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History of Our Church

This history video was created to help celebrate LOC's 25th anniversary in Fall 2010:

The Beginnings from Light of Christ Lutheran Church on Vimeo.

In September of 1985 the Illinois district of the American Lutheran Church sent out a call to form a new congregation serving the Algonquin and Lake In The Hills area.  Six weeks were spent calling on residents in our communities.  An office and worship site was located in the storefront building at 215 South Main Street in Algonquin.  Prospective members helped to remodel space for worship, found furnishings and shared the excitement of the news of the new congregation being formed.  The congregation's first pastor was Mike Fish.  The first worship service was held on November 10, 1985 and was attended by over 130 people.

March 23, 1986 was a hallmark for our new mission church.  On that Sunday, the mission was chartered as a congregation of the American Lutheran Church.  Bishop Osterbur presided on that important day as "Light of Christ" became our congregation's name.  The name was selected by members after a study of the Gospel of John.  John 8:12 reads: "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."

In 1987 a site selection committee of Light of Christ moved to buy five acres of land where we presently sit on Hanson Road, and planning began for our first building on the new site.  As construction began, many LOC members chipped in to help all stages of building.

In 1992 plans for a building addition were put into motion.  On Thanksgiving eve, 1993 Light of Christ dedicated its building addition, doubling the size of our ministry.

Pastor Mike Fish resigned in July 1997 and Scott Hove served as Senior Pastor until December of 2000.  Pastor Brent Dahlseng served as interim Pastor for much of 2001 while the Call Committee searched for a Senior Pastor.

In September 2001, Kendall Koenig accepted the call as Senior Pastor at Light of Christ Church.  In 2002 LOC claimed its new Mission Statement.

In 2003, ministry continued to expand as the community grew, creating limited space for worship, ministry and fellowship.  In February 2003, five task forces formed to look seriously at LOC space issues.  Then in May, five congregational forums were held, and on June 6, the congregation voted to begin the search for land.

In 2006, LOC members voted to accept contracts to purchase 16 acres of land at Longmeadow Parkway and Sleepy Hollow Road.  On June 2, the congregation held a Land Dedication on the site.



In November 2007, LOC began a capital campaign to secure funds for completion of the land purchase and construction of a new worship center.  Over $2,000,000 was raised in the campaign.

In Fall 2011, LOC began to worship as One Church in Two Locations.
 

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