First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake celebrates 175th anniversary

CRYSTAL LAKE – The First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake set aside time Saturday and Sunday to reflect on its 175 years of service in the community.

The church held a celebration Saturday at McCormick Park, where members enjoyed a picnic, live music and children’s activities. Special services will be held at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday, with receptions following each service.

The Rev. Eric Fistler, who joined the church almost two years ago, said he was drawn to it because of its dedication to serving the greater community in ways such as co-founding the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, hosting outreach programs for youth and exhibiting a passion to help others through founding the Friendship House Early Childhood Center and Lakeside Festival.

“Whoever you are and wherever you are in life’s journey, you are welcome here, and that’s the DNA of this church,” Fistler said.

Fistler said it’s important to look back to where God has led the church and use that as inspiration for the future.

“We live in an incredibly divisive time right now, and that’s why we are called to have a voice in the midst of that, whether it’s issues politically divided, socioeconomically divided, but it’s about finding ways to build bridges and bring people together.”

The 1,400-member church began in 1842 after nine people gathered in one person’s house in Crystal Lake, before creating its first building five years later. The current church was bought in 1867.

During the Great Depression, the church almost closed with only $14 in its bank, but Fistler said that against all odds, members kept the church open.

LaDonna Goss served as a staff member for the church for 28 years, and said the outreach women’s and music programs continue to stand out to her as unique pillars of the congregation. Al Cunningham of Crystal Lake has been a member since 1988, and he helped plan the celebration. He said his favorite part about the church is the people who come.

“A church is just a building, but a congregation is the people within it,” Cunningham said. “These people make you want to come, see them, talk to them and get to know others better.”