Chicago Embassy Church

You might be surprised to learn that this magnificent church, the Chicago Embassy Church, overlooking the Dan Ryan Expressway, hasn’t always been called this. It stands today, built in 1894, a testament to the legacy of the German immigrants who settled in the area and commissioned the architect Henry Schlacks to design it. They called it “St. Martin’s.” The Gothic Revival structure, which was said to be modeled after a church in Mainz, Germany, was a beacon of faith in the community. But time, as it does, moved on. The Roman Catholic, African-American congregation, who came to Englewood, honored St. Martin De Porres by modifying the church’s name. It became known as “St. Martin De Porres,” and its legacy grew with the community. However, in the late 1980s, the Archdiocese of Chicago closed the church, a decision that deeply affected the neighborhood. But the story doesn’t end there. In 1998, the Chicago Embassy Church took ownership of the building, breathing new life into its soul. In a remarkable display of community spirit, the church made significant investments in the building, restoring its beauty and ensuring its legacy. The building now stands as a symbol of resilience, a testament to the power of faith and community. It even stands as a reminder of the former church, a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture, a style that reflects the rich history and transformation of the area.