English Lutheran Parish Youthful, Fast-Growing Unit

A survey of Wilmette early in 1921 revealed the need for an English Lutheran church in this community. A prospective congregation was called together and regular services of worship were begun on March 1, 1921. In April, 1921, the Rev. A. O. Scholm was called as missionary pastor. On Sunday, April 17, 1921, the congregation met at the Woman's club and organized with thirty-nine charter members. On June 1, 1921, the present location at Seventh street and Greenleaf avenue was purchased. Plans were immediately begun for a house of worship.

Build Bungalow Chapel
The Rev. William Guise entered upon his duties October 15, 1922. The congregation continued to worship in the Woman's club until the Bungalow chapel was completed. The first service was held in the new chapel December 17. 1922. The Rev. Carl I. Epson assumed active charge of the parish December 15, 1927. It was under his leadership that the present church edifice was erected. The dedication of the new church took place on November 24, 1929. The design of the church is the rural type of English Gothic architecture. Brick of a warm, quiet shade, was selected to blend in unobtrusively with the wooded site and the character of the surrounding residential buildings. In December, 1931, the Rev. David R. Kahele, a professor of the Chicago Lutheran Bible school, was asked to fill the vacancy until the calling of a new pastor. On January 17, the congregation extended a call to the Rev. Kabele and he was installed on March 6, 1932, and is still serving the congregation as pastor.

Serves North Shore
The church is affiliated withthe United Lutheran Church in America and is serving members as far north as Highland Park. The membership of the church and church school, as well as all the organizations, has shown a decided increase the past few years and pastor and people are well encouraged and enthusiastic about their work.