Before the Great Chicago Fire there stood a German school. This unassuming building at 1352 South Union Avenue would later become Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Maxwell Street. This neighborhood has seen incredible change. The school became a Romanian synagogue then an African-American church. Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church thrived there until 2002. The building’s history reflects the ever-shifting ethnic and socioeconomic landscape of this once bustling port-of-entry neighborhood.
Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church’s story isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about the people who worshipped within its walls. It’s about the families who found solace and community there. The church served as “one of the most important institutions in family life”. This was particularly true in the neighborhood once known as “Black Bottom”. The building stands as a rare survivor from before the Great Fire of 1871. It witnessed the growth and transformation of Chicago itself.
The original structure designed by Augustus Bauer was quite different. Bauer also designed the magnificent St Patrick’s Church. The original German school was altered. A new facade was added in 1944. This reflects the changing needs of the various congregations. Each group adapted the building to their own needs and worship styles. The building even briefly served as an arts and performance center called South Union Arts.
Today Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church faces a new challenge. The John Paul II Newman Center wants to buy the property. Their plan is to demolish the church and build a dormitory. Local residents oppose this. They cite concerns about increased density and traffic. They rightly recognize the historical and cultural significance of Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church. This isn’t just a building. It’s a living memory of a community’s resilience. It stands as a reminder of the layers of history woven into the fabric of Chicago. It’s a story waiting to be rediscovered. A story worth preserving.