Members of the First Presbyterian Church of La Grange have been doing a little remodeling as they count down to the congregation’s 125th anniversary Oct. 25.
The changes are on the inside, not visible from the stately exterior at 150 S. Ashland Ave., last remodeled with an addition in 1962. The structure, built in 1912, was designed to resemble a 13th century Welsh church.
Since April, members have been enjoying an expanded, renovated narthex outside the sanctuary as a larger gathering space for socializing.
The Rev. Anne Fischer, beginning her second year as interim pastor, said she was impressed with the leadership’s decision to revamp the use of church space even as enrollment has declined to 480 members. The La Grange Area Historical Society noted a peak of 2,150 members in 1965.
“Coming from the outside, I thought this was a brilliant way to go when the church was shrinking,” Fisher said. “They could have decided to go into survivor mode, but they said, ‘let’s not. Let’s shorten the worship space.'”
The narthex is the setting for a tea and open house from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 with photos, videos, refreshments, live music and memorabilia from the church’s rich history.
“Our theme is to not only celebrate the past, but anticipate the future and all God has planned for us,” said Natalie Beglen, a 22-year member and one of the anniversary observance organizers.
A 10 a.m. worship service and reception the following morning cap 125 days of preparations since June, including cleanup days, service projects and a campaign to renovate the church parlor used for meetings and receptions. The unveiling of reupholstered furniture, new curtains, paint and other touches will be one of the day’s highlights, Beglen said.
Anniversary preparations also have included opportunity for interior reflection and the chance to refocus the meaning of mission, how all are called to serve in spreading the gospel, Fisher said.
“Mission has always been an important part of this church’s identity,” Fisher said. “It’s about being connected to the community, not just locally, but regionally and globally.”
In August, about 30 children, teens and adults assembled meals at the Feed My Starving Children packing center in Chicago. Members also created 125 bags of personal care and comfort items for homeless persons. The bags will be blessed Oct. 25 for members to distribute.
“Our goal was to get as many people involved as possible in mission planning with hands-on activities,” Fisher said.
Church leaders also encouraged the congregation to take up the challenge of Pay It Forward bracelets, intended to spur acts of kindness.
“We asked kids to open the door for somebody, set the table or carry in the groceries,” Beglen said. “People wrote down what they did. For me, it was as simple as passing out granola bars when I would see people in need.”
Participants were asked to pass the bracelet along to someone else after three weeks, when it was hoped a new habit was formed to think more of others, Fisher said.
“It’s a matter of becoming more aware of the needs around you,” she said.
In La Grange, the church was one of the founding partners and houses the offices of the BEDS emergency overnight shelter program. First Presbyterian also helped start or became involved with the La Grange Area Transition Housing program, the Interfaith Career Network and the Second Baptist Church food pantry, Beglen said. The church also houses offices for the Adolescent Counseling, Education and Support nonprofit agency.
Members also consider the vacation Bible school program each summer an important community outreach. About 125 children attended the program, focused on science, in July, Beglen said.
One Monday night a month, church cooks prepare a dinner for the Food for Life program Tuesday nights at the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago in Hyde Park. Fifteen years ago, program coordinators began collecting extra Halloween candy and make about 1,000 bags each year as an extra treat, Beglen said.
After the anniversary celebration, members will continue to reflect on the church’s future and develop criteria to select a new pastor, Fisher said. She has been guiding congregations in their selection process for 27 years.
“We struggle with a changing culture and how do we continue to be a relevant bearer of the gospel message,” Fisher said.
Twitter: @janemichaels22
