The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Founding of the Arthur Dixon Bible Class
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 12, 2024
1. Founding of the Arthur Dixon Bible Class Marker
1838
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.
Location. 41° 52.982′ N, 87° 37.826′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. It is on West Washington Street east of Clark Street, on the right. The marker is on the eastern side of the Chicago Temple Building, beneath a stained-glass window depicting a meeting of the Bible class. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 77 West Washington Street, Chicago IL 60602, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: The First Church Building of First Methodist Church of Chicago (here, next to this marker); Second Church Building of First Methodist Church of Chicago (here, next to this marker); Founded by This Church (here, next to this marker); Founding of the First Methodist Church (here, next to this marker); Fourth Church Building of First Methodist Church of Chicago (here, next to this marker); The Rev. Jesse Walker
this page online
More about this marker. The window is one of 10 on the eastern side of the Chicago Temple building depicting the history of the First Methodist Church of Chicago.
Regarding Founding of the Arthur Dixon Bible Class. A flyer posted on the Chicago Temple website indicates that this Bible study was active as recently as 2023, meeting after a Sunday morning church service. Previously, George Crane, a psychologist, columnist and speechwriter, is known to have led the class for 35 years until sometime before his death in 1995.
Arthur Dixon is almost certainly referencing the prominent early Chicago businessman, founder of the Arthur Dixon Transfer Company and a city alderman; many contemporary articles about his life (including his obituary) reference his being an active member of First United Methodist Church. Considering that he was born in 1837, it is likely the original religious education class was renamed after him at a later time. Dixon is the namesake of a chapel
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 12, 2024
2. Founding of the Arthur Dixon Bible Class marker and stained glass window
Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia: Arthur Dixon (Chicago alderman). (Submitted on December 13, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Historic postcard: Dixon Chapel, Chicago Temple (Second Floor).
The caption of the rear of the postcard states: "This Chapel, completed in 1956, is in use daily. On Sundays it accommodates overflow congregations. Here Dr. George W. Crane teaches the Arthur Dixon Bible Class, organized in 1838."(Submitted on December 13, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
3. First United Methodist Church of Chicago official site. (Submitted on December 13, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 12, 2024
3. Chicago Temple historical stained glass windows
10 stained glass windows offer a history of the Methodist church that has stood at this spot for almost 185 years.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 12, 2024
4. Chicago Temple stained glass
The window is one of 10 on the east side of the temple that depict the history of the First Methodist Church of Chicago. Daley Plaza and the Daley Center are across the street.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 479 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 13, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
