Grace Episcopal Church (Chicago) facts for kids
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Grace Episcopal Church
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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 Location in Chicago metropolitan area
Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
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| Architect | original: unknown; 1985-1986: Laurence Booth/Paul Hansen and Associates (Booth Hansen) |
| Architectural style | Arts and Crafts architecture |
| Part of | South Dearborn Street-Printing House Row North Historic District (ID76000705) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 7, 1976 |
Grace Episcopal Church is a very old church in Chicago, Illinois. It was started in 1851. This makes it the second oldest Episcopal group in the city.
Since 1985, the church has been in a building that used to be a printing factory. This building is at 637 South Dearborn Street. It is in an area called Printer's Row. The church is also known as Grace Place. The building is a historic, three-story red brick structure. It was built in the late 1800s in the Arts and Crafts style. It is part of the South Dearborn Street-Printing House Row North Historic District. Grace Place is also recognized as a Chicago Landmark.
Contents
A Long History of Grace Church
In 1851, some members from Chicago's oldest Episcopal church, Trinity Episcopal Church, helped start Grace Episcopal Church. This new church was in the growing downtown area, now known as the Chicago Loop.
Early Church Buildings
The first building for Grace Church was made of wood. It was located at Dearborn and Madison Streets. The first leader, Reverend Cornelius F. Swope, served until 1854. In 1859, Reverend Clinton Locke became the new leader. He mostly served in a building on Wabash Avenue.
The Great Chicago Fire in 1871 destroyed many buildings, including both Grace Church and Trinity Church. After the fire, Grace Church rebuilt a part of its building that was damaged. They used this space for about ten years.
Moving to New Locations
In 1929, the church moved to a new building on South Indiana Avenue. This was near St. Luke's Hospital. Some church members were connected to the hospital.
In 1966, the church moved back to the Loop area. They dedicated their fifth building at 33 West Jackson. Since 1985, Grace Episcopal Church has been in its current home in Printer's Row. It is still an active church today. The current leader is Reverend Amity Carrubba.
Colonel John Mason Loomis was a very religious person. He was active in Grace Episcopal Church and gave a lot of money to support it.
The Building's Design
The building where Grace Church is now used to be a printing factory. It was changed into a church space between 1985 and 1986. This work was done by architects Laurence Booth and Paul Hansen. Their company is called Booth Hansen.
Inside the Church
The first floor of the building was changed. It became a space for church events and community meetings. The second floor and most of the third floor were combined. This created a large worship area for the church.
The architects were careful not to make the inside look like a typical "loft" space. They designed the two-story worship area to be open. They also made sure that the large wooden support posts did not get in the way of the raised, round worship stage. The rest of the third floor was designed for offices.
In 1989, Booth Hansen won an award for their design. The Chicago AIA chapter gave them a 10-year award for their work on the inside of Grace Place.
