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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.

Search Committee | Small Group Registration Date and time is TBD None of these session dates/times work for me. Please have someone reach out to me directly to schedule a conversation. / Location is TBD Register Date and time is TBD Location is TBD Share Date and time is TBD I am interested in attending a remote/ZOOM session to be scheduled at another time. / Zoom Meeting Register Date and time is TBD Zoom Meeting Share Sun, Jun 02 Small Group | Sunday, June 2 | 12-1:15 pm / COS Rectory Details Jun 02, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM COS Rectory, 530 W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Share Sun, Jun 02 Small Group | Sunday, June 2 | 10-11:15 am / COS Rectory Details Jun 02, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM COS Rectory, 530 W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Share Sun, May 19 Small Group | Sunday, May 19 | 12-1:15 pm / COS Rectory Details May 19, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM COS Rectory, 530 W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Share Sun, May 19 Small Group | Sunday, May 19 | 10-11:15 am / COS Rectory Details May 19, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM COS Rectory, 530 W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Share Thu, May 16 Small Group | Thursday, May 16 | 6:30 - 7:45 pm / COS Rectory Details May 16, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM COS Rectory, 530 W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Share Tue, May 07 Small Group | Tuesday, May 7 | 6:30 - 7:45 pm / COS Rectory Details May 07, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM COS Rectory, 530 W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Share