Baker Memorial Methodist Church
East Main at 4th Avenue

Click to enlarge image.

Upon the dedication of the First Methodist Church on September 19, 1954, "Colonel" Edward J. Baker once again illustrated his desire to better St. Charles. At the age of 85, he had already built six buildings in St. Charles including the Hotel Baker in 1928. The church not only reflected his philanthropy, but also the great importance of religion in both Baker's life and in that of St. Charles. Baker dedicated the church to the memory of his parents, Edward and Martha Baker. Prominent members of the congregation in the 1840s, both had served the Methodist church in many ways. The first Methodist church had been built in 1842. In 1907, the congregation built a new house of worship, which upon the construction of the 1954 building was given to St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

The church itself, designed by Gray, Laz, and Mall of Geneva, cost $1,250,000. It serves as an example of the Classical Revival or Gothic architecture. Elements that are characteristic of these styles are evident throughout the building, the most stunning of these being the stained glass rose windows over the altar and entrance. There are two wings in the L-shaped building: one is dedicated solely to the church and its activites, and the other is used for educational purposes. Within the church wing, there are a chapel, a large sanctuary, and several gathering areas for meetings and meals. Also in the church wing are the library, a game room, and dining rooms. The Baker School of Fine Arts, a non-profit organization, offered lessons in art, drama, and music to people of all levels of talent and religious affiliation.

Following Baker's death in 1959, the church was renamed Baker Memorial Methodist Church. It remains a great landmark to a man who dedicated so much of his life to St. Charles.

For additional photographs, see these sources, more fully described in the Bibliography.

Celebrating History p 51
Baker Memorial Methodist Church Vertical File
Reflections of St. Charles p 73

Also see...

Baker Memorial Park
Doc Morgan
Henry Rockwell Baker Memorial Community Center
Hotel Baker
Municipal Building
St. Charles National Bank

Sources

• "Baker Builds New Methodist Church in Memory of Parents." . 25 June 1952.
  
• "Baker School of Fine Arts Open to All." n.d.
  
• Dedication Services, September 19, 1954.
  
• "First Service Held 1836." Elgin Daily Courier News 18 Sept 1954, 15:8.
  
• "Ground Breaking Ceremony."(Caption) Courier News 20 Dec. 1952.
  
• Hutchinson, Louise. "Millionaire Gives Church to St. Charles." Chicago Tribune 3:6.
  
• This is Our Opportunity, 1st Methodist Church, 1954?.