Behold a Gothic Revival masterpiece, Fourth Presbyterian Church. It stands as a testament to faith and architectural prowess right here on North Michigan Avenue.
Fourth Presbyterian Church was founded in 1871. The congregation occupied two earlier church buildings before moving to this location. More than 8 million people have entered under the carved stone tympanum since 1914. Today, over 5,700 members call Fourth Presbyterian Church home. More than 2,000 people worship here every Sunday.
The church’s cornerstone was laid in 1912. The building was dedicated in May 1914. Except for the Chicago Water Tower, Fourth Presbyterian Church is the oldest building on North Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River.
The first church building was destroyed during the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. A humble stone structure served the ministry for just over 40 years afterward. In 1912, architect Ralph Adams Cram was commissioned to design the impressive sanctuary. Cram also designed the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. He worked on both churches simultaneously during 1912. Only Fourth Presbyterian Church was completed. St. John the Divine is still officially unfinished.
Cram championed art and modernity when designing Fourth Presbyterian Church. He said, “When we build here in America, we are building for now. We are manifesting the living church.” Cram incorporated elements of Arts and Crafts architecture. This movement championed detail and craftsmanship.
The parish house, cloister, manse, and garth were designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw. The church building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bedford limestone peeks out from behind the crawling ivy. An arched tympanum displays a relief of Moses’s brother Aaron and other biblical figures. Above it, a passage from the Bible known as the Aaronic Blessing is engraved. It says, “The Lord bless you and keep thee; the Lord make his face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give you peace.”
The church opens to a grand nave. Large pillars carve two narrow aisles on either side of the sanctuary. A high vaulted ceiling carries insulated sound. Thick stone walls keep out interruptions from Michigan Avenue. All the church’s pews are situated in one shared space. This creates a sense of intimacy.
The floor is laid with earth-toned tiles from Pewabic Pottery. The building’s vaulted ceiling is supported by wooden beams. They are decorated with turquoise-blue and burnt-orange patterns. The arrangement of the ceiling’s wooden spine recalls the anatomy of a ship.
Decorative angels top every pillar. Stained-glass clerestory windows display Bible stories. The Great East Window is prominently visible. Charles J. Connick designed and manufactured the Great East Window.
In 2015, Quimby Pipe Organs installed a three-million-dollar instrument. It has five manuals, 143 ranks, and 8,343 pipes. It is the largest in the midwestern United States.
Fourth Presbyterian Church has stood the test of time. It is a beacon of faith and architectural beauty in the heart of Chicago. Its rich history, stunning design, and welcoming community make it a must-see destination. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate details and the sense of peace that permeates this sacred space. As you leave, remember the words engraved above the doors: “The Master is here, and calleth to thee.”