CELEBRATING OUR UNITY

A landmark church, a restored Art Deco theatre, and a community talent show.

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The Des Plaines Theatre is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

In looking back through the decades, it was discovered that the theatre and First Church were linked in an unusual story of unity.

The Des Plaines Theatre, in downtown Des Plaines

First Church, located just off the downtown area. (Also known as The 1st United Methodist Church)

It was the spring of 1951.

The Methodists had just begun construction of a new church building at the corner of Graceland and Prairie Avenues. Easter Sunday was only weeks away, and a crowd of nearly 1,000 was expected.

How would the congregation celebrate Easter without a building?

Help came from the Des Plaines Theater. The Methodists were invited to use the theatre’s large auditorium for Easter Sunday.

They continued to worship in the theatre for five consecutive Easters while their new building was under construction.

In 2025, as the theatre celebrated its centennial, First Church was invited to take part—honoring the partnership formed so many years ago.

In 2025, as the theatre celebrated its centennial, First Church was invited to take part—honoring the partnership formed so many years ago.

The event was a Community Talent Show. Amateur performers from Des Plaines and surrounding areas were invited to showcase their talents on a Sunday afternoon.