The oldest church in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood celebrated a major renovation and marked the start of a new future on Sunday.
Wicker Park Lutheran Church raised more than $1 million to upgrade its space – making it more accessible to everyone. Located on the corner of Hoyne Avenue and LeMoyne Street, the 120-year-old church has been a constant for the community.
On Sunday morning, its members, neighbors and donors gathered to celebrate the renovation, which the pastor called transformational.
“It really was at a place in the early 2000s where we were going to close as a congregation, the city wanted to condemn the building,” Pastor Jason Glombicki said. “To come from that to the largest renovation improvement of $1.4 million is incredible.”
The church is now ADA compliant, featuring a new entrance, elevator and accessible bathroom, making the space open to all.
“We’ve had individuals miss weddings, baptism, members who couldn’t get into the building,” Glombicki said. “Even people who have temporary disabilities, they break a leg or something like that.”
The church’s windows were also upgraded, and stunning stained glass – a focal point – was completely restored.
“To make sure that window was stabilized and restored was just so important, because not only can you see it from the inside, but it makes such a difference to the community, people walking by,” said Tammi Franke, president of Wicker Park Lutheran Building Friends.
Church members raised over 50% of the money for the upgrades, surpassing the goal of $1.4 million dollars.
“It’s been a long journey, but we made it, such a success to complete our fundraising goals,” Franke said. “It’s just been amazing.”
A place for worship and weddings, concerts and summer camps, the church now stands as a refreshed cornerstone of the community.
“We couldn’t be more happy to be with people and be a place for all,” Glombicki said.
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