COMMUNITY OF FAITH

As Lake Forest’s Church of St. Mary marks its 150th anniversary, the community comes together to celebrate a shared history of faith.

38 Group 1 Vertical — Rev. Jon Wasson, First Presbyterian Church, Rev. Patrick Kizza, St. Patrick’s Church, Pastor Todd E. Fletcher, First Baptist Church, Deacon Bob Thomas, Church of St. Mary, Rev. Keck Mowry, Grace United Methodist Church in Lake Bluff

Lake Forest’s Church of St. Mary is turning 150 years old, and the celebration is set to last an entire year. From September 2025 through September 2026, the parish will host a series of events that honor its roots, its people, and its enduring place in the Lake Forest–Lake Bluff community.

One of the marquee highlights is an exhibit at the History Center of Lake Forest–Lake Bluff titled Celebrating Centennial Churches in Our Midst. More than just a history lesson, the exhibit is a love letter to six local congregations that have stood the test of time, weaving their stories into the fabric of the community.

St. Mary’s story began humbly in 1875, when a group of faithful gathered inside a log cabin. From that modest start grew a parish that has welcomed generations, celebrated countless milestones, and become a cornerstone of local life. Through artifacts, historic photographs, and even personal mementos shared by parishioners, the History Center’s exhibit will show visitors how St. Mary’s has evolved over the years while never losing sight of its mission.

But the spotlight doesn’t shine on St. Mary’s alone. The exhibit also honors five other congregations that have passed the century mark—St. Patrick Church (est. 1849), First Presbyterian Church (est. 1859), Grace United Methodist Church (est. 1887), First Baptist Church (est. 1900), and the Church of the Holy Spirit (est. 1902). Together, they form a rich mosaic of faith traditions that have helped define Lake Forest and Lake Bluff for more than 100 years.

The community is invited to gather on Thursday, October 23, for a special reception at the History Center. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., guests can enjoy a short program, light refreshments, and a first look at the exhibit. Admission to Celebrating Centennial Churches in Our Midst is free, and all are welcome.

For more details on the year-long celebrations of St. Mary’s 150th anniversary, visit churchofstmary.org/celebrating-150-years. To learn more about Celebrating Centennial Churches in Our Midst, visit lfbhistory.org.