Des Plaines in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
History of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025
1. History of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Marker
1945
First church meeting led by Pastor Nagel and congregation formally organized
1946
First Good Shepherd Lutheran Church building completed at the corner of Prospect Avenue and Illinois Street, which soon became overcrowded
1959
Groundbreaking for new church building on Howard Avenue on the bank of Lake Opeka
1960
Lakefront building dedicated and is occupied for church activities
1965
Modern style stained glass window installed in sanctuary
1969
Building expansion and sanctuary organ installed
1984
Exterior carillon bell tower dedicated and began tolling the hour and playing hymns
1995
Congregation celebrated its 50th anniversary
2021
Building sold to the Des Plaines Park District
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Religion & Religious Structures • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.
Location. 42° 0.948′ N, 87° 53.77′ W. Marker is in Des Plaines, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on Howard Avenue 0.1 miles west of Lee Street. The marker is in front of the old church building, which is now home to
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also 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: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Architecture (here, next to this marker); About Lake Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Lake Park History (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Vietnam Veterans' Moving Memorial Wall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Paul Schumann Farm (approx. 0.2 miles away); Des Plaines War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lake Park Memorial Pavilion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cold War, 1946-1991 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025
2. Two markers in front of Good Shepherd Lutheran's carillon
Regarding History of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The Des Plaines Park District acquired some church-owned land near Lake Opeka in 2007. Amid declining attendance, the congregation sold the church itself to the park district in 2021; its final service was Easter Sunday 2021.
Also see . . .
1. DP Park Dist. Purchases Good Shepherd Lutheran Church For $1.4 Million. A Journal & Topics article about the sale of the church building from 2021 (subscription may be required). (Submitted on March 25, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Chicago-area church transformed into Mediterranean restaurant: 'truly a work of art'.
Excerpt: "Villegas joined forces with restaurateur Tim Canning and Chef Maya Nahouli to import the menu and concept of Downers Groves' The Foxtail to the new location. With his partners and with the help of a grant and tax rebate from the city of Des Plaines, the year and a half long renovation of the religious center began, adding a 5,000-square-foot patio and 3,000-square-foot kitchen."(Submitted on March 25, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025
3. The former Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
As of March 2025, the former church is now the home to a restaurant called Foxtail on the Lake.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 838 times since then and 200 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
