The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Founding of the First Methodist Church
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 12, 2024
1. Founding of the First Methodist Church Marker
in a cabin on Wolfe's Point (where the Chicago River divides)
June 16, 1831
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 16, 1831.
Location. 41° 52.984′ N, 87° 37.826′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. It can be reached from Washington Street east of Clark Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is on the eastern side of the Chicago Temple Building, beneath a stained-glass window depicting a service at the first church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 77 West Washington Street, Chicago IL 60602, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Rev. Jesse Walker (here, next to this marker); The First Church Building of First Methodist Church of Chicago (here, next to this marker); Founding of the Arthur Dixon Bible Class (here, next to this marker); Second Church Building of First Methodist Church of Chicago (here, next to this marker); Founded by This Church
this page online
More about this marker. The window is one of 10 on the eastern side of the Chicago Temple building depicting the history of the First Methodist Church of Chicago.
Regarding Founding of the First Methodist Church. The geographical landmark referenced on this plaque is almost always spelled out as Wolf Point, likely named after a Native American who lived in the area during early white settlement, although it's not certain. Wolf Point, located about ½ a mile northwest of this spot (as the crow flies), is the location where the Chicago River splits into its north and south branches; Chicago's first hotel, its first taverns and many of its other first businesses were established there. Today it is the site of the 835-foot Salesforce Tower.
As is depicted in another stained glass window displayed here, in 1839 the original church was lifted, floated
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 12, 2024
2. Founding of the First Methodist Church marker and stained glass window
Also see . . .
1. Chicago Temple History from 1831 to 1923. As part of its centennial celebration of its current church building in 2024, the First United Methodist Church official site examines the history of the church before it moved into the present building. (Submitted on December 13, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. The 'Mother Church of Chicago Methodism': 100 years of the Chicago Temple Building. A Chicago History Museum article looks at the Chicago Temple Building on its 100th anniversary in 2024.
Excerpt: "The First Methodist community began meeting in 1831 as part of a circuit led by Rev. Jesse Walker, first meeting in a home where Merchandise Mart stands today. By 1834, they met in a newly constructed log cabin on the north bank of the Chicago River. Just a few years later, the cabin was rolled on logs across the river and moved to the churchs current location at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Clark Street."(Submitted on December 13, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 12, 2024
3. Chicago Temple historical stained glass windows
10 stained glass windows offer a history of the Methodist church that has stood at this spot for almost 185 years.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 12, 2024
4. Chicago Temple stained glass
The window is one of 10 on the east side of the temple that depict the history of the First Methodist Church of Chicago. Daley Plaza and the Daley Center are across the street.
Courtesy of Chicago History Museum (ICHi-005947), circa 1893
5. Wolf Point in 1832
This drawing of Wolf Point (the confluence of the Chicago River and its two branches) depicts its appearance in 1832. The drawing was developed for the 1893 Columbian Exposition.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 443 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 13, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
