Third Unitarian Church facts for kids
The Third Unitarian Church (often called TUC) is a special church in the West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It's a Unitarian Universalist church, which means it welcomes many different beliefs. It started way back in November 1868. The building itself is famous for its unique design for its time. Because of this, it's now an official landmark in Chicago. The church is known for being open-minded and describes itself as "a progressive, welcoming, and diverse congregation."
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History of the Church
The Third Unitarian Church began in November 1868. A few people who followed the Unitarian faith wanted a church in what was then called Chicago's "West Division." They put an ad in the newspaper asking others to join them. The first minister was Carlton A. Staples. The group first met at Martine Hall.
Early Years and Growth
Carlton A. Staples officially became the first pastor in June 1869. The church grew quickly during his time. Soon, more than 100 families joined. They started planning to build their own church. They bought land for $13,000. Services even began in the basement before the whole building was finished.
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 slowed down construction. Many wealthy members lost their businesses. This meant less money for the building. Also, the church basement was used to help people who lost their homes in the fire. Even with these challenges, the new church was officially opened in early 1872.
Staples left in November 1872. After him, Minot Judson Savage became the minister in September 1873. Then, Edwin P. Powell took over in January 1875. Powell was known for his strong and open sermons. The church paid off some debt during his time. However, money problems continued to be a challenge.
Facing Financial Challenges
From 1877 to 1880, the church struggled with money. It was sometimes closed. Other Unitarian ministers from Chicago helped by holding services. They wanted to encourage the members and understand the financial problems. One minister, Trowbridge Brigham Forbush, noted a debt of $14,500. The American Unitarian Association offered to donate $5,000. This was if the church could reduce its debt to $7,000.
Forbush encouraged people to help save the church. He said they needed "giving, by faith, by prayer, by courage." However, one person wrote a letter saying that church debts are paid by "work," just like potatoes grow by "planting and tilling."
After several tough years, Edward Illsley Galvin helped reorganize the church in early 1880. In 1883, James Vila Blake became the new pastor. He led the church for about 15 years.
The Church Fire of 1896
On October 25, 1896, a fire started during the 11:00 a.m. service. A Sunday school teacher told Pastor Blake. Blake calmly told everyone to leave quietly through the back. His quick thinking saved everyone. The newspaper headline the next day was "Pastor Saves His Flock."
They saved important books from Blake's office. But most other things were lost. The fire was out by 12:30 p.m. However, because the building was made of wood, it burned quickly. Only a small tower remained. The church had $8,000 in insurance on the building. They also had $3,000 on the organ, which was one of the first in a Chicago church. After the fire, services continued at Lewis Institute.
Blake saved the people, but the church wasn't growing fast enough for some members. Blake resigned in September 1897. Franklin Chester Southworth Sr. became the temporary minister.
Rebuilding the Church Again
In November 1897, a special ceremony was held. They laid the cornerstone for the new Third Unitarian Church. This new building was located at 3215 W. Monroe Street.
A New Building Design
In 1936, a good spot for a new church was found. The new building was designed by Paul Schweikher. Its architecture was very new and different for its time. An addition was built in 1956. The building became an official Chicago landmark in 1960.
The Andrene Kauffman Murals
Between 1955 and 1963, a Chicago artist named Andrene Kauffman created special art for the church. She was also a church member. She designed seventeen ceramic portrait murals. These are like pictures made from clay tiles. She also made a beautiful stained glass window. This window is a main feature on the south wall.
The murals were inspired by a sermon about "Saints of Liberalism." They show portraits of famous people. These include Jane Addams, Susan B. Anthony, Buddha, Albert Camus, William E. Channing, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Gandhi, Goethe, Thomas Jefferson, Jesus, Abraham Lincoln, Socrates, Roger Williams, and Woodrow Wilson.
Past Ministers
Here are some of the ministers who have led the Third Unitarian Church:
- 1868–1872: Carlton A. Staples. He was the first pastor and saw the church grow.
- 1873-1874: Minot Judson Savage.
- 1875-1877: Edward Payson Powell. He was known for his strong sermons.
- 1877-1880: Robert Collyer, Brooke Herford, and Trowbridge Brigham Forbush helped during a difficult time.
- 1880-1881: Edward Illsley Galvin. He helped reorganize the church.
- 1882-1883: W. H. Cowl.
- 1883-1897: James Vila Blake. He led the church for many years.
- 1898-1899: Franklin Chester Southworth.
- 1900-1904: Wilson Marvin Backus.
- 1904-1908: Fred Alban Well.
- 1907-1910: George B. Foster.
- 1911-1921: Rowena Morse Mann.
- 1922-1923: A. Wakefield Williams.
- 1924-1928: David Rhys Williams.
- 1928-1932: Walton Elbert Cole.
- 1932-1941: Edwin H. Wilson. During his time, the church built its new, modern building.
- 1941-1969: Edwin T. Buehrer. The church grew a lot under his leadership. The building was expanded, and Andrene Kauffman created her famous murals.
- 1969-1974: Donald H. Wheat.
- 1975-1981: Donald H. Wheat.
- 1980-1981: Graylon Hagler. (Associate Minister)
- 1982-1983: Gene Kreves.
- 1984-1996: Donald H. Wheat. During his ministry, the church started a food pantry and a scholarship fund for local high schools.
- 1997-1998: Various interim ministers.
- 1998-2002: Michelle W. Bentley.
- 2003-2014: Brian Covell. He helped with church building repairs and attracted many new members. A community garden was started.
- 2014-2017: Various interim ministers.
- 2017–present: Colleen Vahey. She started in August 2017. She focuses on helping people, social action, and reaching out to the community.
