History of StJ

1897
Organized as St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Libertyville as a tri-parish with Lutheran congregations in Lake Forest and Waukegan.
Built our first church on the corner of Broadway and Park Place for **$2,725.49**.

1905
1923
Transitioned from a dual-parish with Waukegan to a single-parish with our own pastor.
Dedicated the new sanctuary at the corner of Garfield and Park Avenue.

April 20, 1952
1963
Withdrew from WELS to join the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LC-MS).
Dedicated the Christian Education Building.

1964
1971
Left the LC-MS as charter members of the Federation for Authentic Lutheranism.
St. John Lutheran School opened.

1973
1975
Rejoined WELS.
Rededicated our renovated sanctuary and renovated organ; installed a new preschool playground.

2010
2022
125th Anniversary Celebration.
Celebrating 75 years on the corner in Libertyville.

2026
Today
St. John Lutheran Church and School is about family and connection in Christ—not just buildings.

1897