History of Trinity UCC, Deerfield, IL

Although Trinity United Church of Christ, Deerfield, was founded in 1959, our history in this community goes back over 125 years.

In 1875, twenty-three Deerfield families organized St. Paul's Evangelical Church. The congregation was formed in March of 1875 and the first church building was completed, on what is now the corner or Waukegan Road and Osterman Avenue, and dedicated by November of that same year.

For many years, services were held in both German and English. In fact, until about 1910, children were taken out of public school when they reached eighth grade and were taught by the minister in a small room attached to the rear of the church. The interior of St. Paul's was remodeled for the 50th anniversary celebration in 1925 and again for the 60th anniversary in 1935. Then, on September 11, 1941, the building burned to the ground. The falling of the stately spire is still remembered by many Deerfield residents. A new church was built over the old basement foundation and was dedicated in 1944.

St. John's Evangelical Church was organized in the spring of 1908 with services being held in the Old Masonic Temple. Their new church building was dedicated in November of 1909 and a parsonage was built in 1912. Like St. Paul's, the first services were held in German as well as English. In 1919, the Secretary-elect of the congregation accepted the position on the condition that he be permitted to take minutes of the meetings in English instead of German.

After a year of discussion and study, the two congregations decided to merge, to sell their existing buildings, to buy new property and to build a new church. They worshipped together for the first time as Trinity United Church of Christ on May 24, 1959, meeting in Walden School.

Six acres of wooded land were purchased and the sanctuary was completed in 1962. An education wing and a bell tower were added a few years later. Following an earlier tradition, the buiding was remodeled for the 40th anniversary, with a new roof, new heating and electrical systems, and a new gathering hall added.

For more than 125 years, faithful members have sought to carry out the work of Jesus Christ in this local community and throughout the world. It is our prayer that we will continue to be a faithful presence, a beacon of hope shining from this church among the trees.

Pastors who have served these congregations:

St. Paul's Evangelical & Reformed Church

1875-1891 - Joseph Allardt

1891-1893 - William Roth

1893-1898 - William Jungh

1898-1903 - John Mierle

1903-1907 - George Decksinger

1907-1914 - F. Bosold

1914-1918 - John Lueder

1918-1922 - J. Buescher

1922-1925 - J.H. Holdgraf

1925-1942 - F.G. Piepenbrok

1942-1946 - A.C. Kuehn

1946-1949 - Hugo Leinberger

1949-1953 - Harry O. Willman

1953-1959 - Laszlo Humyady

St. John's Evangelical & Reformed Church

1909-1910 - F.A. Leudeke

1911-1913 - Reinhard B. Fiedler

1913-1923 - Frederick W. Holke

1923-1924 - Hugo Weichelt

1925-1929 - Karl A. Roth

1929-1931 - F.W. Fischer

1931-1942 - F.G. Piepenbrok (served both congregations)

1942-1946 - Gustav Pahl

1946-1948 - Alvin Kniker

1948-1952 - Roland W. Hosto

1952-1953 - Harold A. Harris

1954-1959 - Edward J. Busse

Trinity United Church of Christ

1960-1990 - Philip A. Desenis

1990-1991 - Nan W. Conser (interim)

1992-present Susan Chamberlin Smith

Trinity UCC, 760 North Avenue, Deerfield, IL 60015

Rev. Susan Chamberlin Smith, pastor