The Unique Temple In Oak Park Is The Only One Of Its Kind In Illinois
By Melissa Mahoney|Published February 16, 2022
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
While there are many unique aspects to the Prairie State from its towns to its attractions to its natural beauty, some of its architecture is unlike anywhere else in the country. Located in Oak Park, you’ll find the most remarkable temple in Illinois. It’s a place that holds so much significance that it is part of one of only 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States.
The Unity Church congregation first began in 1871 and the following year, a Gothic revival church was built. Augusta Chapin served as pastor from 1886-1891 and was friends with Frank Lloyd Wright's mother.
In 1905, the original church was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. But as luck would have it, famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright came forth with a design for a new church, a design that was completely unique for a house of worship.
Between 1905 and 1908, Wright's design for the new church became a reality. As it stands, the Unity Temple is unlike any other church, not only in Illinois but in the world. Wright himself said that it was "my contribution to modern architecture."
Unity Temple was dedicated to the Unitarian Universalist congregation in 1909. It is such a significant work of architecture that it was one of eight buildings to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019. This site is known as The 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.
While Unity Temple lacks some of the typical elements of a church, like a steeple, it makes up for it in the numerous characteristics that are typical of Wright's designs.
The exterior of this church, with its modern design, is made of reinforced concrete. Present throughout the interior are many distinctive elements that define Frank Lloyd Wright's style and is the last surviving building from his Prairie Period.
In 2015, the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation embarked on a two-year, $25 million restoration to restore Unity Temple's iconic design and history. Much-needed technical upgrades were also applied to bring the building into the 21st century.
Once the restoration was finished, it received seven awards from organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Institute of Architects Illinois, Urban Land Institutee, and Landmarks Illinois.
Come and see how remarkable Unity Temple is for yourself!
Have you ever visited Unity Temple, the most unique temple in Illinois? If you have, please share your experience with your fellow readers in the comments. You can also learn more on the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation’s website.
If you’re a fan of Frank Llyod Wright’s work, check out these houses he designed in Illinois.
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