As the Greek population in Waukegan increased in the early 20th Century, the need for church facilities became a necessity for the Greek Community. By 1925, about sixty Greek families formed the Greek community, and yet, they still had no place to worship. Some of the well-established settlers took turns hosting religious services in their homes whenever a priest from Chicago or Milwaukee was available, which was about twice a year. In 1929, when the United States was hit with a severe financial depression and unemployment, the Greek community in Waukegan managed to pull themselves together and plan for the spiritual needs of their families.
The first Parish Council members elected in 1929 were: Chris Conteas, president; Gust Koulentis, vice-president; L. Constantanakis, secretary; Sam Damos, treasurer; Peter Canelakas, Gust Constantinidis, Peter Dracos, Peter Helis, John Kontoyannis, James Kyritsis, Peter Lambiris, James Nakis, John Pilafas, Charles Rafil.
In 1931, Parish Council President James Nakis, with the parishioners’ approval rented the German Ebenezer Congregational Church for $20 per month. To complete the lease agreement, an emergency General Assembly meeting was called to decide on a name for the church and St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Waukegan and North Chicago was chosen. On September 25, 1931, Archbishop Athenagoras, who later became Ecumenical Patriarch, appointed Archimandrite Kallistos Glavas to serve as a full-time priest to the St. Demetrios community.
Prior to 1942, St. Demetrios Church moved from one location to another with no permanent house of worship. An old army armory located in a downtown Waukegan building was bought in June 1942 with money from the sale of a previously owned lot.
By the mid-1950s, there was another influx of Greek immigrants arriving in Waukegan. The community grew, and the existing church facilities became inadequate. On April 29, 1959, a groundbreaking ceremony took place at the corner of Glen Flora and North Avenues. On July 4, 1960, Archbishop Iakovos officiated the Theranixia (door opening) ceremony, assisted by Fr. George Nicozisin and Fr. Emmanuel Leonakis.
Bishop Timotheus and Metropolitan Paul of Ierissou from Greece officially consecrated the church on October 4, 1970, at which time the holy relics of St. George and St. Theodore were sealed in the Holy Table. Assisting with the consecration was Fr. Sarantos Serviou, the parish priest. Gus Gorgan was the parish council president at that time.
Under the leadership of Fr. John Sardis and Parish Council President Bill Camacaris, a parcel of 25 acres of land was purchased on O’Plaine Road in 1983. The property was paid off in just a few years, and ten of the acres were sold. The community used the property for the annual festival for many years and planned on building a new church at that location.
A special General Assembly met in 2005 and voted unanimously to build a new church and Fellowship Hall on the O’Plaine Road property. Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony in 2006 assisted by Fr. Cosmas Halekakis, parish priest, and Parish Council President John Iskalis.
In April 2008, Metropolitan Iakovos officiated at the Theranixia (door opening) ceremony of our new Church. After decades of struggle, sacrifice and dedication, St. Demetrios Church had found a new home. The bright gold dome shines like a beacon drawing new families. It glows like a lighthouse welcoming our long-time and new parishioners to their spiritual home.