Wilmette in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Baha'i House Of Worship And Welcome Center

Photographed by Ellen Price, circa 2016

1. The Baha'i House Of Worship And Welcome Center Marker

Inscription. The piece of ornamental concrete to your left features a nine-pointed star, a symbol of the Baha'i Faith. It was produced in the 1920s to test how a newly developed system of precast concrete panels would perform in Chicago's extreme weather. The Baha’i House of Worship became one of the ﬁrst — and some consider the world’s most exquisite — ornamental concrete structure. Learn more about the Temple's construction in the Welcome Center.

Erected by The Baha'i House Of Worship And Welcome Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1930.

Location. 42° 4.456′ N, 87° 41.111′ W. Marker is in Wilmette, Illinois, in Cook County. It can be reached from Linden Avenue 0.1 miles west of Sheridan Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Linden Avenue, Wilmette IL 60091, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

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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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Archange Ouilmette (approx. 0.8 miles away); Grosse Point Light Station (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Black House (approx. 1.6 miles away); David Thomas Hanson (approx. 1.7 miles away); Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (approx. 1.7 miles away); Frances E. Willard (1839-1898) / Woman's Christian Temperance Union (approx. 1.8 miles away); The First House of Worship in Evanston (approx. 1.8 miles away); Fountain Square Veterans Memorial Wall (approx. 1.9 miles away).

Also see . . . The Baha’i House of Worship. (Submitted on November 26, 2018.)

Precast concrete panels image. Click for full size.

November 1930

2. Precast concrete panels

A committee was appointed in the 1920s to investigate a variety of materials for the Temple’s exterior. Terra-cotta, tile, sandstone, aluminum, bronze, and marble were all considered. This photo of the test pieces was taken on the Temple property in November 1930.

Welcome Center Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 22, 2018

3. Welcome Center Marker

Ornamental concrete structure features a nine-pointed star image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 22, 2018

4. Ornamental concrete structure features a nine-pointed star

About the Baha’i Faith image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 22, 2018

5. About the Baha’i Faith

The Baha'i Faith is a religion that promotes the unity of all people. Its Founder, Baha’u'llah (1817-1892), taught that by recognizing the oneness of humanity and applying spiritual principles — such as the equality of women and men, the elimination of prejudice, and the harmony of science and religion - we can create a just and peaceful global society. This sacred space is for all people to commune with God. It elevates the spirit and is a magnet for the hearts of all who long for peace and harmony.
The peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God. —Baha’u'llah
Visit The Temple Auditorium Open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. In The Welcome Center You Can: Relax and refresh yourself before visiting the Temple. Explore the building’s history and learn about Baha’i principles symbolically expressed in the architecture. Visit the bookshop View a brief introductory ﬁlm Meet our volunteer guides and staff

The Baha'i House Of Worship image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 22, 2018

6. The Baha'i House Of Worship

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2018, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 502 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 27, 2018, by Ellen Price of Wilmette, Illinois. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 26, 2018, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.