A raging fire guts Adler & Sullivan's 1891 K.A.M./Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood and, in silencing the rich echoes of over a century of human aspiration, offers a potent reminder of how architecture channels urban memory. Read about it and see the images here.
5 comments:
Beautiful article. One historic error that I noticed--all sources that I've seen say that KAM started in 1847, not 1861 (this includes the AIA Guide), so I don't think Adler was the first Rabbi. KAM was Chicago's first Jewish congregation, and one of KAM's earlier sites was on the block bounded by Dearborn, Clark, Adams, and Jackson (where the Federal Center now stands).
Is there any plans to save what's left of the structure? Could be an amazing base to a modern class church.
Jan. 18th I just learned about the loss of Sullivan's great work. To think that I never had the opportunity to pray inside the walls truly pains me. I did not know Sullivan was a pallbearer at Adler's funeral. Several years ago I searched for a biography on Adler and was amazed that no one had written one. Or I was not able to find one...
I'm not sure that all of our famous Chicago architects' structures should be saved/refurbished, but I do know a masterpiece.
While a student at IIT, my most vivid memory of what followed Dr. King's assassination was hearing outdoor speakers mounted on the Church. Lovely music came westward to our campus that day.
Fascinating and informative piece. Is there recent discussion on this important building and efforts to rebuild?
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