Our Story

Our church, founded in 1882 with 15 charter members, enjoys a long and rich history in the DeKalb community. We are a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church, which is a product of the Reformation and emerged from the Lutheran Church of Sweden in the 1800’s.

The Evangelical Covenant Church has its roots in historical Christianity as it emerged in the Protestant Reformation, in the biblical instruction of the Lutheran Church of Sweden, and in the great spiritual awakenings of the nineteenth century.
 Picture

This window was above the entrance to our former church at Seventh Street and Fisk Avenue in DeKalb, Illinois. It has been preserved and is on display downstairs in our church for all to view.    1915-1969
Picture

This engraving was on the cornerstone of our former church, the Swedish Evangelical Missions Church, at the corner of Seventh Street and Fisk Avenue in DeKalb, Illinois. 

It now marks the entrance of our church at the corner of North First Street and Ridge Road.
The Evangelical Covenant Church seeks to form and nurture communities that are deeply committed to Jesus Christ and passionately engaged in Christ's mission in the world.  For Covenant people, our essential beliefs are summed up in what we call Covenant Affirmations.  Hillcrest Covenant Church, as part of the Evangelical Covenant Church of America, is committed to these affirmations as we live out our faith in Jesus Christ together. 
  • We affirm the centrality of the word of God.
  • We affirm the necessity of the new birth.
  • We affirm a commitment to the whole mission of the church.
  • We affirm the church as a fellowship of believers.
  • We affirm a conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit.
  • We affirm the reality of freedom in Christ.

What We Believe

  • We believe the Bible is the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine and conduct.  
  • We affirm the historical confessions of the Christian Church, especially the Apostle’s Creed.  
  • We emphasize a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  
  • We stress the need to follow Him in a life of committed discipleship and growth.  
  • We desire to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with our neighbors and friends
  • We participate in the fellowship and service of the worldwide Church.  
  • We value the freedom we  have in Christ to differ in our understanding of Scripture and to practice our faith uniquely.  

Yet our unique calling is to live by the Holy Spirit’s leading and with responsibility before God to love, serve, and steward gifts, resources, talents and relationships He has given to us, as well as all of His creation.​