Now It’s a Church in Chicago

A closer look at these handcrafted churches, once stores or homes on the  south and west sides of Chicago, reveals details often missed as they are passed on the street. Choices of colors and/or words, meant to draw the seeker in, are thought out and executed with various styles and degrees of skill.

The structures are often neighbored by empty lots, previously occupied by owners not blessed with the same tax-exempt status that enables the church to stand. Like faith can sometimes be, these houses of worship are often transient…here one day, gone the next.  But, in their glory, they provide comfort and shelter; as meaningful as can be found in any grand religious structure, in the manner of personal and cultural choice.

From afar, I like to imagine the structure’s original use and imagine, without judgement, the inspiration and spirituality imparted within.