First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines - Revision history

John Lavalie at 20:45, 20 July 2026

2026-07-20T20:45:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:45, 20 July 2026
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	The Rev. George Carswell became the pastor of the Methodist Church in 1930. He was described as being an older man, and married, though without children.		The Rev. George Carswell became the pastor of the Methodist Church in 1930. He was described as being an older man, and married, though without children.

	The church had a good choir, which included, among others, Jayne Hensch (now Rode), Bill Hensch, their father (the bass soloist), [[G. Walter Pflughaupt\|Walter Pflughaupt]] (later to become Mayor), and Fire Chief Axel Petterson. Margaret Knittle directed the Choir. Grace Garrett was the pianist.		The church had a good choir, which included, among others, Jayne Hensch (now Rode), Bill Hensch, their father (the bass soloist), [[G. Walter Pflughaupt\|Walter Pflughaupt]] (later to become Mayor), and Fire Chief [[Axel Petterson]]. Margaret Knittle directed the Choir. Grace Garrett was the pianist.

	When the Immanuel Lutheran Church replaced its organ, the Methodist Church obtained their discarded pump organ, and "Tootie" Lueth became the organist.		When the Immanuel Lutheran Church replaced its organ, the Methodist Church obtained their discarded pump organ, and "Tootie" Lueth became the organist.

John Lavalie at 13:22, 13 July 2026

2026-07-13T13:22:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:22, 13 July 2026
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	The Rev. George Carswell became the pastor of the Methodist Church in 1930. He was described as being an older man, and married, though without children.		The Rev. George Carswell became the pastor of the Methodist Church in 1930. He was described as being an older man, and married, though without children.

	The church had a good choir, which included, among others, Jayne Hensch (now Rode), Bill Hensch, their father (the bass soloist), [[G. Walter ~~Pflughhaupt~~\|Walter Pflughaupt]] (later to become Mayor), and Fire Chief Axel Petterson. Margaret Knittle directed the Choir. Grace Garrett was the pianist.		The church had a good choir, which included, among others, Jayne Hensch (now Rode), Bill Hensch, their father (the bass soloist), [[G. Walter Pflughaupt\|Walter Pflughaupt]] (later to become Mayor), and Fire Chief Axel Petterson. Margaret Knittle directed the Choir. Grace Garrett was the pianist.

	When the Immanuel Lutheran Church replaced its organ, the Methodist Church obtained their discarded pump organ, and "Tootie" Lueth became the organist.		When the Immanuel Lutheran Church replaced its organ, the Methodist Church obtained their discarded pump organ, and "Tootie" Lueth became the organist.

John Lavalie at 15:25, 10 July 2026

2026-07-10T15:25:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:25, 10 July 2026
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	It was a time when people huddled together, and helped each other out. It seemed as if there was no end to difficulties. And, these 'hard times' lasted not for weeks, or for months, but for years.		It was a time when people huddled together, and helped each other out. It seemed as if there was no end to difficulties. And, these 'hard times' lasted not for weeks, or for months, but for years.

	In 1934 a group of Des Plaines businessmen, (including Dr. C. J. Hill), seeing that a need existed to assist families in home ownership, founded the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Des Plaines.		In 1934 a group of Des Plaines businessmen, (including Dr. C. J. Hill), seeing that a need existed to assist families in home ownership, founded the [[First Federal Savings and Loan\|First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Des Plaines]].

	The Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded part of the cost of building a new Des Plaines City Hall in 1936. The WPA also built Rand Park, and a water-softening plant on the west side.		The Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded part of the cost of building a new Des Plaines City Hall in 1936. The WPA also built Rand Park, and a water-softening plant on the west side.
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	The so-called "baby boom" was taking place all across the country as the 50's began. In Des Plaines, schools were bursting at the seams, and many new school buildings were being built.		The so-called "baby boom" was taking place all across the country as the 50's began. In Des Plaines, schools were bursting at the seams, and many new school buildings were being built.

	It was a time of extraordinary growth for the churches in town also, and many new church buildings were being built as well. Among these, (in addition to the Methodist Church) were, St. Stephen's Catholic, Immanuel Lutheran, Good Shepherd Lutheran, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox, and the Des Plaines Bible Church.		It was a time of extraordinary growth for the churches in town also, and many new church buildings were being built as well. Among these, (in addition to the Methodist Church) were, St. Stephen's Catholic, Immanuel Lutheran, [[Good Shepherd Lutheran Church\|Good Shepherd Lutheran]], St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox, and the [[Des Plaines Bible Church]].

	In addition, Maine Township High School West, at [[Wolf Road]] and [[Oakton Street]] was opened in 1959. Ground was broken for the [[Northwest Suburban YMCA]] on [[Northwest Highway]], and for Holy Family Hospital along [[Golf Road]], on the north side of the city.		In addition, Maine Township High School West, at [[Wolf Road]] and [[Oakton Street]] was opened in 1959. Ground was broken for the [[Northwest Suburban YMCA]] on [[Northwest Highway]], and for Holy Family Hospital along [[Golf Road]], on the north side of the city.

John Lavalie at 15:16, 10 July 2026

2026-07-10T15:16:30Z

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	There is a photograph, taken on a brisk fall day in 1900, which pictures the 25 women of what was then called the Ladies Aid Society, posed on the front steps of the Park Place Church.		There is a photograph, taken on a brisk fall day in 1900, which pictures the 25 women of what was then called the Ladies Aid Society, posed on the front steps of the Park Place Church.

	As the years passed, the first Des Plaines Public Library was built at Miner and Graceland, and the (then) South Division School was built at Center and Thacker, reflecting the growth of the community.		As the years passed, the first Des Plaines Public Library was built at Miner and Graceland, and the (then) [[History of South Division "Central" School, 1906-1956\|South Division School]] was built at [[Center Street\|Center]] and Thacker, reflecting the growth of the community.

	The impact of the railroad continued with Circus trains, as well as the milk and mail trains, making their appearance in town. Des Plaines had its own roundhouse on a hand-operated turntable.		The impact of the railroad continued with Circus trains, as well as the milk and mail trains, making their appearance in town. Des Plaines had its own roundhouse on a hand-operated turntable.

John Lavalie at 15:14, 10 July 2026

2026-07-10T15:14:46Z

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	In 1887 a second railroad line, the Wisconsin Central (later the Soo Line), laid tracks through Des Plaines. A station built south of the city was called "Orchard Place" and became a milk stop. Local farmers brought their milk to the station for transportation to Chicago. The last remnant of this name survives in the call letters of O'Hare International Airport - ORD.		In 1887 a second railroad line, the Wisconsin Central (later the Soo Line), laid tracks through Des Plaines. A station built south of the city was called "Orchard Place" and became a milk stop. Local farmers brought their milk to the station for transportation to Chicago. The last remnant of this name survives in the call letters of O'Hare International Airport - ORD.

	Another kind of commuter service for Des Plaines began in 1896 when Dr. Edward A. Manuel organized the future United Motor Coach Company. By 1950, from a single horse and buggy, the business had grown to become a 50 bus fleet, covering 60 miles of routes in 21 communities.		Another kind of commuter service for Des Plaines began in 1896 when [[Edward A. Manuel\|Dr. Edward A. Manuel]] organized the future United Motor Coach Company. By 1950, from a single horse and buggy, the business had grown to become a 50 bus fleet, covering 60 miles of routes in 21 communities.

	During those years the curfew bell rang in Des Plaines every night at 10 p.m., for children under the age of sixteen.		During those years the curfew bell rang in Des Plaines every night at 10 p.m., for children under the age of sixteen.

John Lavalie at 15:09, 10 July 2026

2026-07-10T15:09:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:09, 10 July 2026
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	1901 Rev. W. C. Godden.		1901 Rev. W. C. Godden.

	1902 - Rev. J. H. Alling.		1902 Rev. J. H. Alling.

	1903 Rev. O. S. Baker.		1903 Rev. O. S. Baker.
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	1912 Rev. T. H. Jorgenson.		1912 Rev. T. H. Jorgenson.

	1913-1917 - Rev. Harvey C. Travis.		1913-1917 Rev. Harvey C. Travis.

	1918 Rev. Charles Brown.		1918 Rev. Charles Brown.
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	1943-1958 - Rev. Theodore Potter		1943-1958 - Rev. Theodore Potter

	1958-1962 Dr. C. Wesley Israel		1958-1962 - Dr. C. Wesley Israel

	Associate Pastors:		Associate Pastors:
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	1957-1958 - Arthur Peterson		1957-1958 - Arthur Peterson

	1958-1960- Robert Biddick		1958-1960 - Robert Biddick

	==1960-1970: Growth in Membership and Church School Beginning of Nursery School==		==1960-1970: Growth in Membership and Church School Beginning of Nursery School==
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	Pastors:		Pastors:

	1958-1962 Dr. C. Wesley Israel		1958-1962 - Dr. C. Wesley Israel

	1962-1972 - Rev. Robert A. W. Bruehl		1962-1972 - Rev. Robert A. W. Bruehl
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	Associate Pastors:		Associate Pastors:

	1960-1961 Edwin F. Rode		1960-1961 - Edwin F. Rode

	1962 - Richard L. Betts		1962 - Richard L. Betts
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	1963 - James M. LeGro II		1963 - James M. LeGro II

	1964-1969 Robert T. Prater		1964-1969 - Robert T. Prater

	1969-1970 George F. Lockwood III		1969-1970 - George F. Lockwood III

	==1970-1980: Aftereffects of Vietnam War ==		==1970-1980: Aftereffects of Vietnam War ==
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	1970-1972 - Rev. Charles L. Kepler		1970-1972 - Rev. Charles L. Kepler

	1971-1972 Rev. Paul Grimes		1971-1972 - Rev. Paul Grimes

	1972-1977 - Rev. Raymond K. Rhoads		1972-1977 - Rev. Raymond K. Rhoads
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	Pastors:		Pastors:

	1977-1982 Rev. Ronald R. Graham		1977-1982 - Rev. Ronald R. Graham

	1982- Rev. Russell L. Carlson		1982 - Rev. Russell L. Carlson

	Associate Pastors:		Associate Pastors:
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	Administrative Secretary:		Administrative Secretary:

	1983- - Addie Romano		1983 - Addie Romano

	==1990-2000: Disciple/Family Entrance/ESL==		==1990-2000: Disciple/Family Entrance/ESL==
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	Administrative Secretary:		Administrative Secretary:

	1983- Addie Romano		1983 - Addie Romano

	==2000 and beyond: Vision 2000 Goals Achieved==		==2000 and beyond: Vision 2000 Goals Achieved==

John Lavalie at 15:06, 10 July 2026

2026-07-10T15:06:57Z

John Lavalie at 14:35, 10 July 2026

2026-07-10T14:35:31Z

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	*[[Donald S. Johnson\|Johnson, Donald]], Des Plaines: Born of the Tall Grass Prairie, 1984.		*[[Donald S. Johnson\|Johnson, Donald]], Des Plaines: Born of the Tall Grass Prairie, 1984.
	*Melton, Gordon. Log Cabins to Steeples (Methodism in Illinois), 1974.		*Melton, Gordon. Log Cabins to Steeples (Methodism in Illinois), 1974.
	*[[Murray S. Smith\|Smith, Murray]]. The Webster House unpublished monograph, 1974.		*[[Murray Sawyer Smith\|Smith, Murray]]. The Webster House unpublished monograph, 1974.
	*Whitmal, Angela, Greetings from Des Plaines, Des Plaines Historical Society, 1995.		*Whitmal, Angela, Greetings from Des Plaines, Des Plaines Historical Society, 1995.
	[[Category:Places of worship]]		[[Category:Places of worship]]
	[[Category:Graceland Avenue]]		[[Category:Graceland Avenue]]

John Lavalie at 14:34, 10 July 2026

2026-07-10T14:34:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:34, 10 July 2026
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	In 1875, Socrates Rand, reminiscing about the earlier days of Des Plaines, recalled that:		In 1875, Socrates Rand, reminiscing about the earlier days of Des Plaines, recalled that:
			<blockquote>The first preacher we had here was a young man by the name of Colson, a Methodist sent from the Southern part of the State. He was on this Circuit about two years. The Circuit was so large that he came to this settlement but once in four weeks. He held his meetings at Mr. Walton's, one mile north of town. The preacher was a fair specimen of a western man, nothing extra as an expounder of the Gospel, but an excellent judge of a horse.</blockquote>
	The first preacher we had here was a young man by the name of Colson, a Methodist sent from the Southern part of the State. He was on this Circuit about two years. The Circuit was so large that he came to this settlement but once in four weeks. He held his meetings at Mr. Walton's, one mile north of town. The preacher was a fair specimen of a western man, nothing extra as an expounder of the Gospel, but an excellent judge of a horse.

	Next on this Circuit were Mr. Jewett and Mr. Hinman, referred to as two of the most earnest and prominent Methodist preachers.		Next on this Circuit were Mr. Jewett and Mr. Hinman, referred to as two of the most earnest and prominent Methodist preachers.

John Lavalie at 14:33, 10 July 2026

2026-07-10T14:33:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:33, 10 July 2026
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	*[[Murray S. Smith\|Smith, Murray]]. The Webster House unpublished monograph, 1974.		*[[Murray S. Smith\|Smith, Murray]]. The Webster House unpublished monograph, 1974.
	*Whitmal, Angela, Greetings from Des Plaines, Des Plaines Historical Society, 1995.		*Whitmal, Angela, Greetings from Des Plaines, Des Plaines Historical Society, 1995.
	[[Category:~~Churches~~]]		[[Category:Places of worship]]
	[[Category:Graceland Avenue]]		[[Category:Graceland Avenue]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:06, 10 July 2026
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	Next on this Circuit were Mr. Jewett and Mr. Hinman, referred to as two of the most earnest and prominent Methodist preachers.		Next on this Circuit were Mr. Jewett and Mr. Hinman, referred to as two of the most earnest and prominent Methodist preachers.

	During the winter of 1870-1871, about twenty residents of Des Plaines were organized, by a Rev. Schwartz, into a Methodist congregation, which proceeded immediately to build its own Church building (on [[Lee Street]] near [[Thacker Street\|Thacker]], where the Immanuel Lutheran school now stands). This was a brick structure that had a seating capacity of about 200. The cost was $4000.		During the winter of 1870-1871, about twenty residents of Des Plaines were organized, by a Rev. Schwartz, into a Methodist congregation, which proceeded immediately to build its own Church building (on [[Lee Street]] near [[Thacker Street\|Thacker]], where the [[Immanuel Lutheran Church\|Immanuel Lutheran school]] now stands). This was a brick structure that had a seating capacity of about 200. The cost was $4000.

	This was the third church in Des Plaines. Now there was the Congregational Church, the German Lutheran Church, and the Methodist Church.		This was the third church in Des Plaines. Now there was the Congregational Church, the German Lutheran Church, and the Methodist Church.
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	There was a thriving milk business along the Northwestern railroad also. At 5 a.m. farmers would bring full cans of milk to the platform south of the railroad tracks at [[River Road]], to be hauled to Chicago, emptied, and returned at 5 p.m. for the farmers to reclaim and refill.		There was a thriving milk business along the Northwestern railroad also. At 5 a.m. farmers would bring full cans of milk to the platform south of the railroad tracks at [[River Road]], to be hauled to Chicago, emptied, and returned at 5 p.m. for the farmers to reclaim and refill.

	Other business establishments were: the Scharringhausen Real Estate Firm, [[Lagerhausen Lumber and Coal Company\|Lagerhausen's Lumber Co.]], C.W.M Brown's and Spiegler's General Stores.		Other business establishments were: the Scharringhausen Real Estate Firm, [[Lagerhausen Lumber and Coal Company\|Lagerhausen's Lumber Co.]], C.W.M Brown's and [[Spiegler's\|Spiegler's General Stores]].

	A promotional piece printed at the time pictures a tree-lined Lee Street looking north toward Ellinwood. The description accompanying the photograph states:		A promotional piece printed at the time pictures a tree-lined Lee Street looking north toward Ellinwood. The description accompanying the photograph states:
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	There was a railroad siding extending from the railroad crossing at Graceland Avenue to Washington Street. During the summer months a dozen or more railroad cars were lined up on this siding to house track maintenance crews. Each crew member was paid $1 per day plus meals.		There was a railroad siding extending from the railroad crossing at Graceland Avenue to Washington Street. During the summer months a dozen or more railroad cars were lined up on this siding to house track maintenance crews. Each crew member was paid $1 per day plus meals.

	Laurel Avenue and Graceland Avenue (south of the tracks) became known as the "Silk Stocking District." The homes of many of the most successful merchants, doctors and bankers were located in this area.		[[Laurel Avenue]] and Graceland Avenue (south of the tracks) became known as the "Silk Stocking District." The homes of many of the most successful merchants, doctors and bankers were located in this area.

	As the country entered World War 1, the community oversubscribed its Liberty Bond drive, raising over $250,000. There were American flags in most windows. Some 200 young men from Des Plaines served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Nine were to lose their lives.		As the country entered World War 1, the community oversubscribed its Liberty Bond drive, raising over $250,000. There were American flags in most windows. Some 200 young men from Des Plaines served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Nine were to lose their lives.
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	The Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded part of the cost of building a new Des Plaines City Hall in 1936. The WPA also built Rand Park, and a water-softening plant on the west side.		The Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded part of the cost of building a new Des Plaines City Hall in 1936. The WPA also built Rand Park, and a water-softening plant on the west side.

	When Lee Street was widened in 1937, the city held a street dance between Prairie and Ellinwood. Later on there were three-day summer carnivals along Ellinwood from Pearson to River Road.		When Lee Street was widened in 1937, the city held a street dance between [[Prairie Avenue\|Prairie]] and Ellinwood. Later on there were three-day summer carnivals along Ellinwood from Pearson to River Road.

	The Rev. George Carswell became the pastor of the Methodist Church in 1930. He was described as being an older man, and married, though without children.		The Rev. George Carswell became the pastor of the Methodist Church in 1930. He was described as being an older man, and married, though without children.

	The church had a good choir, which included, among others, Jayne Hensch (now Rode), Bill Hensch, their father (the bass soloist), Walter Pflughaupt (later to become Mayor), and Fire Chief Axel Petterson. Margaret Knittle directed the Choir. Grace Garrett was the pianist.		The church had a good choir, which included, among others, Jayne Hensch (now Rode), Bill Hensch, their father (the bass soloist), [[G. Walter Pflughhaupt\|Walter Pflughaupt]] (later to become Mayor), and Fire Chief Axel Petterson. Margaret Knittle directed the Choir. Grace Garrett was the pianist.

	When the Immanuel Lutheran Church replaced its organ, the Methodist Church obtained their discarded pump organ, and "Tootie" Lueth became the organist.		When the Immanuel Lutheran Church replaced its organ, the Methodist Church obtained their discarded pump organ, and "Tootie" Lueth became the organist.
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	Early in 1946 the City of Chicago acquired this land from the War Surplus Administration. From this beginning there soon developed O'Hare Field, now the world's busiest airport, providing air transportation to any place in the world.		Early in 1946 the City of Chicago acquired this land from the War Surplus Administration. From this beginning there soon developed O'Hare Field, now the world's busiest airport, providing air transportation to any place in the world.

	[[G. Walter Pflughaupt]] assumed the office of Mayor of Des Plaines in 1945, and served one four- year term.		G. Walter Pflughaupt assumed the office of Mayor of Des Plaines in 1945, and served one four- year term.

	The ending of World War II brought an explosion of population and industry to Des Plaines. This was to become the fastest and greatest population increase the city would ever know.		The ending of World War II brought an explosion of population and industry to Des Plaines. This was to become the fastest and greatest population increase the city would ever know.
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	Club, held Mother's Day Banquets, provided Salad Bar Luncheons, quilts were made to order, and Christmas cards were sold, as well as stationery, Stanley Brushes, and Vanilla.		Club, held Mother's Day Banquets, provided Salad Bar Luncheons, quilts were made to order, and Christmas cards were sold, as well as stationery, Stanley Brushes, and Vanilla.

	The present church" was literally built on quarters, half-dollars, and dollar bills." For women saved all they could save to help toward the building of the new church.		The present church was literally built on quarters, half-dollars, and dollar bills." For women saved all they could save to help toward the building of the new church.

	The Men's Club was active also. Meeting once a month to conduct business and provide a social outlet, the men assumed responsibility for painting and fixing up the existing church, as well as pledging to provide the "extra touches" needed when the new building was built.		The Men's Club was active also. Meeting once a month to conduct business and provide a social outlet, the men assumed responsibility for painting and fixing up the existing church, as well as pledging to provide the "extra touches" needed when the new building was built.