ILLINOIS – Over the span of 117 years, Hope Community Church has come this far by having “intentional faith.” Our rhythm has changed through membership, leadership and location – but our mission has remained the same: To see the members of Hope Community Church and Hope Nation so passionate about God’s heart for people that we become more proficient in ministry, more involved in community, and more conscience of our maturity.
One of our 2025 Summer Breeze worship services highlighted Hope’s legacy from 1908 through today. We showcased videos, photos and artifacts that highlighted our history of pastors, ministries, programs and the transition from the basement of a two-flat apartment building on Komensky Street to our site in the Lawndale Community. We highlighted the charter of the Austin church, Hope’s serving in both sites and currently to the Austin Community.
One Response
I remember attending Hope Community Church when it was on Grenshaw Street. My parents, Ross & Joyce Mays, had moved to Chicago in the late 50’s. I have just snippits of memories while we attended there. There was so much love there that even a pre-schooler could feel. My parents were great friends with Rev Welkley & his family. Later on, I was baptized at Hope since the Church of the Highlands, in LaGrange, didn’t have a baptistry then. What a great example of what the church can be to a community!