A log cabin floated across a river. That’s how the story of Chicago Methodism and the Fernwood United Methodist Church unofficially starts. First Methodist Church, now known as Chicago Temple, is the oldest church in Chicago. It was founded in 1831. Methodist circuit riders established it six years before Chicago became a city.
The First Methodist Church first gathered in members’ homes. In 1834, the growing group built a log cabin north of the Chicago River. Four years later, Chicago’s first Methodists floated the cabin across the river. They rolled it on logs to its present site at Washington and Clark Streets.
The congregation has met for worship in five buildings over 175 years. A conventional brick church replaced the log cabin in 1845. It had a 148-foot spire. That building served until 1858. Then, leaders dedicated a four-story structure. It had stores on the first two floors and church space on the top two.
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed the 1858 building. Trustees voted to rebuild at “The Methodist Corner” days after the fire. They dedicated another multi-use building. It served until 1924 when they dedicated the present skyscraper. It was the tallest building in Chicago then.
During construction, the name changed to “The Chicago Temple.” Since 1831, the church has played a vital role in Chicago. It is an urban church with a diverse membership reflecting Chicago’s cosmopolitan mix.
After World War I, some wanted to sell the downtown property and move to the suburbs. Instead, church leaders decided to stay. They engaged Holabird and Roche to design a Gothic building with a churchly tower and a radiant cross. It would be a city temple.
The congregation gathers in the first-floor sanctuary that seats 500. The altar has a wood carving of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. Above the altar is a stained-glass window. It tells the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Windows along the east and west walls portray Old and New Testament events. One window depicts downtown Chicago and the Chicago Temple. Another honors institutions the congregation helped found. These include Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Northwestern University.
The Dixon Chapel, James Parlor, Heritage Room, and church offices are on the second floor. Classrooms, a conference room, and a choir room are on the third and fourth floors. Thousands visit the Sky Chapel under the spire each year. It is 400 feet above the streets. The Walgreen family gifted it in memory of Charles R. Walgreen. The chapel’s altar shows Jesus weeping over Chicago.
Floors five through 21 are offices. Many lawyers rent them for their proximity to city, county, and state buildings. The Chicago Temple Building stands as a testament to faith. It embodies resilience and adaptation. It has evolved from a log cabin to a skyscraper. It remains a spiritual cornerstone in Chicago. It symbolizes the enduring spirit of Methodism.