Episcopal Church of the Atonement and Parish House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Episcopal Church of the Atonement and Parish House, The
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 Location in Chicago metropolitan area
Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5751 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1889 |
| Architect | Henry Ives Cobb |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000590 |
| Added to NRHP | July 30, 2009 |
The Episcopal Church of the Atonement and Parish House is a historic church building in Chicago, Illinois. It's located at 5751 North Kenmore Avenue. This beautiful building was built in 1889. It has a special design style called Gothic Revival. Because of its history and unique look, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
Contents
A Church's Story: How It Began
In 1886, some families who were part of the Episcopalian church met in a building called the Guild Hall. This hall was in the Edgewater neighborhood, which was just outside Chicago back then. They decided they wanted to build their own church.
By June 1888, a lawyer named Frederick W. Keator held a church service in the hall. By November of that year, their group became an official "mission congregation." This means they were a new church group supported by a larger church organization. They chose the name Church of the Atonement.
The first stone of the church building was placed on November 30, 1889. This was at the spot where the church stands today, at Kenmore and Ardmore Avenues. The church was officially ready in June 1890. By then, Mr. Keator had stopped being a lawyer and became a minister. He was the first priest in charge of the new church. He stayed there until 1896 before moving to a church in Iowa. Later, he became an important church leader in Washington state.
Growing the Church Community
In May 1898, the church became a "self-supporting Parish." This means it could pay for itself and didn't need as much help from the larger church organization. At this time, it had 120 members. They also started building the Parish House, which is a separate building next to the church. The Parish House was finished in 1901.
In the early 1900s, this church became one of the most important Anglo-Catholic churches in the country. Under a leader named Charles E. Deuel (from 1903 to 1914), the church building was made twice as big in 1910. This was because the church now had more than 500 members!
The church was expanded again in 1919. A church member named J.E.O. Pridmore helped with these expansions. He made sure the church kept its beautiful English Gothic style. The first service in the newly expanded church was on Easter in 1920. By then, the church had 650 members.
In 1922, they started building a new Parish House, which was finished in 1924. Beautiful stained glass windows were added to the church starting in 1929 and were finished in 1946.
Reaching Out to the Community
Under a leader named Dean Paxton Rice, the church received a special gift: an old room from the Elizabethan era (a time in English history). This room was installed in the Parish House. The church also started helping its neighbors in the diverse community around it.
For example, they created St. Augustine's Mission to help the Native American community in the nearby Uptown neighborhood. In the 1970s, the church started a program to help Spanish-speaking neighbors. The church also became known for its excellent music program, including a choir that welcomed women and a special organ.
Church Design and Architecture
The first church building was designed by a church member named Henry Ives Cobb. He was a famous architect known for his English Gothic style. He designed the stone tower on the church's northwest corner. He also made the east wall out of wood so it would be easy to expand the church later. Cobb designed many other famous buildings in Chicago, like the Newberry Library.
Expansions and Special Features
The expansion of the church, finished during World War I, created the church you see today. The roof was made taller and extended 16 feet towards Kenmore Avenue. Side aisles were also added. Stained glass windows were put in, with the last one added after World War II.
One of the most beautiful stained glass windows is the "Christ the King" window in the North Chapel. It's considered one of the best stained glass windows in Chicago!
On the second floor of the Parish House, you can find the "Elizabethan Room." This room's wooden panels were brought to the United States from England in 1620! These panels are so special that they are registered with The Art Institute of Chicago. It's the only real example of its kind in the Midwest.
Church Leaders (Rectors)
Here are some of the people who have led the Church of the Atonement:
- Frederic William Keator: He was the first leader from 1888 to 1896.
- J. M. D. Davidson: He led the church from 1896 to 1903.
- Charles E. Deuel: He was the leader from 1903 to 1914.
- Frederic Sydney Fleming: He served from 1915 to 1927.
- Alfred Newbery: He was the leader from 1927 to 1937.
- Calvert Buck: He led the church from 1937 to 1943.
- James Murchison Duncan: He served from 1943 to 1950.
- Robert Leonard Miller: He was the leader from 1950 to 1958.
- Dean Paxton Rice: He led the church for a very long time, from 1958 to 2003.
- John David van Dooren: He served from 2005 to 2017.
- Erika Lee Takacs: She was the leader from 2018 to 2022.
What's Happening Now
Reverend Daniel Puchalla has been the temporary leader (Interim Rector) of the church since the summer of 2022.
