History & Mission
When Presbyterians from Chicago founded this church in 1859, their ambition went far beyond creating a spiritual refuge for themselves. They envisioned an entire community grounded in faith and education. Together, they helped establish the town of Lake Forest, including plans for a college, an academy for boys and girls, and residential homes.
In the early years, worship services were held in the town’s only hotel. By 1862, the congregation built its first church building, designed in the Gothic style. As the community grew, so did the church. In 1886, a new sanctuary was constructed—our current home—using spotted stones salvaged from Chicago’s Second Presbyterian Church, which had been destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Between 1901 and 1902, the sanctuary underwent major redecoration, including the installation of a stunning triptych above the altar, designed by Tiffany & Co. Over the course of 96 years, thirteen stained-glass windows were added to the sanctuary, six of which are original Tiffany designs.
From fourteen founding members to a vibrant congregation of over 1,000 today, First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest continues to nurture a community of faith working through love.
Worship at First Pres has always been marked by a rich combination of meaningful preaching and inspiring music. In the early days, a hand-blown, two-manual organ stood at the front of the sanctuary and was played by a student from Lake Forest Academy. A professional quartet led the congregation in song. In 1973, the current Casavant organ was installed, continuing our deep musical tradition.
Nurturing a multigenerational community has always been a priority at First Pres. From the very beginning, the faith of young people has been a central concern, demonstrated clearly by the founding of schools alongside the church itself. That legacy continues today through a thriving ministry to children and families, youth groups, confirmation, and rich intergenerational relationships that shape lives across every stage of faith. A junior kindergarten program began at the church in 1964. Today, First Pres Preschool serves kids ages 3 to 5 years old.
In response to God’s grace, we also remain deeply committed to service. We put our faith into action through our longstanding annual rummage sale—now a community-wide effort—and in our generous support of nonprofit mission partners, both locally and around the world. Together, we seek to be a church not only in the community, but for it.
