12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts: Churches
12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts
As part of our 12 Days of WeGo History series, we’re celebrating the stories behind some of the most meaningful pieces in our collection. With nearly 40,000 artifacts to choose from, we couldn’t possibly pick just 12, so each day we are sharing a themed group that helps tell the story of West Chicago.
This year’s series is also in conjunction with our preparation for the 250th anniversary of the United States by highlighting local history in a national context.
Religious freedom was one of the founding principles of the United States, and over the past 250 years, Americans have built places of worship in every town, city, and neighborhood, including right here in West Chicago.
Churches have long been cornerstones of community life. They’ve provided more than just spiritual support; they’ve hosted celebrations, housed social services, and brought people together.
The items featured today come from local congregations and tell the story of how faith, in all its forms, has helped shape West Chicago’s past and present.
First Communion Certificate from St. Marys, for Margaret Dempsey, June 30, 1901
Booklet "Christmas Souvenir 1903", produced by the First Congregational Church, 1903. Inside are 8 pages, tie binding. The book was either for or created by the Sunday School, Class number 2. The teacher is Mrs. E. E. Belding, and students are Helen Isherwood, Dorthia Norris, Velva Ball, Lillian Palmer, Clara Boyle, Mabel Norris, Emma Layman, Viola Manvill, Stella Vauglin, Ruth Whitton, Florence Emery. Superintendent was Mrs. A. J. Norris and Pastor was Reverend John Best. Back cover has a label pasted on that reads "Return after 5 days / Miss Helen L. Isherwood, West Chicago Illinois"
Postcard, photographic. Front shows a black and white photo of the Methodist Episcopal Church of West Chicago at 204 Church Street.
Dedication Book for Christ the King Theological Seminary Oct. 30, 1955
Snapshot photograph of Mrs. Carney's St. Mary's Class, taken June 1958.
Program, "Service of Dedication" for the First Congregational Church, Sunday April 8, 1962.
Framed print of a drawing by Paul Randall of St. Michael’s Church, 1970
Program "Dedication Services November 15-22, 1981" for the Faith Community Church of West Chicago.
Booklet, blue cover with a black and white photo of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 1884-1984 On hundred Years of God's Blessing, produced for their 100th anniversary.
Want to explore more West Chicago artifacts on your own? Check out our online artifact database where we upload recently digitized items every month!
