South Loop in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Second Presbyterian Church
James Renwick, Architect, 1874; Rebuilt in 1900 by Howard Van Doren Shaw
| | Chicago Landmark | |
October 19, 2013
1. Second Presbyterian Church Marker
Designated a Chicago Landmark on September 28, 1977 by the City Council of Chicago
Michael A. Bilandic, Mayor
Erected by Commission on Chicago Historical and Architectural Landmarks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the American Presbyterian and Reformed Historic Sites, the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 41° 51.346′ N, 87° 37.444′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in South Loop. It is at the intersection of South Michigan Avenue and East Cullerton Street, on the right when traveling south on South Michigan Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1936 South
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Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago (a few steps from this marker); 1936 South Michigan: Second Presbyterian Church (a few steps from this marker); South Michigan Ave. Motor Row (a few steps from this marker); Henry B. Clarke House (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chess Records Office and Studio (about 800 feet away); Chess Records Recording Studio (approx. 0.2 miles away); South Michigan Avenue Motor Row (approx. 0.2 miles away); Visionary (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Regarding Second Presbyterian Church. The Second Presbyterian Church was listed in the National
October 19, 2013
2. Second Presbyterian Church
The church was named a National Historic Landmark in 2013
This church is also one of 445 American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Sites registered by the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS) between 1973 and 2003. While approved sites received a metal plaque featuring John Calvins seal and the sites registry number (this building is #8), such a marker was not found outside the site and it is unknown if one exists indoors.
The following text is taken from the Presbyterian Historical Society website: Meeting originally in the "Saloon Building" in 1842, Second Church erected its first building the same year. Its second building, dedicated in 1851, may have been the first Gothic edifice west of New York. That structure was destroyed in the great Chicago fire of 1871. The present building was designed by James Renwick.
October 19, 2013
3. Second Presbyterian Church Interior
Howard Van Doren Shaw remodeled the interior, which is now considered a masterpiece of Arts & Crafts design
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2013. This page has been viewed 890 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on August 15, 2018. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 21, 2013. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
