The years following the conflicts of 1923 are not
documented in detail for this history. The following observations
were not a part of the original paper and have been added to
give a more complete perspective on the development and impact
of Kimball Avenue E. C. Church.
* * * * * *
Even while the church was experiencing change internally due
to talk of merger, the community around it was also beginning
to change. By 1920, the Logan Square neighborhood was fully developed
and included large industrial tracts on the eastern edge by the
Chicago River and the western edge along the St. Paul Railroad
tracks. While the community had many wealthy residents who lived
on the "Boulevards of Millionaires" (Logan, Kedzie,
Humboldt and Palmer Square) the community also became home of
those who worked in the factories on either edge of the community.
Large apartment buildings were built to house the influx of workers
and immigrants. As early as 1918, the first Catholic Poles began
to arrive in Logan Square, an area that had been to this point
populated by Norwegians, Belgians and some Germans, and by 1950
Poles dominated the community. Following World War I, Russian
Jews also flooded the area. The Logan Square Boys and Girls Club,
located at Palmer and Sawyer, was built in 1924 as a synagogue.
As Kimball Avenue church struggled to recover from the merger
conflicts, it seemed unaware of the changes around it. Under
the able leadership of several pastors, the vision of the church
was kept alive and there was continued talk about building on
educational wing on the two lots to the south of the existing
church. A gift of $1,000 was given anonymously in 1937 as seed
money for construction, but no plans were ever drawn and no other
money was given.
In 1928, Rev. Duncan McNeil, an revival preacher from Ireland,
became pastor of the church; and under his leadership the church
continued to emphasize evangelistic meetings. Outreach continued
with outdoor Sunday evening services at the corner of Kimball
and Fullerton prior to the evening service at the church. Fellowship
groups developed and thrived during this period. The Kimball
Young People's Fellowship, led by church's young adults, provided
Bible studies and social activities for the church's young adults.
Relationships that formed in that group continued long after
many of them had moved from the area. Christian Comrades, a group
for women, began under the leadership of Grace Linden and others.
The 'Cozy Corner' monthly newsletter continued for years and
was sent around country, connecting friends to one another and
Kimball Avenue. Other organizations included the Protheons, Philathea
Club, Excelsiors (for men), Shipmates, Lifesavers, the Women's
Missionary Socity and the Ladies Aid Society. The 40 voice choir,
under the able direction of George Underwood and Clyde Barton,
performed annual concerts and Easter cantatas. Several men entered
the ministry including Rev. Wilbur Deck, son of Rev.
Q. A. Deck, pastor of the church from 1933-1939, and a number
of women either became pastor's wives or went overseas in missions.
Most notably, Ella Rostad traveled to India in 1927 and began
the Northeast India General Mission with her husband Paul, a
work that continues to thrive today. Many of the young people
went on to active involvement in churches throughout the Chicago
area and beyond. In 1939, a son of the congregation, Rev. Frank
Brandfellner was assigned pastor of the church.
During during a portion of the 1930's, the sanctuary of the
church was used as a studio for a number of radio broadcasts
including "Unshackled," the stories of men and women
touched by the ministry of Pacific Garden Mission.
Much attention was given to maintaining and improving the
physical structure of the church as well. During the pastorate
of Rev. Q. A. Deck, steam radiator heat was installed in both
the church and the parsonage, the sanctuary was redecorated,
the church exterior was refinished with asbestos-cement shingles
and a new tile ceiling was installed in the basement "making
it practically soundproof." (Link
to see pictures of the church in 1937)
A major emphasis in 1937 was eliminating the indebtedness
of the church. From the very beginning, the church had needed
to borrow money from the Annual Conference and other sources
for building projects. Harvest Home Dinners raised funds to reduce
the burden, but the load of debt remained. Finally, as of 1938,
the goal was reached. (Link to an original
song, written to motivate people to give generously)
Like the farsighted members of the K.L.C.E. who helped establish
the Irving Park Mission, a small group in the early 1940's saw
the need to establish a work in the developing area far northwest
of Logan Square. Through the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Roth
Hansen, son of C. R. Hansen, a small congregation was formed
near Harlem and Higgins Avenues. The church became known as the
Norwood Heights Evangelical Congregational Church and had an
effective ministry in that community.
