South Loop in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago
National Historic Landmark
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 28, 2025
1. Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago Marker
This church possesses national significance as one of the earliest, most complete and intact expressions of ecclesiastical Anglo-American arts and crafts. Designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw in collaboration with local artists, it fully expresses the movement's precepts in its high artistic values, honesty of materials, craftmanship, natural themes and unity of design.
Erected by United States Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the American Presbyterian and Reformed Historic Sites, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists.
Location. 41° 51.339′ N, 87° 37.444′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in South Loop. It is on Michigan Avenue north of Cullerton Avenue, on the right when traveling south. The marker is to the left of the Michigan Avenue entrance into the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60616, 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
this page online
More about this marker. A Chicago Landmark plaque is to the right of the door. Based on Google Street View images, this National Historic Landmark plaque appears to have been added to the church in 2017.
Regarding Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago. The original Second Presbyterian Church was organized in 1842 in what is today the Loop area of downtown, at Randolph and Lake. A few years later, it enlisted James Renwick, best known for Washington's Smithsonian building and New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral, to build a new Gothic-style structure, which opened in 1851. That building was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Soon thereafter the church merged with another Presbyterian congregation and, once again, enlisted Renwick
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 28, 2025
2. Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago
A Chicago Landmark plaque is to the right of the door; this National Historic Landmark plaque is to the left.
October 19, 2013
3. Second Presbyterian Church
The church was named a National Historic Landmark in 2013
October 19, 2013
4. Second Presbyterian Church Interior
Howard Van Doren Shaw remodeled the interior, which is now considered a masterpiece of Arts & Crafts design
Jex Bardwell; courtesy of Chicago History Museum (ICHi-177254)
5. The ruins of Second Presbyterian Church after the Great Chicago Fire
The original Second Presbyterian was in downtown Chicago and burned down in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It was rebuilt in 1874 in its current location, about 2½ miles south.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 266 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3, 4. submitted on October 21, 2013. 5. submitted on March 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
