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History of Broadway United Methodist Church
Adapted from the History of Broadway United Methodist Church,
written by Ellenora Bose, a longtime member of Broadway
Broadway's Early History
Broadway United Methodist Church, now located at 3344 North Broadway in Chicago, began its life of service on Sunday, July 12, 1891, and was known as Christ's Chapel. It was located in a vacant store at 1637 North Halsted Street. Reverend R H Dolliver was Pastor in Charge under the direction of the Chicago Home Ministry and Church Extension Society. As a result of personal visits by the pastor and handbills scattered in the neighborhood, 35 persons gathered for the evening service. The collection for the day was $9.72. After the morning service, the Sabbath School was organized and grew.
Evanston Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church
On Monday, July 27, 1891, a committee made up of Charles Busby, Charles Lasher, Reverend Dolliver and A D Traveller selected the church site on the corner of Evanston Avenue (now Broadway) and Buckingham Place. The site was purchased and the church building was started.
On August 2, 1891, 15 persons were received into the society by letter and on probation. By 1901, the membership was up to 175 persons. Worship services were held in the basement until 1901, when the congregation decided to complete the building. It was dedicated in 1902 with Reverend R E Saunders as Pastor in Charge.
The Evanston Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church (as it was then called), was designed by architect E Hill Turnock. He also designed the Brewster Apartments building at the corner of Diversey and Pine Grove Avenue, which is only a few blocks from the church. The Brewster is an official Chicago Landmark building. Turnock was also associated with Frank Lloyd Wright.
The church was built of blue Bedford stone with a red tile roof. The interior was finished in oak with a large truss ceiling. The sanctuary seated 450 persons. When the doors were opened in the new Sunday School room on the first floor, there were accommodations for 800 people.
The second story over the Sunday School room consisted of a pastor's study, ladies' parlor, dining room, kitchen and pantry, in addition to a primary classroom and lavatory. By completion of the church building in 1902, membership had grown to 275 with other community residents worshiping regularly also.
Evanston becomes Broadway
The church ministered to the north side community under the name "Evanston Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church" until 1914 when the name was changed to "Broadway Methodist Episcopal Church" in conjunction with the renaming of the street. In 1969, the denominations of Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren merged and the church was then called "Broadway United Methodist Church," the name it retains today.
A senior citizens' group and day care center for school-aged children was provided through the Broadway Children's Center for more than 15 years during the 60's and 70's. For several years the church also provided space for a Christmas Day community dinner and served as a polling place for two precincts.
The (not so great) Broadway Fire
Beginning in the early 1970's, membership at Broadway began to decline, but the spirit of the remaining congregation was high and positive. Inspired by Reverend Martin Cox and many of the remaining members, money was pledged to replace the old electric organ with a pipe organ. In February of 1983, however, a fire gutted the church and most of the beautiful stained glass windows were lost. It was a heart-rending decision for the congregation of 45 members to undertake rebuilding, but they concluded that this church had a mission on this corner and, "Lord willing," it could be done. Immediately after the fire, Reverend Louise Mahan became the first female pastor at Broadway and the congregation learned that "the church is not a building; it is not the steeple; the church is people." For six years during construction, the people of Broadway Church worshipped at Christ Congregational Church, one half block west on Buckingham -- originally Temple Emmanuel. Later they met at 618 West Buckingham for worship and meetings.
Broadway Rebuilds
In the rebuilding of Broadway, three priorities had to be taken into consideration:
1. The building must be functional and energy efficient.
2. The love of music had lured many to donate money for the pipe organ and, hopefully, it could be restored, and, if possible, enhanced.
3. The building must be in accordance with City of Chicago Building Codes and handicapped accessible
Richard Kalb, an architect familiar with many award winning churches, designed the present church building with its artistic brick work. Stained glass, the wooden cross and other artifacts from the old church were brought into the new setting. Many previous members who had moved away gave substantial sums of money in memory of the fellowship they had enjoyed at Broadway and music lovers gave money designated to repair and enhance the organ.
In 1990, a miracle came to pass when, like a dream come true, the congregation was able to celebrate two days of consecration and the 100th Anniversary of the founding of what had now become Broadway United Methodist Church. In subsequent years, the basement was completed and an elevator and air conditioning installed.
The current pastor is Reverend Jenny Weber. She was assigned to Broadway in July of 2006. Membership is well on its way to recovery as well. Currently over 300 people of all colors and sexual orientations have made a commitment to the service of God and our neighborhood and our world.
Present Day Broadway
Broadway United Methodist Church is open to all peoples and embraces both church and community organizations. From AA to AIDS to Community Police meetings, Broadway participates in the diverse neighborhood in which it endures. It stands as a symbol of faith and love, inviting everyone to experience the spirit of God in worship and the world.
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