Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church has gathered on Chicago's South Side since the early twentieth century, growing from a small mission chapel into an established congregation committed to worship, prayer, and service in the neighborhood around 8100 South Calumet Avenue. The congregation describes itself as "a church community of committed believers who are led by Christ," and it has welcomed worshippers from its surrounding community and beyond since 1908.
From a Mission Chapel to a South Side Congregation
In March of 1897, a committee of the session of Second Presbyterian Church in Chicago recommended the construction of a new mission building near 59th and Indiana Avenue. Funding for the project came from the John Crerar Foundation of Second Presbyterian, and the resulting building was named Crerar Chapel in honor of that gift. Two years later, the original building was enlarged to accommodate the growing work. Then, on April 5, 1908, a new, larger building on the corner of 57th and Prairie Avenue was dedicated. The officially organized congregation that took possession of it became known as Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church, the name it carries today.
A Vision of Welcome, Worship, and Witness
Crerar describes its vision as continuing to be a community of committed believers led by Christ, gathering welcoming, worshiping, and witnessing Christians who serve in the spirit of prayer, service, and evangelism. The church's mission, as members of one body, is to celebrate and share God's Word and love in the world, to come together to do the work of the church, to accept responsibility prayerfully, and to minister to both church members and the greater community as stewards and obedient servants of God.
Two verses anchor this calling. Isaiah 41:10 reads, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Proverbs 3:5 urges the community to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:9 adds, "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops." These scriptures appear throughout the congregation's life and teaching.
Sunday Worship and Midweek Bible Study
Worship at Crerar takes place on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m., with fellowship time beginning at 10:45 a.m. for those who wish to arrive early and connect with others. The service is open to worshippers of all ages and backgrounds and is shaped by the goal of deepening the congregation's connection to God and understanding of the teachings of Christ. The church also produces a podcast so members and friends can listen in to messages at other times of the week.
Midweek, the congregation gathers for Bible study on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Both the Sunday service and the Wednesday study are regular weekly rhythms of the church's life together. Visitors who wish to attend in person are invited to call the church office to register at 773-874-2132.
Ministry to the Community
Crerar understands ministry as the action of caring for others, with the Minister heading that work. The church invites people to "join us as together we can make the change our community needs." It describes itself as "an inclusive church committed to Christ and His word," dedicated to sharing the love of Christ through ministry, fellowship, and worship.
A collection plate is taken during worship services, and electronic giving is available around the clock for those who want to support the church's ministry and community work. In-kind offerings of goods or services are welcomed as well.
Pastoral Leadership and Office Hours
Minister Lawrence A. Brown, C.P., serves as Pastor of Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church. The pastor's office hours run Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The church office is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and the office phone is 773-874-2132.
Joining the Congregation
Crerar's doors have remained open through the generosity of its members and supporters. Tithes and offerings can be made online at any time, volunteers are invited to lend their time to the church's work, and anyone curious about becoming part of the Crerar community is invited to get in touch.
The church can be reached by phone at 773-874-2132, by email at info@crerarchurch.org, or in person at 8100 South Calumet Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619. Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church maintains an active presence on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter under the handle @crerarchurch, and offers an email sign-up for those who want to receive updates about its ministry. Since 1908, Crerar has wholeheartedly welcomed members from its surrounding community and beyond to join in song, service, worship, and prayer.