It all began...

In 1870 the U.S. Census reported the population of Rock Island to be less then 8,000.  One-third were foreigh born, mostly German and Scandinavian.

In 1886 with work available at the Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island Railroad, lumber, factories and a brewery-schools the population swells to over 12,000.  Most of these families lived between the Mississippi River and the "bluff".

In 1887 the "Hill" subdivided at 18th Avenue and was called "The South Park Addition".  Broadway Presbyterian Church and Rev. William Marquis took 2 lots at the corner of Elm St. (now 30th Street) and 15th Avenue for a "Sabbath School" as a home mission project.

** Rev. William Stevenson Marquis D.D.  the Founding Pastor of the South Park Chapel, 1887-1912.  In 1891 he offered the South Park motto of "Christ for every life and all of life".

In 1888 the cornerstone was laid on April 20th 1888 for the "...unique and tasty little... chapel".  Rev. R.F. Weidner of Augustana gave the dedication in October 1888.  Built for 150 paritioners and featuring a fireplace, the chapel soon became home to over 60 scholars and teachers.  The cost of $1,670.78 was carried by indiviual gifts, women's group fundraisers and $76.26 in pennies collected by the children in jugs.

In 1891 as "crowded quarters" push for further development additional land was purchased for $150.00 on the south side.  By 1899 the "Sabbath School" leaders number 10 and scholars total 166.  A new cornerstone was laid on October 29th 1899.  The expanded building was rededicated on January 9th 1990.  The two cornerstones which were laid 11 years apart were later put together in the west wall, just north of the main entrance.

In 1907 Rev. William Oglevee came to the South Park Chapel as an Assistant Pastor.  He was a talented organist, pianist and composer and in collaboration with his wife to add the lyrics this blossomed into a musical ministry.  The hymn "This is God's House" was a favorite of many.

In 1908 the number of "scholars" reach 250 and the building was enlarged again during the summer.

25 years in the making - A Church is formed...

On October 1st, 1912 the South Park Church was formed with 147 charter members including 83 from the Broadway Church.  It was part of the Rock River Presbytery.  Rev. Oglevee was installed as the first pastor.

** Rev. William Gilmore Oglevee D.D. the first Pastor of South Park Presbyterian Church, from Oct 1st, 1912 until Sept 25th, 1938.  Together with his wife they published many of his hymns as well as Sunday school materials.

On October 17th 1920 another cornerstone was laid for a new "substantial building" facing 15th Avenue.  This building, dedicated on May 29th 1921, included a gymnasium that was open to the community.  It was also constructed as to be the base for yet another larger structure to be added later. 

In 1921 Ben Tallman served as assistant to Pastor Oglevee.

In 1926 the Santuary was built.  Following the lead of John Calvin a high pulpit was placed in the center with a big Bible resting on it.  The pulpit was hand carved by member James E. Reid.  The sale of the original chapel building, which was moved to 18th Ave. just west of 30th St., provided for the purchase and installation of the "Hawes Memorial Windows" honoring deceased Major Charles Wesley Hawes.  The Gothic arches are said to "lift the eyes and thoughts toward God".

* Rev. Lyle Gillham served as Assistant Pastor from Oct 1, 1931 to Aug 15th 1932.

In 1936 Mrs. M.A. Hult takes on the leadership of the Choir.

By 1937 the church membership has grown to 621.  The Sunday school enrollment reaches 595.

In 1938 Rev. Oglevee resigns as Pastor of South Park Church.  The congregation voted to make him "Pastor Emeritus".  He lived across the street from the church until his death on November 3rd 1939 at the age of 73.  The Communion Table is commissioned and dedicated as a memorial to Dr. Oglevee.

War Time ...

** Rev. Gilbert "Gil" F. Close came to serve as "wartime" Pastor from Sept 30th, 1938 until April 30th, 1944 when he left to assume a national post as Director of Summer Camps and Conferences for the Presbyterian Church.

Ring the Bell...

** Rev. Arthur Tillotson Clark served as Pastor from July 11th, 1944 until May 21st, 1961.

In 1945 South Park rings her bell signalling the end of WWII.  $7,660 are given in mission projects to help restore war-torn Europe.

In 1946, 150 new members are added to the rolls.  A Scout Troop is formed and the first Ice Cream Social is held.

In 1947 the membership roll exceeds 1000 members.  A Childrens Choir and Junior Choir are organized.  And a full-time secretary was hired.

In 1950 a second Sunday Morning Worship service is added to the schedule.

* Rev. Erwin Ruklic served as Assistant Pastor from Jan 6th 1952 until Aug 19th 1956 when he left to serve at a church in Arizona.

In 1954 a house and lot next to the church is purchased for a $125,000 building addition to house Sunday school classrooms, a Parlor, Nursery and Fellowship Hall.  The Gym is renovated into offices and classrooms.

* Rev. Wallace S. Wadland served as Associate Pastor from Oct 14th 1956 until May 21st, 1961 when he left for Tuscola, IL.

In 1960 the entire kitchen was remodeled and moderized with new sinks and cupboards at a cost of $7,000. 

50 years and going strong ...

** Rev. Robert O. Williams served as Pastor from June 25th, 1961 until April 30th, 1979.

* Rev. Harold Finkbeiner served as Assistant Pastor and organist from June 25th, 1961 until May 9th 1967.

In 1962 the United Presbyterina Women's group is formed.  The Mariners group is organized.  Also the stained glass windows are installed on the south side of the santuary.  The north side windows are installed in 1971.

In 1968 Margaret Grossman was hired to serve as Director of Music,  a position she served in faithfully until her retirement in 1993.

* Rev. Bruce Allison began his serves as Associate Pastor on May 10th, 1967.  Then he served as Assistant Pastor starting on Sept 10th 1969.  And then on May 7th, 1974 he became a Co-Pastor at South Park which he holds until June 1st 1976 when he received a call to Lincoln, IL.

In 1970 the Allen Organ is installed.  The choir loft is enlarged and the Pulpit is relocated.

* Rev. Erwin Ruklic returned on Feb 26th 1978 to help us throught a difficult transition. He stayed with us until April 8th 1979.

In 1978 the membership rolls reach an all-time high of 1580.  In 1979 the records are reviewed and the membership count is set at 990.

++ Rev David Castrodale served as Interim Pastor from June 15th 1979 until May 31st 1981.