artwork > Fifth Church of Christ Scientist

Fifth Church of Christ Scientist
Chicago, Il

Originally a Christian Science church and more recently known as Shiloh Missionary Baptist, was designed by Solon S, Beman (1853 -1914). Beman was an important architect for Chicago who came to the city at the request of George M. Pullman to be the architect of the first planned industrial town in America. Beman also designed several buildings from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. While residing in the Kenwood neighborhood, he built its historic Blackstone library in addition to two other Church of Christ buildings in the architectural style of Classical Revival.

Fifth Church of Christ has been bought by Art Smith, Oprah Winfrey’s chef, who plans to convert it into Sanctuary, as arts-based community center. During the Civil Rights Movement Martin Luther King Jr., Mahalia Jackson, and many others appeared and performed at the church.