Step back in time to the year 1899, a time when Chicago was rapidly expanding and its iconic skyline was just beginning to take shape. Right before you stands the Second Church of Christ Scientist. It’s a building that has witnessed a century of change but remains a timeless symbol of faith and resilience in Lincoln Park.
The Second Church of Christ Scientist wasn’t the first church of its kind in Chicago, but it was the oldest one to continue serving its community. Architect Solon S. Beman, known for his work on the Pullman Town, designed this inspiring building in a Beaux-Arts style. It was modeled after the Merchant Tailors Building from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
The church was finally dedicated on Easter Sunday in 1901, a testament to a strong community and the dedication of its members. The original Ferris Wheel was a familiar neighbor, standing just two blocks away, having been moved from the Exposition. Imagine the grandeur of the scene: a magnificent church built of Bedford limestone and granite, its columns soaring skyward. The dedication ceremony was a monumental event, with four services and a congregation of over 10,000 who came to celebrate this remarkable achievement.
The interior of the Second Church of Christ Scientist is just as impressive as its exterior. It was redesigned extensively in 1963 by Donald Billman of Whitehead and Billman, with a focus on creating a more welcoming and functional space. You can still see the influence of Beman’s original design, with its exquisite details, including the original Hutchings-Votey pipe organ.
Today, the Second Church of Christ Scientist welcomes worshippers and visitors alike. Its legacy is a reminder of the enduring strength of faith and the power of community. Even if you don’t share the same beliefs, you can’t help but be captivated by the beauty and historical significance of this extraordinary building.