Category Archives: historicist churches

Church Conversions

Posted on April 23, 2012 by

What happens to a church when the congregation moves on? There are four basic answers: demolition, abandonment (which often leads to demolition), reuse (by a new congregation), or adaptation. Adaptation is rare. Church sanctuaries are specially suited to their particular … Continue reading →

Posted in historicist churches | 4 Comments

A remarkable restoration

Posted on September 13, 2011 by

A heartfelt congratulations to the congregants of First Baptist Congregational Church on Chicago’s near west side. This venerable church was damaged in the intense blizzard that struck Chicago in February of this year. Rooftop masonry was dislodged and tumbled to … Continue reading →

Posted in historicist churches | 2 Comments

Damen Avenue Churches

Posted on February 1, 2011 by

Sometimes I snap a totally random photo, and it winds up haunting and fascinating me for ages afterwards. So it was with a shot of a near west side church I took in 2007, the New Holy Bethel Fire Baptized … Continue reading →

Posted in historicist churches | 3 Comments

Lake Street Church, Evanston

Posted on December 6, 2010 by

Lake Street Church is Evanston’s oldest (designed 1872 by architect Cass Chapman) and, for my money, the most beautiful. It’s Victorian Gothic – tall, narrow windows with pointed arches, and a general sense of verticality. The exterior is a simple … Continue reading →

Posted in evanston, historicist churches | 7 Comments

Chicago’s Holy Corner

Posted on September 20, 2010 by

From the downtown intersection of Clark and Madison, you’re within a two minute walk of a Catholic church, a Protestant church, and a Jewish synagogue. And all three are well worth the visit. First United Methodist Church (The Chicago Temple) … Continue reading →

Posted in historicist churches, Midcentury churches | 1 Comment