Our Church History

The History of Maple Park United Methodist Church

Maple Park United Methodist Church was organized by the Board of Mission of the Rock River Annual Conference under the leadership of Rev. Felton E. May and 15 other pioneers for Christ in September, 1963.  Initially, church services were held at John Whistler Elementary School and shortly after, Thomas J. Higgins Elementary School.

The chartering service for the new congregation was held in September of 1963, at John Whistler Elementary School.  The chartering service was led by Bishop Charles W. Brashares, Episcopal leader of the Rock River Conference for Northern Illinois of the Methodist Church and Bishop Matthew Clair, Episcopal leader of the St. Louis Area of the Central Jurisdiction.  Bishop Clair was also a member of the Rock River Conference Board of Mission.  Rev. Felton E. May became the pastor of Maple Park United Methodist Church in September of 1963.  He later became Bishop Felton E. May and has gone on to glory to be with the Lord.

The congregation started with 15 pioneers in addition to 20 young people.  Soon, thereafter, a Building Committee was formed and a plan for constructing the first church building began.  The land was located between Elizabeth and Racine at 117^th Street.  In October of 1966, the first building of three planned units was completed.  The congregation moved into a new church building on October 31, 1966, with 70 families and 240 registered church school students.

After several years, the “Rise Up and Build” initiative became a reality.   In 1993, a new state of the art structure was completed to include worship, programming, and fellowship space.

The Pastors of Maple Park United Methodist Church