Lee Bey: The Urban Observer

(photos by Lee Bey)
Chicago has a wealth of old churches--a brick-and-mortar legacy of the city's many neighborhoods and ethnic factions. Like the former St. John Missionary Baptist Church at 62nd and Woodlawn, they are often grand old places inspired by the design of European temples, synagogues and other places of worship. Others are sterling examples of adaptive reuse, as congregations turn old grocery stores, banquet halls, banks car dealerships, etc., into places that serve the Lord.

Above is an example of adaptive reuse. The elegant former Englewood State Bank 63rd just east of Ashland has been a house of worship for decades.

Just before Sunday evening worship, a young man peeks out of the front door of a small church at 95th and Lafayette.

(above) The twin towers of St. Adalbert's, a Roman Catholic Church at 1650 W. 17th Street Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. The church was built in 1914 and was designed by architect Henry J. Schlacks, who created tons of high-style, Renaissance inspired churches around town. The church was built for $200,000 (imagine!) and was designed to resemble St. Paul's Bascilia. 

(above) This former Roman Catholic church was built for a Polish parish in 1920. It sits on 52nd and Throop and overlooks Sherman Park.

(Above) Modernist church at Madison & Ashland. 

(Above) Livestone MB Church at Ogden & Millard

(Above) A reminder to us all:Pilgrim Baptist Church, the Adler & Sullivan gem, after the embers died down from the Jan 2006 fire.