Naperville in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Congregational Church of Naperville

Founded July 13, 1833

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 16, 2025

1. First Congregational Church of Naperville Marker

Inscription. First Congregational Church of Naperville, founded July 13, 1833 is the oldest church in DuPage County and the oldest Congregational church founded in Northern Illinois.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is July 13, 1833.

Location. 41° 46.512′ N, 88° 8.794′ W. Marker is in Naperville, Illinois, in DuPage County. It is at the intersection of Benton Avenue and Center Street, on the right when traveling west on Benton Avenue. The marker is to the left of the entrance into the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 25 East Benton Avenue, Naperville IL 60540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: DuPage County Court House 1839-1868 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Laughing Lincoln (about 300 feet away); Baha'u'llah (about 400 feet away); DuPage County Soldiers and Sailors Monument (about 400 feet away); DuPage County Centennial (about 500 feet away); Confederate Cannon (about 500 feet away); Central Park Seating Improvements (about 600 feet away); The Great Concerto (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Naperville.

Also see . . . Our Building: First Congregational Church of Naperville.

Excerpt: "Founded in 1833, First Congregational is the oldest church in DuPage County. Our first congregants gathered under a tree for worship, before meeting in a succession of homes, barns, schools, and even a tent. The congregation completed construction of a frame church in 1846, on land donated by Capt. Morris Sleight. His gift was made with the stipulation that there never be a burial ground on the site and the church always have a bell tower. The frame church was replaced with the current beautiful stone structure and dedicated
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 16, 2025

2. First Congregational Church of Naperville bell tower
The marker is partially visible in the bottom left corner of the photo.
in 1906."

(Submitted on December 17, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

First Congregational Church of Naperville image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 16, 2025

3. First Congregational Church of Naperville

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 66 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 17, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.