form the faithful. Change the world. Rooted in the church’s Anglo-Catholic tradition, we are strengthened by a diversity of cultural, liturgical and theological expression. Our diocese is known for its emphasis on leadership and congregational development. Our commitment to social witness and community service is expressed through the work of Episcopal Charities and Community Services, and a variety of diocesan and parish-based initiatives. St. James Cathedral, Chicago We are proud to be one of the 111 domestic and overseas dioceses comprising The Episcopal Church, one of the 42 member churches, or provinces, of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Diocesan offices are located at 65 E. Huron and our diocesan 'mother church' is Saint James Cathedral located in downtown Chicago. What is an Episcopalian? The Episcopal church was organized after the American Revolution, when it became separate from the Church of England, whose clergy are required to swear allegiance to the British monarch as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. The Episcopal Church describes itself as "Protestant, yet catholic" and asserts apostolic succession, tracing its bishops back to the first Apostles. The Episcopal Church has members in the United States and the territory of Puerto Rico; and also in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Venezuela, Curacao, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Haiti, Honduras, Micronesia, Taiwan, and the Virgin Islands. The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and traces its heritage to the beginnings of Christianity. As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person. Our liturgy retains ancient structure and traditions and is celebrated in many languages. All persons, including those who are married, are eligible for ordination as deacons, priests and bishops, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. We believe in amendment of life, the forgiveness of sin, and life everlasting. Lay people exercise a vital role in the governance and ministry of our church. Holy Communion may be received by all baptized Christians, not only members of the Episcopal Church. We uphold the Bible and worship with the Book of Common Prayer . We affirm that issues such as birth control are matters of personal informed conscience. We celebrate our unity in Christ while honoring our differences, always putting the work of love before uniformity of opinion. All are welcome to find a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church. ADDITIONAL LINKS Diocese of Chicago Saint James Cathedral The Episcopal Church The Episcopal News Service Faith Statements The Archbishop of Canterbury The Worldwide Anglican Communion

Parish Directory Click here to be taken to the COS Parish Directory login. Please contact the office if you are having trouble access this directory.

Use this form to request reimbursement for any approved ministry/program related expenses. Check Request/Reimbursement Form