First Presbyterian Church of Chicago at Open House Chicago

First Presbyterian Church of Chicago was founded in 1833, the same year Chicago was incorporated. The current Gothic Revival building was commissioned shortly after a merger with Woodlawn Park Presbyterian Church. The 125 foot tower, guarded at the top by the four Archangels, imparts an Art Deco sensibility. An elegant cloister encloses a garden and wall with inset stones from the church’s previous buildings and other notable churches. The dark sanctuary has heavy oak beams and is dominated by a unique reredos resembling a Gothic church tower. An intimate chapel is paneled in oak with a richly sculpted plaster ceiling and stained glass windows by Willett Studios. The multicultural congregation has been associated with social justice for many years, from the abolition of slavery to the Civil Rights movement. Today, the historic campus serves as both a place of worship and a vibrant civic and cultural center. Alongside weekly services, the church hosts artist studios, exhibitions, performances, community gatherings, and food justice initiatives, demonstrating how historic sacred spaces can continue to evolve in response to contemporary community needs. Visitors are invited to explore the architecture, history, and ongoing transformation of a landmark that has served Chicago for nearly two centuries while embracing new possibilities for art, neighborhood life, and public engagement. The campus will also feature a dynamic program of contemporary arts and cultural activities.