Can you imagine this former church as a mosque? That is exactly what Mosque Maryam is. It stands as the headquarters of the Nation of Islam in Chicago. You can find it at 7351 South Stony Island Avenue.
Mosque Maryam’s story is quite interesting. It wasn’t always a mosque. It was once the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. The Greek Orthodox community later moved to Palos Hills.
In 1972 Elijah Muhammad, then head of the Nation of Islam, bought the building. He received a 3 million dollar loan from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. This money helped convert the former church into Mosque Maryam.
The main hall of Mosque Maryam still reflects its past. It was originally the church’s nave. The pews were replaced with seats. This hall is now used for meetings. There is also open floor space where people can spread out prayer rugs. This space is used every Friday for Jumuah prayer. The NOI’s Imam leads these prayers.
Adjacent to Mosque Maryam is another important institution. It is the Muhammad University of Islam. This is a school for boys and girls. It serves students from preschool through 12th grade.
Mosque Maryam is more than just a place of worship. It’s a symbol of the Nation of Islam’s presence in Chicago. It reflects a blend of history and faith.
Originally constructed between 1948 and 1952, the building was designed by architect Christopher Chamales. It was the largest Greek Orthodox church in the Americas when completed. Some even said it was the seventh-largest church in the United States.
The church was built in a traditional Byzantine style. It was modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The exterior is made of Indiana limestone. A large dome tops the building. It measures 70 feet high and 60 feet in diameter. Twenty-four windows pierce the dome. Each window is 12 feet high. After its conversion to a mosque, a star and crescent finial was added to the top.
The interior was once decorated with Carrara marble. Traditional Byzantine iconography and mosaics adorned the walls. Most of these were removed when the Nation of Islam purchased the building. As a church, it could seat 2300 people.
In 1988 Mosque Maryam was rededicated after renovations. The name Maryam reflects the NOI’s respect for Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is an important figure in both Islam and Christianity.
Mosque Maryam plays a significant role in the Nation of Islam. It is the headquarters for the organization. Minister Louis Farrakhan, the current leader, uses it to promote social justice. He also advocates for economic empowerment and spiritual growth among African Americans.
Mosque Maryam has hosted many important events. In 1995 it was a focal point for the Million Man March. This event was organized by Minister Farrakhan to promote unity among African American men. Mosque Maryam continues to be a vital institution. It serves the Nation of Islam and the local community. It stands as a testament to faith, culture, and community engagement in Chicago.