A Century at Home
100 Years at Quick & Lathrop
A Century at Home on Quick and Lathrop
This October, First Presbyterian Church of River Forest is celebrating 100 years of worship, study, and service at its home on the corner of Quick and Lathrop in River Forest. This is a special celebration for the whole family, featuring a concert and gala celebration on Saturday, October 18, and special worship on Sunday, October 19.
Saturday, October 18 at 4:00 pm | Concert and Gala
Join Joel Raney and Jane Holstein for a very special concert that will take you on an exquisite musical journey, followed by a gala celebration for all ages! Recommended attire for adults is business casual.
Sunday, October 19 at 10:15 am | Special Worship
Special guests, worship, and rededication of our church building, our ministry, and our lives to the Lord.
Schedule of Events
- Saturday, October 18
- Sunday, October 19
3:15–4:00 pm ARRIVALS
Doors open at 3:15 pm for the 4:00 pm concert. Seating is first-come, first -serve. Please come early for best seating for the whole family.
4:00–5:00 pm CONCERT
Get ready for an amazing evening! For those of you who may have not seen Joel Raney and Jane Holstein perform together, you are in for a treat! Joel and Jane will take us with them on an exquisite musical journey over the last 100 years. Enjoy the toe-tapping, infectious energy, guaranteed to lift your spirits. Bring the kids…they’ll love it just as much as you will! Here’s a sneak peek!
5:00–8:00 pm GALA CELEBRATIONS
Children’s Gala—Following the concert, the children, age 3 through 6th grade, are invited to look for Mr. Mouse in the Social Hall where a Children’s Gala will feature special balloon-twisting activities and a magician to entertain and amaze! No need to worry about dinner. The kids will have plenty of kid-friendly and nut-free food to fill their tummies.
Gala for Adults—While the kids enjoy their gala, the adults will find their way to a festive party tent, set up on Quick Avenue, where they will toast to the next 100 years with a specially curated mocktail, mingle with friends old and new, take advantage of a unique photo opportunity, all while they enjoy hearty passed appetizers and desserts, leaving with a full heart and a special gift to commemorate the evening.
10:15 am SUNDAY SERVICE OF REDEDICATION
You are invited to a very special worship Sunday morning. Former pastors Dave Worth and Paul Detterman will be part of the service, a group of elementary school children will be presented with their own Bibles, and there will be special music as we rededicate our church building, our ministry, and our lives to the Lord.
11:30 am SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP
Enjoy a special fellowship time after worship in the First Pres Social Hall.
QUESTIONS? Just send us an email at office@firstpresrf.org
TICKETS
Concert & Gala
ONLINE TICKET SALES HAVE CLOSED.
Please contact the church office at (708) 366-5833 or office@firstpresrf.org.
DATE: Saturday, October 18, 2025
EVENT TIMES:
Concert: 4:00 pm Concert (doors open at 3:15pm)
Gala & Children’s Gala: 5:00 – 7:30 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the events accessible?
Yes. First Pres River Forest is hearing and wheelchair accessible. The Galas will also be wheelchair accessible.
Where do I park?
There is parking in the church parking lot, on the south side of the church, and along Jackson and Lathrop. There will also be additional parking at the River Forest Tennis Club. Parking attendants will be on hand to help you find a place to park.
Will alcohol be served?
No. We will celebrate 100 years in our church home with special mocktails created just for the event!
What should I wear?
The recommended attire for adults is business casual.
Do I need a ticket to attend?
Yes. Tickets are required for the concert and gala. Tickets can be purchased from now through October 11 on this page.
First Presbyterian Church of River Forest, circa 1928
