Meadows Christian Fellowship turns 60

It's hard to believe it's been 60 years, but Meadows Christian Fellowship church has grown up alongside the city of Rolling Meadows.

The church had its first public service Sunday evening, Oct. 30, 1955, in a kindergarten room at Kimball Hill School in the new town. A small group of God's people living in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago saw a need for a gospel witness in this rapidly growing area.

They met for prayer in the home of Gordon and Lee Hultgren and invited the Rev. Michael Green and his wife, June, of Chicago to join them. Michael was the youth pastor and Christian Education director at the Chicago Gospel Tabernacle.

Six months later, the worshippers moved their location to the American Legion Hall in Arlington Heights. They decided to become an official church, chose the name "Meadows Gospel Church," and the Rev. Green signed on as pastor.

One charter member of the church, Nora Walker, is still an active member.

Two years later, the name was changed to Meadows Baptist Church and the congregation moved back to Kimball Hill School, where the gymnasium hosted all Sunday services and Sunday school.

At the same time a suitable location was sought for a permanent church building, and eventually five acres of property at Kirchoff Road and Oriole Lane became available.

Ground was broken on April 24, 1960. During those first five years, church membership had increased significantly and many of the members contributed their time and energy to the process of constructing the church building in order to reduce the costs.

The first services were held in the new building Feb. 5, 1961. Since then, two additional buildings were built and eventually a complete renovation took place.

Rev. Green served the church from 1955 through 1978.

Today, one other congregation shares the facility, the Chicago Northwest Suburban Chinese Christian Church.

The Meadows Christian Fellowship church mission statement is: "Helping people know, love and become like Jesus."

60th anniversary celebration

60th Anniversary Celebration. Meadows Christian Fellowship, located at 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meaows, will be celebrating their 60th Anniversary on Sunday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. with a worship service of prayer, praise and thanksgiving for God's faithfulness during the past 60 years. Former pastors, Rev. David Brown and David MacKinnon, will be speaking. The founding pastor, Mike Green, and former pastor, Tim Haugen, will provide video greetings. Early church members will be recognized. A fellowship "pot-luck" luncheon will follow the service. (847) 255-8764 or visit www.meadowsfamily.org