Saint Pauls Church is one of the oldest Christian congregations in the city of Chicago. It was founded by German immigrants 1843 and for many years was located at LaSalle and Ohio streets. The church was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but was quickly rebuilt. In 1898, St. Pauls moved to its Lincoln Park location. When fire destroyed the church building on Christmas night in 1955, members resolved to rebuild and remain in the city, reaffirming Saint Pauls commitment to serve the urban community. During the 1960s and '70s, Saint Pauls, along with all city churches, felt the impact of urban renewal and the movement of members to the suburbs. The 1,500-member congregation was reduced to approximately 500 members by 1980. Thanks to the efforts of the congregation however, the church experienced renewal during the 1980s, and the congregation more than doubled in size again.
From the description of St. Pauls Church records 1893-1993. (DePaul University). WorldCat record id: 759117375
