The First Church on chicago's East Side
The First Church on chicago's East Side
East Side United Methodist Church has served Chicago since 1875
East Side United Methodist Church has served Chicago since 1875
Founded in 1875 as the First Evangelical Church of Chicago, our mission was to serve the people of the East Side, mainly eastern Europeans immigrating to Chicago to work manufacturing jobs on the East Side. Upon the merger of the Evangelical and United Brethen in Christ churches in 1946, our church was renamed the First Evangelical and United Brethen Church of Chicago.
Founded in 1875 as the First Evangelical Church of Chicago, our mission was to serve the people of the East Side, mainly eastern Europeans immigrating to Chicago to work manufacturing jobs on the East Side. Upon the merger of the Evangelical and United Brethen in Christ churches in 1946, our church was renamed the First Evangelical and United Brethen Church of Chicago.
In 1968, during the "uniting conference" of the EUB and the Methodist denominations, the EUB took a stand against injustices done to African-Americans on behalf of the church, stating that they would not merge with the Methodists unless all African-American churches were no longer in a segregated conference, but part of their local conferences and jurisdictions. The Methodists agreed, a merger commenced, and so birthed the new United Methodist Church. Given the size and history of First EUB at that time, the name of our church was changed to East Side United Methodist Church.
In 1968, during the "uniting conference" of the EUB and the Methodist denominations, the EUB took a stand against injustices done to African-Americans on behalf of the church, stating that they would not merge with the Methodists unless all African-American churches were no longer in a segregated conference, but part of their local conferences and jurisdictions. The Methodists agreed, a merger commenced, and so birthed the new United Methodist Church. Given the size and history of First EUB at that time, the name of our church was changed to East Side United Methodist Church.
As the first congregation east of the Calumet river, our church has stood the test of time, rooted in faith, community, and service to God and all people.
As the first congregation east of the Calumet river, our church has stood the test of time, rooted in faith, community, and service to God and all people.
Now in our third building, our church is committed to serving the people of the East Side, and its neighboring communities of South Derring, Hegswisch, Burhnam, South Chicago, and Jeffery Manor through a variety of opportunities and services.
Now in our third building, our church is committed to serving the people of the East Side, and its neighboring communities of South Derring, Hegswisch, Burhnam, South Chicago, and Jeffery Manor through a variety of opportunities and services.
Our Ministries:
Our Ministries:
Zumba Fitness
Zumba Fitness
After School Matters Culinary Group
After School Matters Culinary Group
Weekly Bible Study
Weekly Bible Study
Weekly Worship & Praise
Weekly Worship & Praise
Wednesday Prayer & Communion (coming soon)
Wednesday Prayer & Communion (coming soon)
Monthly Sacred Hour of Devotion & Praise (coming soon)
Monthly Sacred Hour of Devotion & Praise (coming soon)
The High Altar and Chancel Windows
The High Altar and Chancel Windows
We Are A Congregation of the United Methodist Church Rooted in Love and Justice For ALL PEOPLE!
We Are A Congregation of the United Methodist Church Rooted in Love and Justice For ALL PEOPLE!
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as "practical divinity" has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today (www.umc.org).
Our First Church Building
Our First Church Building
Our Second Church Building
Our Second Church Building
Current Church Building
Current Church Building
Need directions?
Need directions?
Click on the map for directions to our church
Click on the map for directions to our church