Baker Memorial Church

Col. Edward J. Baker, a benefactor of St. Charles, had already built five buildings when he built a church in memory of his parents, Edward and Martha Baker. Edward and Martha Baker were founding members of the First Methodist Church congregation in St. Charles in 1836. The Methodists held church services in Lydia and William Franklin's log cabin until St. Charles constructed its first public school in 1837.

The school was the meeting place until the congregation built their first church building at the corner of Fifth and Walnut Avenues in 1842. In 1907, the congregation dismantled the 1842 stone church building and constructed a larger brick house of worship in its place.

In 1952, Edward Baker hired the architectural firm of Gray, Laz, and Mall of Geneva to design a grand new church for the First Methodist Church congregation. Constructed of Wisconsin Lannon stone with cut stone detailing, it is an example of modified Gothic architecture.

Elements that are characteristic of this style are evident throughout the building, the most stunning of these being the stained glass rose windows over the altar and entrance. The design features two wings in an L-shaped building, one dedicated solely to the church and its activities, and the other for educational purposes. The cost for design and construction of the church was $1,250,00. The Baker Memorial Methodist Church was dedicated on September 19, 1954, and the Methodist congregation celebrated the move to their magnificent new church building with a ceremonial walk from the old church. The Methodists donated their 1907 church building to St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

In keeping with Col. Baker's vision for the church, Baker Memorial Church has shared its building and resources with the community.

For a short time, the Baker School of Fine Arts, a nonprofit organization, offered art, drama, and music lessons to people of all talent levels and religious affiliation. Baker Memorial Church currently houses the St. Charles Singers, a professional choir founded in 1984 by Jeffrey Hunt, the Baker Memorial Music Director.

On November 6, 2005, the church dedicated three prominent concrete crosses erected on its front lawn as "an expression of the congregation's desire to reach out to the community and the world with Christ's love."

The Baker Memorial United Methodist Church remains a notable St. Charles landmark and a credit to the generosity of Col. Edward J. Baker.

Sources

■ "Baker Builds New Methodist Church in Memory of Parents." St. Charles Chronicle 25 June 1952.

■ "Baker School of Fine Arts Open to All." n.d.

■ "Dedication Services." St. Charles Chronicle 19 Sept.1954.

■ "First Service Held 1836." Elgin Daily Courier News 18 Sept 1954:15:8.

■ "Ground Breaking Ceremony." Courier News 20 Dec. 1952.

■ Hutchinson, Louise. "Millionaire Gives Church to St. Charles." Chicago Tribune 11 July 1954: W A6.