Ling Shen Ching Tze Buddhist Temple at Open House Chicago

This triangular-shaped brick church, originally Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, was designed by John Wellborn Root. Upon Root's unexpected death in 1891, it was completed by his famous partner Daniel Burnham. The building's simple geometry and Romanesque Revival style represents the signature designs of Root developed near the end of his short life. Throughout the 20th century, the building served various community purposes, including as a Benton House gymnasium and Knights of Columbus hall. It was acquired by Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple in 1992 and converted into a Vajrayana Buddhist temple. The adaptive reuse introduced elaborate Buddhist statues, altars, and Chinese-style architectural elements while preserving the original masonry structure. Today, the temple serves as a spiritual, cultural, and educational center, hosting Buddhist practice, ceremonies, meditation, and community programs, as well as a long-running Chinese school. Visitors will be encouraged to enjoy a primarily self-guided experience throughout the temple. Most public rooms and shrine chambers dedicated to different Buddhas and Buddhist deities will be open for viewing. Limited staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide information.