The origins of the Church of the Nazarene flow out of a renewal movement in American church life following the Civil War. The distinctive teaching of the movement is that every believer in Jesus can experience heart cleansing and empowering for holy life and service through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Chicago First Church of the Nazarene was organized on August 28, 1904, in a tent on Lexington Ave. in Chicago. In October 1904 they purchased a church at 6417 Eggleston, Chicago, where they worshipped until 1912. They tore that building down and built a new building one-half block down the street at 64th and Eggleston where they worshipped until 1953. In 1953 they built a new church at 83rd and Damen. They worshipped in the city of Chicago for 70 years before moving to their present location at 12725 Bell Road, Lemont, Illinois in 1974.

In the early part of the 21st century, Chicago First Nazarene responded to the invitation of Chicago Central District Superintendent Dr. Brian Wilson and accepted the call to renovate an abandoned church building at 500 North Laramie in Chicago's west side in the Austin neighborhood. The church underwrote the loans to finance this renovation of over $500,000. The process was completed in October of 2005. They then began after-school and summer day camp ministry in the newly renovated facility in March of 2006. Recognizing the long-term commitment of Chicago First Church in returning to the city for ministry, the District passed over ownership of the property and building to Chicago First Church in June of 2007. A new extension congregation of Chicago First Church began in January 2008 in the Austin facility, making Chicago First Nazarene a two-campus church.

Since its founding, First Nazarene has been a dynamic force for our Lord in greater Chicago. The Lord has blessed First Nazarene as we have remained faithful to fulfilling His Great Commission to "go and make disciples."  (Matthew 28:19)

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