Hyde Park Union Church Celebrates 150 Years


Hyde Park Union Church Celebrates 150 Years

Honoring Our Past and Forging Our Future of Worship, Service, Justice and Community

Chicago, IL – October 17, 2024 – Hyde Park Union Church is thrilled to announce the celebration of its 150th anniversary, a milestone that reflects a rich history of worship, ministry, education, and community engagement. The year-long celebration will kick off on Sunday, October 27th at the 10 AM service, followed by a luncheon, located at 5600 S. Woodlawn, Chicago, IL 60637.

Founded in 1874, Hyde Park Union Church, now a Chicago landmark, has been a cornerstone of transformative ministry to the Hyde Park neighborhood, as well as to University of Chicago faculty staff and students. A legacy spanning from the early days of William Rainey Harper’s work in creating the movement for rigorous Bible study, to the trailblazing nursery school that operated for 99 years, to current efforts to curb hunger and systemic violence throughout the South Side of Chicago.

Throughout the years, the church has been a bastion of progressive Christianity and remains committed to nurturing spiritual growth and fostering a sense of belonging among its members and the wider community. The rose window is dedicated to all in this fellowship whose work and devotion make the Christian ideal a living reality. It is a symbol of gratitude to the past, courage in the present, and hope for the future.

“We are grateful for the countless individuals who have contributed to our church’s legacy over the past 150 years – I feel honored to now be part of this church’s history,” said Reverend Sarah Lusche, Co-Pastor. “This anniversary is a celebration of our past, a reflection of our present, and an opportunity to look forward to the future, and I’m excited to have a hand at moving our mission forward,” said Reverend Veronica Johnson, Co-Pastor.

The celebration kick-off will include: moving and meaningful worship through song, praise and performances; remarks from featured guest speakers; inspired and dynamic preaching from the co-pastoral team, Reverend Veronica M. Johnson and Reverend Sarah Lusche; and family-friendly lunch and fellowship following service.

All are welcome, regardless of background or faith, to join in the celebration, and to feel the joy, love and liberation of the last 150 years. In the long tradition of Homecoming, we also extend a special invitation to former members and staff to join in this celebration – either in-person or virtual – RSVPs are accepted at https://tinyurl.com/HPUC150. For more information about this event and other church activities, please visit www.hpuc.org, or contact us at (773) 363-6063 or office@hpuc.org.

About Hyde Park Union Church: The mission of HPUC is to celebrate God’s diversity among us through inclusive, open and affirming Christian fellowship and service; to welcome and honor each person through all stages of life; and to pursue God’s justice in the world – with the promise of joy, liberation, and love.

Hyde Park Union Church is a diverse, open and affirming congregation affiliated with two denominations: American Baptist Churches-USA and United Church of Christ. We are located at the corner of 56th & Woodlawn, in Chicago's Hyde Park Neighborhood. We are a hybrid congregation; you can join us on Sundays both in-person and online via Zoom and Facebook Live. We are committed to offering a safe and hospitable environment to all people, and an engaging worship experience for those both near and far!

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