About Us

About Us

Located at the corner of Lunt and Oakley, West Ridge Community United Methodist Church has been a fixture in West Rogers Park for nearly 100 years.  We are a multicultural church, reflecting the diversity of our neighborhood.  We welcome you to join us for worship, study and fellowship.

West Ridge UMC began in 1924 when Mrs. Brooks of Rogers Park thought there was a need in the community for a place to teach children about Jesus. She approached her pastor, Dr. Walter Grimes, about establishing a church in the neighborhood. Originally meeting in the old Rogers Park Town Hall, Dr. Grimes conducted worship services until Mr. Schnell, a lumber salesman, took over as preacher on a part-time basis.  Since then, several pastors have served West Ridge.  Most notably, the Rev. Paul Grimes, son of West Ridge’s founder, became pastor in 1936.   He served West Ridge for 34 years.

On January 11, 1925, the first shovel of dirt was turned to build West Ridge Church (a community house) and four months later the cornerstone for the current building was laid. The church building was erected in three parts. The final part of the building—the current sanctuary—was dedicated in 1949.  

While we have a beautiful building, the diverse people of West Ridge UMC are the church!  We hope to see you soon.

July 23, 2022: Baptisms at Loyola Beach.  Rev. Genius Morris K. Jarkloh, Jr & West Ridge UMC members are joined by District Superintendent Rev, Brittany Isaac & Rev, Vinay Pathak of Indo-Pak UMC.

Photo by Lewis Miller