Founded in 1846, St. John United Church of Christ is the oldest church in Palatine. It has been located at 1475 W. Algonquin Rd. since 1876. Pastor Peter McQueen said that a lightning strike and fire destroyed the church in 1885 and it was rebuilt by local farmers.
The church's organ still is operational after more than a century of use and has been registered with the National Organ Historical Society.
Most of the surrounding farms now are gone. The church's 13 acres abut Cook County Forest Preserve property and a golf course. The church's congregation numbers about 138.
Sunday School is offered from the Sunday after Labor Day until the Sunday before Memorial day for children in the 3rd to 8th grades.