Our History

The Kirk of the Lakes is God’s people in this place and time, called by Jesus Christ, infused with the Holy Spirit, worshiping, learning and serving together in love for the world.  The Presbytery of Chicago chartered the Kirk on Pentecost, May 21, 1961, in a ceremony at Carl Sandburg Jr. High School, with members, friends and presbytery officials in attendance.  “Kirk” is the traditional way of saying “church” in Scotland, and that heritage led to the naming of the new church.  The original building was completed September 26, 1965.

Following a series of brief pastorates, the Rev. Paul Key served as minister from 1973-1992.  During those two decades, church membership swelled to nearly 250 on the active roll.  For some time, the Kirk held two Sunday morning services.  Youth ministry was strong, with Wednesday Youth Club attracting many children.  Near the end of Pastor Key’s ministry, the congregation built the Family Life Center (the gym).

The Rev. William Abernethy served as pastor 1993-95.  Following his tenure the Rev. Jay Basler left his post at Trinity College, Deerfield, to become pastor.  Mrs. Glola Basler envisioned the Wee Kirk pre-school as a vital ministry and brought it into being.  The Kirk added a Sunday School and youth wing in 2002.  In June 2003, Rev. Basler retired from ministry of the church.

In April 1997, Ela Pres merged with the Kirk of the Lakes.  The Kirk welcomed Ela members with open arms, and the Ela members immediately began to contribute to the ministry of the Kirk.

In January of 2005, the Diamond Lake United Methodist Church added a wonderful group of enthusiastic and dedicated Christians to the life and work of the Kirk.  It is a testimony to the spirit of the Kirk and to the people from Ela Pres and Diamond Lake U.M. that the Kirk has retained its wholesome sense of being a family.

The Rev. Tim Janiszewski served as pastor, November 2005-May 2007.  Pastor Wes Hougsted provided stability and leadership in the interim.  In December 2009, the Presbytery of Chicago installed the Rev. Robert L. Crall as pastor. Thankful for all who have gone before us in the life and work of this body of believers, today we earnestly seek God’s vision and blessing in what God would have us be and do.