Chicago was the fastest-growing city in the world between 1870 and 1900, attracting huge numbers of immigrants from Europe who desired an English-speaking Lutheran congregation. By 1906, the congregation had outgrown its original church building and replaced it with a Romanesque Revival-style building designed by well-known warehouse architect A.C. Hansen. As the Wicker Park neighborhood became primarily Puerto Rican and African American in the 1960s and 1970, members of the congregation resisted white flight and instead led services in Spanish and provided after-school tutoring.

Despite nearly closing in 2000 due to challenges posed by declining membership, a deteriorating building, and rising neighborhood real estate prices, Wicker Park Lutheran Church has grown into a congregation of nearly 200 people dedicated to welcoming all members of the community regardless of race, immigration status, gender, or sexual orientation.  In 2020, the church offered over 3,500 hours of low-cost or free community space to local organizations for recovery programs, rehearsals and performances, self-defense classes, and a 24/7 food pantry. An Immigrant Welcoming Congregation since 2017, Wicker Park Lutheran Church also raises money to support immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers and leads anti-racism work.

A National Fund grant of $100,000 with $100,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation will contribute towards increasing the accessibility of the historic building. Work will involve reconfiguring the primary entrance and installing a lift to ensure barrier-free movement throughout the building for people of all abilities.

Wicker Park Lutheran Church by Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble