Hickory Hills Presbyterian Church has a rich history dating back more than 70 years. Beginning as a Sunday School in the North Palos School building, Hickory Hills Presbyterian Church is a gathering of people who seek to learn together to live and love like Jesus. Hickory Hills Presbyterian Church received its charter from the Presbytery of Chicago on January 18, 1953. Throughout our history, we have sought to embody our mission, “We are called to Seek God’s Word, to Share and Celebrate God’s love, and to Serve Jesus Christ in the world.”
In a world filled with great uncertainty, Hickory Hills Presbyterian Church has been an anchor for many on the corner of 95th and 86th place.
1950-1979
1951, September – We began as a Sunday school in the North Palos School building across the street from the current location after a survey by the Church Extension Board of the Chicago Presbytery
1951, November – An organization was formed for the purpose of forming a church; meetings were held under the name “North Palos Community Church”.
1953, January 18th – Our name was changed to “Hickory Hills Community Church” after the Chicago Presbytery granted our church a charter.
1966 – The word “community” was dropped from our name and we took on our current name “Hickory Hills Presbyterian Church”.
1960’s & 1970’s – The Women’s Association collected small amounts of money and socks and mittens, the start of the sock and mitten tree.
1970’s – Our Church began its long standing relationship with the Jones Community Center in Chicago Heights.
1980-1999
1980’s – Our church’s missions were concentrated on raising money for the Presbytery’s missions, including the One Great Hour of Sharing.
1988 – The Tree of Warmth, as it is now known, was brought back to benefit the Jones Center.
1990’s – Our Deacons Board was changed to the “Congregational Care Committee”, or the CCC, which assumed the responsibilities of the Board of Deacons, Prayer and Care, Worship and Music, Mission, and Fellowship committees.
1994, October 3rd – Seeking to serve the neighborhood children, Kids Club was created, and we invited them and our members’ children to attend. We welcome children to participate in an hour and a half of structured fun time each week. “Where kids are #1” has been our Kids Club motto since its inception.
1999, December – Our first expansion was dedicated, and included a gym, new offices, and new class rooms.
2000-2009
2000, April 1st – A historical merger for the Presbytery of Chicago took place between our church, Trinity Presbyterian Church and Chicago Ridge Presbyterian Church.
2000, April – The Fund for the Human Need was carried over from Trinity Presbyterian church. This fund continues to bless our brothers and sisters in need while preserving the benefactors’ anonymity.
2000 – After the merger we once again formed a Board of Deacons consisting of only 6 members. The board was responsible for introducing new ministries, and some of the CCC’s duties.
2000 – The Mission Council 8 Kentucky Mission trip was introduced to our congregation, and the number of our missionaries grows every year.
2003 – Our second expansion, including the new Sanctuary, and class rooms, was dedicated.
2004 – Our Board of Deacons was increased to 18 members, elected and ordained, to handle the growing congregation. Consistent congregational contact has increased and improved, thanks to our Deacons.
2006, July – We sponsored 34 mission workers from our congregation who spent a week in the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern Kentucky serving those in need.
2006, November 12th – We created a new praise worship service, REV Worship, that introduced more contemporary Christian music to our congregation.
2010-present
2010, August 1st – Lara MacGregor started her call as our full time Designated Pastor before becoming our Called Pastor through 2015.
2016, February 13th – We participated in a Mobile Pack for Feed My Starving Children with other local churches, packing 116,640 meals, enough to feed 320 children for a year.
2019, April 8 – Edie Lenz started her call as our Pastor.