Downtown

First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple

77 W. Washington St.

Sacred Spaces

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Saturday

10am - 3pm

Sunday

1pm - 4pm

Accessibility & Amenities

  • Family Friendly
  • Photography Allowed
  • Restrooms Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Architect

Holabird & Roche

Year Completed

Completed 1924

DETAILS:

This 568-foot-tall skyscraper is the tallest church building in the world, topping the spire heights of Europe's grand cathedrals. It serves as a Neo-Gothic monument to the Methodists’ commitment to the Loop at a time when pressure was great to move to the suburbs. It is home to the First United Methodist Church of Chicago, the oldest congregation in the city. The tower houses the "Sky Chapel" at its highest level, a sanctuary on the ground floor and office space on the floors in between.

ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS:

Enter through the doors on Clark St. The Washington St. doors are exit only.

ENTRANCE RESTRICTIONS EXPLANATION:

Only the ground level Sanctuary will be open; there will be no access to the Sky Chapel.

VISITOR EXPERIENCE:

Visitors are invited to take self-guided tours of the lobby and Sanctuary. A virtual tour of the Sky Chapel will be available. Guides will also be onsite to answer questions and interpret various design details, and QR codes will provide further reading on the church's history and features.

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