Ephphatha's History.
The deaf worshiped together for many years at various congregations, first at St. Phillips Lutheran Church at 6231 South Eberhart in the ‘50s under the leadership of Rev. E. J. Scheibert, then St. Peter Lutheran Church at 7400 South Michigan and Chatham Fields Church at 81st and St. Lawrence with Rev. Leroy Mason.
In 1960 the deaf that had joined together almost 35 years earlier to worship decided to organize and become a voting congregation of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, taking the present name of Ephphatha Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Deaf. The church had been under the leadership of Rev. Leroy Mason for 5 years at the time.
The word Ephphatha is an Aramaic word found in the Greek NewTestament and means “Be opened” (Mark 7:31 –37). On Sunday, July 19, 1964, at high noon, the members of Ephphatha met to break ground for their own place of worship at the corner of 80th and South Park. The first official worship service conducted in the new church was on January 31, 1965.
Ephphatha Lutheran Church of the Deaf at 7956 South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive was built at a cost of $200,000, and has a contemporary look. It is Chicago’s only church to be built and designed specifically for the deaf. It is also the only Black Deaf congregation with a pastor that uses sign language. The floor of Ephphatha is pitched 30 degrees toward the chancel, rather than the usual 10 degrees, to increase visibility. The chapel has three walls, with the back “wall” of the chapel being of plated glass, making it possible for the clergy or others at the altar to see anyone before he/she actually enters the chapel. Architect Eric Eriksson designed the church.
The Lord continuously blesses Ephphatha. Over the years, we have had 3 pastors a lay minister, and at times were without leadership. Rev. Leroy Mason was the first pastor of Ephphatha from 1959—1969. Mr. Robert Oettel was lay minister from 1972—1975. Rev. Fred Allen was pastor from 1973—1984. Rev. Prentice Marsh has been pastor since 1984.
Today, under the leadership of Rev. Marsh, Ephphatha is vibrant and lives the dream brought to fruition by the deaf 75 years ago. Ephphatha remains open to all. The congregation is made up of deaf, hard of hearing and hearing members that worship, praise and fellowship as one in Christ. The congregation has a Church Council, Ladies Aide Society, Disciples of Christ (Men’s Club), Adult Choir, Adult Bible Class, and Children Sunday School. Ephphatha's dream was realized and remains alive through the generous support of our many friends in the community and the United States. Rev. Marsh resides with his family at the parsonage at 8448 South Indiana.
In 1960 the deaf that had joined together almost 35 years earlier to worship decided to organize and become a voting congregation of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, taking the present name of Ephphatha Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Deaf. The church had been under the leadership of Rev. Leroy Mason for 5 years at the time.
The word Ephphatha is an Aramaic word found in the Greek NewTestament and means “Be opened” (Mark 7:31 –37). On Sunday, July 19, 1964, at high noon, the members of Ephphatha met to break ground for their own place of worship at the corner of 80th and South Park. The first official worship service conducted in the new church was on January 31, 1965.
Ephphatha Lutheran Church of the Deaf at 7956 South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive was built at a cost of $200,000, and has a contemporary look. It is Chicago’s only church to be built and designed specifically for the deaf. It is also the only Black Deaf congregation with a pastor that uses sign language. The floor of Ephphatha is pitched 30 degrees toward the chancel, rather than the usual 10 degrees, to increase visibility. The chapel has three walls, with the back “wall” of the chapel being of plated glass, making it possible for the clergy or others at the altar to see anyone before he/she actually enters the chapel. Architect Eric Eriksson designed the church.
The Lord continuously blesses Ephphatha. Over the years, we have had 3 pastors a lay minister, and at times were without leadership. Rev. Leroy Mason was the first pastor of Ephphatha from 1959—1969. Mr. Robert Oettel was lay minister from 1972—1975. Rev. Fred Allen was pastor from 1973—1984. Rev. Prentice Marsh has been pastor since 1984.
Today, under the leadership of Rev. Marsh, Ephphatha is vibrant and lives the dream brought to fruition by the deaf 75 years ago. Ephphatha remains open to all. The congregation is made up of deaf, hard of hearing and hearing members that worship, praise and fellowship as one in Christ. The congregation has a Church Council, Ladies Aide Society, Disciples of Christ (Men’s Club), Adult Choir, Adult Bible Class, and Children Sunday School. Ephphatha's dream was realized and remains alive through the generous support of our many friends in the community and the United States. Rev. Marsh resides with his family at the parsonage at 8448 South Indiana.